BYU-Idaho Symphony MUS 342A (Strings) MUS … · BYU-Idaho Symphony MUS 342A (Strings) MUS 342B ......

BYU-Idaho Symphony MUS 342A (Strings) MUS 342B (Winds/Percussion) M W 11:30 – 1:45, Snow Rehearsal Hall, Room 181 Dr. Robert Tueller, Director Snow 254, 496-4975, tuellerr@byui.edu

Dr. Nadine Luke, Woodwind specialist Dr. Matthew Moore, Brass specialist

Philosophy Symphony should represent the pinnacle of your artistic experience while studying music at BYU-Idaho. Ensembles can only be as strong as each individual. Your willingness to prepare makes a difference. Members must not wait until the final rehearsals to solve basic technical problems such as rhythm and intonation. Every rehearsal spent “hammering out” notes diminishes your educational opportunity and artistic experience. Talent or ability is only one requirement for success in any endeavor. Far more important is commitment, determination and consistency. Effective preparation not only includes personal practice, but also regular listening. Knowing the pieces enhances your preparation. Music majors can expect effective symphony preparation to represent a combination of their work in core classes including: music theory, aural skills, analysis, literature, and applied study. Course Requirements

• Graded pass-offs with instructors prior to each concert. A complete list of pass-off requirements and schedules for each instrument will be available in the second week of class.

• Suggested two hours of weekly practice outside of rehearsals personally or in groups. Repertoire and personal ability may require less or more. Practice should be reported weekly

• Students should consistently listen to recordings of the semester’s repertoire. • Consistent attendance and punctuality

Grading – Scheduled Pass-offs All students will be required to pass-off excerpts from the semester’s repertoire prior to each performance. Specific pass-off schedules will be available at the beginning of the semester and a complete list of requirements for each instrument part will be distributed in the second week of class. Semester grades are determined according to the following criteria:

A Accurate intonation and secure, consistent rhythm. Appropriate articulation, dynamics and musical style and sensitivity.

B Acceptable intonation and good rhythm. Some minor inaccuracies. Good articulation, dynamics and musical style and sensitivity.

C Some inconsistency in rhythm and inaccurate intonation. Less attention to articulation, dynamics and musical style and sensitivity.

D - F Unprepared or unacceptable rhythm and intonation. Poor articulation and dynamics. No musical sensitivity.

In pass-offs, students may be asked to sing and count rhythmically difficult sections aloud. It is perfectly acceptable to simplify, or “arrange” a difficult section to fit your individual ability and present them at pass-offs. This is commonly done even in professional orchestras to keep the ensemble clean and secure. Students should take these types of passages to their private teacher for evaluation. Exceptions would include prominent solo passages. If in doubt, ask the director. Bro. Tueller has regular office hours or would be happy to arrange a time to meet with any student prior to pass-offs. Faculty, section leaders and other experienced orchestra members can also help.

Grading - Attendance In addition to pass offs, attendance determines your maximum possible grade: Total # of Absences Highest POSSIBLE Grade

3 A- 4 B 5 B- 6 C+ 7 C 8 C- 9 F

All absences count the same, regardless of cause. Two tardies equal one absence and leaving rehearsal early counts as an absence. If you need to miss a rehearsal, please send an email to Bro Tueller. There are no excused absences in Symphony Orchestra. The only exceptions to this policy are for "University Academic Excused Absences" required for other classes or for severe prolonged illness. In the case of illness, a doctor's statement will be required, and the directors will meet with you to determine if special arrangements can be made allowing you to complete the course. It is always best to communicate regarding absences. Please approach orchestra attendance with a professional attitude. Individual wind and brass parts, as well as string section leaders carry a higher level of accountability in attendance. While your overall maximum grade will still be limited by absences, it is possible that by missing a rehearsal, you will affect the entire ensemble’s ability to effectively rehearse. If you are ill, or need to be absent, check with Bro Tueller; it may be necessary for you to provide a competent substitute player so the orchestra can still accomplish in rehearsal. Additionally, missing a rehearsal close to a performance may jeopardize a quality experience for all. Attendance at all dress rehearsals and concerts is required for a passing grade. Check the semester calendar and plan carefully. Concert Dress Standards – Same as Symphony Band Men: black tux, white tux shirt, black cummerbund, black bow tie, black socks, formal black shoes Women: formal blouse with at least ¾ length sleeves, floor-length, all black dress (or formal pants for cellos and basses), black dress shoes with black hose/stockings (Please ensure your outfit is an appropriate counterpart to the men's tux.) Cell Phones The use of cell phones in orchestra is not allowed at anytime, including text messaging. Please turn off your phones before class, or leave them in your locker. If there is an emergency situation where it is necessary to be available, let me know beforehand. Announcements and Weekly Rehearsal Schedule A rehearsal schedule, including specific movements and passages, will be posted at the end of the week for the following week’s rehearsal. This allows all players to know what time they will be needed in rehearsal, and more importantly, what music to have prepared. Schedules will be posted on the orchestra board outside of room 181 and Bro. Tueller’s office, Room 254,

Punctuality Attendance is taken promptly at 11:30a.m. To be counted on time, students should be in their seats, with instruments out of their cases and warming up. Outcomes Students successfully completing MUS 342A Symphony Orchestra Strings & MUS 342B Symphony Orchestra Winds will acquire or strengthen the following knowledge and skills:

• Familiarity with a broad range of orchestral repertoire • Evaluating and improving personal performance on their instrument • Improving basic musicianship including rhythm and intonation • Leadership and music teaching skills • Musical esthetics: evaluation of artistic quality • Large group dynamics and collaboration with other musicians in a large ensemble • Professionalism

Implied consent notice (compliance with 17 U.S.C. sec. 1101) Your performances as a member of a BYU-Idaho ensemble are recorded and may be released to audio and/or video media (including, but not limited to, radio, YouTube, iTunes, and CD/DVD). Your decision to register for and participate in a BYU-Idaho ensemble constitutes your consent to allow your performance to be displayed, distributed, and released to promote the educational mission and purposes of the University and/or Department of Music. If you do not agree, you should drop this class.