Credit Hours: 2
Fall Semester 2006
Website: www.utpb.edu/music/index.html
SYLLABUS
Prerequisites: none
Location of class: MB 4147
Time: T/Th 5:45-6:55 pm
Faculty: Nyela Basney MUSH Office phone: 552-4293
E-mail (most effective): basney_n@utpb.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday 2:00 – 4:30; Wednesday 9:30 – 10:30; other times by appointment
Text and Required Materials: Selected students will be required to purchase the following text for this course: Basic Conducting Techniques, 5th edition, by Joseph A. Labuta, Prentice Hall publishers, 2004. Students will also be required to read and prepare distributed materials and to do individual research. Other students in class will need to purchase required scores. All students will need a baton and a metronome.
Course Description: The course will consist of lecture, practical application in the classroom and “hands-on” conducting experience with colleagues in the class and with members of other campus ensembles. Students will not only be trained in the basics of hand movements, but also in score analysis and effective rehearsal technique. The course will cover both instrumental and choral conducting. Students will have the opportunity to deepen their appreciation for the art of conducting as well as to gain the fundamentals from which they can develop a sophisticated conducting technique.
Course Objectives:
1. To teach students the fundamentals of conducting technique, including proper posture, use of the baton, use of the left hand, independence of the hands and the clear communication of beat patterns, articulations, dynamic and tempo changes;
2. To aid the student in learning the disciplines of score study, analysis and preparation;
3. To help the student develop an effective rehearsal technique appropriate to instrumental and choral rehearsals;
4. To sharpen students’ skills in score reading, ear training and transposition;
5. To deepen the student’s understanding of and appreciation for the art of conducting;
6. To give the student both the opportunity to conduct their colleagues in class and also to play under other young and developing conductors.
Course Objectives for Advanced Students:
7. To further develop students' conducting skills by improving and refining their conducting technique, including attention to posture, use of the baton, use of the left hand, independence of the hands and the clear communication of nuance, phrasing and style;
8. To further develop students' skills in the disciplines of score study, analysis and preparation;
9. To further develop students' rehearsal technique appropriate to instrumental and vocal rehearsals;
10. To sharpen students' skills in score reading, ear training, listening for error detection and score transposition;
11. To deepen the student's understanding of and appreciation for the art of conducting;
12. To give students the opportunity to conduct their colleagues in class and also "hands-on" experience in the community;
13. To introduce students to the history of conducting and to various models of leadership;
14. To encourage students to develop a philosophy of leadership which will enable them to create edifying and effective rehearsal and performance environments when conducting.
Requirements:
Consistent attendance in class
Preparation of assigned rhythmic and transposition exercises
Demonstration of ability to sing assigned phrases from prepared scores
Participation/discussion in class
Preparation of conducting assignments for class demonstration
Completion of reading assignments
Completion/presentation of research assignments
Attendance at outside performances/rehearsals as assigned
Outside conducting as assigned
Final conducting competency and written exam
Attendance: Since this class is a practical, “hands-on” class, attendance is essential to success in the course. Students are allowed to miss a total of four classes during the semester. Taking more than the above-mentioned four allowed absences will adversely affect the student’s grade. Absence from class does not mean absence from responsibility. The student is responsible for all material covered in class, and for any changes in the semester schedule and should check the course on WebCT for up-to-date information in the event of an absence.
Grading percentages: 99-100% A+ 77-79% C+ 92- 98% A 72-76% C 90- 91% A- 70-71% C- 87- 89% B+ 60-69% D 82- 86% B below 60% F 80- 81% B- Incompletes are highly discouraged and rare.
Grading policy:
1. A grade of C. On-time completion of all assignments, good class attendance,
2. passing grade on exams and some participation in class in addition to what is required. A grade of A or B. The above plus evidence of extra care in music preparation,
3. self-motivated study/research beyond the requirements of the class, well-informedand self-critical participation in class. A grade of D. Completion of most, if not all assignments, attendance at fewer
4. classes than acceptable, failing grade on some exams, lack of participation in classbeyond required work. A grade of F. Excessive absences, lack of participation in class, failing grade on exams and/or a failure to complete assignments.
Grade Calculation:
Beginning class:
Transposition exercises 10%
Participation/discussion in class 10%
Preparation of conducting assignments and scores for class demonstration 20%
Conducting in class 35%
Error detection in class 10%
Conducting off-campus 10%
Final conducting competency and written exam 5%
Advanced class:
Rhythmic and transposition exercises 10%
Singing prepared phrases in class 10%
Harmonic analysis of scores 5%
Reading assignment summaries 5%
Participation/discussion in class 10%
Preparation of conducting assignments and scores for class demonstration 10%
Conducting in class 30%
Error detection in class 5%
Conducting off-campus 10%
Final conducting competency and written exam 5%
Help Available: Dr. Keast and I want you to succeed in this class and are available to work with you outside of class. However, please do not wait until the end of the semester or until immediately before exams to seek help.
