MUSP 145: Wind Symphony I

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2022
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 144
Lecture Hours : 36
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 108
Outside of Class Hours: 72
Prerequisite: Skills assessment; audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

The study and performance of beginning level wind band literature, with an emphasis on the development of high standards of personal and musical professionalism. Public performance and field trips required. 36 lecture hours, 108 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • play their chosen instrument at a beginning (Grade 2) 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) wind band literature consisting of clef, key signature, linear and harmonic note designation, meter, rhythmic subdivision (counting), dynamics (loudness level and variation), articulation, form, phrasing interpretation, and terminology.
  • sight-read beginning (Grade 2) historical and contemporary wind band literature.
  • demonstrate knowledge of beginning concepts of large instrumental ensemble blend and balance, intonation anticipation and adjustment, style and articulation interpretation, and music theory applications to large instrumental ensemble performance.

Major Course Content

  1. Assessment of individual students' entry instrumental proficiency
  2. Introduction to professional rehearsal and performance etiquette for large symphonic ensembles
  3. Introduction to the concept of characteristic tone and the development of beginning tone production techniques
  4. Introduction to and development of beginning level intonation adjustment techniques
  5. Introduction to and development of beginning level articulation techniques
  6. Introduction to and development of beginning level technical velocity development strategies
  7. Introduction to beginning level large symphonic ensemble notation terminology
  8. Introduction to beginning level conductor gestural commands
  9. Introduction to and development of an intermediate level personal practice regimen
  10. Introduction to concert key concepts for C, Bb, Eb, F, and C-octavation instruments.
  11. Introduction to beginning level musical rhythm concepts
  12. Introduction to beginning level individual, sectional and ensemble balance and blend concepts
  13. Introduction to and development of beginning music phrasing, expression and dynamics techniques
  14. Introduction to and development of beginning level sight-reading skills
  15. Ongoing presentation of the historical, cultural, stylistic, theoretical, interactional, structural and formal elements of the beginning (Grade 2) wind band literature rehearsed and performed
  16. Review of the standard categories, instruments and procedures of beginning (Grade 2) wind band performance evaluation
  17. Preparation and performance of beginning (Grade 2) ensemble literature focusing on individual part performance proficiency integrated with ensemble awareness

Hours Arranged Content

  1. In addition to the lecture led portion of full ensemble rehearsals, instrument sections and section groupings meet weekly to review, develop and assess:
    1. Tone production techniques
    2. Intonation adjustment techniques
    3. Articulation techniques
    4. Technical velocity and tone flexibility skills
    5. Musical rhythm reading skills
    6. Musical rhythm execution and precision
    7. Phrasing, expression and dynamics techniques
    8. Individual, sectional and ensemble balance and blend
    9. Concert key transposition skills
    10. Observe and evaluate live and recorded wind symphony performances
    11. Prepare assigned wind symphony literature for public performance
  2. Additional full ensemble and sectional rehearsals are arranged, especially during the weeks approaching performances.
  3. Formal and informal public performances, including outreach field trip performances, are scheduled.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Internet and/or library research (composer; historical era; stylistic, structural and formal elements; etc.) including listening, of wind band literature rehearsed and performed.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

1. Written evaluation of live and recorded wind band performances using standard music adjudication forms.
2. Essays evaluating live and recorded wind band performances.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Individual practice of instrumental skills. Study, mark and prepare individual parts. Study and evaluate reference recordings. Write performance evaluation essays.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab