This course offers a variety of ensemble performance experiences in music.  Students negotiate an individual learning contract in which they typically contribute to two of the ensembles or performance events active at the time; or take a single event more intensively (such as a solo role in an opera); or negotiate a contract involving the participation in non-ANU ensembles.

After completing this course, you should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of techniques, practice habits, musical and stylistic knowledge in the chosen ensembles;
2. developed generic abilities in ensemble performance, listening, and interpretation.
3. demonstrate effective use of team skills;
4. demonstrate a number of outcomes related to ensemble performance specified in their individual learning contract (e.g. lead an orchestral section, tackle specific repertoire)

Students will be assessed on preparation, participation, performance and presentation in the ensemble of which they are members, against criteria specified in their individual learning contracts.

Learning contracts must address the learning outcomes for the course.

It is the responsibility of the student to prepare the draft learning contract, which is then signed off by the course coordinator in consultation with the ensemble leader and the student.  Proforma learning contracts will be available.  Three sample learning contracts are given below.  Each is designed to assess all four of the course learning outcomes:

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING CONTRACT EXAMPLE 1

• contribution as a performer to ten two-hour rehearsals of Ensemble A (20%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
• contribution as a performer to ten two-hour rehearsals of Ensemble B (20%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
• assessment of performance of Ensemble A (30%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
• assessment of performance of Ensemble B (30%) [LO 1, 2, 3]

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING CONTRACT EXAMPLE 2

• contribution as a performer to twenty two-hour rehearsals of an opera (40%) [LO 4]
• assessment of performance of a soloist role in the opera (60%) [LO 1, 2, 3]

INDIVIDUAL LEARNING CONTRACT EXAMPLE 3

• contribution as a performer to ten two-hour rehearsals of Ensemble A (20%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
• assessment of performance of Ensemble A (30%) [LO 1, 2, 3]
• leadership of the string section of Ensemble A (20%) [LO 4]
• responsibility for planning and managing the rehearsals and tour of ensemble A (30%) [LO 4]

Average contact time 2 hours per week per ensemble, for a total group contact time of c.50 hours for the course including rehearsals and concerts.  There usually be a further 50-70 hours individual practice to complete the course, for a total learning time of 100-120 hours.

There will be fixed rehearsal times for some ensembles; others will rehearse intensively prior to performance. Students are cautioned to check the detailed timetables for the ensembles they will be participating in prior to confirming their enrolment.

None

Audition required for some ensembles.