General Information

The course will deal with the distinct but related topics of orchestration and conducting, using exercises in the former as a means to master techniques in the latter.  Written orchestration exercises will progress from characteristic parts for each of the instrumental members of the modern orchestra in homogeneous ensembles to more complex scorings for heterogeneous groups of various sizes.  Conducting techniques and exercises will proceed concurrently with orchestration projects, utilizing class members as well as guests as performing ensembles.  A public student recital at the end of the semester will present completed orchestrations with student conductors.  Recital day and time TBA. 

        Green, The Modern Conductor, sixth edition
        Kennan, The Technique of Orchestration , fifth edition, with accompanying workbook
        Long, The Conductor's Workshop , second edition

        Attendance

        Class will meet on the following weekly schedule:
                                Tuesday, 8:00-9:20 a.m.                   CH 113 (105)
                                Thursday, 8:00-9:20 a.m.                  CH 105 (113)
                                Thursday, 7:00-8:30 p.m.                  CH 113 (105) 

Initially the Tuesday/Thursday morning sessions will be devoted to discrete topics in orchestration and conducting, with the Thursday evening labs reserved for demonstration and practical applications, sometimes involving guest lecturers and performers.  By the close of the semester, sessions will be tailored to mee the specific needs of individual students and projects.

N.B.  Everyone will be expected to contribute to and participate in each class session, with readings, listenings, and exercises given in the daily schedule to be 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 missed work. 

        Semester grades will be determined from the following:
             Orchestration assignments                   30%
             Conducting assignments                      30%
             Class preparation and participation       30%
             Observation critiques                           10% 

(Minimum of three required, one of which must be of an off-campus group, one must be of a rehearsal of a group in which the observer is not a performer.  One critique may be of a performance.)  A semester average of 70% is required for credit in the S/U grading system. 

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