School of Arts & Sciences Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Music trains students to become professionals in music educators, performers, and commercial composers nationally and internationally. Notable alumni include Ryan Kilgore, Harry Pace, and more.

Large ensembles include The Philharmonic Society (concert choir), Concert and Marching Bands, Jazz Orchestra, and The Atlanta University Center-wide Symphony Orchestra.  Concert and Marching Bands have a number of smaller units, and the CAU Jazz Orchestra has CAU Jazztet.

The music major’s professional preparation includes a judicious mixture of the following: music theory, music history and literature, individual music performance; performance in ensembles; and special skills that include basic piano, conducting, practical applications of and exposure to technology, and/or methodologies, skill sets, and in-depth knowledge relevant to the various concentrations. 

For musically talented students pursuing other disciplines, the department offers a music minor in each concentration. Additional opportunities for participation in our performing ensembles are also available to the general student population, as well as music majors and minors. Large ensembles include The Philharmonic Society (concert choir), concert and marching Bands, Jazz Orchestra, and The Atlanta University Center Orchestra. Smaller non-credit performing ensembles are organized through the department’s performance seminar courses (CMUS114A/B –CMUS 414A/B). Membership in the ensembles is by audition. Prospective ensemble members should review the music department’s admissions page for more information.

Students must have sufficient preparatory study and experience before matriculating at Clark Atlanta University as either music majors or minors. Admission to the Clark Atlanta University Music Department as a music major or minor requires acceptance by both the University Office of Admissions and the Music Department. Acceptance into the university does not guarantee acceptance as a music major or minor. Prospective students should adhere to the following guidelines to facilitate full acceptance as music majors or minors.

Preparatory Study

It is strongly recommended that prospective CAU music majors have the following pre-college experiences prior to entering the university:

• Study an applied instrument (voice, percussion, brass, wind or string instrument) privately with a professional teacher for at least two (2) years with the exception of piano majors, who should study six (6) years;
• Study piano at least two (2) years (all non-pianists); and
• Take an introductory Music Theory course (commonly called Music Fundamentals) before entering the university.
• Engage the help and advice of a professional music teacher before applying to any college or university. This person will normally be a private music teacher or a high school music teacher who is familiar with the requirements of a college/university level music program.

University Admissions

All prospective students must first satisfy the admissions criteria of Clark Atlanta University. University admissions procedures are as follows:

• Complete application for admission;
• Pay admission fee;
• Have previous academic institution forward official transcript – high school transcript for recent high school graduates, college or university transcript for transfer students, or the general equivalency diploma (GED);
• Forward report of SAT or ACT test scores from college testing; and
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers and/or counselors. Visit the CAU web site at www.cau.edu and link to Admissions for detailed information.

Music Department Admissions

Admission to Clark Atlanta University does not guarantee acceptance as a music major or minor. All prospective music majors and minors must satisfy departmental entrance requirements to declare music as a major or minor:

• Submit a letter of intent via e-mail or snail mail to include anticipated entrance date;
• Arrange an interview with an appropriate music faculty member. Appropriate faculty members include the department chair, the coordinator of the appropriate concentration program of study, and/or ensemble director;
• Schedule and perform an audition on an instrument of choice and primary strength (voice, piano, string, woodwind, brass, percussion); and
• Take a theory and/or piano Placement Tests.

Auditions

Auditions normally occur during the academic year prior to the student’s anticipated arrival at Clark Atlanta University. For example, the typical high school graduate or university transfer student enters the university in August. That student will have completed the audition process during the previous year sometime between the months of October and March. Likewise, students who enter during the spring semester, i.e. in January, will have completed the audition process by the previous October.

Link to Auditions for more information.

Placement Tests

Placement tests are normally given during New Student Orientation Week (the CAU Experience) in either August, for the fall semester, or January for the spring semester. They will also be given throughout the year during either of the published audition dates in October, January, or March. New students cannot guarantee registration in any theory course or Piano Class before taking the Theory Placement Test. This test determines if the student is ready to take college level music Music Theory (CMUS 201)  and Piano Class (CMUS 117A) or if they need a preparatory course of study via Music Fundamentals (CMUS 101). All students should note that, as a preparatory course, CMUS 101: Music Fundamentals does not count towards graduation requirements. Students who pass the Theory Placement Test are normally placed in CMUS 201: Music Theory and CMUS 117A: Piano Class, but they may need additional placement guidance for piano placement if they have a solid background of piano study. This directive does not apply to piano majors and minors, who are required to enroll in Applied Piano instead of Piano Class. If students choose to audition in August, during New Student Orientation, they must contact the Music Department to confirm the date, time, and location for the Placement Test. This test will normally occur on the Monday following the Academic Showcase (part of the CAU Experience). Contact Dr. David Gable at 404-880-8209.  After completion of the Theory Placement Test, additional piano placement guidance may be needed and will be provided by Prof. Mark Boozer at 404-880-8210.

Acceptance

Students must successfully complete the university admissions criteria, the music audition, and the theory placement test in order to be granted full admission into the Music Department. The following applies to voice majors only: Vocalists who successfully pass the performance audition are placed into the appropriate courses of primary Applied Music. Vocalists who do not pass their auditions are placed into the appropriate course(s) in secondary Applied Music for a period not to exceed two semesters. Re-auditioning opportunities are granted to such individuals.  Credit from the secondary applied course may be applied as credit towards the degree upon recommendation of the applied voice teacher.

Returning Students

Study on an applied instrument or voice requires ongoing, uninterrupted commitment in order to meet established competency requirements. Students who take time off from school are subject to loss of necessary skills. For this reason, returning students who have been out of school for two (2) or more semesters will be required to re-audition.

