Skip to content

Course Syllabus

MUSC 3096 Symphony Orchestra III

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1-3; Lecture: 1-3; Lab: 0
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: By audition, permission of instructor, and successful completion of MUSC 2096.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2022
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2027
  • End Semester: Summer 2028
  • Optimum Class Size: 60
  • Maximum Class Size: 80

Course Description

The course provides training and practical playing experience in a wide range of works for orchestra. Concerts and special programs are given throughout the year in which the students will be expected to participate. Audition required. 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. Orchestra is required for all string music majors in each semester of their programs both at this institution and at transfer institutions. 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.
  4. Students will demonstrate how to perform in a proper historical style. This will be taught using class demonstrations from the teacher, audio and video recordings, and concert attendance at local and statewide performances.

Course Content

Concert repertoire will be chosen, rehearsed, and performed from each of the four major musical time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. 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 or primary player. Music from a wide range of composers from various nationalities, races, religions, genders, etc. may be chosen. Class discussions will include approaches to understanding and performing this music with respect to all performers and listeners.