Ensemble Requirements

• The ensemble policy is based on the principle that all students must perform in ensemble(s) every semester of their attendance at MSU in order to assure the broadest possible experience in important ensemble repertoire and to assure that these ensembles have the needed instrumentation for successful performance.  Although minimum requirements vary with each concentration, this principle is the overriding one. Students are expected to perform in their primary ensemble during each semester of attendance. 
• A 3.0 Cumulative GPA is recommended in order to continue involvement in ensembles. Students may be assigned by the school director to an ensemble in accordance with the needs of the school, regardless of the completion by the student of the minimum requirements. 
• Where admission to a chamber ensemble is by audition and a student fails to gain admission, additional performance in a large ensemble may, with the director's consent, be substituted. 
• Chamber ensembles must perform once a semester, either in a recital or for a jury.
• Any changes in the ensemble policy will be posted in the Cali School.

Ensembles Participation and Additional Information

• Participation

Undergraduate students enrolled in instrumental or vocal applied music lessons with MSU faculty members typically perform with at least one major school ensemble every semester they are registered as full-time students, as indicated or required by their program roadmap. Graduate students are assigned to large ensembles, as designated by their program.  Instrumentalists may audition for symphonic band, wind symphony and/or orchestra. Vocalists, keyboardists and guitarists will participate in chorale as a major ensemble. The director may designate ensemble assignments as the school's needs dictate.

• Credit

Undergraduates earn 0.5 credits per ensemble, regardless of the amount of rehearsal time involved. Graduate students earn 1 credit per ensemble.  Students may elect to continue performing in an ensemble after their requirements are completed. Students may be requested, at the discretion of the school director, to continue performing in an ensemble. 

• Grading

Active participation for the full duration of rehearsals and performances is essential to student success in the music program. Arriving late or leaving before the conclusion of a rehearsal or performance will result in a lowered grade per attendance policy. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required. When a student fails to attend a required performance, it may impact their music major status.

• Exceptions

Exceptions to this policy will be at the discretion of the major ensemble directors, the student's advisor, and the Cali School director. Detailed curricular ensemble assignments are listed in the curriculum roadmaps. 

• Chamber Ensembles 

In order to place students with similar musical interests and abilities in appropriate chamber ensembles, the ensemble directors hold auditions at the beginning of each semester. All graduate ensembles in which membership is determined by audition require Cali School authorization before registration.

Policies and Procedures for Chamber Ensemble Registration

• Large ensembles are defined as Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Orchestra and Chorale only.
• All ensembles must have at least three students to qualify as a chamber ensemble. Duos may be approved by the Cali School director only if they satisfy curricular requirements.
• Any student registered for more than four ensembles must show a cumulative GPA of 3.0, and a B or better in applied instrument study.
• All students must register for any ensemble in which they participate. Any exceptions must be approved by the director before participation.
• Faculty coaching ensembles which do not have all students registered will not be compensated for coaching.
• With the exception of Guitar Ensemble, Bass Ensemble (Practicum) and Percussion Ensemble, the registration committee recommends students perform in mixed rather than homogeneous chamber ensembles. The existence of studio or homogeneous ensembles needs the approval of the director or faculty.
• No faculty may form any studio, homogeneous, or chamber ensembles and receive credit and payment for them without PRIOR approval of the director and coordinators.