School of Performing Arts

Students singing.

David Reynolds, Director
School of Performing Arts
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center 123B, Box 2830
605-688-5187

Faculty

Music

Professors

Laura Diddle, Aaron Ragsdale, David Reynolds, Andrew Robinette, Emily Toronto, Michael Walsh

Associate Professor

Jacob Wallace

Assistant Professors

Kevin Kessler, Elizabeth Robinson, Mark Stevens

Lecturer

Yiqun Chen

Instructors

Anna DeGraff, Bradley Snyder

Theatre and Dance

Professors

Corey Shelsta, William Wood

Associate Professors

Melissa Hauschild-Mork, Lonnie Wilburn

Instructor

Casey Paradies

School of Performing Arts

Emeritus

John D. Ackman, Charles Canaan, John Colson, Don Crowe, Warren Hatfield, Corliss Johnson, James L. Johnson, Anthony Lis, James McKinney, Raymond Peterson, David Piersel, Darwin Walker

Overview

The School of Performing Arts at South Dakota State University fosters and provides opportunities for creativity, performance, and both artistic and intellectual understanding through the study and practice of performing arts within contemporary and historical cultures. Mindful of the University’s Land Grant mission, we strive to provide outreach-engagement that creates meaningful connections among students, the University, and the broader community.

Program Objectives

To serve the university, state, and region by delivering approved and well-defined undergraduate curricula in music, theater, and dance;
To engage in critical and analytical thought in order to create an informed understanding and enduring curiosity;
To promote individual growth that nurtures the development of the whole person;
To practice artistry in order to enable appreciation and expression through creativity and innovation;
To cultivate global awareness and respect for differing perspectives; and
To provide enrichment by connecting people through engagement, service, and collaboration within and beyond the University.

Programs

Majors

Minors

Music Program Application Requirements

Admission as a music major in any of the music degree programs requires the successful completion of an audition in the student’s major area of applied instruction.
Music majors in all degree programs must choose one area of applied instruction in which to specialize. Further, students must meet the applied proficiency standards of the program in that area. To that end, students must:
1. successfully complete a jury examination each semester.
2. apply for and be granted approval to advance to upper level applied study (300-400 levels).
3. complete a minimum of 6 hours of upper level (300-400) applied study
Piano proficiency is required of all majors. Several approaches to meeting the requirements are available. See the Student Handbook published and available from the program for more specifics. The piano proficiency must be passed before the senior recital may be scheduled.
Voice or instrumental proficiency is required of all keyboard majors.
Ensemble Requirements:
1. All music majors must participate in at least one major ensemble each semester they are enrolled as a regular university student (Internship and Student Teaching semesters excepted). See the Student Handbook for more details.
2. Participation in small ensembles is strongly encouraged for all majors and minors.
A minimum of five pedagogy courses is required for students in the B.M.E program, and while the required pedagogies develop proficiencies within the areas of specialization for B.M.E. students, a functional knowledge of instrumental or vocal techniques outside the specialty is also essential. For instrumental B.M.E. majors, this must include one semester each of string, woodwind, brass, and percussion pedagogies. Six semesters will assure the broadest preparation through multiple levels of woodwind and brass pedagogy. In addition, instrumental B.M.E. majors must take MUS 270/ 271 general voice for instrument majors. For vocal B.M.E. majors, the four required semesters of vocal pedagogy are augmented by MUS 270/271 general instrument for voice majors.
Recommendations for enrolling in student teaching will be issued by the Music Education Coordinator following an interview with the student and his/her advisor.
Recommendations for music entrepreneurship students wishing to enroll for the Internship experience must be issued by the program Coordinator.
A senior recital is required of all music majors.
Majors and minors must enroll for Recital Attendance (MUS 185) each semester they are enrolled for applied music lessons.

Accreditation

South Dakota State University’s music program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (good standing reaffirmed in 2011).

South Dakota State University’s theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Facilities and Services

The School of Performing Arts is located in the new, state-of-the-art Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center.

Student Support and Engagement Opportunities

The School of Performing Arts provides students the opportunity to explore the widest variety of musical experiences and thinking through academic study, performance, student organizations, and travel. All SDSU students are welcomed to participate in music ensembles, applied lessons, music appreciation classes, and in some music literature and history offerings. The School of Performing Arts also sponsors several clubs and organizations.

National Association for Music Education
Music Teachers National Association
American Choral Directors Association
Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma (Music)
Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre)

Dance

The holistic program embraces many genres of dance to include social, multi-cultural, creative movement, dance for the musical theatre and jazz, tap, ballet and modern dance techniques. The variety ensures that all students no matter their history or training will find opportunities for growth and transformation in the program. For more information contact Assistant Professor Melissa Hauschild-Mork, Coordinator of Dance.

Music

With three degree options, a marching band, three choirs, three concert bands, a symphony orchestra, and two jazz ensembles, there is a musical outlet for everyone in the program. The program focuses its attention on undergraduate learning, research, creative activity, and service to the discipline of music. For more information contact Professor David Reynolds, Director of the School of Performing Arts.

Theatre

There are several major, experimental and student productions each year. Students may be cast in or assist with a production. University credit may be earned. Summer theatre also offers undergraduate credit through Prairie Repertory Theatre. For more information contact Associate Professor Jim Wood, Theatre Program Coordinator.