MUSP 134: Brass Choir II

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2023
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 90
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 54
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Prerequisite: MUSP 133 or Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Study and performance of contemporary brass ensemble music. This course provides an opportunity to learn performance practices of brass music in various styles through the medium of a large brass ensemble. Literature from the Romantic Era to the 20th Century will be covered. Public performance required. Audition assessment required. 36 lecture hours, 54 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • explain and demonstrate the fundamentals of phrasing and articulation
  • explain and demonstrate each instrument’s function in the ensemble
  • demonstrate a basic understanding of ensemble playing in various musical styles
  • explain and demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the similarities and differences of brass ensemble music of the Romantic and 20th Century eras.

Major Course Content

  1. Music Literature Selected from the Romantic Era to the 20th Century
    1. Romantic (1820-1900) arrangements selected from prominent composers such as:
      1. Berlioz
      2. Bruckner
      3. Mahler
      4. Strauss
    2. Modern or 20th Century (1900-present) arrangements selected from prominent composers such as:
      1. Bill Adam
      2. Keith Snell
      3. Phillip Jones
      4. Igor Stravinsky
      5. Claude Debussy
  2. Musical Interpretation-Topics to be discussed include:
    1. Dynamics
    2. Articulation
    3. Range and tessitura
    4. Dramatic effects
      1. Trills
      2. Mordants
      3. Appogiaturas
      4. Groupettos
      5. Grace notes
    5. Concepts of stylistic embellishments
    6. Improvisation
    7. Accepted performance practice techniques unique to each of the aforementioned musical periods
    8. Musical styles and interpretations of various literature pieces as well as composers will be compared and contrasted

Lab Content

  1. Scale Study
    1. Major
    2. Minor
    3. Diminished
  2. Chord Study
    1. Major
    2. Minor
    3. Diminished
    4. Augmented
    5. Dominant
    6. Major Seventh
    7. Minor Seventh
  3. Full Rehearsals
  4. Listening Exercises
  5. Public Performance

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Music periodical articles

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

A short analysis of music literature, styles, or a transposition may be required.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Development of an effective practice regimen Practice scales Practice solo and ensemble literature Chord/arpeggios Study Instrument specific drills Music listening assignments

Instruction Type(s)

Lab, Lecture