Central Methodist University Department of Music
Spring 2020
Syllabus
Instrumentation MU335
(2 hrs.)
Mondays and Wednesdays 10-10:50am, Swinney Conservatory 112
Prof. David Witter, Classic Hall 202-D, 660-651-9964
dwitter@centralmethodist.edu; office hours by appointment
Mission
Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.
Outcomes:
The successful student will demonstrate knowledge of and skill in:
—transposition at sight for all instruments.
—characteristic use of the instruments of the orchestra, including ranges and transpositions.
—adapting and arranging music for specific ensembles for various purposes.
—using computer software to create arrangements.
—applying criteria by which music and music-making are judged artistic.
—appropriate and functional score editing, transposition, and transcription/arranging.
—using critical thinking and creative problem solving to solve a variety of musical problems related to analysis, performance, composition, improvisation, and arranging.
—meeting deadlines for assignments, presentations, and projects.
DESE Instrumental Music Competencies:
1.C.13 – creating music for various purposes
1.C.14 – arranging and adapting music from a variety of sources to meet the needs and ability levels of school performing groups and classroom situations.
1.D.18 – appropriate (i.e., within the bounds of copyright law) and functional score editing, transposition, and transcription, and transcription/arranging.
1.D.19 – transposing instrumental parts.
1.F.25 – using computers and other music-related technologies (e.g., sound systems, microphones, electronic instruments, MIDI) to enhance the learning environment (e.g., computer-generated accompaniments).
1.G.26 – using critical thinking and creative problem solving to solve a variety of musical problems related to analysis, performance, composition, improvisation, and arranging.
1.G.30 – applying criteria by which music and music-making are judged artistic.
3.3 – transposition at sight for all instruments.
Required Materials: Access to music notation software (we will go over this in class)
Reference Materials: Hymnal, Book of Christmas Carols, Collection of Madrigals or Bach Chorales, Collection of Folk Songs, Fake book, piano scores for instrumental solos.
Academic Property
All work (original or copy) submitted by the student to satisfy the requirements of the course may be retained at the discretion of the instructor for non-profit and educational purposes. Such work is generally used for assessing the course and providing evidence of student accomplishment for review by accrediting agencies. Any student wishing to prohibit such use of their work may do so by notifying the instructor in writing.
Non-discrimination Policy
Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual preference, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability/state defined handicap (“disability”). This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.The Center for Learning & Teaching at Central Methodist University is committed to ensuring nondiscrimination and equal access to all programs, services, and activities for qualified students with a disability. It is the responsibility of any student who wishes to claim a disability and seek an accommodation to file official documentation confirming the disability and a completed Disability Services Student Information Form with the Center of Learning and Teaching prior to seeking any accommodation based on the disability.
Grievance Policy
Central Methodist University has established a grievance policy and process designed to provide students and others with a process to resolve potential issues. This policy and process is established to provide persons with an avenue to file a written concern and to established a process to track and implement changes as a result of said concern. For more detailed information, consult the CLAS catalog at: http://www.centralmethodist.edu/academics/catalog/clas-catalog/policies/index.php.
If an issue cannot be solved through consultation with the faculty or division chair, students can report an incident/issue within 30 days of the event via the online web form https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralMethodistUniv&layout_id=3.
Academic Conduct Policy
Your projects must represent your work and your ideas. Ideas incorporated into your work that are not your own must be properly documented.
Students are expected to follow the CMU Academic Conduct Policy as outlined on the CMU website. Any evidence of academic misconduct may have any or all of the following consequences:
Grade of zero on the individual assignment.
Grade of F in the class.
Dismissal from the class.
A notation of academic misconduct on your transcript.
The Dean of the University may take additional action, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.
Attendance
Attendance is a very important factor in completing the course successfully. Each absence beyond three will result in a 3% deduction from the course grade. Two tardies will be considered equivalent to one absence. Students with no absences will earn a 3% addition to their course grade.
Class cancellation
In the event of a university-wide closure, students should assume that all classes are canceled. Should I need to cancel class for any reason, I will let you know in person and via email.
Make-up and Late Work
Timely completion of homework and projects is essential. An assignment not turned in during the class period in which it is due will be accepted one class period late for half credit. Assignments completed more than one class period late will not be accepted.
Course Grades
90-100% = A
80-89% = B
70-79%= C
60-69% = D
0-59% = F
Assignments will be weighted as follows:
Tests/Quizzes: 30%
Homework/Projects: 60%
Class Participation: 10%
Academic Honesty Policy: Your projects must represent your work and your ideas. Ideas incorporated into your work that are not your own must be properly documented. Copies of the
Academic Honesty Policy can be found in the Catalog, the CMU Student Handbook, and a PDF found in the Classes folder on the server.
Course Calendar
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Date
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Discussion Topic
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Assignment (due date)
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Jan. 13 –15
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Introduction, Rock/Pop Ensemble/Transpositions
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Jan. 22
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Transpositions (continued)
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Transpositions (1/27)
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Jan. 27 – 29
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Strings overview, Violins
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Strings Duo (2/3)
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Feb. 3 – 5
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Woodwind overview, Clarinets
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Clarinet Quartet (2/10)
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Feb. 10 – 12
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Saxophones, Woodwind Quintet
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Saxophone Quartet (2/17)
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Feb. 17 – 19
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Woodwind Quintet, Woodwind Choir
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WW5 (2/24), WWChoir (2/26)
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Feb. 24 – 26
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Brass overview, Horns
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Mar. 2 – 4
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Trumpet, Trombone, Euph, Tuba
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Horn Quartet or Brass Quintet (3/9)
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Mar. 9 – 11
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Brass Choir, Percussion
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Mar. 16 – 18
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Percussion, Score Adaptation, Project
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Mar. 23 – 25
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Spring Break
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Mar. 30 – Apr. 1
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Assignment feedback, go over revised syllabus/assignments/due dates, etc., Private Lesson w/ Alex Autry (10-11)
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Brass Choir/WW Choir (3/30), Percussion Ensemble (4/1); decide which 2-3 pieces you’re revising, and when on the schedule you’ll have your private lesson
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Apr. 6 – 8
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No class, Private Lesson w/ Amanda Lewis (9-10) and Nick Vick (10-11)
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Apr. 13 – 15
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Jazz Combo/Band, Private Lesson w/ Kelly Briggs (10-11) and Mike Brown (11-12)
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Apr. 20 – 22
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Pop Styles, Private Lesson w/ Alec Fields (9-10) and Zach Kierstead (10-11)
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Final scores should be near long completion |
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Apr. 27 – 29
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Making Parts, Feedback, History/Berlioz, etc.
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Scores and Parts finished
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Finals Week
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Wed., May 6, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
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Review, commiserate, feedback on finals
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Schedule dates of note (may or may not pertain to this class):
May 4-7 – Finals and Juries