Course Syllabus

MUSC 4196 Brass Chamber Music IV

Course Description

In this course students participate in a group ensemble experience on brass instruments. It is designed for capable brass players. This ensemble will provide students with an opportunity to develop technical skill, sight-reading ability, and knowledge of the repertory related to the ensemble. It further allows students to synthesize musical, historical and cultural knowledge into meaningful artistic expression. This course may be repeated for credit.

Justification

Music majors in general and performance majors in particular are required to participate in a chamber music experience. Playing in this kind of ensemble provides a focus on intonation, articulation and style that is not possible to achieve in a larger ensemble. This course will transfer as a performance credit. Most four-year institutions with music programs offer chamber music opportunities for undergraduates.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will be able to communicate the understanding which they have gained to their audiences.
2. Students will be able to accurately perform the rhythms, melodies and harmonies of the music selected by the director;
3. Students will be able to perform essential skills as part of a section, including, proper intonation blend and balance;
4. Students will be able to show improvement in both speed and accuracy of literature learning as measured by small group assessment;
5. Students will be able to understand the music in its historical setting as well as the stylistic, expressive, and formal qualities associated with the particular era of music history;

Course Content

Members of the ensemble will learn and perform appropriate literature as selected by the instructor. Content includes study of:
• Intonation
• Balance
• Blend
• Articulation
• Historical Context
• Performance Practice