Course

Percussion Ensemble I

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course Code
MUSC 1187
Credits
1.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
15
Method(s) Of Instruction
Tutorial
Typically Offered
Fall
Winter

Overview

Course Description
Students will study and perform repertoire for percussion instruments of both definite and indefinite pitch. They will also study selected rhythmic systems of music cultures such as African, Brazilian and Cuban drumming. Emphasis is placed on the development of sight-reading ability, ensemble skills and musical style. The group will perform at least once per semester.
Course Content
  1. Knowledge of ensemble repertoire, appropriate to the group’s level
  2. Basic rehearsal discipline, preparation of parts, concentration and attention to the conductor or leader
  3. Ensemble listening skills
  4. Basic skills in music handling, set up, page turning, appropriate part marking
  5. Efficient use of rehearsal time
  6. An ability to work well in a group
  7. An ability to work with a variety of personalities in a compatible way
  8. Proper stage dress and deportment     
Learning Activities

Coaching and rehearsal of the instrumental ensemble.

Means of Assessment
Assigned excerpts (minimum of four) 50%
Contribution to ensemble (tone, dynamics, balance) 25%
*Participation (attention and attitude) 25%

*Grades are based on the instructor’s evaluation of the student’s regular preparation for rehearsals, attentiveness and effort during rehearsals, and musical contribution to the ensemble. Frequently during the semester, certain passages of music will be assigned to be learned for an upcoming rehearsal and will be heard by the instructor. Students are graded on their achievement on these assignments.

Learning Outcomes

Through the exploration of appropriate repertoire, the successful student should be able to:

  1. Develop sight reading skills
  2. Acquire the ability to establish a group tempo through a pick-up or beat indicated by the leader
  3. Develop rhythmic accuracy and control of tempo
  4. Acquire a sense of group dynamics including:
    • the overall dynamic of the ensemble
    • balance and the relative importance of the various parts
  5. Develop clarity of articulation
  6. Control tone production
  7. Establish an awareness and development of style and performance practice regarding the various styles of percussion music.
Textbook Materials

Course materials will be provided by the instructor

Requisites

Prerequisites

UT Music Entrance or Permission of Instructor

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see

Institution Transfer Details for MUSC 1187
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) KPU MUSI 1173 (2)
Simon Fraser University (SFU) SFU CA 1XX (1)
Thompson Rivers University (TRU) DOUG MUSC 1187 (1) & DOUG MUSC 1287 (1) & DOUG MUSC 2387 (1) = TRU MUSI 1XXX (3)
University of British Columbia - Okanagan (UBCO) UBCO ARTS_O 1st (1)
University of Northern BC (UNBC) No credit
University of Victoria (UVIC) UVIC MUS 181 (0.5)
Vancouver Island University (VIU) Individual Audition Required

Course Offerings

Winter 2025