The YSU Percussion Ensemble is one of the premiere chamber groups at the Dana School of Music. Recent accomplishments include the critically acclaimed release of the compact disc Dark Wood and the commissioning, New York City world premiere, and recording of John Hollenbeck’s Ziggurat, which is release on Hollenbeck's Rainbow Jimmies. Our repertoire includes classic 20th century works, contemporary music, commissions, student compositions, marimba ensemble, group improvisation, Drum Circle, and Latin/world percussion styles such as - West African, Afro-Cuban, and Brazilian.
Annual campus performances include two feature-length evening concerts at Bulter North and two Butler Institute of American Art "Music At Noon" performances. Off-campus performances include such events as Ohio Music Educators Association Professional Conference, Percussive Arts Society Ohio Day of Percussion, studio commissioning and recording projects, and area school assemblies.
Spring 2012 Edition - Revised 1/17/12
Catalog Number - MUSEN 0009 Dr. Glenn Schaft, Director
This syllabus is a document of understanding between you and your teacher. Discuss any questions you have with Dr. Schaft. We seek to provide the best syllabus possible and your feedback is welcome.
Office hours: Dr. Schaft provides five office hours per week, as per the YSU-OEA contract. Make an appointment to guarantee a meeting time. Part-time faculty and graduate teaching assistants are not required to provide office hours
Ensemble admittance and enrollment: Admittance is granted by permission of the instructor. Percussion majors should register concurrently with each semester of applied percussion unless otherwise advised by Dr. Schaft.
Rehearsals: Tuesday & Thursday 11:00-11:50 a.m., Thursday 5:30-7:30 p.m. Percussion Seminar (Fridays 12-12:50pm) may sometimes be used for Percussion Ensemble preview performances.
Course fee: A $35 course fee is assessed to offset the cost of maintaining and purchasing gear and music for this course.
Part assignments:are made in consideration of:
1. Results of fall semester auditions, juries, and applied lesson achievement.
2. Effective artistic programming.
3. Individual student aptitude and experience - every effort is made to effectively match part assignments with your ability – challenging yet attainable.
4. Previous achievement in this course.
Ensemble objectives:
1. Develop effective teamwork skills.
2. Develop chamber music skills including: Pre-rehearsal preparation, Positive attitude in all situations, Reading and memorization, Stage presence and concert etiquette.
3. Foster an understanding of diverse percussion ensemble literature through listening, individual practice, group rehearsals, performances and recording sessions.
4. Experience improvisation, arranging, and composition as a group and individually.
5. Select undergraduate and graduate students are expected to serve as musical directors.
Music: You are responsible for the music lent you. Be sure your name appears, in pencil, on each piece. Bring the music to all private lessons. Return music as requested. You must buy any music (entire score and parts) you lose or damage.
Final Exam Period: Will be used for PE related activities.
Instrument set-up and transport: Everyone must assist with rehearsal and concert gear set-up and transport. No one is excused from a service until we have returned everything to its proper location. Call times will be posted on the studio schedule on my bulletin board.
Grading policy: The process of assessing an individual’s work in a musical ensemble is subjective.
I grade according to my expectation of appropriate repertoire for your course level, your potential and your realization of it. I expect a positive attitude, ability to establish clear and realistic goals, self motivation, consistency of effort, punctuality, reliability, attention to detail, receptiveness to coaching and criticism, and the inevitable accomplishment that comes from nurturing these traits.
A professional attitude consists of arriving with a specific purpose in mind, quiet attention to rehearsal instructions, enthusiasm for the task at hand, always having a pencil, and a courteous teamwork orientated demeanor towards your colleagues. These qualities demonstrate your value as an ensemble member.
Master your parts through individual practice prior to rehearsals. Failure to adequately prepare music will result in a grade reduction for that rehearsal. If you must be replaced due to lack of preparation, your grade will be reduced by a minimum of 20%. If a piece must be canceled due to your lack of preparation, you will receive an “F” in the course.
Grade “A” – includes: superior attendance, superior achievement of performance goals, consistent positive attitude, a complete commitment to attaining your potential. You love what you do and it shows through your passion, dedication, and achievement.
