MUSC 120: Studio Laboratory Band I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2024
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 54
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Total Student Learning Hours: 216
Prerequisite: Skills assessment or audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Exploration and performance of beginning large studio ensemble literature. Topics include the performance of various contemporary styles and section playing in the recording studio setting. 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • play their chosen instrument at a beginning level as evidenced by their achievement and control of tone production, articulation, intonation, velocity, rhythmic projection, dynamics, expression and appropriate style.
  • translate the music notation of beginning (Grade 2) large studio ensemble literature consisting of clef, key signature, linear and harmonic note designation, meter, rhythmic subdivision (counting), dynamics (loudness level and variation), articulation of swing and even eighth-note styles, form, phrasing interpretation, and terminology.
  • demonstrate knowledge of beginning concepts of large studio ensemble instrument section responsibilities, blend and balance, intonation anticipation and adjustment, style and articulation interpretation and uniformity.
  • demonstrate introductory knowledge of headphones use, click track, microphone, acoustic barriers and isolation chamber utilization

Major Course Content

  1. Review and development of beginning level characteristic instrumental tone
  2. Strategies for the development of beginning level rhythm reading skills
  3. Review and development of beginning level articulation skills- including swing and even eighth-note contemporary styles
  4. Review and development of beginning level stylistic phrasing skills
  5. Introduction to large studio ensemble section chair responsibilities
  6. Introduction to professionalism and large studio ensemble membership,  and participation responsibilities
  7. Rehearsal and performance of beginning (Grade 2) large studio ensemble literature
  8. Introduction to click track, headphones, and microphone utilization

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Instrument sections and section combinations meet weekly to review and develop:
    1. Characteristic instrumental tone
    2. Rhythm reading skills
    3. Articulation skills
    4. Stylistic phrasing skills
  2. Recording and conferring sessions are scheduled beyond the scheduled class and section times for:
    1. Ensemble tracking
    2. Sectional overdubbing
    3. Solo overdubbing
    4. Conferring on mixing and editing
    5. Development of click track, headphones, and microphone utilization skills
  3. Instrument sections and section combinations meet weekly to rehearse assigned literature content.
  4. Additional section combination and full ensemble rehearsals are arranged, especially during the weeks approaching recording sessions.
  5. Arranged recording studio use is coordinated with studio availability.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Assigned periodical articles

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written evaluation of recorded large studio ensemble literature using standard music evaluation forms.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Study individual parts Practice skills Study/evaluate reference recordings

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture