Concert Band Frequently Asked Qusetions
Do I have to be a music major or music minor to play?
No! Students who play in Band come from all majors, Colleges, and
Schools across campus - you might sit beside someone with a major in
Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Education,
Engineering, Environmental Studies, Nursing, or Social Work. In
fact, that's a great thing about Band: students from all majors come
together to make music. And because ensembles make up 1/3 of
the music minor, students needing/wanting a minor who want to
continue playing in college often declare a music as their minor
(ask Prof. Toner if you have any questions about this).
Do I have to audition?
Yes, but it's a "placement audition" because we rotate parts.
That means that you'll play high and low parts so the audition helps
determine what parts are the best fit for each student. Click
here
to find out about this year's auditions.
How big is Concert Band?
We generally have between 50 - 60 students participating each
semester, though it varies a bit from semester to semester.
What if I don't own an instrument?
Then borrow one of ours! The Band owns lots of instruments,
including bass clarinets, tenor and bari saxes, trombones, and tubas
that can be borrowed for the semester.
Do I have to carry my instrument back and forth from my dorm
room?
No, lockers are available from Prof. Toner for most instruments at
no charge. It is always a good idea to make sure your instrument is
covered by insurance (such as a parent's homeowner's policy) before
you bring it to school.
What is the atmosphere like during rehearsals?
We try to balance hard work and fun, so you will be encouraged to
play better - not screamed at. You'll find Band members to be
relaxed, friendly, supportive, and sharing of your love for music.
Can I take Band for credit?
Yes, Band is a
two-credit class that you enroll in at Registration, just like
any other class. Ask Prof. Toner about the one-credit and
zero credit options for those of you already with 18 or 19
credits.
What kind of music does the Band play?
Everything from Concert Band "classics" like the Holst suites to
newer pieces like Danza Barbarica, written for the Band by
UVM alumnus David Myers and only the second performance of Scene
de Notre Dame by award winning composer Quinn Mason.
Recent concerts have included The Redwoods – Galante, Puszta
– Van der Roost, Festive Overture – Shostakovich/Hunsberger,
Abrahm's Pursuit - David Holsinger, and O Magnum
Mysterium – Lauridsen/Reynolds. You can find recent
programs here
if you'd like more details.
How many Concerts do you play?
The Band usually plays one or two times per semester, often
including an appearance on the annual UVM Weekend Concert in the
Fall.
Can I take private lessons?
The Music Department offers private lessons
on most instruments and voice for an additional fee. If you’re
a non-major playing in Band, you are eligible for a small
scholarship that helps to offset the lesson fee.
Who is the conductor?
Prof.
D. Thomas Toner is a graduate of the UMass/Amherst, Yale, and
the Eastman School of Music. He is Principal Percussionist of the
Vermont Symphony and can be heard on many CD's, including those of
the Counterpoint Choir and Trey Anastasio.
What if I have more questions?
You can contact Prof. Toner at d.toner@uvm.edu.