Outline

Overview

In these units of study, through a wide range of repertoire, students will develop the necessary skills for orchestral and ensemble performance, including refining intonation, tone control, working with a conductor, ethics and professional conduct of an orchestral musician.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Anna Reid, anna.reid@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Daniel Yeadon, daniel.yeadon@sydney.edu.au
	Roger Benedict, roger.benedict@sydney.edu.au
	Daryl Pratt, daryl.pratt@sydney.edu.au
	Stephen Mould, stephen.mould@sydney.edu.au
	John Lynch, john.lynch@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Skills-based evaluation	Task 1 Video/audio submission OR written task. See Canvas site for full details.	45%	Multiple weeks	Dependant on chosen modules.
Outcomes assessed:
Skills-based evaluation	Task 2 Video/audio submission OR written task. See Canvas site for full details.	45%	Multiple weeks	Dependent on chosen modules.
Outcomes assessed:
Creative assessment / demonstration	Audition Evaluating orchestral excerpts for rostering	10%	Week 01	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Audition: Students will be given orchestral excerpts to prepare. The audition will be held behind a screen.
Rehearsal and Performance: Students will attend the rehearsals and performance where their work will be assessed during class.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Preparation Level of instrumental preparation for the sectionals, tutti rehearsals, and knowledge of the background of each work. Contextual awareness such as of other instruments’ roles.	This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.	15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Teamwork Leadership shown by section leaders/principal/assistant principals - includes following and interpreting the conductor’s instructions, giving clear leads when needed, liaising with other principal players, communicating effectively with section. Collaborative effort by tutti players - Includes appropriate marking of parts in rehearsal, following instructions of the conductor and principals, working effectively with desk partner, matching sound and playing style with the section.	This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.	20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Instrumental control/craft. Includes accuracy of pitch and rhythm; quality, consistency, projection and variation of sound as appropriate.	This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.	30.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome General attitude. Punctuality, focus and concentration in rehearsal, flexibility, active listening.	This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.	15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Performance Commitment and engagement shown, level of communication (with both colleagues and audience) and expression, alertness, flexibility. Improvement shown throughout the project.	This area will be used by the assessor to leave comments related to this criterion.	20.0 pts

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Multiple weeks	Interactive modules on performance and score analysis. (Online delivery)	Online class (6 hr)
Multiple weeks	Performance/s of semester's repertoire via video or audio submission	Online class (6 hr)
Week 01	Audition	Practical (1 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: As per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions item 11(3), full (100 per cent) and punctual attendance is a requirement in all activities where students have a role as active participants in the class or activity. Active participation includes situations where the student's contribution is to perform, rehearse or direct rehearsals in a small or large ensemble, or to give seminar and tutorial papers or presentations or undertake assessment tasks. Active participation also includes all one-to-one studio teaching and supervision. Except in cases of illness or misadventure, failure to attend activities or classes where a student is an active participant will be seen as failure to meet the requirements of the unit of study.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There are no prescribed readings for ENSE units. However, it is a good idea to listen to the musical works (if they have a recording) to familiarise yourself with the music.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate a keen sense of intonation, the ability to hear, adjust and match pitch in harmonic textures regardless of their complexity, wide and conscious flexibility in matching pitch when doubling lines with other instruments
LO2. demonstrate a keen sense of rhythm including accuracy in playing notated rhythms, the ability to maintain rhythmic coherence during tempo changes and fluctuations, the ability to make rubati, accelerandi, and a stylistic sense of rhythmic interpretation when certain types of musical styles are emulated in the work
LO3. demonstrate a keen sense of timing including impeccable ensemble playing, maintaining tempo independently, accompanying soloists and following the conductor’s instructions whilst understanding the acoustic challenges to ensemble playing from any positions in the orchestra and in any hall
LO4. demonstrate the flexibility to adjust/change bowing, breathing, articulation, phrasing, fingering choices in order to achieve the artistic goal of the conductor
LO5. demonstrate the ability to read visual communication for precision and expression
LO6. exhibit a commitment to maintaining a high level of concentration during rehearsals and performances
LO7. demonstrate adequate preparation and professional conduct, including punctuality and full participation.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

Students will be rostered according to the music being presented, it is possible that some students will be required for full rehearsals and others for part rehearsals.
Students are rotated through ensembles to provide a breadth of experience.
Leadership and ‘rank and file’ experiences are available in all ensembles.
Students enrolling in these units of study are expected to be able to read and understand advanced music notation and have previous experience performing onstage either in chamber groups or larger ensembles.
Each of the large ensembles rehearses in a block of 2-3 weeks (3-hour rehearsals, Monday through to Thursday). Smaller ensembles rehearse twice a week (3 hours Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday). During the rehearsal period, students will prepare their part before the first rehearsal, will participate in tutorial, will work with the entire ensemble, and will be part of a public performance. Some ensembles (due to the technical requirements of the works) may work for a shorter time each week but over a longer period of time. Most ensembles will perform during a lunch break concert as well as a longer evening concert. Please refer to the rostering documentation for the works that will be prepared for performance. Samples of the genre of performance will be provided online to assist in preparation of parts and reflection on progress through the rehearsal period.

Work, health and safety

Playing in ensembles can impact on posture and hearing. Ensure that you are well seated and rest muscles etc when appropriate. There are professional level earplugs available for use in rehearsals and concerts.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ENSE1618: Orchestral Studies 1

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links