Strings
The string program prepares Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to be well-rounded musicians, creative teachers and accomplished performers. Music Majors, Music minors and non-major participants are all welcome in the studios. The studio atmosphere is warm and nurturing, yet each student is challenged by the repertoire and technique work that they are given in the lessons. Students are encouraged to listen to each other and offer constructive criticism in studio classes and master class settings.
String Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ at UM perform in the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ Symphony Orchestra (UMSO), in standard Chamber ensembles, and in solo performance settings. We encourage Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to form chamber ensembles with mixed instrumentation so that they experience a wide variety of repertoire and learn how to work with other kinds of instrumentalists. Our Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are also very actively working with UM student composers, often premiering new works several times a year.
Some Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ audition for and perform with the Missoula Symphony, a community orchestra comprised of professional musicians, community members and Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Select Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ are awarded MSO scholarships. The MSO string scholarships are awarded to deserving Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ after their scholarship auditions as prospective freshman. Many of the other Montana community orchestras hire our Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ to be members of their orchestras.
Our Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ also have the opportunity to be counselors at our UM Summer Strings Camp and some qualify for Nash Pedagogy scholarships to teach Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from the Missoula public schools.
Often, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ from the studio are selected to perform for the Guest Artists that come to perform with the String Orchestra of the Rockies and the Missoula Symphony. Some of the more recent guests include: Andreas Cardenas; Rachel Barton Pine, Robert McDuffie, Adele Anthony, Maria Larionoff, Brett Deubner, and Phillip Ying.
Come to visit us at The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥. Have a free lesson and see how The Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ can fit into your college plans.
Joel Schnackel
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Double Bass and Music History
Contact
- Office
- 108
- Phone
- 406-243-6881
- Joel.Schnackel@mso.umt.edu
- Curriculum Vitae
Personal Summary
In addition to leading the bass section in the Missoula Symphony, Joel is an avid performer throughout Montana as bassist with the String Orchestra of the Rockies, the Billings Symphony, and the Helena Symphony. He is also one of the founding members of Regal Ensemble in Hamilton, Mt.
Prior to joining the faculty at the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥, Dr. Schnackel was adjunct professor of double bass and musicology at the University of Central Arkansas. He also taught the courses: Introduction to Music, History of Rock n Roll, Folk and Popular Music, Music Theory, and Music Appreciation at the University of Memphis. He performed throughout the mid-south as principal bassist with the Conway Symphony and section bass in Jackson, North Mississippi, Arkansas, and Tuscaloosa Symphonies, as well as the Savannah Philharmonic.
Dr. Schnackel is co-author of the popular music appreciation text, The Musical Experience, which is used in several universities across the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in historical musicology from the University of Memphis, a M.M. in double bass performance from the University of Memphis, and a B.A. in music composition and technology from the Ñý¼§Ö±²¥.