LSMSA Course Syllabus
MU 254 – Chamber Ensemble
Room 105A [Prudhomme]
Dr. Al Benner (318) 357-3231
Room P109A - office hours as posted on office door or on website
abenner@lsmsa.edu

COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
To gain knowledge and understanding of ensemble playing and your individual instrument; to develop skills that will aid the individual in effectively performing ensemble literature that suits his/her abilities and challenges them; and to develop other musical skills that will aid in future ensemble playing and other music courses.  This course is designed to offer advanced performers opportunities to play challenging music literature in a professional setting.  Various players will be formed both in small and large groups according to works being performed.  Overall, however, the main purpose of this course is to have fun.

MATERIALS
Pencil and paper brought to each class.
Music for pieces being played.
Chamber Ensemble Folder.

TEXT
Music will be provided.  It is the student’s responsibility, however, to bring outside music on those days requested by the Instructor.

EXAMINATIONS AND GRADING
Acceptance into the Ensemble is by audition or Instructor approval.  If you are a part of the Ensemble, it is not only expected, it is required that you spend time outside of class learning your individual part.  You will be graded on your performance abilities.  Specifics about grading procedures will be discussed in class by the Instructor.  In general:

• There will be at least one major concerts at a time outside of class.  There will be several opportunities to play on other smaller concert venues.  It is expected that when needed, you will perform on these concerts.  We may also to asked play for various events and assemblies where appropriate that take place at LSMSA.  This may include, but is not limited to, the LSMSA Gala, the LCC (Louisiana Composers’ Consortium), Junior Recognition, Veteran's Day, Holiday Celebration and Martin Luther King Assembly.  Attendance and playing participation is required.  Attire for the concert will be discussed prior to the event.  Playing for these concerts and proper stage presence at that time will determine the majority of your final grade.  However, any unexcused absence that results in failure to participate in any scheduled concert, automatically gives you a D in this course.  Likewise, failure to participate in any scheduled dress rehearsals, except in unusual circumstances, will result in you not participating in the concert.  If you are allowed to play a concert that you have an unexcused absence for the dress rehearsal, you will automatically receive no higher than a C for that concert and in most cases will result in receiving one letter grade lower for your final grade.
• You will be given a grade for each concert or LSMSA event based on professionalism and performance (see below). 
• There will be playing exams based on materials given out a minimum of 1 week after the materials was dispersed.  These playing exams will help determine your Preparation and Professionalism grade.
• You will be given a letter grade once a week comprising of two areas--professionalism and performance.  Each student will be judged according to his or her abilities.  Specific determination of what qualifies as an "A" in each area will consist of, but is not limited to, the following.  Preparation -- show progress in learning your parts in a timely manner; show that proper practice techniques were observed.  Although this has a direct bearing on your practice time outside of class (see below), the bottom line here is results.  It is expected that you will practice as much as needed to show proper progress in playing your parts.  Professionalism -- this will be determined according to how you act during rehearsal (class) time--are you paying attention, talking, not prepared upon downbeats, etc.  Inability to act as a professional during rehearsals and preparing for rehearsals shows a great lack of respect not only for the conductor, but also for your fellow musicians.  These weekly grades will be averaged to give a final class grade. 
• At the beginning of the first class of each week, a schedule of your practice time will be turned in to the Instructor.  Although practice time will vary for individuals, it is recommended that you practice a minimum of 4 hours a week.  There will be individual playing exams on music you will be performing (your part) at any time.  It is your responsibility to practice your part.  You will be given a grade for these playing exams.  Anyone found lacking would be required to attend office hours to practice with the Instructor.
• Students are required to attend two musical performances during the semester and turn in a written (computer or typed) report, minimum one page, single and ½ spaced, font no larger than 12 point, about the event (due no later than two weeks after the performance date).  One is required by mid-term exam; the other the last day of class.  You can always turn in your reports before the due dates.  However, if your first report is not turn in by mid-term, it can not be "made-up."  Without both reports, you cannot make an "A" in this course.  Reports will not add to your overall total, however, missing reports will deduct 5 points from your average score in determining a final grade.
• There may be a mid-term exam depending upon the length of time between when our concert was played and the normal time period for mid-term exams AND as determined by the Instructor.  There is the possibility that a written exam may be given covering information about pieces and materials discussed in class.
• There will be a final exam.  It may consist of, but is not limited to, a written exam covering information about pieces and materials discussed in class; and/or a playing exam which will be treated as a concert of individual pieces.  This will be discussed in more detail as the final exam approaches.  If the final exam is a concert, it may take place before the end of the semester.  If this is the case, the class will meet at the assigned time during final exam week to read through new material--you are not excused from this exam period.  Failure to attend this exam period will result in receiving a "D" to be averaged equally with your playing exam grade to determine your final exam grade.
• At the discretion of the Instructor, pluses can be given for either exceptional work or minuses for behavior that is disruptive or refusal to participate in class requirements or assignments.  These points will be used for student’s whose grade is "on the fence."  It is also possibly that multiple minuses will lower your grade.

