Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Directing School Music Ensembles

• Unit Code

  MUE4105

• Year

  2021

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Geoffrey Masterton LOWE

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Description

In this unit, students will examine the unique pedagogy and methodologies associated with running a variety of instrumental ensembles in secondary schools. The unit will examine different ensemble contexts, including orchestral, concert band, jazz band, rock band and choral ensembles, and consider behavioural and constructivist approaches to ensemble direction. In addition, it will examine the differences between junior and senior secondary ensembles. It will examine teacher / student relationships, motivation, performance and group performance anxiety, assessment, administration and the legal responsibilities faced by ensemble directors in schools, as well as the role of ensembles within the broader Curriculum Framework and emerging Australian Arts Curriculum.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded MUE4305

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Compare various existing philosophies and methodologies of music education as they pertain to ensemble direction.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the administrative and legal responsibilities associated with running a secondary school music ensemble.
3. Demonstrate effective ensemble conducting and directing skills.
4. Differentiate relevant pedagogy across a range of ensembles from concert band, choir and orchestra to jazz and rock bands.
5. Evaluate both behavioural and constructivist approaches to ensemble direction.
6. Interpret the Curriculum Framework and Australian Arts Curriculum, particularly as they relate to secondary school ensembles.
7. Souce appropriate repertoire for the range of ensembles found in secondry school.

Unit Content

1. Behaviourist and constructivist approaches to ensemble direction.
2. Pedagogy and methodologies associated with running concert bands, choirs, orchestras, jazz bands and rock bands.
3. Pedagogy, with specific reference to repertoire for each ensemble.
4. Performance and assessment as it relates to the Curriculum Framework and Australian Arts Curriculum.
5. Practical conducting skills.
6. Related areas including group performance anxiety, administrative and legal responsibilities.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lecture, Direct instruction, Demonstration, Workshops, Collaborative small group learning, Problem solving, Blackboard documents and resources, Scores, Hard copy resources, Technology including keyboards, computers and sound equipment (where available).

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

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