Academic Catalog

MUS 38C: GUITAR ENSEMBLE III

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 38B, 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 continue to develop ensemble abilities and learn to perform musically, rhythmically, and with accurate intonation, with greater emphasis on dynamics, facility, and performance. Students learn to switch between melodic and accompaniment parts quickly and appropriately. Repertoire includes more intricate pieces by Bach, Pachelbel, Villa-Lobos, and Paganini (based 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 third quarter level with accuracy of pitch and rhythm within a guitar ensemble
  2. Play at a third quarter level with the ability to switch easily between melodic and accompaniment parts
  3. Play at a third quarter level with a variety of tone colors to meet the artistic style of the repertoire
  4. Play at a third quarter level using dynamics and expressive markings in the musical notation
  5. Sight read melodic and accompaniment parts at a third 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
Class performance: individual and group assessment

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

Buzov, Valentin. Guitar Ensembles. 2019.

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:

Britten, Benjamin. Folksong Arrangements Volume 6. 1961.
Paganini, Niccolo. Six Sonatas. Op. 3. 1985.

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

  1. Reading assignments:
    1. Sight read notation of selected sheet music, e.g., "Overture" from the Nutcracker Suite as arranged by the Accidentals (Edinburgh classical guitar orchestra)
    2. Read notation for the "Canon in D" by Pachelbel
  2. Writing Assignments:
    1. Prepare notation with expressive and phrasing marks
    2. Write review of guitar performance focusing on technique and artistry of performance

Discipline(s)

Music or Commercial Music