In this course you will learn the fundamentals of instrumentation and arranging for contemporary band and orchestral instruments. The acquisition of basic elements, such as the range, transposition and timbre of each instrument will be followed by examination and analysis of orchestration 'problems' and solutions from repertoire, and by your composition and/or arranging exercises for ensembles of various sizes. At the conclusion of this semester, you will have the primary tools needed for arranging/re-arranging music for a variety of instrumental ensembles.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

1. Regular prompt attendance and class participation are strictly required. You are permitted two unexcused absences. Only medical/dean’s excuses will excuse absence. Each unexcused absence, beyond two, will reduce your grade by 4%. Should you miss class, with an excused or unexcused absence, you are still responsible for the material covered that day—I will not re-teach the class for you. Should you miss a 'pop' quiz because of an absence, either excused or unexcused, you will be unable to make it up.

2. Completion of all assignments, which will include brief original works for each instrument studied, as well as orchestration/arrangements of pre-existing music.

3. Quiz on ranges/transpositions (September 30), several 'pop' quizzes, and a final exam (Dec. 16, 8 am).

4. Final Orchestration project, for full orchestra, to be read by the ECU Symphony Orchestra in December.

GRADES

Your grade will be based on many components, roughly weighted as follows:

 

Attendance, Class Participation, Pop Quizzes	10%
Range/Transposition Quiz (Sept. 30)	15%
Written homework assignments	45%
Final Project/Reading (due Dec. 2. )	20%
Final Exam (December 16, 8 a.m.)	10%

Grading is on a standard scale

> 90% = A
> 80% = B
> 70% = C
> 60% = D
< 60% = F

HOW TO GET HELP, OR OFFICE HOURS

M 11-12, T-Th 9-10, by appointment, or whenever the office door (302) is open.
My e-mail address is JacobsE@ecu.edu, my office phone number is 328-4280.
Don't ever be shy about trying to reach me; I'm here to help you learn.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

All are available in the bookstore. Also, always bring some music manuscript and a few good pencils to class.

ASSIGNMENTS/THE WAY THIS CLASS WORKS

    For each instrument to be studied you will be expected to 1) Read the appropriate Chapter/Section in the textbook; 2) Listen to excerpts identified in the reading; 3) Be prepared for a pop-quiz. For the class following the discussion / pop-quiz on the 'instrument of the day,' you are to bring in an original passage of 8-16 measures in length, written expressly for the instrument being studied. When you bring your passage to class (on the class following the discussion/ quiz on reading), it will be (most likely) read in class and graded for its idiomatic writing (i.e., for its exploration of the unique characteristics of that instrument's range, timbral possibilities, etc.), and clarity and appropriateness of notation.
   For example: In preparation for our August 24 class, you are to have read the section on the strings, particularly the violin, listened to excerpts noted in the book, have any questions prepared to ask, and be ready for a quiz on the instrument's unique characteristics (e.g., bowing notation, pitches of open strings, notation of pizzicato, etc.) For the class on August 26 you are to bring in an original passage of 8-16 measures in length, and Professor Gregorian will read it during class. In addition, for that same August 26 class, you are to have read the textbook chapter which addresses the Viola, listened to excerpts, have questions prepared, be ready for a quiz.
   At several points during the semester your assignments will be to write for groups of instruments (string quartets, wind quartet, brass quintet, and other 'mixes'), which will also be read in class.
   N.B.! Each assignment is to be handed in on the due date. In addition, YOU are responsible for getting any materials distributed in class. If you don’t get a handout in class, if you miss discussion of material in class, then YOU are responsible for getting what you need from a colleague. Don’t even think of telling me that you tried to come by my office to get an assignment—or pick up copies of materials, or find out what we did in class—and I wasn’t there. I was there, in class: If you weren’t, then you find a way to catch up. Don't imagine that I'll re-teach the class just for you. I'm here to help those who don't understand the material; I'm not here to teach the class over and over to those who can't seem to make it to the assigned class meeting time. Missing a class is not an excuse for not fulfilling an assignment: YOU get the assignment, YOU fulfill the assignment, or YOU get an F for that assignment.
   Assignments submitted after the due date will receive failing grades. There are NO exceptions to this policy. Period. That means that you shouldn't even ask for an extension: If you do, the answer will be NO. Get it?

FINAL ORCHESTRATION PROJECT/READING

On Tuesday, December 7, at 7 p.m., the ECU Symphony Orchestra will read your final orchestration projects.

Your completed scores and parts, (with appropriate numbers of copies), are due at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 2. If you fail to meet this deadline, your final project will not be read on December 7, and you will receive a failing grade on this project (35% of your final grade).