ABC 3-Year Checklist


American Band College
of
Central Washington University
Master of Music Education • 3-Year Checklist


1st Year Candidates

Directive and Explanation Deadlines More Info
Before May 1
(by March 1 best)
Cost
Special Courses
  • After you have created your ABC account and paid your $750 down payment, review the ABC Study Materials to prepare for ABC.
Anytime before June Exams Info
Complete the following for admission to Central Washington University
  1. Application for Admission
  2. Three letters of recommendation online. (More info given during the online application process.)
  3. ALL official transcripts (undergraduate as well as all graduate courses taken). Send to the Central Washington University Office of Admissions.
  4. Take ABC Theory Exam on June 19 in Ashland (replaces GRE).
  5. Check your new CWU email as the University uses this for all correspondence.
Admission Questions?
  1. Contact the Office of Admissions.
  2. Once the Office of Admissions approves your file it is sent to the School of Music.
  3. Contact Admission staff (School of Music Graduate Coordinator)
NOTE: If you are receiving financial aid, you MUST make sure that all financial aid requirements are done. (see below)
Early admission reg. on April 1st or earlier with all required documentation in place at CWU by May 1.
All new ABC candidates take the Theory Exam on June 19 (instead of the GRE)
Admission Requirements
Transfer Credits
Theory Exam
Financial Aid (optional)
  1. Complete an Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online form.
  2. Check your CWU email address as the University uses this student email address for all correspondence.
  3. Get more info about financial aid at the Central Washington Financial Aid & Scholarships website.
Start in February
Complete by May 20
Financial Aid
Recital Project
  1. Submit the required Video files of performance(s) by your band: Google Form
  2. You must include demonstration of proper English writing skills on self-evaluation of your video project. Include the professionally formatted PDF document (500-750 words) on the same Google Form
Midnight June 1 Project Details
Upload your Project
Pre-ABC to do items
  1. Upload mp3 of your band
  2. Update your Bio in My Account
  3. Update your current photo and baby photo in My Account
Midnight June 1 Pre-ABC To Do
MP3 & Photos Info
Sign up for courses via Central Washington
  1. Click here for details to register for CWU courses.
  2. Make payment in full to Central Washington (after full admission) via your online CWU account.

Central Washington Registration Questions? Click here

If you have questions or concerns check your CWU email address as the University uses this student email address for all email correspondence.

Register for courses in early May (or as soon as CWU allows)

Payment in full
By June 20 via CWU

By June 10 via ABC
Cost Comparison
Financial Aid
CWU Registration
Take ABC Entrance Exam

(Offered ONLY on June 19 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Take ABC Theory Exam

(Offered ONLY on June 19 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

Important: A wireless enabled computer is required to take entrance, theory and July 5 exams. You will also need earphones (or earbuds) for listening areas of these exams.

Check-in: ABC Registration will open at 8:00 am for 1st year students.

June 19 Test Info

Test  Time
Required Laptop
Low Test Score

Directions

Upload an mp3 recording of your band

  • Mp3 file type only
  • Length:10 minutes maximum.
  • Style: Include varying styles and tempos (by starting at the mid-section of an ABA-structured composition, for example). Composites of sections from 2 pieces is OK.
  • Click here for information
By midnight June 1 Bring to Ashland

Upload Help

Update your photos and Bio

  1. A scanned baby picture
  2. A current photo of yourself
  3. A short bio
By midnight June 1 Bring to Ashland

Upload Help
  • Bring your principal instrument and other instruments that may be of use to you for study purposes (especially oboe or bassoon).
  • Also bring black concert attire for the June 26 and July 4 concerts.
By June 20 Other Instruments
  • Meet with ABC Staff to discuss Entrance Exam results (optional).
June 21-30 (TBD)
  • COMPLETE, the online Practical Applications Form (Online entry form will be available the day after you receive entrance exam results)
By midnight June 25  
  • Attend all ABC clinics, rehearsals, and sightreading sessions.
June 20 - July 4
By midnight June 30  
  • Perform in ABC Directors' Band Concerts.
June 26 and July 4 Performance Attire
Directions
  • Attend post-concert socials at McKee’s home. (407 Terrace Street)
June 26 and July 4
  • Take final exam and play in ABC Exit Exam Band.
  • Does not conclude until 5:00 p.m. Participation required.

