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 7

• Unit Code

  MUS4507

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  10

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

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Description

In this unit, students develop instrumental and/or vocal skills to a professional level 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 a professional-level of skills in musicianship, as well as an understanding of historical performance practices and keys to successful musical interpretation. In addition, students establish leadership skills in ensembles, advance their expertise in ensemble playing, teamwork, concert presentation and professional etiquette. They enhance their capacity for self-evaluation, and reinforce their strategic understanding of rehearsal processes and outcomes.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from MUS3511

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Critically monitor their own performances.
2. Demonstrate leaderships skills in an ensemble context.
3. Demonstrate mastery of concert presentation and professional etiquette.
4. Demonstrate professional-level expertise in ensemble playing, teamwork, musicianship, and stylistic understanding.
5. Perform with distinction in an instrumental and/or vocal ensemble setting.

Unit Content

1. Critical reflection and self-evaluation.
2. Ensemble rehearsals and assigned public performances.
3. Musical interpretation and performance practices.
4. Musical leadership in an ensemble setting.
5. Professional-level skills in musicianship and ensemble playing.
6. Repertoire selected by the Unit Coordinator 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.

Due to the professional competency skill development associated with this Unit, student attendance/participation within listed in-class activities is compulsory. Students failing to meet participation standards as outlined in the unit plan may be awarded an I Grade (Fail - incomplete). Students who are unable to meet this requirement for medical or other reasons must seek the approval of the unit coordinator.

Text References

• ^ Repertoire selected by the Unit Coordinator 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.
• Williamon, A. (2004). Musical excellence: Strategies and techniques to enhance performance. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press.
• Meyer, M. (2001). Chamber orchestra and ensemble repertoire. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press.
• Read, G. (1993). Compendium of modern instrumental techniques. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
• Rink, J. (Ed.). (2003). Musical performance: A guide to understanding. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.
• Spiter, 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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