| Subject Overview: |
SMALL ENSEMBLE
Subject Outline
The SMALL ENSEMBLE subject consists of two or more players performing works designed to be played unconducted. Students are expected to undertake self-directed study, including group rehearsals, of the equivalent of the supervised time. This should include regular periods of listening to recorded musics relevant to the area of study. The Small Ensemble program runs over the three years of the course. The focus of this subject is to develop listening and playing skills in the area of ensemble performance. Aspects such as interpretation, arrangement, balance, interaction, dynamics, tempo, placement, rhythm and harmony are among the issues dealt with.
The Small Ensemble classes run for 2 hours per week, 10 weeks per semester. These rehearsal sessions are designed to prepare the ensemble for their weekly performance at Ensemble Workshop. It is expected that Small Ensembles rehearse regularly outside the formal supervised times. The repertoire for Year 1 is based in the main of standards from the jazz repertoire. In Years 2 & 3 as well as a continuation of the vast contemporary jazz repertoire list, students are encouraged to compose for their ensembles and lead the rehearsals along with the lecturer in charge.
ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP
Subject Outline
ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP consists of a regular small ensemble performance forum. Ensemble Workshop provides a regular performance forum for all the small ensembles in which issues relevant to particular instruments and/or ensembles are explored in a performance setting. These presentations provide a stimulus for focused discussion by the workshop class guided by the lecturer in attendance. The interdependence of listening, composing and performing skills is emphasised through performance, discussion and critical analysis.
RHYTHM SECTION TUTORIAL
Subject Outline
The RHYTHM SECTION TUTORIAL is designed to assist the rhythm section players to explore diverse comping styles.
LARGE ENSEMBLE
Subject Outline
The LARGE ENSEMBLE component offers students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of large scale musical settings. Students are required to join one Large Ensemble per year. The Large Ensemble classes run for 2 hours per week, 8 times per semester. These rehearsal sessions are designed to workshop and develop material for concert or recording activities that our Large Ensembles are increasingly invited to take part in. The Large Ensembles range from traditional Big Band, A Cappella and Afro-American Percussion Ensembles, to ensembles exploring New Performance Art and World Music.
|
| Objectives: |
SMALL ENSEMBLE
On completing this subject students will:
• have developed listening and playing skills in the area of small and large ensemble performance;
• have the ability to play in an ensemble considering the aspects of style interpretation, arrangement, balance, interaction, dynamics, tempo, placement, rhythm and harmony.
ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP
On completing this subject students will be able to:
• connect research into repertoire to actual performance, and the development of creative skills of interpretation across a wide spectrum of music;
• be cognisant of and sympathetic to a broad range of musics and associated performance skills;
• communicate skills in order to both understand all aspects of performance practice, and develop an understanding of life experience as a performer in the 21st century;
• demonstrate an appreciation of solo and group performance, current (public) performance practice and the extra-musical aspects necessary for success in the profession;
• demonstrate the necessary skills to combat performance anxiety and other elements which hinder the successful performance of music;
• demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the individualistic nature of performance;
• engage in constructive critical debate.
RHYTHM SECTION TUTORIAL
On completing this subject students will:
• have developed listening and playing skills in the area of small and large ensemble performance;
• have the ability to play in an ensemble considering the aspects of style interpretation, arrangement, balance, interaction, dynamics, tempo, placement, rhythm and harmony.
LARGE ENSEMBLE
On completing this subject students will:
• have developed listening and playing skills in the area of small and large ensemble performance;
• have the ability to play in an ensemble considering the aspects of style interpretation, arrangement, balance, interaction, dynamics, tempo, placement, rhythm and harmony.
|
| Assessment: |
SMALL ENSEMBLE
CONTINUOUS: Attendance, preparation and commitment as demonstrated by performance tasks and activities embracing all areas studied (30%).
FORMAL: One Small Ensemble performance of 20 minutes. (50%)
ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP
Attendance and performances at Ensemble Workshop. (20%)
RHYTHM SECTION TUTORIAL
CONTINUOUS: Attendance, preparation and commitment as demonstrated by performance tasks and activities embracing all areas studied.
LARGE ENSEMBLE
CONTINUOUS: Attendance, preparation and commitment as demonstrated by participation in rehearsals, recordings and/or performance activities.
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 requirement
Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.
|
| Generic Skills: |
SMALL ENSEMBLE
On completing this subject students will:
• 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.
ENSEMBLE WORKSHOP
On completing this subject students will:
• 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.
RHYTHM SECTION TUTORIAL
On completing this subject students will:
• 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.
LARGE ENSEMBLE
On completing this subject students will:
• 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.
|