Note: Must have wireless enabled computer to take July 5 final exam. You will also need earphones (or earbuds) for listening areas of this exam.

July 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Finish Time
Required Laptop
Research and Practical Application projects
  • Research 1 Project (MUS 621.001) and Practical Application 1 Project (MUS 618.001)
  • Both projects must be received in our office no later than midnight August 5

(See complete details on pages 15, 16, 20 & 21 of the ABC Catalog-Handbook.)

INPORTANT: You must use the ABC Project Form and envelope for each project. ("Pristine" copies provided during ABC.)

RE to arrive by August 5
PA to arrive by August 5

Arrival date is absolute.
No exceptions!
Where/When

PA & RE Form

Late Penalty

Grade Info
  • Video record your band during school year for use in second Research Project – MUS 622.001.

(See pages 17 & 21 in the ABC Catalog-Handbook about preparing video.)

During school year

2nd Year Candidates

Directive and Explanation Deadlines More Info
  • You must have passed the Music Theory entrance exam and be in good standing at Central Washington in order to start the second summer of coursework. If you have a GPA below 3.0, you may be removed from the program.
Status must be OK prior to May 1
May 1
Payment in full:
CWU June 20
ABC June 10
Cost
Special Courses
Skipped a year of ABC?
You will need to activate your account with Central Washington University by logging into your CWU account.
If you have any issues, email Victoria Clapper at CWU.
Activate your CWU account by May 1. Taking a Year Off
Sign up for courses via Central Washington
  1. Click here for details to register for CWU courses.
  2. Make payment in full to Central Washington (after full admission) via your online CWU account.

Central Washington Registration Questions? Click here

If you have questions or concerns check your CWU email address as the University uses this student email address for all email correspondence.

Register for courses in early May (or as soon as CWU allows)

Payment in full
By June 20 via CWU

By June 10 via ABC
Cost Comparison
Financial Aid
CWU Registration
Financial Aid (optional)
  1. Complete an Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online form.
  2. Check your CWU email address as the University uses this student email address for all correspondence.
  3. Get more info about financial aid at the Central Washington Financial Aid & Scholarships website.
Start in February
Complete by May 1
Financial Aid
  • Bring your principal instrument and other instruments that may be of use to you for study purposes (especially oboe or bassoon).
  • Also bring black concert attire for the June 26 and July 4 concerts.
  • See page 13 & 14 in the ABC Catalog-Handbook regarding sightreading conducting assignment. Music will be sent to you in late May.
By June 20 Other Instruments
  • Meet with your ABC staff or faculty to discuss your course of study (optional).
June 21-30 (TBD)
  • Attend all ABC clinics, rehearsals, and sightreading sessions.
June 20-July 4
By midnight June 30  
  • Perform in ABC Directors' Band Concerts.
June 26 and July 4 Performance Attire
Directions
  • Attend post-concert socials at McKee’s home. (407 Terrace Street)
June 26 and July 4
  • Take final exam and play in ABC Exit Exam Band.
  • Does not conclude until 5:00 p.m. Participation required.

Note: Must have wireless enabled computer to take July 5 final exam. You will also need earphones (or earbuds) for listening areas of this exam.

July 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Finish Time
Required Laptop
Research and Practical Application projects
  • Research 2 Project (MUS 622.001) and Practical Application 2 Project (MUS 618.001)
  • Both projects must be received in our office no later than midnight August 5

(See complete details on pages 15, 16, 20 & 21 of the ABC Catalog-Handbook.)

