Afro-Latin American Percussion Ensemble

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

96 Hours

basic music background and rhythmic awareness.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject gives participants the opportunity for an in-depth practical study of percussion techniques and repertoire. The material is based on African derived drumming which over the centuries has continued to develop and flourish in the American continent. Classes will cover techniques on a variety of percussion instruments, the role of the various instruments in the ensemble, historical background and improvisation styles. The ensemble will rehearse and prepare material conducted and unconducted, suitable for public performance or recording.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• identify a variety of rhythms and styles associated with Latin American musical culture;
• identify and perform selected rhythmic patterns on a variety of percussive instruments;
• understand and identify polyrhythmic activity in ensemble playing;
• perform rhythm with a renewed understanding of the inner pulse.

Continuous: Preparation, development and commitment, as demonstrated by class performance, with incremental advancement of the material covered in classes (50%).
Formal: 15-minute practical examination consisting of an ensemble recorded performance at the end of semester (50%).
Late submission
* Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day.
* Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.

Hurdle requirements
Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Engineering

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

On completing this subject students will be able to:
• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician;
• demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;
• work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments;
• understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.