Satisfactory Progress

All students must select a desired concentration and demonstrate satisfactory progress in order to successfully complete a music degree. The concentrations are: Vocal Studies, Piano Studies, Jazz Studies, Commercial Music/Composition, and Church Music. A sixth option – General Music – offers the greatest degree of curriculum flexibility and is appropriate for most students who are not best served by the concentrations.

To qualify for Vocal Studies, Piano Studies, or Jazz Studies, students should demonstrate requisite performance skills at the time of audition, but they must pass the Sophomore Qualifying Jury at the end of their fourth semester of applied study. Students who do not pass the Sophomore Qualifying Jury may be allowed to pursue one of the other concentration options (if they have the requisite skills), elect music as  a minor, or they will be advised to pursue another major.  Coursework for most majors (other than music) typically begins in the junior year.

Students will be approved for the Commercial Music/Composition, Church Music, or the General Music option, if they demonstrate satisfactory academic progress by the end of their sophomore year and receive a recommendation from the coordinator of the appropriate concentration. Students who fail to meet these two criteria may be allowed to elect music as a minor or they will be advised to pursue another major.

In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in the Clark Atlanta University Undergraduate Catalog, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music must complete the following required courses:

Music Theory

CMUS 105, Sight Singing and Ear Training I (3)

CMUS 106, Sight Singing and Ear Training II (3)

CMUS 201, Music Theory I (3)

CMUS 202, Music Theory II (3)

CMUS 301, Music Theory III (3)

CMUS 302, Music Theory IV (3)

CMUS 304, Form and Analysis (3)

Music History

CMUS 316, Music History and Literature I (3)

CMUS 317, Music History and Literature II (3)

CMUS 318, Jazz History (3)

or

CMUS 320, African American Music (3)

Special Skills: Three (3) courses for students concentrating in Piano Studies and seven (7) courses for those students in other concentrations.

CMUS 117A, Piano Class (1)

CMUS 117B, Piano Class (1)

CMUS 204, Basic Conducting (2)

CMUS 218, Music Technology I (1)

CMUS 217A, Piano Class (1)

CMUS 217B, Piano Class (1)

* Regardless of concentration, students majoring in piano are exempt from the four (4) credit Piano Class sequence, CMUS 117A/B and CMUS 217A/B. Hence, their Special Skills requirement is three (3) credits. These students will substitute four (4) credits of music electives for the Piano Class sequence.

Performance *

CMUS 100 – 400, Ensembles (8) (8 semesters)

CMUS 107 – CMUS 408R, Applied Music (8) (8 semesters or 6 semesters and 2 recitals)

CMUS 114A – CMUS 414B, Performance Seminar (8) (8 semesters)

CMUS 115A – CMUS 415B, Music Seminar (0) (8 semesters)

* All applied music, ensembles, and performance seminars are 1 credit each.

Students will enroll in CMUS 308R and CMUS 408R for concentrations requiring a Junior Recital and a Senior Recital. Others will enroll in CMUS 308 and CMUS 408 for regular applied instruction.

Junior recitals must be approved by the applied teacher of instruction.

CONCENTRATIONS:

Within the five (5) concentrations, the following are required courses beginning in the junior year of study:

Voice Studies Concentration

CMUS 340, Vocal Diction I (1)

CMUS 342, Vocal Diction II (1)

CMUS 440, Vocal Pedagogy (3)

CMUS 308R, Junior Recital (1)

CMUS 344, Opera Workshop I (2)

CMUS 345, Opera Workshop II (2)

CMUS 442, Vocal Literature (3)

CMUS 408R, Senior Recital (1)

Piano Studies Concentration *

CMUS 308R, Junior Recital (1)

CMUS 330, Piano Repertoire (3)

CMUS 331, Piano Music from the African Diaspora (3)

CMUS 430, Piano Pedagogy I (3)

CMUS 431, Piano Pedagogy II (3)

CMUS 408R, Senior Recital (1)

* The Piano Studies Concentration requires an elective in lieu of the Piano Class Sequence (four (4) credits: CMUS 117 A and B and CMUS 217 A and B).

Recommended Electives *

CMUS 107 – 408, Applied Music (In another Concentration) (1)

CMUS 318, Jazz History (3)

CMUS 320, African American Music (3)

CMUS 351, Song Writing, Arranging and Recording (3)

or

CMUS 403, Orchestration and Arranging (3)

* Students should meet with their academic advisors for additional options.

Jazz Studies Concentration

CMUS 305A, Jazz Theory and Improvisation I (3)

CMUS 305B, Jazz Theory and Improvisation II (3)

CMUS 308R, Junior Recital (1) *

CMUS 318, Jazz History (3)

CMUS 405, Jazz Composition and Arranging (3)

CMUS 408R, Senior Recital (1)

or

CMUS 417, Senior Project (1) *

* Applied credit category

Concentration in Commercial Composition

CMUS 308R, Junior Recital (1) *

CMUS 351, Songwriting, Arranging and Recording (3)

CMUS 403, Orchestration (3)

CMUS 450, Recording Internship (3)

CMUS 451, Senior Composition Project (3)

CMUS 417, Senior Project (1) **

* Performance

** Composition presentation

Concentration in Church Music

CMUS 308R, Junior Recital (1)

CMUS 370, Introduction to Church Music (1)

CMUS 372, Hymnody (3)

CMUS 417, Senior Project (1)

CMUS 470, Music in the African American Church (3)

CMUS 472, Church Music Methods (2)

CMUS 472C, Church Music Methods Internship (3) *

* CMUS 472 is a Co-requisite for CMUS 472C.

Minor Concentration in Music (18-20 Credits)

The Minor Concentration in Music is primarily for students who have interest and proficiency in music but choose to major in other disciplines.

The key objective of the minor is to introduce students to university-level understanding of the cultural, historical, theoretical, and analytical situation of music across a variety of cultures and historical periods. Students complete two 100-level courses, which introduce the notion of inquiry-based musical scholarship, both of the traditional academic kind, and purely musical modes of inquiry such as interpretation, improvisation, transcription and analysis. Thereafter, a wide range of music courses is available for the students to complete the 18-20 credits required for the minor.

Students pursuing a Minor Concentration in Musicmay not select CMUS 120, Music Appreciation as their core Humanities requirement.

Educational Outcomes

Program Objectives

Students completing a Minor Concentration in Music will:

1. Understand the cultural, historical, theoretical, and analytical situation of music across a variety of cultures and historical periods.
2. Be able to analyze and evaluate musical performance from various perspectives.
3. Comprehend the theoretical, formal, structural, and compositional music concepts.

Specialization in Vocal Studies

Required Courses (18 – 20 Credits)

CMUS 107 – 408, Applied Music (6 – 8) *

*Including CMUS 308R Junior Recital or CMUS 408R Senior Recital – requires approval by the applied instructor

CMUS 201, Music Theory I (3)

CMUS 340, Vocal Diction I (1)

CMUS 342, Vocal Diction II (1)

CMUS 344, Opera Workshop (1)

or

CMUS 345, Opera Workshop II (1)

CMUS 440, Vocal Pedagogy (3)

CMUS 442, Vocal Literature (3)

Specialization in Piano Studies

Required Courses (18 – 20 Credits)

CMUS 107 – 408, Applied Music (6 – 8) *

*Including CMUS 308R Junior Recital or CMUS 408R Senior Recital – requires approval by the applied instructor.

CMUS 201, Music Theory I (3)

CMUS 330, Piano Repertoire (3)

CMUS 331, Piano Music of the African Diaspora (3)

CMUS 430, Piano Pedagogy (3)

Specialization in Jazz Studies

Required Courses (18 Credits)

CMUS 107 – 408, Applied Music (6 – 8) *

*Including CMUS 308R Junior Recital or CMUS 408R Senior Recital – requires approval by the applied instructor or CMUS 113A – 313B or combination of applied and Jazz Orchestra.

CMUS 201, Music Theory I (3)

CMUS 318, Jazz History (3)

or

CMUS 320, African American Music (3)

CMUS 405, Jazz Composition and Arranging (3)

Specialization in Commercial Composition (18)

Required Courses (18 Credits)

CMUS 107–408, Applied Music (5)*

*included in those 5 hours is CMUS 417, Senior Project.

CMUS 201, Music Theory I (3)

CMUS 202, Music Theory II (3)

CMUS 218, Music Technology, (1)

CMUS 351, Songwriting and Arranging (3)

CMUS 450, Recording Internship (3)

Specialization in Church Music (18)

Required Courses (18 Credits)

CMUS 107-408, Applied Music (4)*

or

CMUS 110- 310, Atlanta University Orchestra (4)*

or

CMUS 111C-311D, Philharmonic Society (4)*

or

CMUS 112A-312B, University Band (4)*

CMUS 201, Music Theory I (3)

CMUS 204, Basic Conducting, (2)

CMUS 370, Introduction to Church Music (3)

CMUS 372, Hymnody (3)

CMUS 470 Music in the African American Church (3)

* Student may also select applied studies or combination of ensemble and applied or all applied studies for 4 credits.

All potential music majors and minors must successfully audition on a chosen instrument or as a vocalist. Students may audition in more than one area, but priority should be given to the strongest performing medium.  Regardless of the intended area of concentration (Vocal Studies, Piano Studies, Jazz Studies, Commercial Music/Composition, Church Music, or General Music),  an audition is required of all prospective students. All music majors and minors must declare a primary performing instrument. The same audition is also required for admission as a music minor. Prospective students should arrange to attend one of the available music audition dates on the Clark Atlanta University campus or to submit a quality recording at least two weeks prior to one of the audition dates, if they are unable to travel to Atlanta. Opportunities for audition by Skype or YouTube may be available in some instances, but this must be confirmed in advance. Students should note that all taped auditions shall count towards provisional acceptance. An on-campus, in-person audition will be required for full acceptance into the Music Department.

Students should submit a letter of intent via e-mail and arrange an interview with an appropriate music faculty member no later than 30 days prior to the planned audition date. Audition times and locations will be confirmed via e-mail or snail-mail shortly thereafter. Appropriate faculty members include the department chair, the coordinator of the appropriate concentration program of study, the faculty member who teaches the instrument/voice that the student wishes to study, and an ensemble director. Students should learn the name(s) of the teacher(s) of the instrument(s) that they wish to study.

For contact information, contact us.

Audition Dates

Students who schedule auditions according to the audition schedule will have the advantage of taking the theory placement test and receiving their results early, guaranteeing appropriate placement prior to registration (see below). Furthermore, students who audition either one or two semesters prior to entering the university and who qualify will have the added advantage of early consideration for departmental Music Scholarships. Qualified students who audition late (after March for fall semester, after October for spring semester) cannot be guaranteed scholarship aid. Priority for aid will go to students who audition early. Qualified students who audition late will be offered scholarships if funds remain.

AUDITION DATES (Dates are tentative)

*The October dates are subject to change for all lower brass instruments. Therefore, all lower brass students who plan to audition in October must contact the Coordinator of Lower Brass to confirm an audition date.

