Future Students

• Fall/Winter 2021 timetable is live, undergrad registration starts July 6

  Wednesday, May 26, 2021 | By gminaker

  

  Originally published in The Brock News |  TUESDAY, MAY 25, 2021 

  Brock University last week reiterated its hope that students will be welcomed back onto campus starting this fall and today, Tuesday, May 25, the Fall/Winter 2021 timetable went live.

  In it, students will see a course calendar that reflects a significant return to on-campus instruction with a majority of classes being offered in person, while still having many classes offered in a hybrid online format.

  This is the fall scenario Brock is working towards, but the University will be ready to quickly pivot, should the public health situation require it.

  Course registration opens on the student portal at my.brocku.ca on Tuesday, July 6 for first-year undergraduates. Those with 15 or more credits may register starting July 9; 10 or more credits on July 12; five or more credits on July 14; fewer than five credits on July 15. There are a number of other key registration dates that can be found at brocku.ca/guides-and-timetables/dates

  The University realizes students will have questions as they prepare for registration to open on Tuesday, July 6. More information and the answers to many of these questions can be found at brocku.ca/fall and brocku.ca/coronavirus

  These websites are regularly updated with the latest information about the 2021-22 academic plans and the University’s pandemic response.

  Brock is preparing for the upcoming academic year with cautious optimism and with the knowledge all adults in Ontario who wish to be vaccinated against COVID-19 are now eligible to receive their first shot.

  Today’s release of the Fall/Winter 2021 timetable is the next step in that preparation.

  Tags: 2021-22 Academic Year, brock international, course registration, Fall 2021, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA, Welcome Week 2020
  Categories: Announcements, Current Students, Events, Future Students, News, Uncategorised

• Virtual workshops for Brock Choral Ensembles open to the public

  Friday, February 26, 2021 | By gminaker

  

  Caption: The Brock University Chamber Choir directed by Rachel Rensink-Hoff gathers virtually to rehearse and attend Shared Perspectives, a new virtual workshop series offered by Brock’s Department of Music.

  Originally published in The Brock News THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2021 | by Gillian Minaker

  Brock’s Choral Ensembles are getting front-row access to a diverse lineup of artists — and the public has been invited to tune in.

  Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Associate Professor of Music and Director of the Choral Ensembles at Brock University, launched a virtual workshop series called “Shared Perspectives: Live talks featuring guest conductors, composers and vocal choral specialists” in the fall. Funded by the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation (CPI) and the Walker Cultural Leaders Series presented by the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA), the series is continuing this semester, welcoming a guest speaker each week.

  The online presentations are hosted on Zoom, with some artists choosing to give a formal presentation and others engaging in an interview-style format. Time is always allotted for a question-and-answer period, enrichening the experience for all participants.

  “Any opportunity to hear more than one voice should be cherished,” says Rensink-Hoff. “Teaching online synchronously is challenging because there is always only one person talking. I knew in August that I needed to shake things up.”

  Rensink-Hoff has since brought in a diverse roster of guests, many of whom speak to issues relevant to today.

  “This semester, a number of our guest speakers will be engaging us in conversations around cultural appropriation and appreciation in the arts — and how we can navigate these pathways more respectfully and thoughtfully,” she says.

  Upcoming sessions include topics such as cultural appropriation and culture sharing in choral music; decolonizing the music curriculum; debunking myths around vocal health; and traditional South African music.

  Even in a fully online format, the Brock Choral Ensembles meet every week, rehearse online, and discuss musical elements. Rensink-Hoff believes that adding guest speakers in the mix has brought something unique to the “Zoom classroom.”

  “The opportunity to hear different perspectives on a wide variety of topics related to singing and choral music has been very rewarding. In normal circumstances, we would not have had such a rich display of voices in just one year,” she says. “The students are so fortunate to have been introduced to so many amazing artists.”

  The Shared Perspectives series is also open to the public, making this a valuable opportunity for Brock’s Music Department to connect with the local community. Past sessions have seen up to 20 community members in attendance, Rensink-Hoff says.

  The series continues Brock and the MIWSFPA’s strong history of community engagement in Niagara, enhancing vitality in the region and offering experiential opportunities for connection through the arts.

  While this initiative was always designed to be virtual, given its success and positive response, Rensink-Hoff plans to run the series again next year.

  “I hope to partner with other colleagues who want to bring in guests on a range of music related topics. Stay tuned for Shared Perspectives 2.0 next year.”

