MUS 390: String Ensemble
OBJECTIVE
The goal of participating in chamber music is to develop skills in performing a unique part in combination with others. Since every player is responsible for a separate part, chamber music playing addresses a variety of skills including sight reading, rhythmic independence, critical listening, making collective decisions concerning bowings, articulations and phrasing, experience in perfecting a piece for performance, interpersonal skills, and knowledge of chamber music literature.
MEETING TIMES
Your group will be coached once per week. In addition, you are expected to rehearse on your own at least one hour per week.
GUIDELINES FOR CHAMBER MUSIC PARTICIPATION
- Bring a pencil to each rehearsal.
- Number the measures in your part.
- Have the phone numbers of the other members of your group.
- Be on time.
- If it is necessary to miss a coaching session please contact your coach, or one of the members of your group if it is an outside rehearsal. It is a serious disadvantage to rehearse a piece of chamber music with one part missing.
- Try to have at least one score available for each rehearsal. It is wise to listen to recordings of the work if available.
- Practice your part outside of rehearsals. If you are having any particular problems, see your teacher or coach for suggestions.
GRADING
Due to the highly subjective nature of chamber music, grading is not as easily determined as in most other classes. Factors that are considered in determining the final grade are attendance at rehearsals, cooperation with the other members of the group, individual preparation as evidenced by consistent improvement and expanded repertoire, and participation in performance opportunities.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
As a member of a music ensemble you have a unique responsibility to the group. Due to the nature of musical art, each member shares an equal part in the creative process. The commitment and integrity brought to the process by the individual has a direct impact on the artistic and learning experience of the other members. This creates a very special relationship among the members of ensembles, but also brings with it a greater responsibility for the individual.
Please reflect on how your personal traits of artistic commitment, preparation, attendance, punctuality, listening, and cooperation affect not only your own growth, but also the artistic and learning experience of all the members of the ensemble. You should accept these responsibilities to the group in all facets of the ensemble experience: in your personal preparation, during the rehearsal process, and in each performance.
HONOR PLEDGE
I understand that as a student of the University of Dayton, I am a member of our academic and social community. I recognize the importance of my education and the value of experiencing life in such an integrated community. I believe that the value of my education and degree is critically dependent upon the academic integrity of the university community, and so in order to maintain our academic integrity, I pledge to:
- Complete all assignments and examinations by the guidelines given to me by my instructors;
- Avoid plagiarism and any other form of misrepresenting someone else's work as my own;
- Adhere to the Standards of Conduct as outlined in the Academic Honor Code.
In doing this, I hold myself and my community to a higher standard of excellence and set an example for my peers to follow.