Audition Form

Audition Requirements

VOICE

Applicants must perform two songs or arias from contrasting style periods. One should be in English (from the 20^th century) and the other should be in a standard foreign language (Italian, German, or French).  The student is advised to prepare for the audition with the help of a professional coach, as diction, style, technique, intonation, and some sight singing are among the skills that will be assessed. Piano accompaniment is required, and applicants are permitted to bring their own accompanists. If you cannot bring an accompanist, then you must send the piano music to the Coordinator of Vocal Studies at least two weeks in advance of the audition. The applicant must pay a fee of $20 to the accompanist upon arrival, prior to the audition. 

PIANO

Technique: major and minor scales and arpeggios in all keys, hands together, one octave apart, typically 4 octaves ascending and descending in sixteenth notes (4 notes per quarter note beat). The applicant may also perform selected exercises from previous exercise books or special exercises assigned by your previous teacher (Czerny or others are acceptable).  

Sight Reading: two unannounced very short pieces.

Repertoire: three contrasting works, performed from memory. Works should represent at least three of the following style periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionistic, and/or 20^th Century. Examples of types of repertoire are as follows:

Baroque: a Two-part or Three-part Invention or Prelude and Fugue from the Well-tempered Clavier by J. S. Bach or comparable work;

Classical: a movement from a sonata by either Haydn, Mozart, or Beethoven, or comparable;

Romantic: an entry-level work by Schubert, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, etc.

Impressionistic: an entry-level work by Debussy or comparable;  

20^th Century: D. Shostakovich, S. Prokofiev, B. Bartok, S. Joplin, G. Gershwin,

S. Coleridge-Taylor, R. N. Dett, W. G. Still, H. Swanson, M. Bonds, E. Lecuona, or comparable.

It is recommended that one of the chosen works be by J. S. Bach.  It is also highly recommended that you prepare for the audition with the help of a professional piano teacher. If more information is needed, contact the Coordinator of Piano Studies.

STRINGS

Violin:  one etude by Kreutzer, Rode, Dancla, or Campagnoli, or one capriccio from Wieniawski; one movement from a Bach solo sonata/partita; one movement from Mozart concertos No, 2 or 3, or the first movement from a standard violin concerto.

Viola: an etude by Rode or Kreutzer; and either one movement of a Bach suite OR one movement of a standard sonata or concerto.

Cello: one etude by Dupont, Piatti, Popper, or an equivalent work; two movements from a Bach Suite; and one movement from a concerto.

String Bass: two contrasting works as follows:  either two etudes or two contrasting movements from a large-scale work (i.e. a concerto or sonata).

Harp: two contrasting standard works from one of the following: an etude (Lariviere, Salzedo, etc.), an orchestral cadenza (Tchaikovsky, Rinsky-Korsakov), a solo of the applicant’s choice.

All string applicants are permitted to bring their own accompanists for works that require piano accompaniment. If you cannot bring an accompanist, then you must send the piano music to the Coordinator of Strings at least two weeks in advance of the audition. The applicant must pay a fee of $20 to the accompanist upon arrival, prior to the audition. 

WINDS

All woodwind students must perform:

1. Major scales and arpeggios. Two major scales from the twelve will be chosen by the audition committee.
2. The chromatic scale throughout the range of the instrument.
3. Repertoire: two compositions of contrasting style.
4. Sight reading.

The repertoire lists below are suggestions but may be substituted with compositions of comparable levels of difficulty and styles.

Flute: Anderson – 24 etudes, op. 3; Sonatas by J. S. Bach, G. F. Handle, P. Hindemith,

F. Poulenc; Chaminade – Concerto; Debussy – Syrinx (solo flute); Faure – Fantasie;

Griffes – Poem; Mozart – Concerto in G Major or D Major; Smith, Hale –  Three Brevities

Oboe: Barrett – 48 Progressive Melodies; Ferling – 48 Etudes; Handel – Sonatas/Concerto in G Minor; Haydn – Concerto; Hindemith Sonata; Mozart – Oboe Quartet/Concerto; Still – Incantation and Dance

Clarinet: Baermann – Complete Method; Baker, David – Sonata; Hailstork, Adolphus – Three Smiles for Tracy; Messaien – Solo de Concours; Mozart – Concerto, K. 622; Rose – 40 Studies/32 Etudes; Stamitz – Concerto No. 3; Stravinsky – Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet; Weber – Concertino

Bassoon: Baker – Sonata for cello and Piano; Kay, Ulysses – Sonata for Bassoon and Piano; Milde – Scale Studies, Op. 24; Mozart – Concerto in B-flat Major, K. 191; Telemann – Sonata in F Minor, TWV 41:f1; Vivaldi – Sonata in E Minor; Weissenborn – 50 Advanced Studies, Op. 8

Saxophone: Bach/Handel Sonatas, transcribed by M. Mule; Berbiguer – 18 Etudes; Creston – Sonata; Glazunov – Concerto; Heiden – Sonata; Ibert – Concertino; Maurice – Tableaux de Provence; Still – Romance; Tillis – Spiritual Fantasy; White – Theme and Variations

 All wind applicants are permitted to bring their own accompanists for works that require piano accompaniment. If you cannot bring an accompanist, then you must send the piano music to the Coordinator of Winds at least two weeks in advance of the audition. The applicant must pay a fee of $20 to the accompanist upon arrival, prior to the audition. 

BRASS

Upper Brass (trumpet): Applicant must prepare two works of contrasting style and two etudes of contrasting style. Etudes: Arban, Brandt, or comparable; Repertoire: concerto or sonata movements or comparable (Artunian, Haydn, etc.). The applicant must also  perform major and minor scales.

Lower Brass: a minimum of six major scales and arpeggios (two octaves when possible), three minor scales and arpeggios, the chromatic scale based on the range of the instrument, two works in contrasting style (either prepared short etudes or segments of solo works), and four short sight reading selections from the Watkins-Farnum Performance Scale Book).

