Orchestration

Course Details

Course Number: 3662  Spring 2011

Location: Fain Fine Arts Center

Classroom Number: C117A

Days & Times:

MW 3-3:50pm

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David H. Johnson   
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Course Objectives

We will study the individual orchestral and band instruments with an emphasis on arranging for various standard ensemble combinations.  Specific objectives include:

 

1. Learning the playing ranges, idiomatic techniques, articulations, and timbral possibilities of standard orchestral and band instruments.

 

2. Developing an ear for tone-color and an ability to distinguish individual instruments playing in an ensemble.

 

3. Gaining familiarity with important developments and styles in the history of orchestration through score study of pieces composed from the 18th through 20th centuries.

 

4. Acquiring technical skills needed for successful arranging for various standard instrumental ensembles.


Course Expectations

Grading Standards

Grading: Your grade will be calculated out of 400 points.  No extra credit.           

360 pts–A       320 pts–B        280 pts–C        240 pts–D       under 240–F

 

Exams–50%, 4 exams at 50 points each (200 points)

6 Assignments–30%, 6 assignments at 20 points each (120 points)

1 Project–12.5%, 50 points, you must pass the project (D or better) in order to pass the class

Attendance/Preparedness–7.5% (30 points)


Final Exam5/9/2011  10:30am

Submission Format Policy


Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Assignments:  You should plan to turn in 6 assignments throughout the semester.  Each assignment is worth 20 points.  Assignments are due at the beginning of the class period, so make sure that you are on time.  Late assignments will get only half credit.  I will not accept any work than one class-day late.  There is no penalty for turning in work earlier than it is due.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance/Preparedness:  Attendance is important to your success in music theory.  It is worth 10% of your final grade, or 100 points.  You are allowed two unexcused absences.  Each unexcused absence after the second will result in a 5 point deduction.  If you are absent because of a school-related function, that is excused and does not lower your grade.       

 

In addition to showing up, you should be up to speed on any assigned readings and classwork.  There will frequently be assignments that we will do together in class, but not turn in.  You should also bring the appropriate materials (textbooks, music staff paper, pencil).  Not being prepared counts as an absence.

 

Also, please be on time to class.  Two tardies count as an absence.


Other Policies

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.