  To learn more about upcoming Shared Perspectives workshops, please visit ExperienceBU.

  To register for a free workshop, please email sing@brocku.ca

  More information available on the Sing! At Brock website. 

  Upcoming Shared Perspectives workshops

  • Wednesday, March 3, 2:30 p.m.: Rollo Dilworth — Cultural Appropriation and Culture Sharing in Choral Music
  • Monday, March 15, 12:30 p.m.: Cynthia Peyson Wahl — Decolonizing the Music Curriculum
  • Wednesday, March 17, 2:30 p.m.: Leanne Vida — A Spectrum of Sound: Vocal Resonance
  • Wednesday, March 24, 2:30 p.m.: Christianne Rushton — Fact or Fiction: Debunking the Myths Around Vocal Health
  • Monday, March 29, 12:30 p.m.: Ardelle Ries — The SingAble Society
  • Wednesday, March 31, 2:30 p.m.: Michael Barret — Traditional South African Music

  Tags: Choral Ensembles, Department of Music, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Rachel Rensink-Hoff
  Categories: Alumni, Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, News, RBC Foundation Music @ Noon Series, Special Events, Uncategorised

• Department of Music Virtual Ensembles – The Show Zooms On

  Thursday, January 14, 2021 | By gminaker

  

  Brock Music ensembles have gone virtual for the 2020-21 performance season! The Department of Music Virtual Ensembles present a virtual concert series The Show Zooms On featuring:

  The University Wind Ensemble, Zoltan Kalman, Conductor
  The Choral Ensemble, Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Conductor
  The University String Orchestra, George Cleland, Conductor
  The University Jazz Ensemble, Zoltan Kalman, Conductor

  The first virtual performance premieres Friday, Jan. 15, 2021 with the Wind Ensemble:

  January 15, 2021 – 7 p.m.
  Wind Ensemble, Zoltan Kalman, Director
  View the YouTube Premiere

  View the Wind Ensemble January 15 program here.

  Under normal circumstances, Music Ensemble performances are held in the acoustically excellent Recital Hall, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre.

  For the 2020-21 season, the performances will be broadcasted virtually on the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts YouTube channel. Please visit our Concerts page for more information.

  Tags: Brock Music Ensembles, Department of Music, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA, university wind ensemble
  Categories: Alumni, Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, News, Special Events, The University Wind Ensemble

• Music@Noon concert series goes virtual

  Monday, November 16, 2020 | By gminaker

  

  Former Music students Gavino Oresta (left) and Eric Godfree perform their recitals during a previous Music@Noon Series event. This year, the concert series will be held online in accordance with public health guidelines.

  The RBC Foundation Music@Noon Series returns Tuesday, Nov. 17, albeit with a new format.

  The anticipated concert series will be held virtually this season, with Brock Music students recording solos from their own homes.

  In the past, performances have taken place live on the stage of the Recital Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC), adjacent to the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA). This year, the PAC and Brock’s Department of Music changed the format in accordance with public health guidelines.

  Self-recorded performances from the solo recital students will be streamed Tuesday through the MIWSFPA and PAC YouTube channels and Facebook pages, marking the first online presentation of the 2020-21 concert series.

  Generously sponsored by the RBC Foundation, the free concert series takes place most Tuesdays at noon throughout the academic year. The recitals are open to the public and feature Brock’s performance faculty and special guests, as well as talented students and alumni.

  For full event details, please visit the Music concert listings page.

  Tags: Department of Music, FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, music@noon
  Categories: Alumni, Alumni, Announcements, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, RBC Foundation Music @ Noon Series, Special Events, Student Solo Recitals, Uncategorised

• Upcoming: The Department of Music virtually attends Royal Conservatory of Music College & University Music Fair 2020

  Tuesday, September 22, 2020 | By gminaker

  

  The Department of Music at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts at Brock University is excited to virtually host future musicians at their online booth! The Royal Conservatory College & University Fair is going virtual this year. Set for October 3, 2020, registration is FREE. It has never been easier for future students to learn about the programs offered, admission requirements and much, much more. See you there!

  Register for free: https://bit.ly/2ZS1cLR

  To learn more about the programs offered through the Department of Music at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, drop by our degree programs page.  

   

  Tags: Department of Music, humanities, MIWSFPA, MUSI, music
  Categories: Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised

• Welcome to Music: Orientation for 2020!

  Monday, September 07, 2020 | By dvivian

  

  (a screen shot from the welcome by Dr. Karin di Bella. Watch the video below.)

