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Course Syllabus

MUSC 2096 Symphony Orchestra 2nd Year

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1-3; Lecture: 1-3; Lab: 0
  • Clock/Hour Requirements: 4
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: By audition and with permission of instructor.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Fall 2021
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
  • End Semester: Summer 2027
  • Optimum Class Size: 60
  • Maximum Class Size: 90

Course Description

The course provides training and practical playing experience in a wide range of works for orchestra. Concerts and special programs are given throughout the year in which the students will be expected to participate. Audition required. This course is repeatable for credit.

Justification

This ensemble serves both music majors and non-music majors by providing an opportunity for students to perform standard orchestral works. The National Association of Schools of Music requires that member institutions serve both of these student populations. Through quality performance of significant literature, students will share this art with fellow student musicians and the composers whose music they create and preserve. Orchestra is required for all string music majors in each semester of their programs both at this institution and at transfer institutions. This course is similar to MUSC 4440, University Campus Symphony, at the University of Utah.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of a correct tone and articulation by playing with a proper amount of bow (or air), bow weight, and attack.
  2. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of correct dynamics and balances by playing passages with a variety of loud and soft timbres as indicated in the music, and by adjusting to the style of other players as needed.
  3. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of correct rhythms and following the conductor (or principal player), by playing in unison with other players, and by periodically looking at other players for cues.

Course Content

Concert repertoire will be chosen, rehearsed, and performed from each of the four major musical time periods: Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. Other topics will include using proper tone, variable dynamics and articulations, accurate intonation and rhythms, overall balance and blend, as well as following the conductor or primary player. Music from a wide range of composers from various nationalities, races, religions, genders, etc. may be chosen. Class discussions will include approaches to understanding and performing this music with respect to all performers and listeners.