Academic Catalogs

MUS A132: Wind Ensemble

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 12/08/2021
Top Code 100400 - Music
Units 1 Total Units 
Hours 54 Total Hours (Lab Hours 54)
Total Outside of Class Hours 0
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee Yes
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable Yes; Repeat Limit 3
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Associate Arts Local General Education (GE)
  • OC Active Participation - AA (OC2)
Associate Science Local General Education (GE)
  • OCC Arts - AS (OSC1)

Course Description

Open to advanced performers on brass, woodwind and percussion instruments. Rehearsal and performance of music from standard symphonic and wind ensemble literature. Regularly scheduled concerts. This course may be taken four times. Studio/Arranged Studio. PREREQUISITE: Eligibility based on successful audition. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: MUS 180.C-ID: MUS 180.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Diagnose technical challenges in the wind ensemble literature.
  2. Formulate practice exercises and a practice schedule to address technical challenges.
  3. Perform a public concert as a member of the wind ensemble.
  4. Evaluate the effectiveness and success of this performance.

Course Objectives

  • 1. Apply wind ensemble techniques.
  • 2. Demonstrate familiarity with wind ensemble literature.
  • 3. Increase skills, background and experience as a performing musician.
  • 4. Sight read wind ensemble music while following a conductor.
  • 5. Perform with accurate intonation.
  • I Demonstrate the ability to follow a conductor including the following techniques;
  • I. 1. Tempo
  • I. 2. Articulation
  • I. 3. Accelerando
  • I. 4. Phrasing
  • I. 5. dynamics

Lecture Content

This is a lab only course.

Lab Content

Repertoire overview Theme Principal assignments Evaluation of placement Recorded examples of concert repertoire Sight reading Simple selections progressing to difficult Complete selections Overview of ensemble sound Rehearsal technique Rhythmic accuracy as an ensemble Examples of rhythmic motifs Performance of motifs Vocalization Stylistic elements Unique articulations Stylistic articulations Notation of articulations variations in notation variations in performance historic context Types of articulations staccato accent marcato tenuto legato performance of articulations Ensemble skills Balance pyramid Low register instruments dominant tuba trombone euphonium baritone sax tenor sax bassoon Mid register instruments French horn alto sax High register instruments clarinet trumpet flute piccolo Percussion pitched unpitched Dynamics Control of pianissimo phrases Control of forte phrases Crescendo Diminuendo  Ensemble cohesiveness Following the conductor Downbeat Ritardando Accelerando Penultimate measure Concert preparation Performance run through One composition Entire concert Taking the course four times enhances skills by supervised re petition and practice.

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

Group rehearsal and performance, solo rehearsal and performance, lecture

Reading Assignments

.

Writing Assignments

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing wind ensemble music to the instructors satisfaction to complete the course. This will include ensemble performance, sight reading and technical studies.

Out-of-class Assignments

.

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

Participation in rehearsals, sectionals, and performance accuracy in concerts.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students must demonstrate proficiency in performing wind ensemble music to the instructors satisfaction to complete the course. This will include ensemble performance, sight reading and technical studies.

Other Resources

1. Music scores will be provided by the instructor.