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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: MUS1022 Module Title: INSTRUMENTS AND ORCHESTRATION B
Module Provider: Music and Sound Recording Short Name: MUS1022
Level: HE1 Module Co-ordinator: ARMSTRONG T Dr (Music Record)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 2
Assessment Pattern
CW1: an online test using online resources - 25%
CW2: an arrangement of a traditional song for a primary school ensemble that must be performed - 35%
CW3: either an arrangement of a musical theatre song for a small pit ensemble or an arrangement of a pop song for string quartet accompanying the original vocal - 40%

A weighted aggregate mark of 40%
Module Overview
This module enables students to build on their knowledge of writing for instruments individually and in groups gained during semester 1. Creative techniques necessary for the successful arrangement of pre-existing music are introduced.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
None.
Module Aims
To develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of arrangement in a variety of musical styles.
To reinforce and extend knowledge of instruments and orchestration.
To prepare students for a range of practical assignments.
To foster an awareness of the skills required in professional orchestration and arrangement assignments.
Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module you should be able to:

Demonstrate an extended knowledge of string technique.
Demonstrate a basic technical knowledge of the harp, percussion and the voice.
Orchestrate effectively for pit band, primary school ensemble and string quartet.
Identify the constituent elements of a musical passage- melody, accompaniment, harmonic support, etc prior to beginning an arrangement.
Develop imaginative arrangements in a variety of styles by adding introductions, codas/outros, linking passages and countermelodies.

Transferable skills:

Use and access the range of resources provided by the University including IT.
Work effectively with others as a member of a group and meet your obligations to them.
Communicate clearly to individuals and groups.

Module Content
Introduction to the characteristics of the harp, orchestral percussion and the voice.
Advanced string techniques.
Creative harmonisation.
Idiomatic writing for school instruments.
Modulation techniques.
Arranging from a vocal score.
Writing for string quartet.
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Lectures.
Demonstrations using the instrumental resources of the group.
Unassessed assignments and in-class tasks.
Group presentations and performances.
Selected Texts/Journals
Compulsory Reading:
Blatter, Alfred, 1981: Instrumentation/Orchestration (New York; London: Longman).
Piston, Walter, 1978: Orchestration (London: Gollancz).

Recommended Reading:
Jacob, Gordon, 1982: Orchestral Technique, 3rd edition, (London: Oxford University Press).
Mancini, Henry, 1962: Sounds and Scores: a Practical Guide to Professional Orchestration (Northridge, California: Northridge Music, Inc.).
Runswick, Daryl, 1992: Rock, Jazz and Pop Arranging (London: Faber).
Last Updated
11.04.11