  ---

  Brock University is launching the first-ever Virtual Welcome Week.
  During this year of the pandemic the Orientation activities are all online.
  Watch the welcome below and visit the official Orientation page for all the details!

  ---

  THE DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC (MUSI)

  Dr. Karin Di Bella, an accomplished pianist and educator, is the Chair of the Department:

  Dr. Di Bella will be holding office hours on September 8th from 2-3 pm on Teams.
  Drop-in and say hi! (click here)

  Reminders from your Music professors:

  • Check Sakai and your Brock email for info about your first class
  • Choir: if you still need to do your choir audition, please look here for more information:
    Sing at Brock!
  • Lessons: if you still need to set up your lesson, contact Dr. Di Bella kdibella@brocku.ca
  • For all other inquiries please contact the Music Office and we’ll be happy to direct you to the right place. nfedj@brocku.ca

  Classes start Wednesday, September 9th! Have fun! We are happy you’re here.

  PS. Our MUSI student yearly welcome/orientation for all new and returning MUSI students will take place on the first Tuesday@Noon.  Ask Professor Di Bella for details.

  ---

  The Department of Dramatic Arts, Music, Visual Arts, and the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture are all part of the Faculty of Humanities.

  The Associate Dean, Dr. Neta Gordon, Professor of English, welcomes you to Brock University! She’s prepared an 11 minute video to introduce to you to the Faculty of Humanities:

  ---

  Michael Gicante is your Academic Advisor for studies at the MIWSFPA.
  He prepared this video for the April open House:

  ---

  Koreen McCullough is the Experiential Education Coordinator for the Faculty of Humanities.
  Watch her 3 minute presentation about Experiential Education opportunities at Brock University:

  ---

  The Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts

  Located at 15 Artists’ Common in downtown St. Catharines, the MIWSFPA is home to four academic programs. We are right next door to the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre on the main street of St. Catharines, St. Paul.

  Each program at the MIWSFPA is offering a special welcome to their students.  For example, if you are a beginning your studies as a major in Dramatic Arts, check out what that Department has scheduled for you and plan to join in the fun.  You are also welcome to join the activities of each program at the School even if you are only taking one course or beginning a minor program.  The activities and welcome messages from each program are listed below.

  Professor David Vivian, of the Department of Dramatic Arts (he teaches design and production for theatre), is the Director of the School:

  David will be hosting office hours on September 8, 2020, from 12-3:00 pm,on Teams.
  Drop in and say hi! (click here)

  ---

  We all wish you a very successful year at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

  Tags: 2020, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, MIWSFPA, MUSI, music, orientation
  Categories: Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, News, Uncategorised

• Brock Choir sings new tune for virtual 2020-21 season

  Thursday, August 20, 2020 | By dvivian

  

  (including content published THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 03, 2020 | in The Brock News by Alison Innes)

  Choir at Brock University will look a little different this fall by moving to a virtual rehearsal format.

  “Given the known risks of singing together in groups, we will not attempt to do what we normally do until health guidelines permit us,” says Rachel Rensink-Hoff, Associate Professor of Music and Choir Director.

  While not being able to safely gather and practice in person together is a challenge for those in choir, Rensink-Hoff sees it as an opportunity.

  “We have a unique opportunity to get to know and learn from one another in new ways through online discussion and active engagement.”

  Rensink-Hoff will focus the choir on pursuing some of the things they haven’t usually had time for, such as building individual skills in vocal technique and stage presence, analyzing music as a vehicle for storytelling, and reflecting on the historical and cultural contexts of songs. There will also be a “Shared Perspectives” series of guest interviews and workshops with conductors, composers and vocal-choral specialists from across Canada and the U.S.

  Choir members will need headphones, a video recording device such as a phone, computer or tablet, as well as internet connection.

  The Treble Choir (sopranos and altos) will rehearse together virtually on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m., and the Mixed Voices choir (sopranos, altos, tenors and basses) will meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

  “Our work will emphasize the process, rehearsing, over the product, performing,” says Rensink-Hoff. “This is a tough transition for those of us in the arts, but it is also a chance to for us to strengthen our performance skills and to reflect on the significance of live performance to individuals and communities.”

  Choir auditions are open to Brock students, faculty, staff as well as members of the wider Niagara community. Both new and returning choir members may book their auditions online before the deadline on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 11:59 p.m.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:
  * Michelle Pressé, Brock University Communications, mpresse@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x4420 or 905-246-1963

  ---

  SING@BROCK ONLINE EDITION: audition for choir 2020-21

  Open by audition to all students, faculty, staff and members of the Niagara community!

