Academic Catalog

MUS 38B: GUITAR ENSEMBLE II

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Summer 2023
Units: 2
Hours: 2 lecture, 1 laboratory per week (36 total per quarter)
Advisory: Enrollment subject to audition and instructor assignment.
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU/UC
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Description

Continuation of MUS 38A, focusing on the study, rehearsal, and public performance of guitar repertoire (both guitar-only ensembles and guitars with other instruments), with emphasis on the development of the skills needed to perform within an ensemble. Students concentrate on their musical skill through collaboration and learn to perform musically, rhythmically, and with accurate intonation at a second quarter level. Greater emphasis is placed on unity of attack, timbre, and communication. Students are expected to know how to read notation, possess an intermediate grasp of technique, and have ensemble experience. Repertoire from the Renaissance through contemporary, including Bach, Biberian, Handel, de Visee, Diabelli (contingent upon instrument availability). Students learn to critique both their own and others' performances. Instructor will coach throughout.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Play at a second quarter level with accuracy of pitch and rhythm within a guitar ensemble
  2. Play at a second quarter level with the ability to switch easily between melodic and accompaniment parts
  3. Play at a second quarter level with a variety of tone colors to meet the artistic style of the repertoire
  4. Play at a second quarter level using dynamics and expressive markings in the musical notation
  5. Sight read melodic and accompaniment parts at a second quarter level
  6. Play with attention to steady pulse and rhythmic unity of ensemble

Course Content

  1. Guitar technique
    1. Posture/position
    2. Dynamics
      1. Free stroke
      2. Rest stroke
    3. Nail care
  2. Musical skills
    1. Notation
    2. Expressive markings
    3. Rhythmic accuracy
    4. Chordal harmonies
    5. Dynamics
  3. Performance
    1. Interpretation
    2. Presentation
      1. Aural
      2. Visual
    3. Communication
    4. Stage etiquette
  4. Practice
    1. Daily
    2. Self-evaluation
  5. Repertoire
    1. Medieval
    2. Renaissance
    3. Baroque
    4. Romantic
    5. Contemporary

Lab Content

Supervised performance and practice of selected repertoire.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Music stands.
2. When taught via Foothill Global Access: on-going access to computer with email software and capabilities; email address; JavaScript-enabled internet browsing software.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Exams/tests: guitar rehearsal, performance
Group projects: sectional rehearsal
Class work: reading notation, playing, articulation/lab activities rehearsal

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Critique: individual and group
Lab: practice, rehearsal
Lecture: historical style and technique
Observation and demonstration: instructor and student demonstration and observation

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Alexander, Joseph, and Rob Thorpe. Intermediate Pieces for Classical Guitar. 2018.

Although some texts listed are older than the suggested standard, they remain seminal in this area of study.

The following may be selected for supplemental use during the quarter:

Villa-Lobos, Heitor. Distribution of Flowers for Flute and Guitar. 1970.
Mertz, Johann: Guitar. Deutsche Weise. ed. Heidelberg: Chanterelle, 1985.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

  1. Practice individual parts, including tone, dynamics, tempo, rhythm, and articulation
  2. Rehearsals: group rehearsals, including all of the above plus group presentation of musicality

Discipline(s)

Music or Commercial Music