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MUS 405
STUDIO TECHNIQUES IN ARRANGING & ORCHESTRATION
3 Credit Hours
Instructor: Prof. Tom Wolfe
Moody Music Building, Media Classroom
205-348-7007, 205-348-1473 (fax)
twolfe@music.ua.edu
Prerequisite: MUS 312
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is an approach to arranging and orchestration
in both jazz and commercial settings. The emphasis will be
placed on writing for the studio orchestra (jazz ensemble with
orchestral instrumentation, i.e.: NBC Orchestra) and smaller
groups utilizing both acoustic and MIDI instrumentation. Although
the emphasis of the course is on arranging and orchestration,
the students will also continue to develop skills as composers.
As time permits, other forms will be discussed and analyzed
in the course.
COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
To build a firm foundation in stylistic concepts of composing
and arranging in different mediums and to develop the students
orchestration skills. To develop the skill and command of a
more commercial approach to writing with a focus on the applications
in the commercial recording studio (jingles, film scores, commercial
arrangements as applicable in Hilaritas, for example, etc.).
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Teh Contemporary Arranger , Don Sebesky. Alfred Publishing Company,
1974.
ASSIGNMENTS & PROJECTS:
Weekly assignments and readings will be given as new material
is introduced in class. The first assignment is an arrangement for jazz octect. The students will be responsible for
arranging a piece (approved by the instructor) for the studio
orchestra. The second project will be an original composition
of the student's and arranged for a smaller combo of acoustic
and MIDI instrumentation. Both projects are to be recorded
in the Jazz Studio. Sessions are TBA.
EXAMINATIONS:
There will be a final examination for this course and will
cover all material discussed in the course, i.e.: ranges, writing
examples, philosophy of orchestration, etc.
GRADING PROCEDURES & POLICIES:
Assessment of the student's work is based on the following
criteria:
- Comprehension, command and application of material covered in the course.
- Completion of projects by the deadline. Late projects will
result in lowering of the final grade.
- Orchestration abilities - effective and appropriate use of instrumentation.
- Examination/quizzes.
GRADING SYSTEM:
The student's final grade will be drawn from grades received for each component
of the course:
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Grades: |
| Class Assignments & Quizzes |
10% |
95%-100% = A |
| Project #1 |
10% |
90%-94% = A- |
Project #2
Studio Orchestra |
30% |
86%-89% = B+ |
Project #3
Acoustic/MIDI Piece |
30% |
82%-85% = B |
| Final Examination |
20% |
79%-81% = B- |
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75%-78% = C+ |
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71%-74% = C |
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68%-70% = C- |
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64%-67% = D+ |
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60%-63% = D |
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57%-59% = D- |
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0%-56% = F |
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance of all classes is expected. Three absences from class
will result in lowering the final grade by one letter. Any extenuating
curcumstances must be immediately discussed with Tom Wolfe.
COURSE OUTLINE:
This is subject to change, dependent on the needs and progress
of the class.
| Classes |
Class Topics |
Project & Quiz Schedule |
| Week 1: |
Introduction to Studio Techniques
in Arranging and Orchestration & Syllabus Review.
Review of Media Lab.
Assignment: Choose tune for Project 1 and map out the project
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| Week 2: |
Finale: Media Lab Implementation.
Score setup, data input, playback, FTP, etc. |
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| Week 2: |
Finale: Media Lab Implementation continued.
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| Week 3: |
The Studio Orchestra: An Introduction.
Arrangers and Charts TBA |
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| Week 3: |
The String Section
Sounds and Scores, Mancini, pp. 213-241.
Assignment: String writing - TBA. Due next class. |
Project #1 Due |
| Week 4: |
The String Section continued.
Sounds and Scores, Mancini, pp. 213-241.
Assignment: String writing - TBA. Due next class. |
Quiz #1 - strings |
| Week 4: |
The Woodwind Section: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe.
Sounds and Scores, Mancini, pp. 37-79. |
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| Week 5: |
The Woodwind Section continued: English
Horn, Basson, Woodwind Ensemble.
Sounds and Scores, Mancini, pp. 80-98.
Assignment: Woodwind writing - TBA. Due next class. |
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| Week 5: |
The Brass Section: French Horn, Tuba, Brass
Ensemble.
Sounds and Scores, Mancini, pp. 106-129.
Assignment: Brass writing - TBA. Due next class. |
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| Week 6: |
The Percussion Section.
Sounds and Scores, Mancini, pp. 167-184. |
Quiz #2: Instrument Ranges |
| Week 6: |
Individual meetings with Professor to discuss
Project #1.
Schedule: TBA. |
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| Week 7: |
The Studio Orchestra: More Examples.
Arrangers and Charts TBA. |
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| Week 7: |
Individual meetings with Professor to discuss
Project #1.
Schedule: TBA. |
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| Week 8: |
Completion of Project #1. Full class for
final review of projects. |
Project #2 Due: Parts & Score. *Recording session
will take place during Orchestral Reading Sessions at the
end of the semester. |
| Week 8: |
Mid-Term Examination |
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| Week 9: |
The MIDI Studio: MIDI Basics.
An Introduction To The Creation Of
Electroacoustic Music,
Pellman, pp. 127-180. |
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| Week 9: |
The MIDI Studio: MIDI Basics continued.
An Introduction To The Creation Of
Electroacoustic Music,
Pellman, pp. 127-180.
Assignment: TBA. |
Submit Project #3 tune choice for approval. This tune
may be an original composition. |
| Week 10: |
The MIDI Studio: Advanced MIDI Techniques.
An Introduction To The Creation Of
Electroacoustic Music,
Pellman, pp. 181-208. |
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| Week 10: |
The MIDI Studio: Advanced MIDI Techniques
cont.
An Introduction To The Creation Of
Electroacoustic Music,
Pellman, pp. 181-208. |
Quiz #3 |
| Week 11: |
Individual meetings with Professor to discuss
Project #2: Progress of arrangement.
Schedule: TBA. |
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The MIDI/Acoustic Chart - Score Study. Chart
TBA. |
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| Week 12: |
In Class Sequencing Session |
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Individual meetings with Professor to discuss
Project #2: Progress of arrangement.
Schedule: TBA. |
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| Week 13: |
In Class Sequencing Session. |
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In Class Sequencing Session. |
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| Week 14: |
Individual meetings with Professor to discuss
Project #2: Progress of arrangement.
Schedule: TBA. |
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In Class Sequencing Session. |
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| Week 15: |
Completion of Project #2. Full class for
final review of arrangements. |
Project #3 Due: Parts & Score. |
| Week 16: |
Record Project #3. Time: TBA. |
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Record Project #3. Time: TBA. |
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