Module MUSI3591: Arranging for Band (Wind, Brass & Percussion)

Department: Music

MUSI3591: Arranging for Band (Wind, Brass & Percussion)

Prerequisites

• A Level Music

Corequisites

• None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None.

Aims

• To introduce students to the specialist skills needed to make music arrangements for wind band (plus percussion) and brass band (plus percussion).

Content

• An in-depth study of the make up of the modern wind and brass bands and key aspects of their history. Study of the individual band instruments will form an important element of the course together with an appreciation of the existing repertory.
• Using various models and styles of music students will construct a portfolio of arrangements some of which will receive performances and recordings in workshop situations.
• The course will examine the individual instruments in a band and how to write arrangements for them in a range of combinations.
• Relevant scores from the existing repertory will be used and analysis of these scores will form an important aspect of the course work.
• There will be supporting essay work, researching and reflecting recognised theory and practice on the subject.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain a practical working knowledge of each of the individual instruments that make up a band and an understanding of how to arrange for these instruments in different combinations from class-work, tutorials and workshops and develop a portfolio of works, taking into account the expectations of the music publishing business. These works will be in range of musical styles and some will receive workshop performances.
• Students will also gain knowledge of and from the existing repertory and the published theory and practice on orchestration and arranging for band.

• Students will gain the skills and the competence to write music arrangements for a variety of wind, brass and percussion combinations and full ensemble.

• Students will gain an aural appreciation for arranging and a practical ability to write competency for band.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The teaching, learning and assessment procedures ensure ongoing constructive criticism of work, and lead to greater confidence in work submitted.
• The frequent formative work is especially important in providing regular feedback.
• The workshops create an opportunity for the arrangements to be evaluated aurally in a performance context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

Weekly set exercises in arranging for smaller groups and full band. Two essays (1,000 words) on specific arranging/instrumentation issues, one in the Michaelmas Term, and one in the Epiphany Term.

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University