THE ESSAY PROJECT

Music 1900

The Department of Music will address one topic each semester. This will be a
general topic-pertaining to different aspects of music -which may also be
discussed in your music courses and lessons. All students have the same topic.

The music faculty will read all essays and will select a semi-final group to be
forwarded to outside readers within the University and/or the New Orleans'
community. These readers will determine the winning essays for the semester
and the winners will be announced at the final Departmental Recital Hour.
First, second and third place winners will be selected with award amounts as
follows: 1st place - $125, 2nd place - $100, 3rd place - $75. Honorable mentions
with award amounts of $50 for each award may also be given at the discretion
of the reviewers. The winning essays will also be posted in the Recital Hall
display case during the subsequent semester.

All topics selected are considered fundamental to you as music majors. It is

essential-especially in a time of fluctuating support for music in our culture-
that you, as aspiring experts in the field, are able to discuss music in a
convincing, persuasive manner.

You are responsible to take your own initiative in writing the essay. You are
welcome to talk with individual faculty about the question as you develop your
response. You are also encouraged to take full advantage of the UNO
Learning Resource Center and the Library. The Center is ready to assist you
with your essay. Failure to write and hand in your essay will result in a "Fail"
for the entire course.

THE SPRING 2009 TOPIC IS:

All musicians need to be familiar with the art of improvisation. Do
you agree? Explain and support your answer. Feel free to discuss
in relation to other useful activities for musicians such as the
ability to read and interpret written out scores.

Essay Due:
1
 Friday, March 20
Please bring a hard copy to the
Departmental Recital Hour

Essay Details:
Minimum 250 words, suggested maximum 500 words
May be single or double-spaced
MUST BE TYPED

NOTE: In order to be considered for the Essay Contest you must:

1. Have your name on a COVER SHEET which includes the following:

1) Full Name
2) Year at UNO (Fr, Soph, Jr, Sr, Grad)
3) Date

2. You may NOT have your name on the essay itself.

3. Contest Evaluation is based on Content, Organization, Spelling, and

Grammar

PLEASE NOTE:
Any faculty member who reads an essay that does not indicate a sincere effort
on the part of the student may reject the essay. The Chair will then contact
the student and require revision and resubmission. Students will only receive
credit for an essay that has been accepted by faculty.