Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: WA Academy of Performing Arts

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

  Classical Ensemble 6

• Unit Code

  MUS3511

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  10

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

In this unit, students build expertise in instrumental and/or vocal skills through ensemble rehearsals and performances. They participate in one or more ensembles, which may include chamber music groups, choirs, symphony orchestras, music theatre orchestras, operas, new music groups, and other instrumental ensembles. Emphasis is placed on the enrichment of high-level musicianship skills, as well as an understanding of historical performance practices and keys to successful musical interpretation. Students develop expertise in ensemble playing, teamwork, concert presentation and professional etiquette, develop their capacity for self-evaluation, and build a strategic understanding of rehearsal processes and outcomes.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from MUS3507

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply advanced musical skills to a range of rehearsal and performance projects.
2. Demonstrate a mature understanding of concert presentation and professional etiquette.
3. Demonstrate a strategic understanding of rehearsal processes and strategies.
4. Demonstrate expertise in ensemble playing, teamwork, sight-reading, intonation, phrasing, dynamics, rhythm and stylistic understanding.
5. Make critical self-evaluations of their own performances and implement appropriate changes for improvement.
6. Perform effectively in an instrumental and/or vocal ensemble setting.
7. Respond intelligently to direction.

Unit Content

1. Advanced skills in musicianship and ensemble playing.
2. Critical reflection and self-evaluation.
3. Ensemble rehearsals and assigned public performances.
4. Historical performance practices.
5. Keys to successful musical interpretation.
6. Repertoire selected by the Unit Co-ordinator and/or Ensemble Director.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Rehearsals, Performances, Workshops.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail 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 Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Repertoire selected by the Unit Co-ordinator and/or Ensemble Director
• Green, E.A. (1987). The dynamic orchestra: Principles of orchestral performance for instrumentalists, conductors and audiences. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Kenny, D.T. (2011). The psychology of music performance anxiety. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Lawson, C. (Ed.). (2003). The Cambridge companion to the orchestra. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Willlamon, A. (2004). Musical Excellence: Strategies and techniques to enhance performance. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Meyer, M. (2011). Chamber orchestra and ensemble repertoire. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
• Read, G. (1983). Compendium of modern instrumental techniques. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
• Rink, J. (Ed.). (2003). Musical performance: A guide to understanding. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Spitzer, J. (2005). The birth of the orchestra: History of an institution. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
• Watson, A.H. (2009). The biology of musical performance and performance related injury. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
• Adey, C. (2009). Orchestral performance: A guide for conductors and players. London, UK: Faber Finds.
• Quadros, A. (Ed.). The Cambridge companion to choral music. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.

^ Mandatory reference

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