On Friday, Oct. 6, Sinclair’s music, theatre and dance department hosted a Music Day at Sinclair Event, targeted at current high school students interested in the college’s music program.
Professor Michael Berning gave a small group of students a tour of two classrooms in building 2, which houses Blair Hall Theater, as well as several practice rooms. The students came from area schools such as Kettering Fairmont.
“This was my first such recruiting event and the first that Sinclair has held in recent memory. I was new to the Music Program last year as the conductor of the Wind Symphony and Concert Band. This year I am also serving as the Music Program Director,” Berning said in an email after the event.
The group first dropped in on a third level music theory class taught by Dr. John Parcell, which is meant for music majors who are farther into their program. Parcell handed out sheet music featuring German sixth chords and played a performance of the piece.
Berning then led visitors into a lecture hall where Dr. Andrew Hohman walked a class through more basic music theory concepts such as the circle of fifths.
Hohman answered some questions about Sinclair’s music program and the audition process. Sinclair uses auditions to determine the student’s level of skill, and in which courses they need to be placed. Some students may start out in introductory music and aural skills courses, while others may have previous experience that gives them the ability to move beyond those.
Both courses were preparing for tests the following week.
Berning also explained the agreements Sinclair has with University of Dayton and Wright State University regarding their respective ensembles.
For example, if a music student wishes to participate in the marching or pep bands at the University of Dayton, they can do so while paying the Sinclair tuition price. This, Berning said, results in expanded opportunities and financial savings.
Furthermore, music courses at Sinclair transfer “seamlessly” to those institutions, according to Berning.
To close out the day, Berning allowed all of the individuals to ask each other questions and learn about their respective experiences.
Carly Webster
Staff Writer