Course Description
This is a performance course open to all guitar majors. Designed to give guitar students experience performing in a large conducted ensemble. Repertoire includes music from a variety of stylistic periods. Open to non-majors; requires ability to read standard notation and a classical guitar. One public performance per semester.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students assume leadership roles in the ensemble.
Duties include preparation of detailed practice plans and
fingerings for each section, leading sectional rehearsals, and
listening sessions. Graduate students will also gain conducting
experience and some experience with instrumental teaching.
Athena Title
Guitar Ensemble
Prerequisite
Two hours of MUSI 4700 or MUSI 4710 or MUSI 4750/6750
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to perform in ensemble setting, match tone and dynamics, and follow conductor. Students will experience a variety of musical styles. Students will be able to demonstrate good control of appropriate articulation and make stylistically appropriate interpretive choices. Most importantly, students will be able to communicate musical gestures non-verbally and follow such cues. Students will gain increased familiarity with important guitar ensemble repertoire.
Topical Outline
Topics covered will lead to the performance of a public concert. Each week specific pieces will be rehearsed in full ensemble as well as in small sections. Musical topics will include intonation and timbre control, rhythmic precision and flexibility, dynamic shaping and phrasing, and communication. Pieces selected will reflect a variety of stylistic periods as expected in a well-balanced concert program.
Syllabus