Moorpark College Music Department

Division of Performing Arts & Student Life
Patricia Ewins, Dean
PA-140, 805-378-1408, PEwins@vcccd.edu

Department of Music & Dance
Dolly E. Kessner, Chair
MUS-142, 805-378-1400 ext. 1691, DKessner@vcccd.edu

 

The Moorpark College Music Department offers a wide variety of classes designed for both the aspiring professional musician who wishes to continue at the university level, and the amateur eager to be skilled in music and to understand and appreciate its value in today's society. The two-year music major program consists of the fundamental lower division music courses that will transfer to a four-year college or university. Many of our students have moved on to our local universities (California State University, Northridge; UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, University of Southern California, CLU, Loyola-Marymount) as well as those out of the area or state (San Francisco University, UC Santa Cruz, Brigham Young University, University of North Texas, Florida State University). We maintain an active performance schedule in our Performing Arts Center with many opportunities to showcase our students.

LIST OF CONTENTS

 Music Faculty - Full Time, Adjunct, Applied

 Applied Music Program (summary)

 Performance Ensembles

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

  Music Department Degree Pattern

 RELATED PAGES

 Applied Music Program (detail)

  Music Learning Center - page under construction

 

MUSIC FACULTY

 FULL TIME FACULTY

Orbie Ingersoll, Professor (Founding Faculty, 1967)
B.A. in Trumpet Performance, California State University Northridge
M.A. in Conducting, University of California, Santa Barbara

Office: M-140
Phone: 805-378-1400 ext. 1692
Email: OIngersoll@vcccd.edu
Classes: Fundamentals of Music, Aural Skills I, Music Appreciation

Vail Keck, Instructor, Director of Choral Activities
B.M. in Music, University of California, Santa Cruz
M.M. in Choral Conducting, University of California, Santa Cruz
A.B.D. in Choral Conducting, University of Oklahoma

Office: M-120
Phone: 805-378-1400 ext. 1606
Email: VKeck@vcccd.edu
Classes: Concert Choir, Vocal Ensemble, Vocal Techniques I, Music Appreciation, Fundamentals of Music

Dolly E. Kessner, Professor, Chair of Music & Dance Department, Head of Music Theory/Composition/Aural Skills Area, Director of Chamber Ensembles, Coordinator of Music Learning Computer Center, Co-Coordinator of Applied Music
B.A., Music Education, University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., Composition, University of California, Los Angeles
Ph.D., Music Theory, University of Southern California

Office: M142
Phone: 805-378-1400 ext. 1691
Email: DKessner@vcccd.edu
Classes: Diatonic Harmony, Chromatic Harmony, Musical Analysis, Counterpoint, Aural Skills II - IV, Chamber Ensembles

James J. Song, Professor, Head of Instrumental Music Area, Conductor of Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra
B.M., Music Education, University of Colorado, Boulder
M.M., Instrumental Conducting, University of Colorado, Boulder

Office: M124
Phone: 805-378-1495
Email: JSong@vcccd.edu
Classes: Orchestra, Music History, Music Appreciation, Fundamentals of Music

James Stemen, Professor Emeritus, Past Chair of Music/Dance Department, Head of Choral Music
B.A., Music Education, Goshen College
M.M. in Music Education, M.S.M. in Choral Conducting, Southern Methodist University

Email:choraljim@sbcglobal.net

Joan Thompson, Professor, Head of Piano Area, Director of Piano Ensemble, Co-Coordinator of Applied Music
B.A., Piano Performance, California State University, Northridge
M.A., Piano Performance, California State University, Northridge

Office: M134
Phone: 805-378-1400 ext. 1688
Email: JThompson@vcccd.edu
Classes: Class Piano, Fundamentals of Music, Music Appreciation, World Music, Piano Ensemble, Repertoire Class

 

 ADJUNCT FACULTY 

Robert Aguilar, B.A., California State University, Northridge
Jazz A Ensemble

Marilyn Anderson, B.A. and M.A. in Vocal Performance, California State University, Northridge
Opera Theatre, Class and Applied Voice

