Music at Mines
Division of Liberal Arts and International Studies
Colorado School of Mines

The CSM Band

The Colorado School Of Mines (CSM) Band was established over 51 years ago and has a rich tradition of performing for the school and the community.

Today’s Band is developing in many different directions.  The traditional Mines Marching Band with red and black plaid shirts, jeans, hiking boots, and hard hats presents a unique image among university bands.  Band members are also called upon to play for the annual Mines Little Theatre musicals, and in other small ensembles for different occasions during the year.  During the spring semester, the Band enters the concert hall and presents two major performances.

Jazz bands, string ensembles, brass ensembles, flute choirs, and various other small ensembles have also given performances whenever those interested have found time to participate in these groups.

Approximately 100 students are enrolled in the band at this time.

The CSM Choir

The 75-voice (SATB) CSM Concert Choir presents a variety of music in concerts on and off campus.

The Concert Choir is showcased in two annual on-campus performances – the Fall Choral Arts Concert and the spring ‘Madrigal Madness’ sing.  Recent memorable performances include the ‘Testament of Freedom’ and ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ by Randall Thompson, Barber’s ‘Agnus Dei’ and Copeland’s ‘Promise of Living’

The CSM Acappella Singers, an audition only vocal chamber group, is sub-divided into Silver (SATB jazz octet), Blue (SATB 12-member), White (SSAA) and barbershop quartet performing groups that regularly present programs for both the CSM and local communities.  To date, they have performed the National Anthem at CSM and Colorado Rockies games, hosted the musical opening of the ‘Blossoms of Light’ for the Mayor of Denver at the Botanic Gardens, sung at the annual Governor’s Christmas luncheon and entertained children at the ‘Wildlights’ celebration sponsored by the Denver Zoological Gardens.

Classes

In addition to the Marching Band, Concert Band, Concert Choir, and CSM Acappella Singers, the Division of Liberal Arts and International Studies (LAIS) offers two three-credit-hour academic courses:  Music Traditions in the Western World and Music Theory, and one one-credit-hour academic course: Basic Techniques of Music Composition.  Facilities for the music program include rehearsal rooms and a computer lab equipped with Pro Tools, Finale and similar software for student use.

Participation in either Band or Chorus classes provides enjoyment, camaraderie, and relaxation.  Students involved in either of these music groups may earn one hour of Liberal Arts credit per semester.  CSM Acappella Singers, instrumental and vocal ensembles are considered extra-curricular activities and are not awarded academic credit.

Scholarships

Music Leadership Scholarships are available in Band and Chorus for talented and qualified Freshmen through Seniors.  Criteria considered in awarding Music Scholarships are a solid record of academic achievement, prior and current musical experience, performance on an audition tape, and financial need.  Students who are selected to receive these scholarships must remain in good standing in Band or Chorus and in their academic work at CSM.

Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 for the academic year.

Students interested in applying for a scholarship may request an application form via email or phone (leave a detailed message including name and address).  Or you can submit the form online:
http://www.mines.edu/academic/lais/music/application.html

Workstudy

Workstudy funds are available in the Music area for qualified students.

CONTACT INFO:
LAIS MUSIC
Dr. Robert Klimek
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, CO  80401
303-384-2073
rklimek@mines.edu