The Music Department at CCBC Essex
Departmental Information

Music Department Attendance Policy

The maximum allowable number of days that you may be absent from class during a semester without penalty is the same as the number of class meetings per week. For example, one absence during the semester is allowable for classes meeting once a week, two absences during the semester for those meeting twice a week, etc. Each instructor has his/her own attendance policy that outlines the penalties for excessive absences or lateness. Please note: Excessive absence and/or lateness will result in the lowering of your final grade.

Clarification of grades used at CCBC:

A excellent/superior work
B above average work
C average work
D below average work, but still passing (credit will be earned)
F unsatisfactory/failing work (no credit earned)

Note: Music students must earn a grade of “C” or better in music courses that are sequential in order to progress to the next level, ie. Music Theory, Ear Training, and Class Piano.

Other Grades:

I Incomplete Students must request an incomplete before the end of the semester and have approval by the instructor. Students are allowed 30 days into the next semester to complete the missed work. Otherwise the “incomplete” automatically becomes an “F”.

Aud AuditStudents are required to attend class but are not required to take exams or juries. No credits are earned for the course.

W Withdrawal Issued when a student withdraws from a course within the first 10 weeks of the fall or spring semester, or the first two-thirds of winter, summer or late starting courses.

Practice Room Policies and Procedures

• When the college is in session, practice rooms H 208-214 are available to you for practicing on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The rooms are closed when the College is not in session.
• Print your name legibly on the schedule sheet posted on the door for the desired times (maximum of 2 hours per day). Additional hours may be scheduled after the first two weeks of the semester, if available.
• Sign up only for the times that you will actually use the practice room.
• See Ms.Keavney, Music Department secretary, H 316, to complete the Practice Room Contract. You will receive the combination to the lock on your practice room door.
• Do not give the combination to anyone. The rooms are locked in order to keep them in good condition for your use.
• No food or drinks are allowed in the practice rooms.
• If you abuse a practice room in any way, you will lose practice room privileges.

Music Storage Lockers

Room H 207 has been converted into a music student instrument storage room. It contains lockers of various sizes, appropriate for storing both small and large instruments. If you are interested in reserving a locker, see Ms. Keavney, the Music Department secretary, H 316, to complete the Music Storage Locker Reservation form. The Music secretary will then give you the combination to the lock on the door. You must supply your own lock for your storage locker; all contents and locks must be removed at the end of each semester.

Music Lab

Room H 218 is the Piano Class and Music Lab. The lab is equipped with 16 Clavinova digital pianos that are interfaced to computers containing a variety of music programs. You are encouraged to use the Music Lab for piano practice or to brush up your theory or ear training skills whenever classes are not being conducted in the room. Music majors are asked to volunteer one hour per week to serve as the Music Lab monitor. A schedule will be posted on the door.

Library, AV Library

The Music Department has impressive library holdings, found in the music reference area on the first floor of the Library, and in the music section on the second floor. The AV Library, on the second floor, houses numerous recordings of instrumental and vocal music, including tapes of student, faculty, and guest Music Forum performances. Music magazines are also available on shelves in the AV Library for you to read. We encourage you to take advantage of these resources. Library personnel are available for assistance.

Honors Recital

Each spring, you may audition for the Honors Recital, upon recommendation by your Applied Music instructor. The Honors Recital is scheduled during the last Music Forum of each year, and features outstanding music students in solo performance. See your applied music instructor for further information.

Music Scholarships

The following music scholarships are available to full-time music majors who demonstrate outstanding musical talent and potential:

• Departmental Scholarships
• The Arno P. Drucker Scholarship for Outstanding Pianist
• The Margaret Guchemand Scholarship in Music
• The Julia Graul Scholarship (primarily for students who wish to pursue a career in Church Music)

The Music Department holds scholarship auditions each year in March. If you are interested in additional scholarships, financial aid, or workstudy positions, please contact the Financial Aid Office, E 140, or call 410-780-6446.

Music scholarships are renewable for a maximum of four semesters, based on maintaining a 3.0 cumulative average, continuing musical development, demonstration of sound character, and volunteering as Piano Lab monitor for a minimum of 14 hours each semester. Students currently attending CCBC Essex who audition must have an overall average of at least 3.0 by the end of the semester in which they audition. Auditions are scheduled each spring. If you are interested in auditioning, see your Applied Music instructor. Click on these links to download the Music Scholarship Application* and the Music Scholarship Audition Requirements.

The Music Association

The Music Association is the college student chapter of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). All music students are welcome to join, Music Education majors are expected to join. Activities include lectures and recitals by professional musicians, music trips, and opportunities to perform and to teach mini-music lessons. The national journal, Teaching Music, and the state quarterly, Maryland Music Educator are excellent, information-filled publications that you will want to keep as resource material. There is a small dues payment each year for membership in the association.

Student Advisory Council

Each year, student representatives are elected by their peers who meet with the Music Department head to discuss departmental directions and concerns. If you have questions or particular concerns, contact any member of the Student Advisory Board. Their names will be announced at Music Forum.

Student Productions

The Music and Theater Departments jointly produce student productions each year. They may be musicals, opera scenes, or music showcases involving music, theater, and dance students. You are encouraged to audition for them. Watch for posters announcing each audition, or see your applied music instructor.

Work Study Opportunities

On-campus jobs are usually available for music students in the areas of tutoring, typing, filing, stage managing, and assisting instructors in special areas. In order to qualify for work study jobs, you must apply at the Financial Aid Office, E 140, 410-780-6446. For more information, see the Music Department head or music secretary.

Alcohol and Drug Use Policy

The possession or use of alcoholic beverages or drugs (including marijuana) is strictly prohibited at The Community College of Baltimore County, including all college-sponsored activities both on and off-campus. The Music Department will not condone the use of alcohol or drugs prior to a student’s arrival on campus.

Commitment to Writing Across the Curriculum

You are expected to express yourself clearly in all written work, regardless of the subject area. If you have difficulty writing, please take advantage of the services offered by the Writing Center (H339, 410-780-6799), or Online Writing Lab--OWL