Melinda Bateman, Class Piano

Steve Burch, Studio Jazz Band

Jordan Charnofsky, Class Guitar

He-Lyun Chung, Artist Diploma, Hochschule fur Musik/Hochschule der Kunste, West Germany; M.M., Piano Performance, Indiana University; D.M.A., Music Performance,University of Southern California.
Class and Applied Piano

Amy R. Corin, B.A. World Arts and Cultures, University of California Los Angeles; M.A. and Ph.D. Ethnomusicology, University of California Los Angeles.
Music Appreciation, Fundamentals of Music, Aural Skills I

Mona DeCesare, B.A. and M.F.A., Piano Performance, University of California, Los Angeles
Class and Applied Piano, Music Appreciation

Edward Demmond, B.M., Music Education, George Peabody College for Teachers; M.M., Horn Performance, University of Northern Colorado; M.M. and Ph.D., Music Theory, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Music Appreciation, Music Fundamentals, Diatonic Harmony

Suzanne Julian, B.A. and M.A., Piano Performance, California State University, Northridge
Class Piano, Music Appreciation

Richard Kravchak, B.M, Performance, Eastman School of Music; M.M., Performance, Julliard School of Music, D.M.A., Performance, Florida State University
Wind Ensemble, Applied Oboe, Bassoon, and Classical Saxophone

Anthony Wardzinski, Moorpark College music major; B.M., Composition, California State University, Northridge; M.M., Composition, California State University, Northridge
Diatonic Harmony/ Aural Skills I, Chromatic Harmony/Aural Skills II, Fundamentals of Music

APPLIED MUSIC FACULTY (active)

Marilyn Anderson, Voice (see Adjunct Faculty)

William Benson, Contrabass, B.S., Music Education, Ball State University,
Mr. Benson has twenty years experience conducting and performing. Currently he is the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra. He has done graduate work in conducting at Butler University (Indianapolis) and University of Michigan.

Nancy Bonds, Clarinet, B.M., Clarinet Performance, University of Western Ontario; M.M., Clarinet Performance, University of Michigan; D.M.A., Clarinet Performance, Arizona State University
Dr. Bonds has performed professionally with various orchestral and chamber groups including the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Missouri Ballet. Her teaching experience includes faculty positions at the University of Missouri, St. Louis and the St. Louis Conservatory. She has developed programs and curricula, and adjudicated on numerous occasions.

Ronald Borczon, Classical Guitar, B.M., Guitar Performance and Music Therapy, Florida State University; M.M., Guitar Performance, University of Southwestern Louisiana
Professor Borczon is Professor of Music Therapy and Guitar at California State University, Northridge, and has a private studio in Moorpark. He is an alumnus of the Aspen Music Festival, actively performs nationally, and has two compact discs with Centaur Records.

Bonnie Boss, Percussion, B.A., Music, M.B.A., Arts and Orchestra Management, California Lutheran University
Ms. Boss has been very active in both solo and ensemble performance including 15 years of concert tours with Roger Williams as a member of his quintet. She has also performed with Inland Empire Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony Orchestra, and numerous others. Ms. Boss is principal Percussionist with the Conejo Symphony Orchestra.

Jordan Charnofsky, Guitar, B.M, Music, California State University, Northridge; M.M & D.M.A., University of Southern California. See video archives on Multicultural Day, http://video.moorparkcollege.edu

He-Lyun Chung, Piano (see Adjunct Faculty)
Ms. Chung has appeared as soloist and chamber musician in Europe, South Korea, and the United States. She has toured West Germany extensively and has recordings with Radio RIAS BERLIN. She maintains a private teaching studio in Studio City.

Stephen Custer, Violoncello (information not yet available)
Dr. Custer is currently and has been a member for several years with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Mona DeCesare, Piano (see Adjunct Faculty)
Ms. DeCesare is also Adjunct professor at Pepperdine University. She is a member of the DeCesare-Francis Piano Duo and the Nuance Ensemble. She maintains a private studio in Moorpark.

Edward A. Francis, Piano, B.A. and M.A. in Piano Performance, California State University, Northridge
Mr. Francis is adjunct faculty at Oxnard College. He is a member of the Westlake Chamber Ensemble and maintains a private studio in Thousand Oaks.

