Approved by Faculty Senate

University Studies Course Approval

Department or Program:    Music

Course Number:    240

Number of Credits    1 S.H.

Course Title:     Percussion Ensemble

Catalog Description:
Percussion Ensemble is a select group of 5-12 musicians, who engage in the performance of percussion performance literature. The repertoire ranges from classical transcriptions to contemporary jazz and world music. Membership is open to all qualified students of the university. Prerequisite: audition and permission of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit.

This is an existing course that has previously been approved by A2C2:         Yes

Department Contact Person for this Course: Rich MacDonald

Email:        rmacdonald@winona.edu

Rationale:

USP Outcome a: explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline.
    In this course, students explore the language, skills, and materials of percussion music through performance. These performances may exhibit the subtleties of a chamber ensemble as well as the exuberant improvisations of street musicians.

USP Outcome b: use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes or interpretive performances.
    In percussion ensemble, students are actively engaged in interpretation of varied repertoire in rehearsal and performance. Students also develop improvisation skills, creating spontaneous, interpretive performances.

USP Outcome c: understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression.
    By engaging in world music, percussionists come to understand the cultural and gender aspects of musical expression of that culture group. Culture groups explored in recent ensemble experiences include: Brazil, Cuba, West Africa, Indonesia, Japan and various western European influences.
   
USP Outcome d: engage in reflective analysis of their own artwork or interpretive performance and respond to the works of others.
    Members of the percussion ensemble analyze their art by examining video and audio tapes of theirs and other's performances.

Course Syllabus

College of Liberal Arts
Winona State University

Department: Music    Date of Revision: Spring 2001

Course Number: MUS 240    Course Title: Percussion Ensemble

Number of Credits: 1 S.H.    Frequency of Offering: offered each semester

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor; audition

Grading: Grade only.

Course applies to: Fine and Performing Arts University Studies Requirements

1.    Catalog description
Membership is open to all qualified students of the university. Prerequisite: audition and permission of instructor. This course may be repeated for credit. This course may be applied toward the Fine and Performing Arts University Studies Program Requirements.

2.    Statement of the major focus and objectives of the course
This course fulfills the requirements for the Fine and Performing Arts category of the University Studies Program by including learning activities that promote students' abilities to:

a. explore the language, skills, and materials of an artistic discipline;
b. use the methods of an arts practitioner to actively engage in creative processes or interpretive performances;
c. understand the cultural and gender contexts of artistic expression; and
d. engage in reflective analysis of their own art work or interpretive performance.

3.    Course outline of the major topics and subtopics: (letters in parentheses refer to the University Studies Program Fine and Performing Arts Outcomes listed above.)

1. Improving percussion performance skills (a, b, d).
2. Developing positive ways to interact with others in creating a final musical product (a, c, d).
3. Improving rhythmic skills (a, b, d).
4. Improving technical skills required of the individual instruments (a, b).
5. Learning and practicing effective rehearsal techniques (a, b, d).
6. Improving sight reading ability (a, b).
7. Understanding the cultural, gender, and historical contexts of works performed (c).
8. Engaging in reflective analysis of the ensemble's performance (d).

4.        Basic instructional plan and methods utilized.
Two rehearsals per week; 1 to 2 performances per semester.    

5.     Course requirements (papers, lab work, projects, etc.) and means of evaluation.
Course requirements:
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances.
Outside practice of ensemble repertoire.

Evaluation will be based upon:
Attendance and Participation.
Adequate preparation of ensemble repertoire.
Participation in discussions during rehearsals indicative of reflective analysis of performance and understanding of the cultural, historic, and gender contexts of the works performed.

6.    Textbook(s) or alternatives:
Music will be provided by instructor. Repertoire will be selected from a variety of styles and periods.