INPORTANT: You must use the ABC Project Form and envelope for each project. ("Pristine" copies provided during ABC.)

RE to arrive by August 5
PA to arrive by August 5

Arrival date is absolute.
No exceptions!
Where/When

PA & RE Form

Late Penalty

Grade Info

3rd Year Candidates

Directive and Explanation Deadlines More Info
  • You must have completed all first and second-year courses and be in good standing at Central Washington to start the final summer of coursework. If you a GPA below 3.0, you may be removed from the program.
Status must be OK prior to May 1
May 1
Payment in full:
CWU June 20
ABC June 10
Cost
Special Courses
Skipped a year of ABC?
You will need to activate your account with Central Washington University by logging into your CWU account.
If you have any issues, email Victoria Clapper at CWU.
Activate your CWU account by May 1. Taking a Year Off
Sign up for courses via Central Washington
  1. Click here for details to register for CWU courses.
  2. Make payment in full to Central Washington (after full admission) via your online CWU account.

Central Washington Registration Questions? Click here

If you have questions or concerns check your CWU email address as the University uses this student email address for all email correspondence.

Register for courses in early May (or as soon as CWU allows)

Payment in full
By June 20 via CWU

By June 10 via ABC
Cost Comparison
Financial Aid
CWU Registration
Financial Aid (optional)
  1. Complete an Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online form.
  2. Check your CWU email address as the University uses this student email address for all correspondence.
  3. Get more info about financial aid at the Central Washington Financial Aid & Scholarships website.
Start in February
Complete by May 1
Financial Aid
Prepare for Graduation
  1. Apply for Graduation through CWU and pay the fee. CWU will initiate contact. (See notes in personal 3-year checklist - link top of page.)
  2. Submit your official name as you would like it to appear on your ABC plaque.
End of May or as soon as Central Washington will allow Apply to Graduate
ABC Plaque
  • Make payment in full to Central Washington University via your online CWU account.
  • (Sign up for courses starting in May based on the EXACT list provided by ABC.)
Cost Comparison
Financial Aid
  • Bring your principal instrument and other instruments that may be of use to you for study purposes (especially oboe or bassoon).
  • Also bring black concert attire for the June 26 and July 4 concerts.
  • See page 14 in the ABC Catalog-Handbook regarding conducting assignment. Music will be sent to you in late May.
June 20 Other Instruments
  • Meet with your ABC staff or faculty to discuss your final summer of study, final conducting project, and exit examination (optional).
June 21-30 (TBD)
  • Attend all ABC clinics, rehearsals, and sightreading sessions.
June 20-July 4
Midnight June 30
  • Perform in ABC Directors' Band Concerts.
June 26 and July 4 Performance Attire
Directions
  • Attend post-concert socials at McKee’s home. (407 Terrace Street)
June 26 and July 4
  • Conduct ABC Directors' Band in rehearsal.
June 20 - July 1
  • Comprehensives: Upload instrument startup lessons - if graduating.
July 1 Google Form
  • Participate in ABC Certification Graduation Ceremony.
July 3
  • Take final exam and play in ABC Exit Exam Band.
  • Does not conclude until 5:00 p.m. Participation required.
  • Comprehensives: Conduct rehearsal diagnostics band - if graduating.
Note: Must have wireless enabled computer to take July 5 final exam.
July 5, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Low Test Scores
Required Laptop
Research and Practical Application projects
  • Research 3 Project (MUS 623.001) and Practical Application 3 Project (MUS 618.001)
  • Both projects must be received in our office no later than midnight August 5

(See complete details on pages 15, 16, 20 & 21 of the ABC Catalog-Handbook.)

INPORTANT: You must use the ABC Project Form and envelope for each project. ("Pristine" copies provided during ABC.)

RE to arrive by August 5
PA to arrive by August 5

Arrival date is absolute.
No exceptions!
Where/When
PA & RE Form
Late Penalty
Grade Info