Diane E. Gilbert, Viola/Violin, B.M., Viola Performance, University of the Pacific; M.M., Viola Performance, California State University, Northridge
Ms. Gilbert has eleven years private teaching. She was a strings teacher at Humboldt State University. She currently performs with the Glendale Symphony and Santa Barbara Symphony.

Richard Kravchak, Oboe/Bassoon/Classical Saxophone (see Adjunct Faculty)
Dr. Kravchak is an active concert artist. He is Assistant Professor of Music Education at California State University, Dominguez Hills as well as Wind Ensemble Director at Moorpark College.

Carol Dvoran Lancaster, Piano, B.M., Piano Performance, Mount St. Mary's College, Los Angeles; State of California Standard Teaching Credential with a Specialization in Elementary Teaching
Teaching experience includes ten years with Los Angeles Unified School District and Pasadena City College. She maintains a private piano studio in Simi Valley.

Roger Mason, Trumpet

John Paton, Voice, B.M., Voice, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music; M.M., Music Literature, Eastman School of Music
Professor Paton is Emeritus Professor, University of Colorado. Presently, he is a lecturer in Vocal Arts, University of Southern California. He maintains a private studio in Granada Hills, is a researcher and publisher of art songs, and writer of numerous books, articles and reviews.

 

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APPLIED MUSIC PROGRAM

An applied music program is a key ingredient in any college or university music major curriculum. It is the vehicle where the student learns the skills, techniques and repertoire necessary for success as a performer. Students interested in the Applied Music Program need to audition to be considered for acceptance. If the student is accepted, he or she will receive 15 one-hour state-paid lessons for the semester. The student will perform at a music jury at the end of the semester, and may remain on the program up to a maximum of four semesters. In addition to enrolling in Mus 30 (1 unit) which is the weekly applied lesson and daily practice on campus, the student must also be enrolled concurrently in the following music classes:

Music Theory/Aural Skills class (Mus 2A/AL, 2B/BL, 2C/CL, or 2D/DL - 3 units/2 units)
Repertoire Class (Mus 29 - 1 unit)
Performance Ensemble (according to the student's applied music specialization - 2 units)

Audition to the program is scheduled during the first week of class and sometimes at the end of the semester. For more information see Applied Music (detail). Contact Dr. Kessner at 805-378-1400 ext. 1691, email DKessner@vcccd.edu or Professor Joan Thompson at 805-378-1400 ext. 1688, email JThompson@vcccd.edu

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PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES

Performance ensembles are another vital element of a good music program. At Moorpark College there are numerous music organizations which provide the student the opportunity to become familiar with music literature of all kinds, and to put into practice those skills and techniques learned in the applied instruction program. Membership to these ensembles is open to any high school or college student and community musician. High school students are requested to see their counselor regarding application and enrollment at Moorpark College.

Mus 10 - Concert Choir-Vail Keck, Director
Concert choir meets twice each week from 11:30 am to 1:20 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Beginning Spring 2008, the class time will be 2:00 pm to 3:50 pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Activities include performances in public concerts and college festivals with a variety of repertoire from folk, jazz and classical styles.

Mus 12-Vocal Ensemble-Vail Keck, Director
Vocal Ensemble meets on Monday afternoons from 3:00 pm to 5:50 pm with 1 hour to be arranged. The class meeting time will change in Spring 2008 to Monday and Wednesday from 3:00 pm to 4:50 pm. Auditions are required.

Mus 15 - Moorpark College Symphony Orchestra - James J. Song, Director
Orchestra meets on Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to  9:50 pm. This ensemble has many performance opportunities including public concerts, clinics/workshops and festivals. Musicians rehearse and perform original orchestra literature. Auditions may be required. www.moorparkcollege.edu/symphony .

Mus 16 - Opera Theatre - Marilyn Anderson, Director
Opera Theatre presents fully staged productions of opera and operetta twice yearly. Auditions for principal roles are required.

Mus 17 - Summer Music Theatre - Marilyn Anderson, Director
Summer Music Theatre presents complete productions from the Broadway stage. Auditions for principal roles are required.

