Course

Percussion Ensemble I

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course code
MUSC 1184
Credits
1.50
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
15
Method(s) of instruction
Tutorial
Typically offered
To be determined

Overview

Course description
Students will study and perform repertoire for percussion instruments of both definite and indefinite pitch. They will also study selected rhythmic systems of music cultures such as African, Brazilian and Cuban drumming. Emphasis is placed on the development of sight-reading ability, ensemble skills and musical style. The group will perform at least once per semester.
Course content
  1. Ensemble repertoire, appropriate to the group’s level
  2. Basic rehearsal discipline, preparation of parts, concentration and attention to the conductor or leader
  3. Ensemble listening skills
  4. Basic skills in music handling, set up, page turning, appropriate part marking
  5. Efficient use of rehearsal time
  6. An ability to work well in a group
  7. An ability to work with a variety of personalities in a compatible way
  8. Proper stage dress and deportment     
Learning activities

Coaching and rehearsal of the instrumental ensemble.

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

*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

Through the exploration of appropriate repertoire, the successful student will be able to demonstrate:

  1. Sight reading skills
  2. The ability to establish a group tempo through a pick-up or beat indicated by the leader
  3. Rhythmic accuracy and control of tempo
  4. A sense of group dynamics including:
    • the overall dynamic of the ensemble
    • balance and the relative importance of the various parts
  5. Clarity of articulation
  6. Controlled tone production
  7. An awareness of style and performance practice regarding the various styles of percussion music
Textbook materials

Course materials will be provided by the instructor.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Instructor permission

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

MUSC 1187

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 1184
Coast Mountain College (CMTN) No credit
College of the Rockies (COTR) No credit
Coquitlam College (COQU) No credit
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU MUSI 1173 (2)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU GE 1XX (1)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) No credit
University of British Columbia - Vancouver (UBCV) DOUG MUSC 1184 (1.5) & DOUG MUSC 1284 (1.5) = UBCV MUSC_V 162 (2)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) No credit
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC MUS 181 (0.5)
University of Victoria (UVIC) DOUG MUSC 1184 (1.5) & DOUG MUSC 1284 (1.5) = UVIC MUS 181 (1)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) Individual audition required

Course Offerings

Winter 2025