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. Any suspicion of academic dishonesty will be reported and investigated. A student who engages in scholastic dishonesty that includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and collusion will receive an “F” for the course. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. For complete information on UTPB student conduct and discipline procedures consult the university’s handbook at: http://www.utpb.edu/utpb_student/students/studentguide/sg3_index_frame.htm#StudentWelfareandDiscipline. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, collaboration, or Internet applications, consult the instructor. Assignments generated by downloading or printing from the Internet are considered under the auspices of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities that are admitted to The University of Texas of the Permian Basin may request reasonable accommodations and classroom modifications as addressed under Section 504/ADA regulations. Students needing assistance because of a disability must contact Dr. Efren D. Castro, Director, Programs Assisting Student Study (PASS) Office, 552-2630, no later than 30 days prior to the start of the semester.
The definition of a disability for purposes of ADA is that she or he (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantively limits a major life activity, (2) has a record of such an impairment or, (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.
Students who have provided all documentation and are eligible for services will be advised of their rights regarding academic accommodations and responsibilities. The University is not obligated to pay for diagnosis or evaluations nor is it obligated to pay for personal services or auxiliary aids. If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with the instructor, or if you need special arrangements in the case the building must be evacuated, please inform Dr. Keast (keast_d@utpb.edu) immediately. It is best to contact Dr. Keast after class or during his office hours.
Assignment Schedule
August 22: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapters 1 & 2
Adv. A: Rhythmic exercises I; Reading summary I
August 24: Beg. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for August 31
Adv. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for August 31; prepare to sing from excerpts
August 29: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapters 3-5
Adv. A: Transposition exercises I
August 31: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapters 3-5 musical excerpts
Adv. A: Rhythmic exercises II; Reading summary II
September 5: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapters 6-7
Adv. A:
September 7: Beg. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for September 14
Adv. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for September 14; Transposition exercises II; prepare to sing from excerpts for September 14
September 12: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapter 12; continued prep for September 14
Adv. A: Read and prepare Chapter 12; continued prep for September 14
September 14: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapter 8-9 and continue with Chapter 12
Adv. A: Rhythmic exercises III; Reading summary III
September 19: Beg. A: Prepare musical examples from chapters 8-9
Adv. A:
September 21: Beg. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for September 28; Read and prepare Chapter 14;
Adv. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for September 28; Prepare to sing from excerpts for September 28; Transposition exercises III
September 26: Beg. A: Chapter 14; continued prep for September 28
Adv. A: Chapter 14; continued prep for September 28
September 28: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapter 10
Adv. A: Rhythmic exercises IV; Reading summary IV
October 3: Beg. A: Prepare musical excerpts from Chapters 8-10; prepare re-assigned excerpts
Adv. A: Prepare re-assigned excerpts
October 5: Beg. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for October 12; Read and prepare Chapter 13
Adv. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for October 12; Prepare to sing from excerpts for October 12; Transposition exercises IV
October 10: Beg. A: Read and prepare Chapter 11; continued prep for October 12
Adv. A: Continued prep for October 12
October 12: Beg. A: Transposition exercises A
Adv. A: Rhythmic exercises V; Reading summary V
October 17: Beg. A: Continued preparation of Chapter 11; prepare re-assigned excerpts
Adv.A: Prepare re-assigned excerpts
October 19: Beg. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for October 26; Transposition exercises B
Adv. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for October 26; Prepare to sing excerpts for October 26; Transposition exercises V
October 24: Beg. A: Continued prep for October 26
Adv. A: Continued prep for October 26
October 26: Beg. A: Study final exam review
Adv. A: Study final exam review; Rhythmic exercises VI; Reading summary VI
October 31: Beg. A: Prepare re-assigned excerpts
Adv. A: Prepare re-assigned excerpts
November 2: Beg. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for November 9; Transposition exercises C
Adv. A: Prepare conducting excerpts for November 9; Prepare to sing excerpts for November 9; Transposition exercises VI
November 7: Beg. A: Continued prep for November 9
Adv. A: Continued prep for November 9
November 9: Beg. A: Prepare excerpts for public school conducting
Adv. A: Prepare excerpts for public school conducting Rhythmic exercises VII; Reading summary VII
November 14: Beg. A: Prepare re-assigned excerpts; continued preparation for PSC
Adv. A: Prepare re-assigned excerpts; continued preparation for PSC
November 16: Beg. A: Transposition exercises D; continued prep for PSC
Adv. A: Transposition exercises VII; continued prep for PSC; prepare to sing excerpts from PSC
November 21: Beg. A: THANKSGIVING BREAK coming up on Thursday
Adv. A: THANKSGIVING BREAK coming up on Thursday
November 28:
November 30: Study for final exam
Tuesday, December 5: Final Exam at 5:30 Room 4147
Let this syllabus serve as an outline to the objectives and materials that we will cover.
This syllabus is subject to revision at the discretion of Nyela Basney.
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