Meeting Time: MWF 8:00a.m.
to 8:50 a.m.
Meeting Place: Smith Hall
123
Instructor: Dr. Joseph
Harchanko, D.M.A.
Office Hours: www.wou.edu/~harchanj/schedule.htm
(by appointment)*
*I make every effort to be available to students. You are welcome to drop by my office if you have questions or need to talk to me. I am also happy to schedule appointments at mutually convenient times for you and me to meet. Communication between students and faculty is important. Please keep me informed if for some reason you are experiencing difficulties with the class and I will do my best to work with you to overcome them.
Contact information:
Office:APS 233 A
Phone: 88874
Email: harchanko@wou.edu
Web: www.wou.edu/~harchanj
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
In his autobiography
“Testament”, Dmitri Shostakovich writes that orchestration is at least half
the compositional process. Orchestration
is more than knowing what notes are available on what instruments.
It is an understanding of colors and textures available on instruments
and through the combination if instruments. The goal of this course is to
develop a method for the experiential understanding of the effective use of
idiomatic writing for orchestral instruments, specifically those in the string
and percussion sections.
Students should be able to
demonstrate the following:
Required texts:
The Technique of
Orchestration, 6th ed., by Kent Kennan and Donald Grantham
POLICIES:
If you need course
adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency
medical information to share with your instructor, or if you need special
arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment
with the instructor as soon as possible.
TEACHING
PHILOSOPHY
I consider teaching the most important aspect of my job.
I am committed to the success of every student.
That success comes from creating a fair and safe environment were
students develop the skills and knowledge to be responsible and questioning
citizens. The ability to be self-teaching is the greatest skill that I
can foster. Learning is, therefore,
less about the acquisition of a finite knowledge and more about training the
mind to reason and seek knowledge.
FINAL EXAM:
Final
exams can be found at http://www.wou.edu/provost/registrar/finals.php. The final exam for both MUS311 and MUS311L will occur on the
scheduled time for MUS315 which is Wednesday, March 19 at 8a.m.
There will be no alternative exam time offered except in cases of extreme
emergency in which the instructor is notified at the earliest possible time.
Academic Integrity:
Students must adhere to WOU’s Code of Student Responsibility that
can be found at the following address: http://www.wou.edu/student/services.html.
Students should review Section 574-31-030 (1) of this document that pertains to
academic dishonesty. It is expected that all work submitted for a grade is
original, not copied by others, and is completed by the student who is receiving
the grade. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course. Any student
who violates the policy will receive a 0 (zero) on the assignment, which may not
be dropped in accordance to any other policy.
The case will then be turned over to the administration for further
action.
ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is strongly
encouraged. Please arrive on time
and be prepared to learn and participate.
Any absences due to field trips, other out-of-town travel, or
non-emergencies must be cleared with your instructor in advance. If a
student wishes any absence to be excused in accordance to university policy, the
reason for that absence must be submitted in the form of an official document
such as a doctor’s note or obituary, in advance or, in case of unforeseeable
emergencies, immediately upon the student’s return to class.
If you miss class because of an emergency, you should contact your
instructor immediately, by BOTH phone and email. Students are responsible for
all missed material – NO EXCEPTIONS!
E-MAIL
– Students are responsible to regularly check their WOU email accounts.
It is assumed that any message sent to this account is received within 24
hours and constitutes direct communication, just as if it was said in person.
HOMEWORK:
Each
week students will be assigned to copy by hand a certain number of examples
listed at the end of each chapter studied.
These examples must be copied in full score. No computer software may be used. On each page include 1) your name, 2) the title of the work,
3) the composer of the work, 4) the instrument or instruments for which the work
exhibits effective writing, 5) all notes and all other markings of the score, 6) a brief description of
why this is an effective example. As
much as possible, do one item from the course reserve and one that is not.
Mark reserved items with an R at the upper left corner of the page.
Each
Friday, all students will present their homework to the class.
During this presentation, students will 1) show the handwritten copy, 2)
Play a recording of the excerpt, and 3) lead a discussion on what makes this
excerpt effective. THE WRITTEN COMMENTS OF THE PRESENTING STUDENT MUST BE
PRESENT ON THE EXCERPT AT THE TIME OF PRESENTATION.
Further observations that may come about through discussion may be added
later. THE RECORDING USED IN THE
CLASS PRESENTATION MUST BE EXCERPTED FROM THE FULL WORK. DO NOT BRING A RECORDING THAT MUST BE CUED-UP TO A SPECIFIC
TIME. A brief prelude (15 seconds
or less) and postlude (15 seconds or less) may be included in the recording.
All homework assignments
must be done neatly to be accepted. The instructor reserves the right to ask
that any assignment(s) be recopied if it is sloppy or illegible. Do your work in
pencil or ink. DO NOT USE FINALE OR ANY OTHER COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR THIS COURSE.
Put your name on each sheet to be submitted. Please note that
scoring any number of points is preferable to zero, which is the score assigned
if exams and papers are not turned in.
Homework
is due each Friday in class (unless otherwise announced).
Typically, late work is not
accepted and alternate times for tests are not given unless by expressed
permission, or pending an excusable emergency.
Students are encouraged to talk to their professor in advance of any
scheduled event, or as soon as possible following an emergency that interferes
with the schedule of tests and assignments.
No form of academic
misconduct such as plagiarism or cheating will be tolerated. Be advised of
the regulations pertaining to these and other relevant matters in the WOU
Student Handbook.
