Music 365
Conducting

Fall Term, 2009

 

Fall, 2009 Music 365
Dr. R. Duhaime Conducting
Craig Hall 111, ext. 2464 TTh 1:30-2:50 p.m.
Office Hours:  by appt.  Craig Hall 114


General Information
         
The course will deal with topics related to students' first experiences in conducting, including
          physical gestures, baton techniques, rehearsal strategies, score study, and ensemble constituencies
          and arrangements.  The techniques and skills acquired will thus be applicable to all media, with a
          slight emphasis toward directing instrumental ensembles, dealing in particular with instrumental
          problems of articulation, balance, blend, and intonation.

Texts/Equipment
         
Green, The Modern Conductor, seventh edition
          Long, The Conductor's Workshop, second edition
          reliable, portable metronome
          personal baton

Attendance
          Class will meet on the following weekly schedule:
               Tuesday, 1:30-2:50 p.m.          CH 114
               Thursday, 1:30-2:50 p.m.         CH 114
          As noted below, observations of rehearsals outside of class meetings may also be expected.

          Everyone will be expected to contribute to and participate in each class session, with readings
          and exercises given in the daily schedule completed prior to each session.  Attendance is
          therefore mandatory to receive credit for each session, with any missed session requiring
          immediate consultation with the instructor to arrange for completion of any missed work.

Grading
          Semester grades will be determined from the following:
               Class preparation and participation         25%
               Conducting assignments                          25%
               Mid-term and Final Exams                      50%

          A+/A/A-          Average from 100-90%
          (A+ also required the completion of two approved observation critiques, one vocal and one
          instrumental, at least one of which must be off-campus.  Completion by anyone else will raise
          the semester grade by one-half letter.)
          B+/B/B-          Average from 89-80%
          C+/C/C-         Average from 79-70%
          A minimum semester average of 70% is required for credit on S/D/U basis.

Academic Integrity
          Students are encouraged (and expected) to seek advice from classmates, the instructor, and
          extra-course authorities on daily assignments and exercises.  Students will routinely critique
          each other's work and progress, an activity which should continue outside of class sessions.
          All final versions of written work and exams are expected to be completed by individual
          students.

For additional information or to schedule a performance, please contact:
Dr. Ricky Duhaime: rduhaime@austincollege.edu

 

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