About the Collegium Musicum
Members of the Collegium Musicum study and perform music of the 16th through 18th centuries to introduce listeners and performers to essential issues of historical performance practice for music as it is played, danced, or sung.
Early music, particularly that of the Baroque period, applies principles of interpretation in these different performing situations, depending upon the effect or character called for by the music.
Founded in 2001, the Collegium represents the variety of instrumental/vocal ensembles typical of early performance groups, including singers, strings, winds, brass, and keyboard players. Repertoire is approached as chamber music, with one or two on a part, with groups ranging in size from 2 to 9 players. Music is selected each semester to fit the particular talents of the participants. Previous experience with early instruments or early music performance is not a requirement. Auditions are informal and intended to encourage participation at all skill levels.
Instruments
Performers in the Collegium use and learn skills on both their instruments and on reproductions of period instruments from the Hayes School of Music's collection of recorders, string instruments with Baroque bows and gut strings, and various early wind and brass instruments available through the applied studios at Appalachian.
Instrumentation on past performances includes all strings, all voice types (including countertenor), lute, oboe, bassoon, modern flute, Baroque flute, recorder, natural horn, cornetto, harpsichord, organ, viola da gamba, and Baroque dancer.
Rehearsals
Directed by Dr. Alicia Chapman (chapmanam@appstate.edu), Collegium Musicum rehearses on Fridays from 2:00 – 3:50 pm. Students receive one hour of academic credit by registering for MUS 1138.