Mus 18 - Jazz Ensemble - Steve Burch, Director
Everyone is invited to join the Studio Jazz Band which meets on Wednesday evening, 6:00 pm to 9:50 pm as a workshop and performance group. No auditions required.

Mus 60K, Mus 60J-Intermediate & Advanced Jazz Performance - Robert Aguilar, Director
This is the Jazz A Ensemble which meets each Monday evening from 6:00 pm to 9:50 pm. Jazz literature ranges from early blues to modern fusion and funk. This group performs many times throughout the year. Auditions are required

Mus 19 - Chamber Ensembles - Dolly E. Kessner, Director
Meeting each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2:00 pm to 3:20 pm (with one hour to be arranged), the Chamber Ensembles allows students to learn and perform music written for a variety of small classical chamber groups. The advanced groups perform in two concerts in the Performing Arts Center at the end of each semester, one of which is shared with the Wind Ensemble and the other with the College Choir. Video of Moorpark College Guitar Ensemble

Mus 20 - Piano Ensemble - Joan Thompson, Director
Meets twice weekly, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 1:20 pm. The time changes Spring 2008 to meet from 11:00 am to 12:50 pm. This ensemble class allows students to perform in piano duets and duos. Literature is carefully chosen to meet the needs of each piano student. In-class performances take place several times throughout the semester.

Mus 21 - Wind Ensemble - Richard Kravchak, Director
Wind Ensemble meets on Wednesday evening from 6:00 pm to 9:50 pm. Repertoire includes original wind ensemble literature and transcriptions of orchestral literature. The ensemble has several performance opportunities throughout the year. Auditions may be required.

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT DEGREE PATTERN

 Required Courses to receive the Associate of Arts Degree in Music:

Course No.

Title

Units

Mus 2A

Diatonic Harmony

3

Mus 2AL

Aural Skills I

2

Mus 2B

Chromatic Harmony

3

Mus 2BL

Aural Skills II

2

Mus 2C

Musical Analysis

3

Mus 2CL

Aural Skills III

2

Mus 2D

Counterpoint

3

Mus 2DL

Aural Skills IV

2

Mus 25 C/D

Class Piano

2-2

Mus 29

Repertoire

1-1

Mus 30

Applied Music

1-1

Mus ___

Performance ensemble (Choose according to specialization. Each performance class may be repeated)

8

Mus ___

Music course elective (Choose according to specialization)

2

 

Total minimum units required:

38


Performance ensemble and elective courses to be chosen according to specialization:

Instrumental Music Specialization

Choose one (1) ensemble class each semester for a total of 8 units:

Mus 15

Moorpark Community Orchestra

2

Mus 18

Jazz Ensemble

2

Mus 19

Chamber Ensembles

2

Mus 21

Wind Ensemble

2

Music course elective:

Mus 14

Fundamentals of Instrumental Technique

2

Mus 25 A/B

Class Piano

2-2

 Keyboard Music Specialization

Choose one (1) ensemble class each semester for a total of 8 units:

Mus 19

Chamber Ensembles

2

Mus 20

Piano Ensemble

2

Music course elective:

Mus 25 A/B

Class Piano

2-2

 

Music Theory & Composition Specialization

Choose one (1) ensemble class each semester for a total of 8 units. Choose an ensemble according to your instrumental and/or vocal specialization.

Music course elective:

Mus 14

Fundamentals of Instrumental Technique

2

Mus 25 A/B

Class Piano

2-2

 Vocal Music Specialization

Choose one (1) ensemble class each semester for a total of 8 units:

Mus 10

Concert Choir

2

Mus 16

Opera Theatre

2

Mus 17

Summer Music Theatre

2

Mus 60D

Los Robles Master Chorale

2

Music course elective:

Mus 13A/B

Fundamentals of Vocal Technique

2-2

Mus 13C/D

Advanced Vocal Technique

2-2

Mus 25 A/B

Class Piano

2-2

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 Music Department Web Page designed and edited by Dr. Dolly E. Kessner, DKessner@vcccd.edu