Topics

The details for the course, Ensemble Performance 3 (MUSM2224), apply to all of the following topics. Specific descriptions for Syllabus and Proposed Assessment that apply to each topic are detailed below.

Accompaniment

Syllabus

Accompaniment deepens the student’s understanding of the role of the associate artist through gaining familiarity with a range of vocal repertoire and string, brass and woodwind duo repertoire.  There is a strong emphasis upon developing the student’s skills in rehearsal techniques and sight-reading, as well as developing an understanding of musical partnership.

The course aims to foster the musical attributes necessary to accompanying another artist, enhanced sight-reading facility, and an understanding of the role of the accompanist in a range of repertoire contexts.

Indicative Assessment

Ensemble Performance 1, 3 and 5: sight-reading exams; preparation for, and performances at masterclasses.

Ensemble Performance 2: 15 minute accompaniment exam or participation in Accompaniment Competition.

Ensemble Performance 4 and 6: participation in Margaret Smiles Accompaniment Competition (10 minute performance with singer, 10 minute performance with instrumentalist).

No grades will be awarded other than 'Course Requirements Satisfied' or otherwise.

Associate Degree Ensemble

There are no syllabus or indicative asesssment details for this topic.

Brass Ensemble

Syllabus

The School of Music Brass Department prides itself upon the varied performance opportunities it provides its students, from school programs and tours, specific Brass Ensemble concert programs, through to professional activities outside of the ANU. Through Brass Ensemble, students can develop skills as entrepreneurs in their own individual field as well as the collective environment. All possible music performance is supported and explored. Arranging and composing for Brass Ensemble is also actively encouraged. Students will also develop skills in improvisation and new music concepts. Brass Ensemble is a very specific discipline, and students come to understand the necessity to be highly proficient, soloistic and capable of behaving as a team player within this ensemble context.

Indicative Assessment

Pass/Fail. Attendance, commitment and development as a player and leader. Preparation of parts and ability to understand and undertake more complex responsibilities as ensemble members.

Chamber Music

Syllabus

The study of Chamber Music provides instrumental students with the opportunity to develop rehearsal and performance skills in small ensemble situations, and to gain close familiarity with works from the Chamber Music repertoire. Students acquire useful knowledge of the characteristics and peculiar difficulties of other instruments in tutorials, group-run rehearsals, and masterclasses during each semester, culminating in a public performance of their chosen work.

Indicative Assessment

Pass/fail, based on:

• Satisfactory organization of rehearsals/tutorials.
• Adequate preparation and satisfactory participation in four group tutorials per semester.
• Masterclass participation where required.
• Attendance at two of four Chamber Music masterclasses as an observer.
• Satisfactory presentation of the rehearsed item(s) in a public concert.

Submission of tutorial diary/sheet at the end of semester.

Chamber Orchestra

Syllabus

ANU Chamber Orchestra provides students with the opportunity of performing mainly string works from the 18th to 21st Century.  These works will be of the major string repertoire and chosen because of the value to young string players.  Where possible public performances will take place throughout the year.

Indicative Assessment

Students will be assessed on preparation and participation, and a demonstrated growth in ability within the rehearsal and performance environment of a chamber orchestra. No grades will be awarded other than 'Course Requirements Satisfied' or otherwise.

Guitar Workshop

Syllabus

Guitar Workshop focuses on two main areas of skill development: guitar ensemble performance and sight reading. The guitar ensemble component involves the learning and detailed rehearsal of works for multiple guitars, usually for public performance. The course aims to develop all the usual skills needed for high level chamber music performance with particular reference to the repertoire and issues specific to multiple guitars.

The sight reading component deals with the particular problems presented by sight reading on the guitar. The course uses a position-based approached aimed at developing fluency and confidence and instant recognition of notes in all positions of the fingerboard with students largely, though not exclusively, playing single lines often in the higher positions and in a group context.

Indicative Assessment

Pass/Fail – based on preparation, commitment and progress.

Harp Ensemble

Syllabus

Harp Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to gain experience playing together, enhancing chamber music and orchestral skills. Repertoire covers a broad range and includes traditional duo and contemporary Australian works. The School of Music Harp Ensemble performs regularly both internally and outside the ANU, and is the basis for entry to the professional Kioloa Harp Ensemble. Requirements are the conscientious preparation of the ensemble repertoire and participation in any scheduled performances. The course is held concurrently with Harp Performance Class.

Indicative Assessment

Pass/fail. Effort, commitment and progress, including the student's capacity to undertake increasingly complex tasks.

Jazz Ensemble

Syllabus

Jazz Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to perform a variety of repertoire from standards through to contemporary.  Material is tailored to suit each ensemble's level of performance skills. Jazz Ensemble allows the student to study, from a performance perspective, historically important works in the jazz repertoire, and deepens the student's understanding of current trends the jazz idiom. The course develops skills in improvisation, rehearsal techniques, interpretation, and arranging for small ensemble.

Indicative Assessment

Pass/fail. Effort, commitment and progress, including the student's capacity to undertake increasingly complex tasks.

Percussion Ensemble

Syllabus

Percussion Ensemble provides students with the opportunity to perform the full spectrum of percussion though an emphasis on developing the individual percussionist as a chamber and solo musician. It allows the student to study, from a performance perspective, historically important works of the twentieth century, and deepens the student's understanding of current trends in contemporary music as well as the wide body of Australian percussion music. This course also develops skills in improvisation, extended techniques, analysis and interpretation.

Indicative Assessment

Pass/fail. Effort, commitment and progress, including the student's capacity to undertake increasingly complex tasks.

The information published on the Study at ANU 2010 website applies to the 2010 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2009 website.