Course Syllabus

Course: MUSC 2106

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: Chamber Orchestra II

Semester Approved: Spring 2021
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
End Semester: Fall 2026

Catalog Description: The course provides training and practical playing experience in a wide range of works for chamber orchestra. Concerts and special programs are given throughout the year in which the students will be required to participate. This is a select, auditioned group. This course is repeatable for credit.

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.


Prerequisites: by audition

Justification: This ensemble serves both music majors and non-music majors by providing an opportunity for students to perform standard orchestral works. The National Association of Schools of Music requires that member institutions serve both of these student populations. Through quality performance of significant literature, students will share this art with fellow student musicians and the composers whose music they create and preserve. This group provides an opportunity for outstanding players to learn and perform challenging literature. Orchestra is required for all string music majors in each semester of their programs both at this institution and at transfer institutions. This course is most like MUSC 4434, Chamber Orchestra, at the University of Utah. Non-majors are granted elective credit upon transfer.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of a correct tone and articulation by playing with a proper amount of bow, bow weight, and attack. Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also maintain a daily practice record to be turned in at the end of the semester.

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of correct dynamics and balances by playing passages with a variety of loud and soft timbres as indicated in the music, and by adjusting to the style of other players as needed. Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also maintain a daily practice record to be turned in at the end of the semester.

Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of correct rhythms and following the conductor, by playing in unison with other players and by periodically looking at the conductor for cues. Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Each of these musical elements will be assessed by the instructor during in-class rehearsals and public performances. Students will also maintain a daily practice record to be turned in at the end of the semester.


Content:
Concert repertoire will be chosen, rehearsed, and performed from each of the four major time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary/Twentieth Century. Other topics will include using proper tone, variable dynamics and articulations, accurate intonation and rhythms, overall balance and blend, as well as following the conductor. Music from a wide range of composers from various nationalities may be chosen.

Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be graded on the following:

Satisfactory participation in sectional and full ensemble rehearsal 30 to 40%

Satisfactory participation in each ensemble performance  30 to 40%

Daily practice record of assigned literature 30 to 40%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Music selections assigned by instructor.


Pedagogy Statement:
Music literature will be chosen from a variety of sources and styles, including nations, ethnic groups, time periods, genders, etc.. Class discussions during rehearsals will address said musical styles, their importance, and how to perform them in an accurate and understanding manner. Musical topics that relate to diversity and inclusion in a string orchestra setting will be discussed in a safe and understanding environment. All students in the ensemble will be treated with respect and in an equitable way.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture

Maximum Class Size: 30
Optimum Class Size: 15