For playing exams, concerts, LSMSA events, class grades, mid-term and the final exam, you will be given a letter grade of A, B, C, or D.  The Instructor may add pluses or minuses (i.e., B+) for his own use, however, your final grade will not carry a plus or minus (i.e., if you are listed as a B+, you will get a B).  The number of concerts we will play during the semester will determine the proportions for the various areas that will ascertain your final grade.  These proportions will be discussed at the appropriate time during class.

CONCERT ATTIRE
Members of the Chamber Ensemble must have proper concert attire.  For ladies, that is a black skirt below the knee, a white dress blouse (long sleeve), and black dress shoes.  Black dress slack may be substituted for a black shirt upon Instructor's approval.  For gentlemen, a black suit, white dress shirt (long sleeve), dark tie, and black dress shoes.  A dark suit may be substituted upon approval of the Instructor.  The above dress is necessary for our formal concerts.  For our informal concerts, proper attire will be discussed at that time.

PRACTICE
Practice outside class is required to become a better ensemble player (and to make the progress that will be the main foundation for your grade).  Treat practice sessions as you do studying for any other course here at LSMSA.  The time to prepare for playing is before you come to class, not during class time.  Like any other subject, the amount of practice time between individuals will vary depending upon your skill level.  By being accepted and consequently enrolled in this class, you accept the responsibility that you will prepare your part to the best of your abilities.  For some, this may require more than the "recommended" minimum practice time of 4 hours a week to prepare properly.

ATTENDANCE
Students must adhere to the LSMSA attendance policy.  Failure to attend a class will be reported on the attendance report.  The administration and/or the school nurse, not the Instructor, will determine whether or not an absence is excused.  If you do miss a class for any reason, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate to know what took place during your absence and to prepare for any class assignment or exam that will take place upon you return.  Unexcused absences will result in a minus for any class assignment you missed.  Attendance is taken at the beginning of class.  If you enter after attendance is taken, you will be marked tardy.  Three unexcused tardies are considered as one absence.  You are tardy once class begins.  Tardiness is especially disruptive because your individual part is important to an ensemble.  If you are tardy, it is your responsibility to get the material you missed from a classmate.

LMEA
Although not a requirement, it is strongly encouraged that every member of the Ensemble audition to be a member of either the All-State Band(s) or Orchestra.  Details about this will be discussed early in the semester.  The group may also participate in the Solo & Small Ensemble Festival at the appropriate time.

ADDITION
Your grade in Chamber Ensemble is an earned one.  It WILL NOT be based solely on your skill level.  Rather it will be based upon the contribution you make to the success of the group.  Also, please remember that in addition to grades for playing exams, your grade will be based on your attitude, your behavior, your attendance in class and at concerts, and how hard you are willing to work for the excellence of our ensemble.  It will not be enough merely to SAY that you are interested in the group’s success; you must demonstrate by your actions that you are dedicated to that goal.

As a supplement to what has been listed above on this syllabus, TO EARN AN "A" IN CHAMBER ENSEMBLE, A STUDENT MUST:

• Be in attendance at all concerts and performances, unless illness, family emergency or a previously arrangement school function should prevent attendance.  The student must notify the director BEFORE the event to be excused.
• Be on time to class, in the assigned seat and ready to play.
• Having worked during time outside of class on your ensemble parts, demonstrate knowledge of your parts and have your parts ready to play at concert time.
• Demonstrate by a positive attitude and by disciplined behavior that the ensemble’s excellence is of prime importance.
• Show a willingness to cooperate in every way your talent permits.
• Turning in your concert reviews in a timely manner.

PLEASE NOTE: Excessive absences (or not being able to participate in rehearsals), whatever the reason, will likely result in a lowered grade.  Because there is no homework outside your practice time, being at and performing during rehearsals is VERY important.  Because talking is disruptive to our group effort, talking in class will likewise result in a lowering of the grade.

OVERALL GRADE BREAKDOWN
Depending upon the number of concerts given per semester, this may be altered.  If that is the case, it will be discussed in class.  In general, the following applies:

Overall Preparedness: 25%

Overall Professionalism: 25%

Major Concert(s): 25%

Minor Concert(s): 15%  [If playing more than 1, proportions will be discussed.]

Final Jury: 10%

LIFE PHILOSOPHY
Do what is right even if it is unpopular.
Take responsibility for your actions.
Don't let others think for you.
There is always a choice.
Be true to yourself.

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