Syllabus for MUS 164-20

Course Description:

New York System is an auditioned, elite chamber ensemble whose repertoire is drawn from the last few decades, with occasional forays into early 20th-century “classics.”  No experience with new music is mandatory for participation, but all participants will be held to the highest possible performance standards.

End of Term Concert : May 7, 7:00 p.m., Sapinsley Hall

Course Objectives:

1. To learn the highest quality recent ensemble literature.
2. To learn extended instrumental and vocal techniques.
3. To learn to work together as a flexibly formed musical ensemble.
4. To become familiar with composers of the past 40 years, as well as musical movements and stylistic trends, and composers that are associated with these.
5. To present to the public polished, energetic performances of new repertoire.
6. To commission and perform works by living composers.
7. To serve as a resource to support and educate student composers in the department.

Grading:

1. Attendance (required for all rehearsals assigned, and all concerts and performances).
2. Ability to play the assigned part.

At the beginning of the semester, repertoire for the entire term will be chosen, and a rehearsal schedule assigned.  Attendance is mandatory!  Students enrolled in the new music ensemble each semester are required to attend all rehearsals in which they will be playing and encouraged to attend other rehearsals to learn more about this repertoire.  If a student is unable to attend an assigned rehearsal because of illness, the student should email Professor Shockley at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled class.

Students should be ready to begin each rehearsal on time. Each student should come to rehearsal ready to play, with instrument in good playing condition.  Students should have practiced their parts prior to each rehearsal and are encouraged to consult with their applied instructor(s) concerning their music for this ensemble.  Many of these parts are quite challenging, and at some point in the term you will have questions.  Discuss your parts from the beginning of the term with your applied instructor, so that you will come to rehearsals with at least some of your questions already answered, and with the ability to play your part.

Unexcused absences from rehearsal will affect the final grade.  5% will automatically be deducted from the final grade for an unexcused absence.  Three (3) unexcused absences from rehearsals will result in a grade of F for the semester.  Three unexcused instances of tardiness to rehearsal will count as one (1) absence.