GUITAR ENSEMBLE

SYLLABUS

APPLIED FINE ARTS: GUITAR ENSEMBLE

St. Stephens Fine Arts Department

Course Syllabus for Applied Arts I: Guitar Ensemble 2018-19

I. Course Outline

This course will consist of one forty-five minute class per rotation and requires a minimum of thirty minutes of daily individual practice outside of class. Guitar Ensemble offered by the Fine Arts Department may be taken for one-half credit per year and may be used in partial fulfillment of the one-credit Fine Arts graduation requirement. The course has no prerequisite and may be repeated.

II. Course Objectives

1. To develop an appreciation and enjoyment of music

2. To develop an understanding of ensemble cohesion

3. To develop an understanding of basic music theory (chords, scales, musical vocabulary)

4. To develop the skill of sight reading

5. To develop performance skills through recitals and less formal performance opportunities

6. To develop finger and muscular control and technique

7. To develop skills in analytical and critical listening

8. To develop the skills of improvisation and voice leading (especially in jazz guitar)

III. Evaluation

Evaluation will be made on a credit/non-credit basis with students earning an S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), or on rare occasions an H (Honors). Evaluation will be based on progress made each term and not the degree of skill a student has at the beginning of the year. Students are expected to attend all classes with their guitar, music, and practice logs. Students are expected to practice at least 20 minutes a day or 2 hours per week outside of ensemble class. Grading will be based on the rubric below:

-60% from weekly lesson attendance, assignments, and practice/preparation

-30% from term performances

-10% from music practice log

REPERTOIRE: All ensembles will be required to learn at least 2 songs/arrangements per term. Each term will end with mixed audio/video recordings of the learned songs.

SIGHT READING: Students will be expected to develop basic sight reading skills. Reading assignments will be given for the student’s practice outside of ensemble rehearsal.

TECHNIQUE: Students will be responsible for music assignments to learn fretboard and how to play scales, chords/inversions, and effective voice leading.

PRACTICE LOG: Students will keep a daily practice log that will include: date of daily practice, list of technique exercises, repertoire practiced and number of minutes spent on each. The practice log will accompany your weekly lesson notes. Students will also write weekly reflections on listening exercises and assignments according to the student’s stylistic focus. The practice log and listening reflections must be turned in at the end of each term.

ATTENDANCE: Students must attend all lessons with their instrument and sheet music. Per term, a warning is given with 1 unexcused absence while 2 unexcused absences may result in a “U” grade. Please contact me if you must miss a lesson due to illness or school related activity at least 24 hours in advance.

Please contact me with any questions!

John Branch - jbranch@sstx.org