  For the 2020-2021 academic year, choir will be fully online until guidelines allow for other forms of gathering. As such, the course will be less about performance outcomes and more about the process of learning, connecting, exploring and innovating as key elements of ensemble participation.

  Singers will engage with a diverse body of choral repertoire in sessions on vocal technique and choral skill development, explorations of movement and stage presence, analysis of music and text, workshops with guest artists, and collaborations through innovative singing projects. Rehearsal and performance skills will be developed in the context of a supportive community that promotes cross-cultural understanding and self-expression.

  Previous singing experience and ability to read music is required.
  For more information contact:
  Rachel Rensink-Hoff, rrensinkhoff@brocku.ca
  SEE >>> brocku.ca/sing

  Tags: audition, Choir, humanities, Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, Media release, MIWSFPA, music, News, Rensink-Hoff
  Categories: Alumni, Alumni, Announcements, Current Students, Events, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, Media Releases, News, Special Events, Uncategorised

• Redesigned course explores global music and identities

  Sunday, August 02, 2020 | By dvivian

  

  (Published FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 | in The Brock News by Alison Innes)

  This fall, Brock University students will have the opportunity to explore how music shapes, and is shaped by, global cultures.

  Music in Global Cultures (MUSI 1P50) will explore how music expresses and shapes identity around themes of race, gender, spirituality, disability and sexuality.

  “Every unit will have case studies from all over the world,” says Nina Penner, Assistant Professor of Music. “We’ll be doing a lot of non-western music.”

  For those who may associate music appreciation classes with symphonies and string quartets by predominantly white men from previous centuries, this course will offer a fresh angle with a diverse repertoire.

  “We’ll be talking about music and its relation to the society and culture in which it is a part,” says Penner.

  Students will be exploring music from countries such as Gambia, India, Nepal, Japan and Cuba in genres including hip hop, jazz, sufi, disco and blues.

  Students will explore issues of race through the music of the Black Lives Matter movement and American blues and examine disability through the music of the Goze, a group of female Japanese musicians with visual disabilities, and the Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles. They will investigate how Buddhist chant, the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Sufi order and traditional Jewish music express spirituality, and explore gender expression in opera and Balinese gamelan music.

  Penner hopes students from all disciplines across Brock will consider taking the course.

  “I really enjoy teaching music for non-majors,” she says. “I find it really exciting to take people who like music but think they aren’t skilled in music and show them how much they can learn and develop skills to listen to and describe things about music.”

  In North America, Penner says, students traditionally don’t get a lot of instruction in thinking about and discussing music critically.

  “It’s exciting to see students develop this vocabulary and to talk about music in a precise and informed way.”

  Course enrollment is open to any students who are interested. There are no theory requirements or prerequisites. The course is offered entirely online and the enrolment cap has been lifted to reflect the online learning environment.

  Tags: brock international, Department of Music, humanities, MIWSFPA, Nina Penner
  Categories: Announcements, Current Students, Faculty & Instructors, Future Students, In the Media, News, Uncategorised

• Courses? Electives? a Minor in Music?

  Friday, July 17, 2020 | By dvivian

  

  Introducing a new advising letter to help you prepare for studying Music in 2020-21.

  Bookmark this special letter for everything you need to know about starting your courses with MUSI during the Covid-19 pandemic.

  Check back regularly for updates! Click the link to open Google Docs. You do not need a google account to read the document.

  The Chair of Music, Dr. Karin di Bella welcomes you!

   

  Tags: 2020-21, courses, Covid-19, electives, minor, registration, welcome
  Categories: Announcements, Current Students, Future Students, News, Uncategorised

• Auditions at the Department of Music for studies commencing September 2020

  Wednesday, March 18, 2020 | By dvivian

  

  As part of Brock University’s ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the community in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all face-to-face entrance auditions for Brock’s Department of Music have been cancelled until the end of May, 2020.  The Department will be contacting all auditionees by e-mail in the next little while to arrange on-line auditions.

  We look forward to meeting you online and to welcoming you in our studios and on the stage of the Recital Hall at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre this coming September!

  Dr Matthew Royal, Chair of Music

  Tags: 2020, auditions, Covid-19, Department of Music, recruitment
  Categories: Announcements, Future Students, Media Releases, News, Uncategorised