All brass applicants are permitted to bring their own accompanists for works that require piano accompaniment. If you cannot bring an accompanist, then you must send the piano music to the Coordinator of Lower Brass at least two weeks in advance of the audition. Trumpet applicants should send the piano music to Administrative Secretary of the Music Department. The applicant must pay a fee of $20 to the accompanist upon arrival, prior to the audition. 

PERCUSSION

Snare Drum: Applicant must play all basic standard rudiments (26). Applicant must play one snare drum solo (from State Festival repertoire list)

Keyboards – Marimba or Xylophone: Applicant must perform all major and minor scales and arpeggios (2 octaves). Applicant must perform one marimba or xylophone solo of the applicant’s choosing.

Timpani: Applicant must demonstrate basic muffling and tuning techniques. Applicant must perform one solo of the applicant’s choosing (i.e., etudes from Goodman).

Drum Set: Applicant must play time in several tempi and styles, including Jazz, Rock, and Latin. Applicant must improvise (sticks and brushes).

JAZZ STUDIES

In addition to the standard classical audition requirements, Jazz Studies applicants must demonstrate improvisation skills on the chosen instrument and prepare at least one work from the standard jazz repertoire.

For more information, contact the Coordinator of Jazz Studies.

The Clark Atlanta University Band is a multifaceted organization that includes the Mighty Marching Panther Band, the Pep Band, the Symphonic Band, the Essence Dance Team, the CAU Drumline, and the Silver Breeze Flag Corps. Heralded for its precision drills, pageantry, custom arrangements, and intense spirit – all of which thrill audiences the moment the band arrives in the stadium, the Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panther Band has many credits that include its having been featured in the hit 20^th Century Fox move Drumline. In this film, students are featured as members of the fictitious Atlanta A & T Band, the fictitious Delta A & M percussion sections, the CAU Band, and also as movie extras. Other film credits include the movie Pay the Price and the video I Highly Recommend, both written and produced by Darryl D. Lassiter.

The Clark Atlanta University Mighty Marching Panther Band members have served as ambassadors for the University in many other capacities. These include their six repeat performances at the Honda Battle of the Bands, Georgia Dome; a national McDonalds commercial; Turner Broadcasting System’s Dinner and a Movie; the Brand Atlanta television commercial with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra; television’s Judge Hatchett show and Ellen DeGeneres show, taped in Los Angeles, California. Other performances include the Atlanta Falcons Championship Parade; the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Hip Hop Awards broadcast and The Monique Show; the 25^th Anniversary of Home Depot; the Tom Joyner Morning Show; Good Day Atlanta; the Si-Man Show; the Atlanta Falcons-New York Giants halftime show; numerous parades and drumline exhibitions; HBCU Battlefest at South Carolina State University; Come Flex the Flex Battle of the Bands in Macon, Georgia; Original Battle of the Bands at the Georgia Dome; and Exhibition Band for the Atlanta Public Schools Band Extravaganza, filmed for Channel One News (NBC Universal).

The organization’s other ensembles include the following:

The Pep Band, which performs during selected home basketball games and playoff games. Its members also participate in the Marching and Symphonic Bands;

The Symphonic Band, which is the major performing concert organization in the band program and is, as such, composed of the finest musicians in the band. Students perform at campus concerts and on concert tours;

The Essence Dance Team, which comprises talented women who dance with the Marching and Pep Bands, as well as on their own;

The CAU Drumline, which is composed of talented percussionists. These students have performed at all Atlanta Braves home games as the “Heavy Hitters”, at the Georgia Force Arena Football games, and at other local, civic events; and

The Silver Breeze Flag Corps, which has several talented women who perform with the Marching and Pep Bands utilizing different sized flags, and other props.

The Department of Music at Clark Atlanta University announced the inaugural year of the Music Academy in 2010. This organization is an Honor Society sponsored by the Department of Music, music alumni, and churches in the Greater Atlanta Community. The purpose of the organization is to encourage, mentor and reward music majors and minors for academic scholarship, excellent attendance and performance. Invitation is extended to second semester freshmen and sophomores who are in good academic standing. Students must qualify each semester to continue with the program and may apply through their graduating senior year. Qualified minors should apply, but preference is given music majors.

The Music Academy advocates the highest standard of musical excellence and seeks majors and minors who are talented, disciplined, and aspiring musicians. The academy encourages honorees to pursue careers in music and/or to continue their studies in graduate school in the field of music.  The Music Academy will serve as an extended networking agent for its members who are seeking memberships in music organizations, affiliations, competitions, and other career building efforts.

The academy’s secondary objective is to improve retention, graduation, and success. We want the best for our students at Clark Atlanta University and the Department of Music wants to give students who are talented and worthy a competitive edge for making their goals come true.

APPLICANT QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicant must be a second semester freshman or sophomore to enter the program.
• Applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average or above.
• Applicant must have no failing grades in MUSIC.
• Applicant must submit a copy of transcript to verify grade point average.
• Applicant must have a letter of verification from MUSIC TEACHERS from the previous semester of study (contact Music Department office for verification form)
• Applicants must present an audition piece in Music Seminar.
• Applicant must submit resume that includes a musical vitae or performance record.
• Applicant must submit three letters of recommendation: one music professor; one non music professor; and one outside professional person.

