UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE

 

 

MUS 125-425:  Brass Ensemble                                                                                  Instructor:  Erin Schmidt

Time:  Thurs @ 1 p.m.                                                                                                Home Phone:  490-3692

Location:  FA Room 110                                                                                           Office Phone:  479-2718

e-mail:  es76@evansville.edu                                                     Office Hours: posted on studio door & by appt.                                                                                                                               

Course Objectives:

 

Students taking this course will develop:

Ÿ         improved playing skills such as articulation, breathing, tone quality, intonation, endurance and ensemble playing skills.

Ÿ         a deeper understanding of brass quintet/ensemble music.

Ÿ         creative and efficient practice strategies for independent ensemble rehearsals.

Ÿ         musical sensitivity.

Ÿ         an understanding of the music and the composer’s historical significance.

Ÿ         a thorough knowledge of music notation and language.

Ÿ         a greater awareness of melody, harmony, tempo, dynamics, form and style.

 

Coachings:

 

Coachings will be held on a weekly basis.  Coachings falling on a University holiday (except for Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Spring Break) will be made up or arranged for another day of the week.

 

The ensemble is expected to rehearse as a group at least one-hour outside of the established coaching session so that the group coaching hour is more productive.

 

Attendance:

 

Students must give at least a 24 hour notice if they must miss a coaching.  If the absence is excused, the coaching will be rescheduled at the instructor’s and other ensemble player’s earliest convenience.  If proper notice is not given, the coaching will not be rescheduled.  The unexcused coaching will result in a grade of “F” for that individual who is missing. 

 

Grading:

 

Grades are based on the following:

 

Ÿ         weekly coaching grade – 100 points per session (12 sessions)

Ÿ         performance grade – 600 points

 

Weekly coachings will be graded on progress and material covered from week to week, attendance, timeliness and attention/participation.

 

 

Ensemble Recital:

 

The Ensemble is expected to perform on at least one student workshop per semester.   The Ensemble will also perform on other recitals that the Instructor deems an appropriate event for the ensemble.  The Ensemble is encouraged to seek out other performing opportunities outside of the university (i.e. weddings, banquets, ect...).