Grade “B” – Slightly less than letter grade “A” above.
Grade “C” – May include flawed attendance, partial achievement of performance goals, inconsistent attitude or progress, and a partial commitment to attaining your potential. Your passion, dedication, and achievement is, at times, questionable or inconsistent, and it shows.
Grade “D” –May include flawed attendance, partial achievement of performance goals, inconsistent attitude, or a partial commitment to attaining your potential. Your passion, dedication, and achievement is questionable and it shows.
Grade “F” – May include significant disregard for any of the above; a minimal achievement.
Attendance is required at all PE events, unless otherwise indicated. Your presence is necessary to realize the community of learners and collaborative nature of this ensemble. When you miss a rehearsal, two things happen. First, you miss the experience unique to that particular rehearsal and it cannot be recreated. Second, your absence reduces the learning of the other ensemble members.
All new students are required to attend all PE rehearsals during their first semester until notified otherwise by Dr. Schaft, in order to learn rehearsal protocol, ensemble techniques, and chamber music repertoire.
Percussion ensemble concerts are posted on our website calendar no later than week one fall semester. If you notice a conflict immediately notify Dr. Schaft as indicated below.
Any event (or portion thereof) you have a conflict with or miss, must be documented by an emai memo to Dr. Schaft as soon as possible. Use memo format: to, from, date, description of the event, and why. Dr. Schaft will reply, within a week, to indicate if your request is excused or unexcused. Any un-documented absence is deemed unexcused.
Excused absences may be granted for:
1. Special YSU event (ensemble tour, field trip, conference, etc.) i.e. academic work required as part of a YSU course in which you are enrolled. These must be documented by a memo to Dr. Schaft from the pertinent YSU instructor explaining the conflict. You must schedule non-YSU events around our studio calendar.
2. Documented court-ordered appearance.
3. Absences due to serious illness and documented by a letter from a certified medical practitioner will be considered in light of your attendance history. In some cases, an excused absence may be granted. A minor cold or accepting an non-school related gig may not be excused.
Unexcused absence will reduce your final course grade. One unexcused absence will lower your grade by 10%. Two unexcused absences will result in a grade of “F” and possible dismissal from the ensemble. Missing a concert or dress rehearsal will result in a grade of “F” and possible dismissal from the group. A tardy equals ½ absence.
Courtesies:
A. If you fall asleep you will be dismissed and an unexcused absence recorded.
B. Cell phones and other electronic distractions must be turned-off or kept out of the classroom. Each interruption will count as a one-half absence. Bluetooth earpieces are not permitted.
C. Hats, lewd or questionable attire, or other inappropriate or impractical (to play the instruments) attire is not appropriate. Violations will result in dismissal and that period counted as an absence. I recommend slacks and a loose fitting shirt; no skirts, dresses, high-heel shoes, or tight clothing.
D. Avoid jewelry that makes noise or may damage the instruments.
E. Food or drinks (except bottled water) are not permitted.
Concert Attire: Appropriate attire will be announced before each gig. Generally, we wear dress quality garments - slacks, shoes, socks, and shirt with a collar. No suits, vests, ties, tennis shoes, ball caps, jeans, t-shirts, athletic wear, or clothing with a prominent logo.
Concert Call Times: You must be available for the entire call period as posted on the percussion bulletin board. Generally, our call for an 8:00 p.m. concert will be 5:00 p.m. - for set-up and sound check. The call for a noon Butler Concert is 11a.m. and load-out will be completed by about 1:30pm.
Americans with Disabilities Act: “Anyone requiring special adaptations or accommodations should inform the instructor as soon as possible. In accordance with University procedures, if you have a documented disability and require accommodations to obtain equal access in this course, please contact the Office of Disability Services (phone: 330-941-1372) in the Center for Student Progress at the beginning of the semester or when given an assignment for which an accommodation is required. Students with disabilities must verify their eligibility through the Office of Disability Services.”
Center for Student Progress is a resource on Campus established to help students successfully complete their university experience. Please phone (330) 941-3538 or visit the Center for assistance. The main Center is located in Kilcawley West below the bookstore. CSP Disability Services is located at 275 Fifth Ave.