Park Street Music and Art Complex

The majority of the Music Department is housed in the Park Street Music and Art Complex, a three story building listed in the National Register of Historic Sites. Prior to 1997, the building was exclusively a church and home to the Park Street United Methodist Church. A special arrangement with the United Methodist Church and a multimillion dollar renovation of the church sanctuary and the expansive educational wing resulted in the Park Street Music and Art Complex, which the Music Department has shared with the Art Department since 1997. The Music Department occupies most of the church’s second floor and all of its third floor. The architecturally stunning facility has a unique character and elegance, creating an environment that is most conducive to performance, creativity, and study. It contains  classrooms, rehearsal rooms for the Philharmonic Society (choir) and Jazz Orchestra, five (5) practice rooms, twelve offices, a percussion lab, multiple storage rooms, a Music Library/Listening Room, a Piano Lab/Music Technology Lab, a Piano Studies Resource Center (containing books, scores, and pedagogical materials), a Fellowship Hall for receptions, and the Park Street Sanctuary.  The Park Street Sanctuary serves as the department’s primary venue for concerts and recitals.  It contains beautiful stained glass windows that provide an aesthetically pleasing setting for concerts and recitals and that augment the building’s overall conservatory-like character.

The Park Street Sanctuary is equipped with a pipe organ and a brand new Steinway D concert grand piano, chosen from the Steinway factory in New York. Knowledgeable piano technicians have ranked this Steinway as one of the finest in metro Atlanta.

The Piano Lab/Music Technology Lab is a novel, technologically current,  multipurpose classroom equipped to serve the needs of many classes, including Music Theory, Music Technology, Sight Singing and Ear Training, Music Composition, Piano Class, Piano Seminar, Piano Repertoire, and Piano Pedagogy courses. It contains a large whiteboard; 11 stations – each containing a digital piano, a computer, keyboard lab headphones, separate interchangeable headphones appropriate for music technology and the requirements of a recording studio; instant internet access and a walled flatscreen monitor supported by mounted audio speakers and teacher controls, enabling the projection of visual images and sound from both computer and the internet; the ability to produce  recordings and compositions, with supporting midi capability, microphones, 16-track recording capability, appropriate software and a separate Macintosh computer station that augments these capabilities; a teacher digital piano that replicates, on a smaller scale, many of the functions of the technology lab and which also contains the keyboard lab controller;  and an acoustic grand piano that supports Piano Seminar and Piano Repertoire courses.

Classroom Equipment

Park Street classrooms are equipped with modern sound systems, internet connectivity, smart boards, white boards, computers (PCs and MACs), and acoustic pianos.

CAU Stadium Instructional Unit

The band program is located in the CAU Stadium.   It contains a rehearsal classroom, office space, and storage space. The location at the CAU Stadium provides the band program with easy access to the football field, which facilitates rehearsals and performances of the CAU Marching Band. The CAU Stadium was prominently featured in Drumline, the popular 20^thCentury Fox movie that was filmed on the CAU campus.

Davage Auditorium

Davage Auditorium is located in Haven-Warren Hall, which houses many administrative offices and the English Department. For several decades and prior to its move to the Park Street Music and Art Complex, the Music Department was housed in Haven-Warren Hall. Davage Auditorium is a renovated, multipurpose venue that serves as the site for the on-campus performances of the CAU Jazz Orchestra. Davage Auditorium is also the performance venue for productions of the CAU Theatre Department.

Bishop Cornelius Henderson Student Center Multipurpose Room

The Multipurpose Room of the Bishop Cornelius Henderson Student Center serves as the performance venue for the annual concerts of the CAU Concert Band.

Many opportunities are available for participation in one of our acclaimed ensembles. All music majors and minors are required to participate in ensemble.  Opportunities are also available to the general student population. Membership in the ensembles is by audition, and prospective ensemble members should review the Music Department’s Admissions page for more information about auditions.

Large ensembles include The Philharmonic Society (concert choir), Concert and Marching Bands, Jazz Orchestra, and The Atlanta University Center-wide Symphony Orchestra.  Concert and Marching Bands have a number of smaller units, and the CAU Jazz Orchestra has CAU Jazztet. Click on the links to the left for information about each of the large ensembles.

Smaller non-credit performing ensembles are organized through the department’s Performance Seminar courses (CMUS114A/B –CMUS 414A/B). 

The Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society is a nationally respected choral ensemble that perpetuates a proud century-old tradition of artistic clarity, stylistic authority and brilliant choral tone.  The Philharmonic Society includes an international membership of the finest men and women, boasting honor students and student leaders from across the university. Early choral conductors of the Clark experience included Drs. J. DeKoven Killingsworth and Frederick Douglass Hall, among others.  Since the early 1990s, the Society has established a stellar reputation under the leadership of its former director, Professor Glynn E. Halsey.   It is now poised to build on its rich choral tradition of excellence under the leadership of its current director, Dr. Curtis Everett Powell.

The Society performs the gamut of the choral genre, from major classical literature to popular repertoire.  It has a special affinity for performing works drawn from the vast storehouse of the African-American traditions.  This includes African Folk songs, spirituals, gospel, jazz, and similar works of African-American composers.  It has done special performances in conjunction with such noted figures as Nelson Mandela, Quincy Jones, William Warfield, Roberta Flack, James Moody, Jeffery Osborn, Roy Ayres, and Andrew Young.  There have been command performances for the inauguration of the President of Gammon Theological Seminary (now a part of Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta), and before the National Convening Body of the United Methodist Church, the church with which the university maintains an affiliation. 

During the 1990’s the Philharmonic Society experienced a formidable list of successes.  It appeared with the Louisiana Symphony Orchestra during the 1993-1994 season in a nationally televised performance of African Portraits, an intense, gripping work by Hannibal (formerly known as Hannibal Peterson); it presented five concerts at the world-class Spivey Hall of Clayton State College and University, one which aired on National Public Radio’s “Performance Today;” and it was featured with mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves in a professional CD recording produced by National Public Radio.

