MUSP 155: Chamber Strings Ensemble I

• Perform string ensemble music on the student's respective instrument at the beginning level.
• Identify and generate the use of vibrato in the ensemble at the beginning level.
• Measure the adjustment to the musical pitch of a stand partner.
• Students will show increased awareness of musical concepts related to string performance.
• Produce a consistent tone on all four strings which is clearly audible in the ensemble at the beginning level.
• Perform accurately when other musical parts employ different rhythms and/or counterpoint to student's own part at a beginning level
• Perform with sensitivity to musical balance within the group by making adjustments to the dynamic level.

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 technical velocity development strategies

6. Introduction to beginning level large symphonic ensemble notation terminology

7. Introduction to beginning level conductor gestural commands

8. Introduction to and development of an intermediate level personal practice regimen

9. Introduction to beginning level musical rhythm concepts

10. Introduction to beginning-level individual, sectional and ensemble balance and blend concepts

11. Introduction to and development of beginning music phrasing, expression and dynamics techniques

12. Introduction to and development of beginning level sight-reading skills

13. Ongoing presentation of the historical, cultural, stylistic, theoretical, interactional, structural, and formal elements of the beginning orchestral literature rehearsed and performed

14. Preparation and performance of beginning orchestral ensemble literature focusing on individual part performance proficiency integrated with ensemble awareness

15. Semester One: Music of the Baroque 

16. Semester Two: The Classical Era

17. Semester Three: 20th Century

18. Semester Four: the Romantic Era

19. Semesters One -Four: Elements of the String Ensemble

    1. Violin

    2. Viola

    3. Cello

    4. Double Bass

20. Semesters One-Four: Public performance

21. Semesters One-Four: Self-evaluation and instructor evaluation

Instrument groups meet to rehearse approved/assigned repertoire while reviewing and developing:

1. Scales, arpeggios, and melodic material on primary instrument
2. Practice application of proper performance techniques to assigned selections of chamber strings repertoire
3. Approved/assigned repertoire for public performance