Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include demonstrated ability to play an instrument found in a wind or chamber ensemble
Advisory: Three to four years experience on instrument
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Description: Training in the interpretation and performance of standard band literature, with emphasis on sight reading new band music. Advanced students given the opportunity for solo work. At least one public performance given each semester. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Demonstrate basic performance skills in a small ensemble setting, including matched tone and style, intonation, balance, and blend.
  • CSLO #2: Demonstrate on a band instrument the ability to perform grade three literature at sight.
  • CSLO #3: Analyze and distinguish technique appropriate to the style of selected wind ensemble literature.

Effective Term

Fall 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

27

Total Student Learning Hours

81

Course Objectives

Lecture-Directed Study Objectives:
1. Play with matched tone and style, intonation, balance, and blend both to the section and to the ensemble.
2. Demonstrate on a band instrument the ability to perform level appropriate literature at sight.
3. Play with technique appropriate to the style of selected wind ensemble literature.
4. Play the correct pitches and rhythms.
5. Demonstrate the ability to respond to non-verbal performance instruction from the conductor.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Demonstrate the ability to transpose from concert pitch to their instrument.
2. Perform solos as applicable.
3. Demonstrate an increased facility above previous level by repetition and public performance.
4. Demonstrate professional level performance and rehearsal standards of conduct.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • AA/AS - Fine Arts
  • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
    • CSUGE - C1 Arts
  • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
    • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

      Articulation Information

      • CSU Transferable
      • UC Transferable

      Methods of Evaluation

      • Classroom Discussions
        • Example: After rehearsing a section of a composition, instructor will engage students in a discussion of what they heard in terms of correct articulation, rhythms, intonation, blend and balance. Students will respond to questions posed by the faculty orally. Students will be evaluated on participation and their ability to actively engage in the discussion.
      • Reports
        • Example: In a written essay report of a live concert, the student will evaluate a symphonic band performance and address current lecture and rehearsal topics. Reports will be evaluated based upon an instructor provided rubric.
      • Skill Demonstrations
        • Example: Skill and knowledge of current literature will be assessed through student demonstration and performance of selected musical excerpts. Performances will be evaluated based upon an instructor provided rubric.

      Repeatable

      Yes

      Methods of Instruction

      • Laboratory
      • Lecture/Discussion
      • Distance Learning

      Lab:

      1. Instructor and students will rehearse a section of a composition, instructor will then engage students in discussing what they heard in terms of accuracy of intonation, rhythm, blend and balance.

      Lecture:

      1. Instructor will play recorded examples of the current rehearsal literature. Through instructor guided listening, students will be asked to identify demonstrated wind ensemble performance techniques such as intonation, sectional blending and rhythmic ensemble playing.

      Typical Out of Class Assignments

      Reading Assignments

      1. Study and analyze assigned musical selections and demonstrate an understanding of musical concepts presented in the assignment through active participation in a class discussion. 2. Read a critique published in a music periodical or journal of a symphonic band performance and report your findings to the class.

      Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

      1. Study, interpret, and practice assigned musical selections and demonstrate, through in-class performance, improvement of skills through active participation in class rehearsals. 2. Write a critical review of a recent performance of this ensemble. Include aspects and effectiveness of pre-concert preparation as demonstrated throughout the performance and address public response.

      Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

      Required Materials

      • The Art of Wind Playing
        • Author: Arthur Weisberg
        • Publisher: Hal Leonard Publishing
        • Publication Date: 2007
        • Text Edition: 1st
        • Classic Textbook?: No
        • OER Link:
        • OER:
      • Winds of Change II: The New Millennium
        • Author: Battisti
        • Publisher: Meredith Music Resource
        • Publication Date: 2012
        • Text Edition: 1st
        • Classic Textbook?: No
        • OER Link:
        • OER:

      Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

      Appropriate musical selections are studied and performed. All music selected will be of a high artistic caliber, typically professional or university level compositions. Use of sheet music provided by instructor from Music Department score library.