More recently, over 4 million viewers saw and heard the Society on “Chasing the Dream: Exploring Black History” on a live CNN web cast.  Along with a number of other select choirs from across the country, the Philharmonic Society was heard in New York City at Carnegie Hall in the world premiere performance of The Nativity, a contemporary work by composer Ernestine Robinson.

The Clark Atlanta University Jazz Orchestra (CAUJO), composed of some twenty young musicians and directed by James H. Patterson, is considered to be one of the finest university jazz organizations in the world.  Numerous jazz greats – Kenny Burrell, Regina Carter, Freddy Cole & Trio, Duke Ellington, John Faddis, Frank Foster, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Farmer, Panama Francis, Lionel Hampton, Jimmy Heath, Illinois Jacquet, Hubert Laws, Chuck Mangione, Branford Marsalis, Ellis Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, James Moody, Jimmy Owens, Max Roach, Charlie Rouse, Joe Sample, Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, Charles Tolliver, Mary Lou Williams, and Kai Winding, among others – have performed as soloists with the orchestra.  Having appeared as the opening orchestra for Nat Adderly, Cab Calloway, Betty Carter, Ray Charles, Dexter Gordon, Al Jarreau, Billy Taylor, and Sarah Vaughn, the group is also featured in the outstanding film In Search of Improvisation: The Essence of Virtuosity in Jazz with Dizzy Gillespie, Max Roach, Mary Lou Williams, and others.

The CAUJO has performed at the Montreux International Jazz Festival, Montreux, Switzerland, with Dizzy Gillespie; the North Sea Jazz Festival, Den Hague, Holland; the Grand Parade du Jazz Festival, Nice, France; the Umbria Jazz Festival, Perugia, Italy; the Newport/Kool Jazz Festival, New York, NY; the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Atlanta, Georgia; the Fletcher Henderson Jazz Festival, with Lionel Hampton, Cuthbert, Georgia; the World’s Fair, New Orleans, Louisiana; and the Ozone Jazz Festival, Neuchatel, Switzerland.  The jazz orchestra also features a smaller offspring ensemble, the CAU Jazz Quintet, which has performed in Banjul, The Gambia and Dakar, Senegal – both in Africa – and in Barbados, West Indies.  With seven recordings to its credit, the CAUJO has also won gold awards at MusicFest USA, the competition for the nation’s best, hosted by Down Beat magazine.

Atlanta University Center-wide  Symphony Orchestra was formed in 1997 and it is  comprised of students from each of the undergraduate institutions within the Atlanta University Center – Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College and Morehouse College.

The AUC Orchestra emphasizes development of performance skills and study of a variety of styles and periods from the symphony orchestra literature.

The purpose of this symphony orchestra is to provide students with the skills needed to participate in large ensemble playing, to teach correct phrasing, interpretation, ensemble rehearsal technique, and to obtain knowledge and skills sufficient to work as a leader.

For more information visit the AUC Symphony Orchestra’s website:

www.aucsorchestra.com

Sherman Irby, Class of 1991, alto saxophone; lead saxophonist for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra; recording artist; founder of the Black Warrior Records label; jazz quartet leader; performances and collaborations with Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Roy Hargrove, among others; leading figure on the New York City music scene; featured in the New York Times, Downbeat Magazine, Jazz Times, All About Jazz, L. A. Jazz Scene, and the Chicago Reader, among others.

“Attending Clark Atlanta University was the best choice I could have made for myself.  Not only did I want to learn how to play jazz, but it was also important for me to receive a well-rounded education.  Unfortunately, I knew I couldn’t get what I needed in my hometown of Tuscaloosa, AL.  When Prof. James Patterson came to my high school, he convinced me that I could get the knowledge and experience that I desired at CAU.  The classes were challenging, and the faculty demanded our best efforts. In addition, Prof. Patterson invited some of history’s greatest jazz musicians to teach and inspire us.  The years I spent at CAU taught me that hard work brings great results.  This was the foundation that I needed to prepare me for the world, and CAU gave me that and much more.”

Ayinde Al-Amin, Class of 2005, trumpet; Assistant Band Director, Mays High School in Atlanta; Choir Director for St. Paul AME Church; Songwriter and Producer for Area Sound Studios.

“The Clark Atlanta University Music Department gave me an amazing academic experience. The vast knowledge that the faculty and staff shared with the students helped prepare me and my classmates for success in the musical field. As a member of the Mighty Marching Panthers, the Philharmonic Society, and the Handbell Ensemble, I was able to showcase my musical skills in class and for audiences across the country. CAU prepared me for my work as an assistant band director for Mays High School, as Choir Director for St. Paul AME Church, and as a song writer and producer for Area Sound Studios. This is by far the best program for students who are serious about their education and musicianship.”
 

Garnetta Penn, Class of 1992, voice; University of Georgia MMEd.2008; Choral Instructor Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta, GA.; Master Music Teacher of Choral Music for Atlanta Public Schools; Georgia Music Educator Association Large Group Performance Evaluation Adjudicator; Georgia Music Educator Association, District 5 Chair; Taught Advanced and Intermediate Chorus, Piano, Music Theory, AP Music Theory, and Musical Theater.

“While a student in the CAU Music Department I was coached, trained, and mentored by faculty who took a personal interest in my growth and development.  The exposure provided by my instructors through master classes, workshops, auditions, concert and recital opportunities provided a real world experience that prepared and equipped me to become a music educator.”

Phillip Davis, Class of 1991, piano; Grammy Award winning producer; pianist/keyboardist, recording artist, and songwriter; owner of PhD Productions, LLC.; collaborated at the national level with many of the major names in the music industry.

