Ensemble Courses – Grading & Guidelines

Ensemble Courses General Guidelines

MUS 180/181, 280/281, 380/381: Choral Ensemble:   1 – 3 – 0
MUS 182/183, 282/283, 382/383: Chamber Music Ensemble:   1 – 3 – 1
MUS 184/185, 284/285, 384/385: Jazz/Improvisation Workshop:   1 – 3 – 1
MUS 186/187, 286/287, 386/387: Chamber Orchestra:   1 – 3 – 1
MUS 188/189, 288/289, 388/388: Pop/Rock Ensemble:   1 – 3 – 1

These ensembles are open to all members of the University community by audition, granting one credit for per course. Ensembles are co-requisite for students enrolled in MUS 172/173, 272/273, 372/373. All other students who successfully pass an audition may enroll for ensemble without co-requisite. Below are the general criteria for evaluation in this course cycle. Additional details of individual course requirements, procedures, and grading policy will be provided by the coach/instructor.

Grading of Ensemble Courses – General Guidelines

1. Attendance. 40% of the grade will be based on attendance, since participation is an essential element of learning in an ensemble. It is recommended that groups meet once per week alternating between a coached and an un-coached session. Every unexcused absence from a regular rehearsal will be counted against the grade at a rate of minus 5% per week. Habitual, unexcused tardiness will be viewed as absence. Attendance will be also taken at each session. Unexcused absence from the dress rehearsal or performance will guarantee a failure in the course. A perfect attendance record will result in a perfect grade of 40%. It will be the responsibility of the student taking the course for credit to verify attendance records.

2. Effort. 60% of the grade will be based on the student’s work within the ensemble. Extra effort will be rewarded, as will preparation of music for rehearsal, learning of parts, and enthusiasm in performance. Failure to learn assigned music, lack of effort, and lack of attention at rehearsals will be penalized. Groups will be assessed weekly.

3. Multiple Ensemble Participation. No student will be permitted more than one ensemble enrolment at any time. However, students who participate fully and regularly in more than one ensemble may have this additional work reflected in their ensemble mark. Up to an additional 10% (4% on attendance and 6% on effort) can be added in this means as a bonus accumulation.
It is the responsibility of the student to request bonus marks. Please indicate to the ensemble director of multiple ensemble participation. Any student wishing to be considered for a solo performance with any of the ensembles should indicate so in advance of the spring performance juries. Special adjudication will be arranged so that appropriate repertoire can be planned for the subsequent year.

4. Each ensemble will present a different concert program each semester.

MUS 180/181, 280/281, 380/381: Choral Ensemble  1 – 3 – 0

Please consult the syllabus as prepared by Fannie Gaudette, the choir director.

Community Participation in the University Singers
The Department of Music welcomes the participation of community members in the University Singers. Only through the collaboration of students, staff and members of the larger community is it possible to form a large mixed-voice choir. We recognize that community members may have work schedules that require occasional special accommodation and we attempt to be flexible on this issue. That flexibility notwithstanding, the same level of commitment and dedication required of students enrolled for credit is expected from community participants.

Contact people:
Fannie Gaudette (director) fanniepiano@hotmail.com
Melinda Enns (assistant director) enns_melinda@hotmail.com

MUS 182/183, 282/283, 382/383: Chamber Music Ensemble 1 – 3 – 1

Specific Course Details
Enrollment in Chamber Music Ensemble will be strictly limited by audition. Students whose performance ability on an instrument is not judged sufficient to participate profitably in a small instrument group will be directed to another ensemble activity. In exceptional circumstances the improbability of constituting viable ensembles may make it desirable for students to seek an alternate ensemble activity.

This ensemble course will comprise three elements:

1. Un-coached ensemble rehearsal time
2. Individually coached ensembles
3. Ensemble performances.

Grading will follow the “General Guidelines” for ensemble courses outlined above. Student ensembles are encouraged to perform in the Friday Studio Recitals each term.

Contact person:  Pauline Farrugia: estria@globetrotter.net

MUS 184/185, 284/285, 384/385: Jazz/Improvisation Workshop 1 – 3 – 1

MUS 188/189, 288/289, 388/388: Pop/Rock Ensemble 1 – 3 – 1

Specific Course Details
These mixed instrumental ensembles explore the repertoire of pop music and jazz, and welcome students both in the Music Department and outside, as well as community members. Student soloists are often featured.

Grading will follow the “General Guidelines” for ensemble courses outlined above. Admission is by audition only.

Contact person: Kevin Sullivan: kevy6802@msn.com

MUS 186/187, 286/287, 386/387: Chamber Orchestra 1 – 3 – 1

Specific Course Details
The Bishop’s Chamber Orchestra was formed to explore the great repertoire for string orchestra. The group may also include woodwinds, brass and percussion for chamber orchestra formations. The BCO also welcomes students from other music schools in the region and community members. Students are featured regularly as concerto soloists.

The offering of this course is subject to sufficient student enrolments.

Grading will follow the “General Guidelines” for ensemble courses outlined above. Admission is by audition only.

Contact person: Dr. A. MacDonald: amacdona@ubishops.ca