I really like Bard in general and I’ve heard excellent things about their music department. Their website talks about some really interesting and unique ensembles, but traditional chamber music isn’t mentioned anywhere. I figure there must be some kind of chamber music program considering that there is a conservatory on campus, but if it’s housed in the conservatory, I’d worry about having to compete with conservatory students for spots in chamber groups. How does chamber music work at Bard, and are students in the college routinely able to participate? I’m a pianist if that makes any difference.
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Here are the ensembles offered this semester through the music program in the college, not the conservatory - note there are a number of chamber ensembles. http://inside.bard.edu/academic/courses/current/ :
91827
MUS 104
BARD COLLEGE ORCHESTRA
Zachary Schwartzman
M . . . .
7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
OLIN AUDT
PART
This is a yearlong course. Students earn 2 credits per semester, and an additional 2 credits for registering in private lessons, which are strongly recommended. Auditions for new members: please contact Greg Armbruster at garmbrus@bard.edu. Auditions are Monday, Sept. 7, 2015. (Please be prepared to play two pieces—one slower and lyrical, and one faster.) The first rehearsal will be Monday, Sept. 21, 2015. Class size: 30
91802
MUS 105
BARD COLLEGE SYMPHONIC CHORUS
James Bagwell
. T . . .
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
OLIN AUDT
PART
First rehearsal will be Tuesday, Sept. 8th, 2015 at 7:30 pm. Class size: 35
91816
MUS 106
BARD COMMUNITY CHAMBER MUSIC
Luis Garcia-Renart
. . . . .
TBA
BLM HALL
PART
Class size: 16
91845
MUS 108 CV
ENSEMBLE: SAMBA
Carlos Valdez
. . . . F
12:00 pm -2:00 pm
BLM N211
PART
Samba provides the opportunity to learn exotic Brazilian rhythms (samba, maracatu, batucada, samba reggae) Class size: 20
91837
MUS 108 PS
MIXED TRIOS, QUARTETS, QUINTET
Patricia Spencer
TBA
TBA
BLM 004
PART
Mixing winds and strings in an ensemble offers special challenges (such as matching tonguing and bowing) as well as unique colors, and taps into an wealth of repertoire. Choices for flute and strings include classics by Mozart, Beethoven and Haydn, strong works by more recent composers (Amy Beach, Alberto Ginastera, and others) and contemporary giants such as John Harbison, Thea Musgrave and Nicholas Maw. Choices for clarinet or oboe or bassoon and strings likewise include a wide range: Mozart, Danzi, Brahms, Joan Tower, Shulamit Ran, and many, many more. Class meetings are arranged according to the schedules of those who sign up. Class size: 10
91801
MUS 108D
ENSEMBLE: CHAMBER SINGERS
James Bagwell
. T . Th .
4:40 pm -6:40 pm
BITO CPS
PART
2 credits Class size: 25
91805
MUS 108F
ENSEMBLE:COMMUNITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA
Thurman Barker
M . . . .
7:00 pm -9:00 pm
BLM N211
PART
Class size: 14
91838
MUS 108G PS
ENSEMBLE FOR ANY INSTRUMENTS
Patricia Spencer
. T . . .
7:30 pm -9:00 pm
BARD HALL
PART
The large variety of works written “for any instruments” invites exploration of atypical groupings – flute, marimba and tuba have been known to project wonderful blends. This repertoire often requires a high degree of responsibility on the part of the performer: not only choosing dynamics and tempos but also instrumentation of various phrases and sometimes overall structure. Members of this ensemble will engage in musical thinking outside the bounds of “normal” chamber music, and will discover how (or if) that may open a new dimension in their approach to more conventional performance.
Repertoire under consideration:
Frederic Rzewski, Attica [or Les moutons de Panurge]
Arnold Schoenberg, Canon for Thomas Mann, and other canons
Christian Wolff, Snowdrop
Judith Shatin, Grito del Corazón
Kurt Schwitters, Ursonate (selection)
Stefan Wolpe, Selections from “Music for Any Instruments”
Class size: 10
91839
MUS 108H
ENSEMBLE: BALINESE GAMELAN
Nyoman Suadin
M . . . .
6:30 pm -8:30 pm
OLIN 305
PART
Class size: 20
92042
MUS 108I
ENSEMBLE: ELECTRO-ACOUSTIC
Matthew Sargent
M . . . .
6:20 pm – 7:40 pm
BLM HALL
PART
Class size: 10
91806
MUS 108J
ENSEMBLE: PERCUSSION
Thurman Barker
. T . . .
1:30 pm -3:30 pm
BLM N211
PART
Class size: 15
91825
MUS 108N
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ COMPOSERS
Erica Lindsay
. T . . .
4:40 pm -6:40 pm
BLM N211
PART
2 credits This class will involve the interpretation of contemporary composer’s works, ranging from sextet to big band. This will be an advanced class restricted to instrumentalists (and vocalists) who have the necessary reading, technical, and interpretive skills to perform demanding music. There will be a featured composer who will visit as a guest artist and perform in concert with the ensemble each semester. Pieces written by student composers involved in the jazz composition classes will also be performed. Class size will vary according to the amount of qualified instrumentalists and the instrumentation requirements of the featured composer. Interested students are encouraged to sign up at registration, although confirmation of participation will only be given after auditions are held. Auditions will be conducted during the first scheduled class meeting. Class size: 12
91834
MUS 108R
BARD GEORGIAN CHOIR
Carl Linich
Sun
6:30 pm -8:30 pm
BARD HALL
PART
1 credit The Bard Georgian Choir is an all-vocal group that studies and performs traditional polyphonic songs from the Republic of Georgia (former USSR). Most songs are taught orally, and no previous singing experience or music reading skills are required. Special vocal techniques are also explored, including ornamented singing and yodeling. The group performs concerts at the end of each semester. Carl Linich, the choir’s director, has been a scholar, teacher and acclaimed performer of Georgian polyphonic singing since 1990, and is a founding member of Trio Kavkasia. Class size: 15
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Wow, thank you so much @SpiritManager!
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