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Transcription of Video
Hello. My name is Michael Ketner and I am the Director of Performance for the Music Department here at Penn.
Our Department has a long tradition of offering students high-level, serious performing experiences. Students can sing or play in any of our Ensembles, they can take private lessons, whatever they choose, they will work with some of the best musicians Philadelphia has to offer. Through these experiences, students increase their musical skills and become part of a campus community that will live with them long after their time at Penn is finished.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are forced to offer these experiences remotely for the fall 2020 semester. So you may be asking yourself: "Why should I participate in remote music experiences? What could I possibly get from making music this way?"
Here is a little of what we're offering:
- You will learn to listen to yourself in a new way. In many of our ensembles, you will be asked to record yourself from time to time as you prepare your assigned repertoire. Experiencing your own performance in this way will improve your critical listening skills.
- Whether you will be on campus or not in the fall, you will be able to be a part of a vibrant community, and will have many opportunities to meet new people.
- The Music Department has always prioritized mental health of the students in our program. Participating in a musical activity - even remotely - is a great way boost your emotional wellbeing. Especially in this particular moment in our history.
- Finally, our Ensemble Directors have been hard at work reimagining what their respective ensemble experiences will be like this fall, and I can tell you they have been coming up with some amazing ideas. This is a chance for you to participate in performance projects that are new and creative.
The bottom line, is that we are still offering the chance to collaborate with others and experience music. It may be in a new way, but it will still be meaningful.
If you are at all interested in seeing what is possible, and being part of something special - and temporary - I would urge you to consider participating in one of the Music Department's student ensembles or our private lesson program this fall.
Thanks for watching and we'll see you soon!