2007-2008 Syllabus

MUP 349/649 (Chamber Orchestra)
T,TH 12:45-2:00pm

Instructor: Darko Butorac
Office: Building 37a, rm. 186
Phone: 928 523 2340
Email: darko.butorac@nau.edu
Office Hours: MW 10-11am, or by appt

Prerequisites: Open to all students by audition and permission of the conductor.

Materials (Available at Cedar Music):
The Art of Musicianship, Phillip Farkas
The Inner Game of Tennis, Timothy Gallwey

Course objective:
This is course is designed to educate students in all aspects of orchestral performance as string players, as to expose students to standard chamber orchestra literature, and to explore strategies for audition success.

Course description:
The course will have a three part structure. The first part is to introduce the students to standard repertoire through readings. This will also serve to improve sight-reading ability and a chance to explore different aspects of musical style. The second part will include concert preparation for concerts on Sep. 30th and Nov. 19th. The final part will focus on the preparation of orchestral excerpts and to discuss strategies which will allow students to win auditions in the future. The members of the ensemble are expected to prepare, rehearse and perform in a professional manner. Rehearsals begin promptly at the beginning of class (please allow yourself at least 15 minutes to get to Ashurst Auditorium, set up and warm up) and end at the scheduled time.

Grading:
0-59.9 F, 60-69.9 D, 70-79.9 C, 80-89.9 B, 90-100 A

Evaluation:

Students are evaluated on two main criteria: preparation/performance and attendance

Preparation/performance: (30%)
A professional level of preparation is expected. You have to prepare and practice your part outside of class-time. The ensemble is only as good as its weakest player.

Orchestral excerpt exams: (30%)
The first exam will take place on Thursday October 25th, the second will take place during the final exam time.

Attendance: (40%)

REHEARSALS:

1. ATTENDANCE AT ALL REHEARSALS IS MANDATORY.
2. Absences can only be excused due to illness, death in the family, or for institutional excuses.
3. A note from your doctor is required in case you are sick. If you do not bring a note, it will count as an unexcused absence.
4. Institutional excuses must be submitted at least 7 days in advance.
5. An excused absence can be granted in exceptional circumstances, such as graduate school auditions. These need to be cleared at least two weeks in advance with the director. These can not be granted for dress rehearsals or performances.
6. An unexcused absence will lower your grade by 5% each time. 2 tardies equal one unexcused absence.

DRESS REHEARSALS AND CONCERTS:

Missing a dress rehearsal will result in an immediate lowering of the student’s cumulative average by 21%. A missed performance will result in a grade of “F” for the course. Students are required to be present 15 minutes prior to a concert performance.

Concert Dress:

Please no mid-riffs, short sleeves, long slits, or sandals.

(Stage) Ladies full lenght concert black. Three-quarter or full length sleeves. Gentlemen black tie (Black trousers, black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow-tie, black shoes and socks).

Out of consideration for your colleagues, please avoid excessive jewellery and perfume.

VERY IMPORTANT:
ALL INFORMATION REGARDING THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA IS POSTED ON THE ORANGE ORCHESTRA BOARD ACROSS FROM room 146 in Building 37a.

Students are expected to check the orchestra schedule daily for potential changes. Detailed rehearsal information will generally be posted on Friday afternoons for the upcoming week.

LIBRARY:
The orchestra parts are very expensive to purchase and maintain. Please take good care of your music and folders. If you lose a part, we will charge you according to market rate. For rental parts, a minimum fee of $100 will be charged.