MUSENS 1001A - Instrumental Ensemble 1 Part 1

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2015

This course provides the opportunity to participate in an instrumental ensemble that is specifically suitable for each student?s instrument. Ensemble participation develops musicianship through focussing on the skills of reading, listening, stylistic interpretation, intonation, and blend in the ensemble context. Each ensemble has its own rehearsal and performance schedule. Students are allocated to ensembles following auditions held prior to the start of the academic year. The ensembles available are: Chamber Orchestra, Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Guitar Band, and Percussion Ensemble.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code MUSENS 1001A
    Course Instrumental Ensemble 1 Part 1
    Coordinating Unit Elder Conservatorium of Music
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Contact Up to 4 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites Audition (held in O-week)
    Incompatible ENS 1023A, ENS 1009A, ENS 1010A, ENS 1004A, ENS 1011A, ENS 1017A
    Restrictions Priority is given to Bachelor of Music students but course is available to non-music students (by audition)
    Course Description This course provides the opportunity to participate in an instrumental ensemble that is specifically suitable for each student?s instrument. Ensemble participation develops musicianship through focussing on the skills of reading, listening, stylistic interpretation, intonation, and blend in the ensemble context. Each ensemble has its own rehearsal and performance schedule. Students are allocated to ensembles following auditions held prior to the start of the academic year. The ensembles available are: Chamber Orchestra,
    Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, Jazz Big Band, Jazz Guitar Band, and Percussion Ensemble.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jennifer Rosevear

    Classical Ensembles Director
    Chamber Orchestra Lachlan Bramble
    Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra             Keith Crellin
    Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra Robert Hower
    Percussion Ensemble Amanda Grigg
    Classical Guitar Ensemble Oliver Fartach-Naini        
    Jazz Ensembles
    Jazz Big Band Dustan Cox
    Cuban Ensemble Dustan Cox
    Note: Jazz Guitar Band - not offered in 2015
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes

    On successful completion of this course students will be able to:

    Demonstrate ensemble performance skills that display accuracy, fluency, advanced technical skills and a mature expressive sense along with a strong conceptual and interpretative understanding of the works studied

    Develop effective practising strategies which arise from independent, imaginative and creative approaches to problem solving

    Develop critical understanding of own and others’ musical performances in relation to professional standards

    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 3
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 2
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 2
    A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour and the ability to take a leadership role in the community. 1
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources

    Students will generally need to provide their own ensemble instrument. In certain circumstances, some instruments (e.g. bass clarinet, contrabassoon, baritone saxophone etc) may be available for loan to students through the relevant Head of Studies.

    Recommended Resources

    The Elder Music Library houses an extensive collection of music, literature and recordings.

    Online Learning

    MyUni will enable communication and other learning support.

  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Ensemble rehearsals, along with each student's individual part preparation, provide the basis for teaching and learning as expected in the professional music context.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Depending upon the ensemble, typically the following is expected:

    2 x 2 hour rehearsals per week

    48 hours per semester (96 hours per year)

    2 hours individual preparation per              
    week

    24 hours per semester (48 hours per year)

    6 hours concert preparation and
    performances

    6 hours per semester (12 hours per year)

     

    78 hours per semester (156 hours per year)

    Learning Activities Summary

    The ensemble director will plan and organise the repertoire to be studied by the ensemble and a rehearsal schedule will be developed to enable students to be adequately prepared for each rehearsal. Students may be expected to sight-read parts in some instances, and to listen to recordings of works being studied. There is an expectation of 100% attendance at rehearsals. The ensembles available are: Chamber Orchestra, Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, Elder Conservatorium Wind Orchestra, Jazz Big Band, and Percussion Ensemble.

    Jazz Guitar Band is not available in 2015.

    Specific Course Requirements
    There is an expectation of 100% attendance at rehearsals. Penalties willl apply to any unapproved absences (see Assessment).
    Small Group Discovery Experience

    Some ensembles may have sectional rehearsals as needed in which students are responsible for working collaboratively to solve specific performance problems.

  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary

    ASSESSMENT TASK

    TASK TYPE

    WEIGHTING

    COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME(S)

    Assessment 1 – Parts Assessment or equivalent

    Formative and summative

    30%

    1, 2

    Assessment 2 – Parts Assessment or equivalent

    Formative and summative

    30%

    1, 2

    Assessment 3 – Demonstration of Rehearsal Skills or equivalent     

    Formative and summative

    30%

    1, 2, 3

    Ensemble participation (ongoing throughout the year)

    Formative and summative

    10%

    1, 2, 3

    Assessment Related Requirements
    There is an expectation of 100% attendance at rehearsals.

    The following penalties will be applied to the final total mark for the year – ie after all assessments have been completed and calculated:

    Penalties
    Absence - ten (10) marks
    Lateness - five (5) marks

    Any unacceptable absences from ensemble rehearsals and performances will result in a ten (10) mark penalty for each unapproved absence, and a five (5) mark penalty for each episode of unapproved lateness. Lateness is defined as arrival at the rehearsal or performance venue at any time after the scheduled starting time for rehearsal, or any time after the scheduled ‘Call’ time in the case of performances.


    Assessment Detail

    Parts assessment – students will be required to play their individual part or to play in a small group/section from works selected by the ensemble director from the repertoire being studied. There will be at least one parts assessment per semester. Each parts assessment to be weighted at 30%.

    Demonstration of rehearsal skills – students’ input to rehearsals is underpinned by detailed individual preparation and a professional approach to rehearsals resulting in advanced rehearsal skills being demonstrated. 30%

    Ensemble participation – students are punctual and focussed on their contribution to effective rehearsal of material throughout the year. To be determined by the ensemble director. 10%

    Submission
    Practical assessment through rehearsals and performances.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    NOG (No Grade Associated)
    Grade Description
    CN Continuing

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

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  • Policies & Guidelines
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