Chamber Ensemble I

Curriculum guideline

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Course
MUSC 1134
Discontinued
No
Course code
MUSC 1134
Descriptive
Chamber Ensemble I
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
1.00
Start date
End term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
N/A
Contact hours
2 hours per week for 12 weeks
Method(s) of instruction
Tutorial
Learning activities

Students will be placed into ensembles of varying instrumentation depending upon the instrumental/vocal makeup of class enrolment. Faculty will be assigned responsibility for ensembles based on the makeup of the ensembles and expertise of the faculty.  Much of the students’ ensemble rehearsal time will be unsupervised; they will receive approximately one hour per week of guidance by the instructor(s). After each performance, the members of each ensemble, aided by the instructor, will evaluate the performance and the preceding rehearsals to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the group’s performance, and discuss means of improvement.

Course description
This course provides an opportunity for musicians to rehearse and perform together under the guidance of the music faculty. Students will be placed into ensembles of varying sizes and instrumentation, and will rehearse on their own as well as receiving instruction. All ensembles will perform in department recitals and concerts.
Open to all BMus students.
Course content

Students will learn to make group decisions on all matters of ensemble rehearsal and performance.

  • Development of cooperation in rehearsal - identifying and agreeing upon matters of tempo, dynamics, intonation, articulation, phrasing and interpretation, etc.
  • Ensemble listening skills - hearing oneself within the group setting, relating aurally/musically to others in the ensemble
  • When to lead, when to allow others to lead (allowing solo expression within the ensemble)
  • Non-verbal communication during performance
  • What to do when the performance comes apart (when musicians get lost or make mistakes that derail the performance)
Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should possess an increased understanding of rehearsal and performance issues related to small ensembles, in particular, how to listen to and to communicate with each other.  Students should be able to identify problems within the ensemble, and have an understanding of how to address those problems to improve the performance.  Students should be able to make group decisions on various matters during rehearsal, including musical interpretation and expression.

Means of assessment
Preparation for and participation in rehearsals (ongoing assessment, 30% at midterm, 30% at end of semester) 60%
Performance (at least once per semester) 30%
Group self-evaluation 10%
Total  100%
Textbook materials

Instructors will provide materials for the course, or will provide a list of materials to be purchased.

Prerequisites

Permission of coordinator

Corequisites

MUSC 1150 or MUSC 1250 or MUSC 2350 or MUSC 2450 or (MUSC 3150 or MUSC 3250 or MUSC 4150 or MUSC 4250 -  courses not currently offered) or MUSC 1151 or MUSC 1251 or MUSC 2351 or MUSC 2451 or (MUSC 3151 or MUSC 3251 or MUSC 4151, or MUSC 4251 - courses not currently offered)

Which prerequisite

MUSC 1234