Course Syllabus
Course: MUSC 4106
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: Chamber Orchestra IV
Semester Approved: Spring 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2028
End Semester: Fall 2029
Catalog Description: The course provides training and practical playing experience in a wide range of works for orchestra. Concerts and special programs are given throughout the year in which the students will be expected to participate. This ensemble will provide students with an opportunity to develop technical skill, sight-reading ability, and knowledge of the repertory related to the ensemble. It further allows students to synthesize musical, historical and cultural knowledge into meaningful artistic expression. Audition required. This course is repeatable for credit.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.
Prerequisites: MUSC 3106 or permission of instructor. Audition required.
Justification: This ensemble serves both music majors and non-music majors by providing an opportunity for students to perform standard orchestral works. The National Association of Schools of Music requires that member institutions serve both of these student populations. Through quality performance of significant literature, students will share this art with fellow student musicians and the composers whose music they create and preserve. Orchestra (symphony or chamber) is required for all string music majors in each semester of their programs both at this institution and at transfer institutions. Non-majors are granted elective credit upon transfer.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to correctly perform various pieces using a proper musical style. Students will be able to perform one piece on a concert without a conductor. Students will demonstrate this by playing with a proper amount of bow, bow weight, and attack. This outcome will be assessed through evaluation of performance in rehearsal, periodic playing tests, and evaluation of public performance.
Students will demonstrate sensitivity to the dynamic requirements of the selected literature. Students will demonstrate an ability to properly balance and blend with other players. Students will demonstrate by playing passages with a variety of loud and soft timbres as indicated in the music, and by adjusting to the style of other players as needed.This outcome will be assessed through evaluation of performance in rehearsal, periodic playing tests, and evaluation of public performance.
Students will demonstrate an ability to play with acceptable intonation, and sensitivity to the conductor's gestures. They will demonstrate by playing in unison with other players and by periodically looking at the conductor for cues. Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in class rehearsal and public performances.
Content:
Concert repertoire will be chosen, rehearsed, and performed from each of the four major time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary/Twentieth Century. Music from a variety of nations and composers will be studied. Other topics will include using proper tone, variable dynamics and articulations, accurate intonation and rhythms, overall balance and blend, as well as following the conductor. Students of all backgrounds and cultures are invited to audition.
Key Performance Indicators:
Through performance, students will be able to interpret music using the proper tone, bowings, dynamics, tempi and articulation from various historical pieces.
Class Participation 30 to 35%
Playing Tests 30 to 35%
Public Performances 30 to 40%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Music selections assigned by instructor.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will be delivered via lecture, discussion, and feedback guided performance. Music literature will be chosen from a variety of sources and styles, including nations, ethnic groups, time periods, genders, etc.. Class discussions during rehearsals will address said musical styles, their importance, and how to perform them in an accurate and understanding manner. Musical topics that relate to diversity and inclusion in a string ensemble setting will be discussed in a safe and understanding environment. All students in the ensemble will be treated with respect and in an equitable way.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 20
Optimum Class Size: 16
