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Course Syllabus

MUSC 2106 Chamber Orchestra II

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: by audition
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2021
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
  • End Semester: Fall 2026
  • Optimum Class Size: 15
  • Maximum Class Size: 30

Course 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Course 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.