I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Brass Ensemble

2. Course Prefix & Number:
MUSC 1415

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits - Variable: 0-1

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

This performing ensemble encompasses age levels from high school to adult and musicianship levels from intermediate to expert in a brass ensemble setting. The ensemble prepares and performs traditional and contemporary brass ensemble literature in public performance with one concert per year plus public performances in varying venues as opportunities arise. This course is repeatable. MnTC Goal 6

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

No placement tests required

Score:

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

8. Prerequisite (Entry) Skills:
Intermediate to advanced level skills on brass instruments are required for participation in this ensemble.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

University of MN-Duluth, MU 1541 Chamber Music (Brass), 1 credit
St. Cloud State University, MUSP 353 Brass Ensemble, 1 credit

III. Course Purpose

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 6 – Humanities and Fine Arts

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate reading and listening skills	Read and perform written music for group performance.
Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills	Demonstrate cooperation and mutual assistance with other musicians in the rehearsal setting.
Utilize appropriate technology	Demonstrate the ability to use web-based digital music in every rehearsal.
Work as a team member to achieve shared goals	Create a situation where all members must cooperate to achieve a successful and musical performance.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
• Demonstrate understanding of those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context (MnTC Goal 6);
  
• Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
  
• Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance;
• Contribute leadership and group effort within their section of the ensemble;
• Play cohesively as part of the group;
• Read and interpret concert band literature with appropriate style and sound; and
• Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities. 

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Warm up
• Individual tuning
• Group tuning
• Major scales
2. Rehearse
• Discussion of historical music period
• Discussion of music style
• Rehearsal of compositions appropriate to the skill level of the performers
3. Performance
• Annual concerts
• Concerts on other occasions as determined by instructor