FSU Music Program
Tuition Waiver YES!  Automatic Tuition Waiver is applied to all students carrying more than15 semester hours.

FSU Music Program

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Band/Orchestra Video!

Music Fact Sheet

Music Performance:
Ensembles

Music Performance:
Other

Music Performance

The FSU-West Central Concert Band  The FSU West Central Chamber Orchestra


          The FSU Choirs       The FSU Community Summer Band


          The FSU Jazz Band        The FSU Athletic Pep Band


MAKING MUSIC AT FSU!

Earn Academic Credit
Earn Scholarships
Keep Your Musical Talent & Spirit Thriving!


 “Music for Life”
Music performance opportunities at Ferris State University are designed to supplement and enrich the lives of students by assisting them in making the transition from the high school musical setting to the world of adult amateur musical ensembles.  FSU students can continue to develop their musical skills and be prepared for a rewarding musical “life after college” by participating in musical ensembles that include both university students and members of the community – the format of the majority of community ensembles throughout the country.  In this way, we aspire to inspire all FSU students to continue to enrich their lives and the lives of others as active performers of music – for life!

Performing Ensembles!

Type of Ensemble A “Pep Band” that plays in the stands for home football, hockey and men’s & women’s basketball games.
Membership Open to FSU students; Playing Interview required.
Rehearsals Two weekly rehearsals: Sundays & Thursdays, 8:00–9:00 p.m., Music Center 108
Credit NO (not a class)
Scholarships 
YES!  Ability-Based Scholarships awarded based on attendance, contributions to ensemble & number of performances.
Contact Dr. Scott Cohen, director • Music Center 103 • (231) 591-2484 • rscohen@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU Athletic Band Website

   
Type of Ensemble A symphonic concert band that plays a wide variety of musical styles in the Fall and Winter semesters.
Membership Open to most FSU students, adult community members and select high school students; Playing Interview required.
Rehearsals One weekly rehearsal: Wednesdays, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Music Center 108
Credit YES!  Music 160: Concert Band. Meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment. 1 Credit, repeatable.
Scholarships YES!  Ability-Based Scholarships awarded based on attendance and contributions to the goals of the ensemble.
Contact Dr. Scott Cohen, director • Music Center 103 • (231) 591-2484 • rscohen@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU Symphony Band Website

The Official Catalog Course Description


   
Type of Ensemble A symphonic concert band that plays a wide variety of musical styles in the Fall and Winter semesters.
Membership Open to select FSU students, adult community members and select high school students; Playing Interview required.
Rehearsals One weekly rehearsal: Mondays, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Music Center 108 • Also meets as a 6-week class in June/July
Credit YES!  Music 262: Wind Symphony . Meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment. 1 Credit, repeatable.
Scholarships YES!  Ability-Based Scholarships awarded based on attendance and contributions to the goals of the ensemble.
Contact Dr. Scott Cohen, director • Music Center 103 • (231) 591-2484 • rscohen@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU West Central Concert Band Website

The Official Catalog Course Description
   
Type of Ensemble A symphonic concert band that plays a wide variety of musical styles in the months of June and July.
Membership Open to FSU students, adults, high school students and select middle school students who provide a written recommendation from thier director; Playing Interview may be required.
Rehearsals One weekly rehearsal: Mondays, 7:30–9:00 p.m.
Music Center 108
Credit YES!  Music 160: Concert Band. Meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment. 1 Credit, repeatable.
Scholarships NO   Ability-Based Scholarships are only available during Fall and Winter semesters.
Contact Dr. Scott Cohen, director • Music Center 103 • (231) 591-2484 • rscohen@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU Community Summer Band Website

The Official Catalog Course Description


The FSU Jazz Band

THE FSU JAZZ BAND  •  More Info!
   
Type of Ensemble A “Big Band" style jazz ensemble that plays a wide variety of musical styles and includes improvisation.
Membership Open to FSU students and community members; Auditions are required for new and returning members.
Rehearsals Two weekly rehearsals: Mondays & Wednesdays 5:30-6:45 p.m., Music Center 108
Credit YES!  “Music 280: Jazz Ensemble.” Meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment. 1 Credit, repeatable.
Scholarships 
YES!  Ability-Based Scholarships awarded based on attendance and contributions to the goals of the ensemble.
Contact Mr. Matt Moresi , director • Music Center 120 • (231) 591-2587 • moresim@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU Jazz Band Website

The Official Catalog Course Description

Type of Ensemble Performs a wide variety of musical styles both as a mixed choir (men & women) and as a women’s choir (women only).
Membership Open to FSU students and community members.
Rehearsals Rehearsals, Music Center 122: Tues: 7:00–8:45 p.m. (men & women); Mon. & Wed. 3:00–3:50 p.m. (women only)
Credit YES!  “Music 251: Concert Choir.” Meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment. 1 Credit, repeatable.
Scholarships 
YES!  Ability-Based Scholarships awarded based on attendance and contributions to the goals of the ensemble.
Contact Dr. Cate Arroe, director • Music Center 100 • (231) 591-2070 • Catherine_Arroe@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU Choirs Website

Official Catalog Course Description

  
Type of Ensemble A string orchestra that plays a wide variety of musical styles from many different periods.
Membership Open to FSU students, adult community members and select school students; Playing Interviewrequired.
Rehearsals One weekly rehearsal: Tuesdays, 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Music Center 108
Credit YES!  “Music 271: Chamber Orchestra.” Meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment. 1 Credit, repeatable.
Scholarships 
YES!  Ability-Based Scholarships awarded based on attendance and contributions to the goals of the ensemble.
Contact Dr. Scott Cohen, director • Music Center 103 • (231) 591-2484 • rscohen@ferris.edu
See Also The FSU Chamber Orchestra Website

Official Catalog Course Description



"Playing Interviews"

A "Playing Interview" is a no-pressure, informal chance for the director to listen to and assess the abilities of all students, to insure that they have the basic skill level to perform in a college instrumental ensemble, and to help them begin in the appropriate one or ones.

 

Other Performance Opportunities


MUSIC 201:  Beginning Class Piano
The Piano Class objective is to provide basic music knowledge and basic hands on piano keyboard skills to the beginning student.  The student will be expected to understand, read, and perform (using both hands together) printed piano music and chords.  The student will become a functional sightreader at the piano.  3 Credits.
Official Catalog Course Description.


MUSIC 272:  Chamber Music
Preparation and performance of typical chamber music in various chamber ensemble combinations, including traditional and ethnic.  Enrollment subject to ensemble need.  (Two hours weekly, to be arranged).  This course meets General Education requirements: Cultural Enrichment.  Requires each student to be a qualified instrumentalists and obtain consent of Professor.  1 Credit.
Official Catalog Course Description.


MUSIC 273:  Music Private Lesson Practicum
This course is available to all students with an interest in continued development of their individual vocal or instrumental music performance skills.  A student receives 10 weekly half-hour private lessons with appropriate music assigned for completion at the next lesson.  The student will be expected to practice one hour daily in preparation for a pass/fail jury at the completion of the semester.  A limited number of selected instruments are available.  $175 lab fee.  1 Credit.
Official Catalog Course Description.


For more information on music courses and performance opportunities,
please contact:

THE MUSIC CENTER
Ferris State University
1030 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, Michigan 49307
(231) 591-2501

www.ferris.edu/music

(On Main Campus next to FLITE and the Carillon Bell Tower)
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