MW 12:30-1:45
Dr. Jonathan Leshnoff

Description:

An introduction to the principle instruments of the modern orchestra, this course informs students of the fundamental performance techniques of these instruments such as range, limit, special effects / coloration. We will also consider how to successfully combine a particular instrument with others (ìarrangingî).  The last three weeks of the course are dedicated to arranging for chorus.

Required texts:

1) The Study of Orchestration (text) by Samuel Adler, W.W. Norton Publishers.

2) Essential Dictionary of Music Notation, Tom Gerou and Linda Lusk, Alfred Publishing.
 

Optional materials:

CD set to Adlerís text. (Highly recommended)
 

Required materials to be brought to class:

1) Manuscript paper,

2) Looseleaf notebook paper

3) Pencil.

Grading:

There are several components to the grading: exams, projects, workbook assignments, and attendance / participation. The percentage breakdown is:

3 Projects @ 20% each 60%
Mid-term   20%
Final    20%
----------------------------------------------
Total    100%

Examinations

The mid-term and final exam will test studentís factual knowledge of material presented in class and in the assigned readings. The examinations are closed-book and closed-notes.

Mid-term:      March 6
Final       May 16, 12:30 PM

Students are required to read the Adler text concurrently with class lectures. Readings will clarify and elaborate upon class lectures. Examinations may cover material covered in the text but not in class.
 

Projects

Original arrangements (projects) are an essential aspect of synthesizing concepts introduced in this course. Prior to each project, a detailed description sheet will be given to each student outlining the goals, expectation and grading criteria. Following is a list of due dates for each project:

Project                                                                  Date

Project #1 (string arrangement)                            Feb. 27
Project #2 (wind and brass arrangement)               April 24
Project #3 (choral)                                                 May 16

Late Assignments:

Projects are due on a specific date. Late assignments are not accepted. A student who incurs an unexcused absence on a project due date is fully responsible for turning in the assignment on the due date. Assignments will not be accepted at any other date. Students who qualify for an excused absence are required to hand in their project the first class that they return.
 

Attendance:

Attendance in class is mandatory. Three unexcused absences will result in a grade of Fx and the student will be required to drop the class. Absence due to illness will be considered ìexcusedî only when a documented doctorís note is provided or when other undeniable evidence exists (if a doctor was not consulted). Excused absences for professional, school, or religious reasons must be presented prior to the absence.

*** Note that e-mailed notes to the instructor explaining that you will not be in class because of illness (regardless of the nature of that illness) are not considered a documented doctorís note and will not turn any unexcused absence into an excused one.
 

Project Format:

Any manuscript handed into the instructor must conform to the guidelines outlined in the Essential Dictionary of Music Notation. This means that note heads, beams, dynamics, texts, articulation markings and any other musical notation must be neat, legible and conform to the guidelines outlined in the Essential Music Dictionary.

Any manuscript that does not meet these standards will be returned to the student ungraded. A student whose manuscript does not conform to these guidelines will be given one (1) class meeting to hand in a manuscript that does conform to the guidelines with no deduction to the grade. If the manuscript is not legible by the second class period, the student will receive a 30 point deduction.

Example: An assignment is due on class #1. Legible manuscripts are due on class #1. Illegible manuscripts are returned on class #1 and are due on class #2 with no grade deduction. Illegible manuscripts from class #2 are yet again returned on class #2 and are due on class #3, but this time with a 30 point deduction.
 

Office hours:

I am available for consultation during posted office hours (these times are subject to modification). It is requested that students make an appointment in advance of their visit.

Checklist:

The following checklist is provided as a final check before you hand in any manuscript. Refer to the Essential Dictionary of Music Notation for any specific questions. Students using computer notation programs (i.e Finale, Sibelus etc.) should note the last section of the checklist.
 

Checklist for proper manuscript presentation, MUSC 335
 

A. Tools

Manuscript paper has adequate staves and room;
Pen / pencil is conducive to music notation; little smudge is produced.

B. Notes

Note heads are properly shaped;
Beaming and stems are formed with a ruler;
Beams are shaded properly;
Stems are pointing in the correct direction;
Single eighth and sixteenth notes are produced correctly;
Grace notes are properly notated.

C. Rests

Proper shape of quarter rests, eighth rests, and whole / half rests.

D. Score Page

Both braces and measures are produced with a ruler;
Any staff line is labeled with the instrument name;
Clefs are properly produced;
Measure numbers are included;
* * * * * * Beats line-up * * * * * * * *;
All instructions are included: pizz., arco, solo, a2, muted, etc.;
Title of composition and your name are included and appropriately placed.

E. Dynamics

Standard abbreviations are large and legible;
Written-out crescendos / decrescendos are produced with a ruler.

F. Miscellaneous

Proper notation of all: sharps, flats, slurs, 8va----- (with ruler), and other entries such as: fermatas, legato markings, stacatto, tremolo etc.

G. Vocal

Text underlay is spelled properly;
Text underlay is lined-up with music;
Text underlay is correctly syllabicated and legible.

Computer notation programs

Computer notation programs are highly recommended (but not required). If you do decide to use a computer program, do not assume that you are excused from proper manuscript procedures. The following guidelines apply to a computer generated score:

Measures are proportionately spaced (i.e. that one system does not have 7 measures and the next system has one, unless. of course, for good reason). Notes are proportionately spaced (i.e. no notes are ìclumpedî together). Pitches are spelt enharmonically correctly. The final manuscript must closely resemble a printed page of music.