ALL
WORK FOR THIS COURSE, INCLUDING HOMEWORK, QUIZES, TESTS, AND PROJECTS, MUST BE
SUMBITTED IN A SINGLE 3-RING BINDER ON THE LAST DAY OF CLASS, FRIDAY, MARCH 14
AT 8A.M.
PROJECTS
– Two projects will be completed during the course of this term.
1. Arrange a Bach 4-part
chorale for string orchestra. Be
sure to use a wide range of techniques to create a “romanticized” version.
Be sure to include a large number of appropriate score markings
(including bowings and dynamics). Grade
will be based on the thorough and effective use of techniques studied in the
class. DO NOT NOTATE THIS OR ANY OTHER WORK IN NOTATION SOFTWARE!
2.
Arrange a short piano work, or excerpt of a piano work, for strings,
percussion, and keyboards. Include a thorough essay on the techniques of orchestration
used and what effect these techniques are designed to create.
Grade is awarded on thoroughness and effectiveness of techniques studied
in this course. Project 2 should be at least 1:30 long and contain
contrasting sections. DO NOT NOTATE
THIS OR ANY OTHER WORK IN NOTATION SOFTWARE!
TESTS AND QUIZZES:
Quizzes are not always cited in the schedule and may not be announced in class. Do not assume that you will be able to make up missed quizzes and exams. Conflicts with the scheduled final exam should be discussed with your instructor well in advance.
GRADING:
40% - Weekly assignments
15% - Tests and Quizzes
15% - Project 1
20% - Project 2
10% - Class Participation
Most work
will receive a numerical grade in the form of points received out of the total
points possible. Your percentage will convert to a letter grade as follows:
|
A = 93–100% A– =
90–92% |
B+
= 88-89% B
= 83-87% B–
= 80-82% |
C+
= 78-79% C
= 73-77% C–
= 70-72% |
D
= 60-69% F
= 0–59% |
(There is
no grade of D+ or D– in this class.)
Grades of C– and D
indicate work that is less than satisfactory.
TUTORING AND EXTRA
HELP:
If you fall behind in this
class or do not understand the material, seek additional help. You are
encouraged to speak to your instructor directly. Any student who may be in need
of help is strongly encouraged to contact the Learning Center and arrange a
tutor (see below).
RECORD KEEPING:
Your theory instructor keeps
an accurate record of all grades. Nevertheless, it is strongly recommended
that each student keep an accurate record of his/her theory grades and other
statistics in case a discrepancy should arise. Keep all of your homework and
tests after they are returned to you. All work must be resubmitted in a 3-ring binder at the
end of the term (see under homework).
Resources
The Writing Center offers assistance with writing. The Writing Center is located in APS 301, 503-838-8286, www.wou.edu/las/humanitites/writingctr
The Academic Advising and Learning Center offers academic tutoring and study skills assistance. The Academic Advising and Learning Center is located in APS 401, 503-838-8428 phone/TTY or 503-838-8501, www.wou.edu/provost/aalc/learning
The Technology Resource Center provides technology support and resources to faculty, staff and students. The Technology Resource Center is located in ITC 204, 503-838-8965, www.wou.edu/trc
Students with a documented disability that may require assistance should contact the Office of Disability Services for coordination of your academic accommodations. The Office of Disability Services is located in APS 405, phone/TTY is 503-838-8721, www.wou.edu/student/disability
Library and Media services offers assistance with research and information retrieval. Ask for assistance at the reference desk in Hamersly Library, phone/TTY 503-838-8418.
Best Effort
In this class the expectation is that everyone is putting forth their best effort. Examples of ways students put forth best effort include:
The instructor puts forth best effort also. Examples of this effort include:
Respect
In this class, the expectation is of mutual respect. Western Oregon University is an inclusive community that celebrates diversity and strives to reflect the diversity of our pluralistic society in our faculty, staff and students. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, class, linguistic background, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or physical ability. In this class the goal is to establish an environment that values and nurtures individual and group differences and encourages engagement and interaction. Understanding and respecting multiple experiences and perspectives will serve to challenge and stimulate all of us to learn about others, about the larger world and about ourselves. By promoting diversity and intellectual exchange, we will not only mirror society as it is, but also model society as it should and can be.
WOU has a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment. For more information go to www.wou.edu/admin/hr/sh_taskforce/index.html.
Communicating respect for others means treating others the way you would like to be treated. Working to limit or eliminate the following interruptions or distractions communicates respect.
Tentative Class
Schedule for 315 (subject to
changes according to the needs of the students!):
Week 1: Chapters 1-2:
String Instruements.
HW: Score and recordings- 1
violin, 2 cello
Week 2: Chapter 2
(continued)
HW: Score and recordings
– 2 viola, 2 bass
Week 3: Chapter 3 The
String Orchestra
HW: Score and recordings
– 2 string orchestra
Week 4: Chapter 4 Bowing
and Special Effects
HW:
Score and recordings, 4 different examples
Week 5: Chapter 10 Scoring
Chords (p179-180), Chapter 11 Problems in Transcribing Piano Music
No Homework
Week 6: Chapter 13
Percussion Instruments of Definite Pitch
HW: Score and recordings
for 4 different instruments
Week 7: Chapter 14
Percussion Instruments of Indefinite Pitch
HW: Score and recordings
for 4 different instruments
Week 8: Chapter 15 The
Harp, Celesta, and Piano
HW: Score and recordings
for 1 each of the above
Week 9: Review and Project
Work
Week 10: Review and Project
Work – Recording sessions?