Course

MIDI Ensemble I

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course Code
MUSC 1136
Credits
1.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
10
Method(s) Of Instruction
Tutorial
Typically Offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Course Description
Designed primarily for students in the Music Technology Diploma Program, this course provides an opportunity for musicians to rehearse and perform together using MIDI and electronic based instruments 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.
Course Content

Students will learn to make group decisions on all matters of technology issues, 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)
  • Using technology to create sounds and mix proper volume balances during the live performance
  • Understand the role of MIDI sequencing and how to set up the flow of digital information between instruments and computers
  • Comprehend the challenges of MIDI communication during rehearsals and performance
Learning Activities

Students will be placed into ensembles of varying instrumentation depending upon the instrumental makeup of class enrolment.  A total of 2 hours of coaching/instruction per week will be given by music faculty. 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.

Means of Assessment
Assigned excerpts (minimum of four) 50%
Contribution to ensemble (tone, dynamics, balance) 25%
*Participation (attention and attitude) 25%
  100%

*Grades are based on the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s regular preparation for rehearsals, attentiveness and effort during rehearsals, and musical contribution to the ensemble. Frequently during the semester, certain passages of music will be assigned to be learned for an upcoming rehearsal and will be heard by the instructor. Students are graded on their achievement on these assignments.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students should possess an increased understanding of rehearsal and performance issues related to MIDI ensembles, in particular, how to listen to and communicate with each other.  Students should be able to identify problems related to technology 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.

Textbook Materials

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

Requisites

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for MUSC 1136
Athabasca University (AU) AU MUSI 2XX (3)
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU MUSI 1XXX (1)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU CA 1XX (1)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) No credit
Trinity Western University (TWU) TWU MUSI 165 (1)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) No credit
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC MUS 1XX (0.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) Individual Audition Required

Course Offerings

Winter 2025