Fall 2007 Syllabus

MUP 350/650 (Symphony/Opera Orchestra)
MWF 3:30-5:30pm (146)

Instructor: Darko Butorac
Office: Building 37a, rm. 186
Phone: 928 523 2340
Email: darko.butorac@nau.edu        
Orchestra Manager:   Kristen MacGorman
orchestra@nau.edu
Orchestra Librarian:   Greg Nichols
gjn7@nau.edu                   
Office Hours: by appointment

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

Required Materials:
Philip Farkas, The Art of Musicianship (available at Cedar Music)

Course objective:
This course is designed to educate and train students in all aspects of orchestral playing. Students will gain a thorough knowledge of the orchestral repertoire and become proficient at performing in an orchestral setting. Students are expected to perform at an artistic level as individual or section players.

Course description:
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 10 minutes to set up and warm up) and end at the scheduled time.
The students are expected to thoroughly PREPARE the concert music BEFORE the first rehearsal of a concert-cycle.

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 (55%):
A professional level of preparation is expected. You have to prepare and practice your part ahead of the rehearsal. The ensemble is only as good as its weakest player. Students will be graded on the basis of their performance in hearings (strings) or sectionals (winds).

Attendance: (45%)

1. ATTENDANCE AT ALL REHEARSALS IS MANDATORY.
2. Absences can only be excused due to illness, death in the family, or for institutional/academic 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 or summer festival 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 10% each time. Five unexcused absences will result in failing the course.
7. If you are absent you must provide a sub (winds, brass, percussion only).
8. EVERYONE IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM AT WINTER GRADUATION ON 12/14/2007.

 

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 the call time for all concert performances. Call time for Sunday concerts is 1:00pm.

In order to pass the course, the student must pass the Art of Musicianship test on Vista. This can be taken multiple times during the course of the semester.

Concert Dress:

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

(Stage) Ladies: full length concert black. Three-quarter or full length sleeves. Black dress shoes and black socks or stockings. Gentlemen: black tie (Black trousers, black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow-tie, black dress shoes and socks).
(Pit) Ladies and gentlemen all black (Black trousers or skirt, black long-sleeved shirt or blouse, black shoes and socks).
Out of consideration for your colleagues, please avoid excessive jewellery and perfume.

VERY IMPORTANT:
ALL INFORMATION REGARDING ORCHESTRA MATTER IS POSTED ON THE ORANGE ORCHESTRA BOARD ACROSS FROM room 146.

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 rates plus shipping (minimum $25). For rental parts, a minimum fee of 100$ will be assessed.