MU3705 - Syllabus

Instrumental Conducting I - MU3705

Instructor: Jean R. Perrault

Class location: Singer Hall (Weber 206)

Class day/time: Tuesdays & Thursdays 11-11:50am

Office hours: As posted

Course description
Preparation of students for conducting instrumental ensembles at the public school level.

Course objectives

A. To review the basic beat patterns.
B. To develop an understanding of advanced and mixed patterns.
C. To develop basic skills in the area of transposed and clef reading.
D. To review foreign terms.
E. To acquaint prospective instrumental teachers with the skill of score reading.
F. To develop basic skills in the area of musical and expressive gestures.
G. To develop the skill of the left hand.
H. To develop the skill of indicating fermatas.
I. To develop skills in rehearsal technique and pacing.

Course activities

A. Conducting to recordings.
B. Conducting the class.
C. Conducting existing organizations.
D. Observations of various rehearsals.
E. Videotaping.
F. Reading outside the required text.
G. Studying of repertoire

Text and materials
Required Text
Phillips, Kenneth. Basic Techniques of Conducting (Oxford University Press, 1997) (or later)
Supplemental Text
Labuta, Joseph A. - Matthews, Wendy K. Basic Conducting Techniques. (Routledge, New York 2018)
Maiello, Anthony. Conducting: a Hands-on Approach. (Alfred Publishing Company, Inc., 1996)
Green, Elizabeth. The Modern Conductor. (Upper Saddel River, Prentice Hall, 1997)
Rudolf, Max. The Grammar of Conducting. (New York, Schirmer Books)
Required Materials
Baton, Manuscript Paper, Pencil(s)

Course evaluation
A. Tests/quizzes and written assignments: (25% of grade)
Tests/quizzes, written critiques of conducting, and written assignments will be administered during the semester. Subjects may include transpositions, clefs, foreign terms, as well as other subjects as covered in class. Rehearsal observation paper due at the last class (Thursday December 7, 2023)
B. Midterm Exam - Thursday March 7, 2023: (25% of grade)
Wachet Auf (Johann Sebastian Bach Cantata #140)
Midterm prep score is due on October , 2023
C. Attendance & Class Participation: (10% of grade)
All students are expected to be prepared for all classes and to actively participate in class discussions
D. Final Exam: (40% of grade)
Part I - Conducting UMD Symphony Orchestra (Tuesday December 5, 2023 - 7pm)
Repertoire TBD
Part II - Written Exam (Tuesday December 12, 2023)

Course Grading and Evaluation
Every student will be evaluated at every class. Attendance to all classes is mandatory. Legitimate and verifiable circumstances that lead to excused student absence from the classroom can be found on the UMD website at http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/ExcusedAbsence.html. Excessive absences will jeopardize the passing of the course. Grades will be lowered half a percentage point (0.5%) for every unexcused absence.

Grading scale:
A = 93.0% A- = 90.0%
B+ = 87.0% B = 83.0%
B- = 80.0% C+ = 77.0%
C = 73.0% C- = 70.0%
D+ = 67.0% D = 63.0%
F = below 60.0%

Added Security for Google Drive access
You may need to use Duo Security to access your video files and class assignments on the Google Drive. YOU ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to set up back-up devices in Duo Security so that you are prepared in the event that your primary Duo device is unavailable Learn about back up devices at z.umn.edu/backupdevices. As a Duo user, it is your responsibility to come prepared to sign in to applications necessary for class activities, including exams and quizzes. If you are unable to sign in, you may lose points for the class activity. Failure to bring your Duo device or a back-up is not an excused absence or a valid reason for make up work. Learn more about Duo Security at z.umn.edu/duosecurity.

Student Conduct Code
Appropriate classroom conduct promotes an environment of academic achievement and integrity. Disruptive classroom behavior that substantially or repeatedly interrupts either the instructor's ability to teach, or student learning, is prohibited. More information can be found on the Board of Regents website: http://www1.umn.edu/regents/policies/academic/Student_Conduct_Code.pdf

Teaching & Learning: Instructor and Student Responsibilities
UMD is committed to providing a positive, safe, and inclusive place for all who study and work here. Instructors and students have mutual responsibility to insure that the environment in all of these settings supports teaching and learning, is respectful of the rights and freedoms of all members, and promotes a civil and open exchange of ideas. More information can be found at http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/TeachingLearning.html

Healthy performance habits
In order to maintain healthy playing habits, students should arrive at a rehearsal with ample time to properly warm-up, to avoid neuromusculoskeletal disorders and other physical injuries. Periodic stretching and breaks will be built into the rehearsal schedule. For a more complete list of activities that increase healthy habits, please visit the NASM website at http://nasm.arts-accredit.org/site/docs/PAMA-NASM_Advisories/5a_NASM_PAMA_NMH-Student_Information_Sheet-Standard%20NMH_June%202014.pdf

COVID-19 Guidelines
We will follow ALLCDC, State of Minnesota and University of Minnesota Duluth mandated guidelines. The UMD Health, Prevention and Wellbieng policies and guidelines can be found at the following link https://safe-campus.d.umn.edu/prevention-and-wellbeing

Students with disabilities
It is the policy and practice of the University of Minnesota Duluth to create inclusive learning environments for all students, including students with disabilities. If there are aspects of this course that result in barriers to your inclusion or your ability to meet course requirements - such as time limited exams, inaccessible web content, or the use of non-captioned videos - please notify the instructor as soon as possible. You are also encouraged to contact the Office of Disability Resources to discuss and arrange reasonable accommodations. Please call 218-726-6130 or visit the DR website at http://www.d.umn.edu/access for more information.

Academic dishonesty tarnishes UMD's reputation and discredits the accomplishments of students. UMD is committed to providing students every possible opportunity to grow in mind and spirit. This commitment can only be fulfilled in an environment of trust, honesty, fairness, respect, and responsibility. As a result, academic dishonesty is regarded as a serious offense by all members of the academic community. All faculty, staff, and students are expected to maintain the highest levels of academic integrity. More information regarding the student academic conduct code can be found at http://www.d.umn.edu/vcaa/StudentAcademicIntegrity.html. This policy sanctions students engaging in academic dishonesty with penalties up to and including expulsion from the university for repeat offenders.