Current Music Student and Faculty Resources

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Both student and mixed recitals require a number of students besides the recitalists in order to be successful. Each role listed below indicates responsibilities and who to contact if you are interested in participating. Remember that we all depend on each other for our performances to be successful.

Ushers

Ushers are responsible for working the audience side of a performance: handing out programs, monitoring audience seating, attending to doors, etc.

Students interested in serving as ushers should contact the current MENC president.

• Ushers must wear appropriate and professional attire. No jeans, tennis shoes, t-shirts, etc.
• Ushers should arrive at least twenty minutes prior to a performance start time.
• Before the performance:
  • Bring out the velvet ropes from the booth and hook both ends to the large hook by the usher chair just inside the Recital Hall.
  • Stand at the outer door of the Recital Hall and hand out programs and vocal translations (if provided).
  • Close the outer doors of the Recital Hall two to three minutes before the performance is scheduled to start.
• During the performance:
  • Once the performance has started, take one of the ends of the velvet rope and connect it to the hook on the opposite side of the entry.
  • Allow late arrivals to enter between pieces, not between movements of one piece.
• At intermission:
  • Open the entryway again by hooking both ends of the velvet rope to the large hook (as before the performance began).
• After intermission:
  • Close the outer doors of the Recital Hall immediately before the second half of the performance is to start.
  • Again, take one of the ends of the velvet rope and connect it to the hook on the opposite side of the entry.
  • Again, allow late arrivals to enter between pieces, not between movements of one piece.
• After the performance:
  • Return the velvet ropes to the booth.
  • Return extra programs and translations to the performers.
  • Inspect the Recital Hall and remove any trash the audience has left.

Stage Managers

Stage managers are responsible for working the performer side of a performance: facilitating smooth transitions between pieces, ensuring that the appropriate equipment is available for performers, etc.

Students interested in serving as stage managers should contact the music discipline.

• Stage managers must wear appropriate and professional attire. No jeans, tennis shoes, t-shirts, etc.
  • Bear in mind that your clothes and shoes should also be practical, as you will be moving instruments, stands, etc.
• Stage managers should arrive to the event at least thirty minutes prior to a performance.
• For solo recitals, the stage manager should attend the dress rehearsal.
• At the dress rehearsal:
  • Discuss and plan the stage set-up with the performer.
  • Write up the set-up on the stage plan form.
• Before the performance:
  • Uncover, unplug, and unlock the piano. Place the cover, extension cord, and lock off stage.
  • Use the Velcro to attach the plug to the underside of the piano.
  • With the booth operator, maneuver the piano and necessary music stands/chairs for the opening piece of the performance into the spotlight.
  • Approximately thirty seconds before the performance begins, call the booth worker to change the stage lighting to performance lighting.
• During the performance:
  • Remain in the green room during pieces.
  • Open and close the stage door for the performers at the start and end of each piece.
  • Between pieces smoothly and unobtrusively change the stage set-up for the next piece.
    • If the piano is not going to be used, it should be moved to the rear of the stage.
    • Be aware of spotlight placement when arranging chairs and/or stands.
• After the performance:
  • Clear the stage.
  • Lock, plug in, and cover the piano.

Control Booth Operators

Control booth operators assist in lighting and sound for recitals, and record all concerts and other occasions as arranged. Students who serve in this capacity may receive compensation through work-study, and can receive training on the booth equipment.

Students interested in serving as a control booth operator should contact Bradley Miller.

Morris offers a number of ways that students can work individually with faculty on a diverse number of projects. Students should look at the opportunities below, and think of how they might work with their own academic interests and future plans. Please talk to any faculty member or your advisor if you are interested in pursuing a project.

Morris Academic Partnership

A Morris Academic Partner (MAP) is a student in their third year of study (or junior standing by credits) at UMN Morris who work with a faculty member individually on a scholarly or creative project. Students pursue projects that will enhance their own academic experience.

Students are generally selected by faculty to assist them with projects, but students who want to work with particular faculty members are encouraged to speak to faculty about their interest. If you are interested in MAP, please click here and/or contact Professor Odello.

Learn more about Morris Academic Partnerships

Morris Student Academic Fellows

A Morris Student Administrative Fellow, (MSAF) is a student who works with faculty and/or staff on administrative and managerial projects. The work that students perform will contribute to that student’s career goals and provide valuable experience in a number of administrative tasks. The MSAF program is open to all students in good academic standing.

Students are generally selected for the MSAF depending on their talents, academic qualifications, and career interests. If you would like to know more about the MSAF program, please contact Professor Odello.

Learn more about Morris Student Academic Fellows

Work-study is a program for student employment that is available across campus.

Federal and state work-study funds are awarded on the basis of student financial need, as demonstrated on the FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office can help students to determine their eligibility.

There are work-study positions available in the music discipline. For more information on work-study positions, please contact Bradley Miller.

The Concert Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and Symphonic Winds are not only courses that can be taken for credit, but they are also student organizations that have student councils.

These student councils assist in the day-to-day tasks that help these ensembles run, and are excellent opportunities for students to strengthen their leadership skills.

If you are interested in taking part in the student council for an ensemble that you participate in, please see the ensemble conductor for more information.

MENC (Music Educators National Conference) is a professional organization that offers a multitude of opportunities for music educators, including conferences at the state and national levels, monthly teaching updates and materials, and numerous resources for music educators across the country.

At the collegiate level, our chapter participates in these conferences as well as serving our school by assisting with mixed recitals in the form of ushering and stage-managing.

We also hold our own social events. These include over the course of the school year, fundraisers, concerts, field trips and lock-ins.

This organization is a great opportunity for anyone pursuing a career in music education.