“The Clark Atlanta University Music Department had a great influence on me and my musical development. Most of my fondest memories came from the halls of the music department. There was a  nurturing factor at Clark Atlanta that was really helpful to me.  Coupled with very strong and educated teachers, this provided a well rounded education. I learned the bulk of my jazz studies and jazz performance from Prof. Patterson and the CAU Jazz Orchestra and piano performance from Prof. Boozer. Dr. Wyatt, who was the director of the Symphonic band, allowed me to arrange popular songs for the band. All three provided me with a musical foundation that served me well in the profession. Now, with the music department expanding into specialized concentrations (jazz studies, commercial composition, vocal studies, piano studies, church music, etc.), the experience is even more focused on developing great musicians who can compete in today’s music industry – in all genres of music. This includes live performance with major recording artists, composing and producing, film scoring, etc. These opportunities provide a great environment for students to learn, create, and grow as musicians, enabling them to compete in today’s market.”

Lorenzo Callahan, Class of 2001, alto saxophone.

“The Clark Atlanta University Music Department has meant a great deal to me. Not only did it provide me with a great musical education, but the faculty served as mentors to me and other students. The interest that they took in my personal and professional life helped me develop into the person I am today. The music department made it possible for me to attain a college education. Without musical scholarship, I might not have been able to attend college. My experiences at Clark Atlanta University and the music program were paramount to my success and I would not hesitate to recommend CAU to others. “

Ignatius Hines, Class of 1991, alto saxophone:  M. M. in Music Therapy from Florida State University; music therapist for the Clayton County Public School System in Georgia for eighteen years, head of the Music Therapy Program since 2002; extensive work within the Department of Exceptional Students (formally known as the Special Education Department).

“As I reminisce on my experience as a music education major at CAU and the selflessness demonstrated by the professors, each in their own way, I must confess the smile that has formed on my face.  The motherly ways of Dr. Florence Crim Robinson, the tough love of Mr. Mark Boozer, the inadvertent humor of Mr. James Jones, Mr.
Byrd’s “tight-but-right” analyses during rehearsals, and the many, many times Dr. Wyatt and Mr. Patterson, through the leadership of their respective bands and orchestras, made bricks even when there seemed to be no straw.    They were sincere and seriously skilled educators whose generosity gave me the competence and confidence I needed to further my education and find a profession in music that was right for me.  I am thankful for this opportunity to express my gratitude.”

Herbert Andrae Beck, Class of 2002, Saxophone; Band Director R.J. Murray Middle School-St. Johns County Center for the Arts in Florida.

“I consider the musical education I received at Clark Atlanta University to be second to none. I was always challenged by my professors and peers to not only be a better musician but a better professional and a better man. CAU taught me to be a versatile and competent musician and educator. This has served me well in my career as a chorus teacher, band director and Minister of Music. Atlanta is also quickly becoming a premier cultural center for the arts and provides an outstanding backdrop for artistic education. I participated in the Jazz Orchestra, Philharmonic Society, Symphonic and Marching Bands and all served me well. The Clark Atlanta University Music Department is an excellent place to become a musician!”

Chanell Mosley Childers, Class of 2000, Voice; Master of Music Degree, the University of Miami, Florida; Currently Elementary Music Teacher- Dekalb County School System in Georgia.

“The Music Department at Clark Atlanta University prepared me for a successful career in the field of vocal performance as well as music education. Even though I wasn’t an education major, the nurturing environment from the faculty is something that I will always cherish and apply to the next generation that I educate. My educational and performance experience from CAU prepared me to receive a Master of  Music degree from the University of Miami.”

James W. Kirk III, Class of 2004, Piano; M.M. in Choral Conducting from Georgia Southern University; taught chorus at Robert Smalls Middle School in Beaufort S.C.; choir director and department head at Beach Hill High School in Savannah, Georgia; Minster of Music at St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Under the direction of James Kirk the Beach High School chorus obtained many recognitions such as performing for the Georgia Educators Convention, performing live on the WTOC mid morning news broadcast, receiving second place at the Heritage Presidential Inaugural Choral Festival in Washington D.C., receiving a house resolution and invited performance at the Georgia House of Representatives, and performing for the State of Georgia Southern Christian Leadership Convention.

“My experience in the Clark Atlanta University music department was second to none. I received a top-notch education by some of the best and most knowledgeable professors in the state of Georgia. The music department at CAU is truly a family. I was able to contact professors anytime day or night. The greatest aspect of being a student at CAU to me was that the professors saw the talent that I possessed as an individual and then most pushed me to the limit, never taking no for an answer. I remember one night (a Friday night!) I stayed in Prof. Boozer’s office until almost midnight receiving intense coaching on a piece for a major piano performance the following week, because it was not up to his performance standard. He did not seem concerned about my other plans for Friday night and the weekend. It was an exhausting experience, but the performance the following week was a success, resulting in much praise and commendation from audience and professionals alike. It was the time and care that all the professors put into me that has made me the person and musician that I am today. As a result, I now aspire to eventually obtaining a job teaching choral music at the university level.”

Christopher L. Belcher, Class of 1997, Principal Instrument: Euphonium,   

Secondary Instrument: Trombone; M. A. in Education, Central Michigan University, 2005; Charter Member: Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Professional Music Fraternity, Inc.;

Band Director at Thomas Heathe Slater Elementary School.

“The Clark Atlanta University Department of Music experience as an undergraduate student was in some respects a cut above the norm with regards to what is considered typical of an undergraduate music degree program. Clark Atlanta University’s Music Department does not encourage static nor sanitized musicianship. It does however nurture the holistic musician. The faculty encouraged and fostered an understanding of the student as well as developing the talents of all students enrolled. I enjoyed the opportunities provided by the world class ensembles in which I performed. Rigor complemented with nurture was a recipe for my personal success and I believe that to be a prescription for any future aspiring professional musician.”