MUS20340 UCD Symphony Orchestra 5

Academic Year 2020/2021

Entry to this module is by AUDITION ONLY. Students wanting to audition for this module should fill out a form on the orchestra's website (www.ucd.ie/orchestra) or email orchestra@ucd.ie . Auditions are normally in week 1 of each semester. For Autumn 2020, auditions will be in the form of video submission.

The UCD Symphony Orchestra is a full-sized symphonic ensemble that rehearses and performs a variety of classical, romantic and 20th-century repertoire. Works with established soloists are regularly performed. At least two major concerts are given annually, usually one on campus and one at the National Concert Hall, Ireland's premier concert venue, or at a venue outside Ireland. The orchestra meets weekly, with an intensive series of rehearsals timetabled in the run-up to concerts. Students must be of a sufficiently high technical standard, determined by audition, and are expected to attend all rehearsals, demonstrating commitment to the principles of working together as an ensemble. A revised approach for the Autumn 2020 module is provided via Indicative Module Content below.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

The aims of this module are:
enhance the technique of the individual performers;
encourage playing as an ensemble and following a conductor;
encourage working together as a team;
prepare adequately for the intensity of a recording session.

Indicative Module Content:

The UCD Symphony Orchestra involves a number of 2.5 hour rehearsals (10–14), that often include sectionals with principals from the RTÉ orchestras (Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra). Public concerts are presented at the end of each trimester, with additional performances sometimes scheduled. A concert trip abroad usually occurs every second year, with the orchestra having already traveled to Germany, Sweden, Belgium and France in recent years.

For Autumn 2020, a new process shall be instigated in light of restrictions on gatherings and social distancing. The orchestra shall work towards a recording project in conjunction with a digital media company in order to give a virtual concert at the end of the Trimester. Delivery will consist primarily of face-to-face small group rehearsals, plus live recording on site. The virtual concert shall comprise a performance of a major symphonic movement, interviews and online programme notes.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

15
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Online Learning

15
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The orchestra shall continue face-to-face delivery subject to current restrictions. This will involve a series of shorter, rotated sectional rehearsals in the Astra Hall with groups of around 20 or less. Two sets of chairs and stands shall be set up so no equipment is to be shared, and pdfs of parts shall be sent to players for printing. We shall be preparing for a recording project to take place in mid-November. The numbers involved in each session will be in line with the latest advice, so the likely outcome will be to record a smaller programme in groups (eg violins, lower strings, woodwinds, brass/percussion), while options remain to record the whole orchestra socially-distanced in a larger venue, or to go to even smaller groups and/or individuals. A more detailed schedule shall be distributed at the commencement of rehearsals, with the first taking place on Monday September 28th at 6pm
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

Entry is by AUDITION ONLY. Students are generally expected to have ABRSM/RIAM Grade VIII or equivalent, plus relevant experience.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Practical Examination: Recorded submission Unspecified n/a Graded No

30
Continuous Assessment: Contribution to the sectional and practice/recording sessions Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

70

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
Repeat Within Two Trimesters
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.