My Masters Conference

Tags: School, York, Entertainment, Acappella Music, Events, Music

The MAs at York have a mini-conference coming up. Here’s my abstract and bio. I should get on to writing the paper, you think?

Rajaton: A Cappella Ensembles in Today’s Musical Culture

From origins in Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony, the role of a cappella music has changed greatly. In the twentieth century, music for unaccompanied voices continued in the style of the previous choral tradition and also spawned new genres: barbershop, doo wop, R&B, and vocal jazz. Outside of these styles other groups combined features of classical and popular music, employing both centuries-old techniques of choral singing as well as new vocal methods. In this field, the success of small secular ensembles such as The Swingle Singers and the King’s Singers paved the way for current groups such as The Real Group and Rajaton.

The Finnish vocal group Rajaton is a model of a modern a cappella group in today’s musical culture. The group consists of six mixed voices and has been acclaimed by both choral and popular music listeners. Their style utilized techniques common in both classical and non-classical styles. Did their style emerge from choral music influenced by popular methods or was it the other way around? Rajaton is also known for its progressive as well as expert performances. They have been financially successful with many of their CDs achieving platinum sales. While these successes have been both commercial and artistic, is the motivation profit or musical excellence? Finally, as is increasingly the case with modern music, categorizing Rajaton’s music into common genres is no simple task: their music unmistakably encompasses aspects of classical, pop, jazz, and world music. Can this music be classified into one category? And does it matter?

Laura Kishimoto is from Toronto, Canada, and is currently completing her Masters in Vocal Studies with John Potter at the University of York. Her academic and performance experience spans both choral and solo works within the early and contemporary eras, and she particularly enjoys performing with small a cappella ensembles. In the spring of 2006 she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Honours degree in theory and early music performance from the University of Western Ontario.

posted by Laura at 12:51 am | Comments

My MA Notes (Board of Studies)

Tags: News, York, Facebook, School, Events

BOARD OF STUDIES MEETING
Thursday, December 6th, 2007

POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK
- profuse apologies for lateness, printed version will be distributed after holidays.
- handbook currently available online at http://music.york.ac.uk/postgraduate
- future handbooks to contain map of department, concise list of PG entitlements.

POSTGRADUATE SPACE
- currently there are two workrooms: 118 and south-facing room in mrc. For access to mrc room, talk to Helen (hmg6) about getting your card programmed. mrc room to be publicized more.
- computers will be slightly upgraded (refurbished staff computers), though still no internet due to security and finance reasons.
- no space for a social room at this time.
- 08/09: 118 will be reassigned as a general seminar room.
- 08/09: a room in SB D-block will be reassigned for postgrads with assistantships or in the mentoring program.

ENTITLEMENTS
As postgraduate students, your entitlements may include the following (depending on your program):
- lessons stipend
- postgraduate space (118, mrc room)
- free concert tickets for Wednesday and Saturday concerts
- use of postgraduate studio space
- room booking, such as mrc conference room
- access to key box (Â£3 deposit for key to key box outside 107, through Helen)

SOCIAL CONCERNS
- many postgrads feeling isolated.
- request for a more thorough PG induction
- “postgrad committee” to arrange at least one social event per term for both MAs and PhDs - increase networking.
- events maybe before the BoS meetings to allow for discussion of issues

ENSEMBLES
- discussion that departmental ensembles are no longer perceived as fulfilling the needs of many of the students - no conclusion.
- idea of “registered ensembles” allowed to pre-book rehearsal space.
- would also provide a resource list of groups for composers.
- Helen and Nicky to look at system, possible implementation by Term Two.

ACCESS
- locked rooms over the weekend fault of university security. If you find a locked room, tell Helen (hmg6) so she can complain to them again.
- key box to be refilled - PLEASE always return the keys.
- for access to mrc room, talk to Helen (hmg6) about getting your card programmed. 08/09: cards to be automatically programmed before term one.

MENTORSHIPS (08/09)
- postgraduates looking for more experience and undergrads looking for more help.
- would also increase interaction between PGs and UGs.
- idea of a voluntary mentorship program, helps with experience/CVs.
- other possible roles: essay review, mock performances, practical projects, ensemble guidance.
- staff thinks it’s a great idea: will look into university policies and training options.

OVERHAUL OF MA COURSE (08/09)
- Ambrose (aef3) is heading up the overhaul of the MA course with new guidelines coming for the 08/09 year.
- any and all positive and negative feedback about the current program are encouraged, please send general suggestions to him via email.
- CONTEMPORARY STUDIES: next year the paper-only pathway option will be 10,000 words, instead of the current 7,000 words

OTHER CONCERNS
- there is currently no budget for a printer/photocopier stipend for postgrads. It is possible that a creation of a YUSU- or GSA-affiliated “postgrad music society” would result in some financial contribution.
- lockers: hallway to be cleared out, lockers to be refurbished (08/09) and system reconsidered. Possibility of yearly fees.
- request for microwave in student kitchen - approved.
- grievances about Gamelan and scheduling clashes were noted.
- department-wide student feedback meetings now extinct in favour of year-wide discussion (through email, Facebook, person, etc)
- general complaints to go to year reps, then your supervisor, then Ambrose (aef3)

Please send all feedback to Laura Kishimoto (lk516) and Amy Slevin (acs121)
or join the Music Board of Studies group at Facebook.

posted by Laura at 11:33 am | Comments

My Arrival, In Pictures

Tags: Family, York, News, Food, School, Flickr, Friends, Shopping, Travel, Events

[Because things have been so hectic, here is merely a quick rundown of the past week is the best I can do for now! Lots of pictures, and lots happening enroute to my new home in York!]