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