MUSP 156: Chamber Strings Ensemble II

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 108
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 54
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter, Pass/No Pass

Catalog Course Description

The study and performance of beginning level orchestra and chamber strings literature, with an emphasis on the development of high standards of personal and musical professionalism. Public performance and field trips required. 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours.

Course Objectives

  • Perform string ensemble music on the student's respective instrument at the intermediate level.
  • Identify and generate the use of vibrato in the ensemble at the intermediate 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 intermediate level.
  • Perform accurately when other musical parts employ different rhythms and/or counterpoint to student's own part at the intermediate level
  • Perform with sensitivity to musical balance within the group by making adjustments to the dynamic level.

Major Course Content

  1. Assessment of individual students' entry instrumental proficiency

  2. Professional rehearsal and performance etiquette for large symphonic ensembles

  3. Development of intermediate level tone production techniques

  4. Development of intermediate level intonation adjustment techniques

  5. Intermediate level technical velocity development strategies

  6. Intermediate level large symphonic ensemble notation terminology

  7. Intermediate level conductor gestural commands

  8. Intermediate level personal practice regimen

  9. Intermediate level musical rhythm concepts

  10. Intermediate level individual, sectional and ensemble balance and blend concepts

  11. Continuation and development of music phrasing, expression and dynamics techniques

  12. Continuation and development of sight-reading skills

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

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

Lab Content

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

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

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

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Written evaluation of live and recorded wind band performances using standard music adjudication forms.
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