Skip to main content
Unit of study_

ENSE2005: Orchestral Studies 3

Semester 1, 2020 [Normal day] - Sydney

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

Unit code ENSE2005
Academic unit
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
ENSE1619
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Anna Reid, anna.reid@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Skills-based evaluation Rehearsal and performance
Intensive rehearsal period culminating in live/streamed performance.
50% Multiple weeks Dependent on repertoire performed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Skills-based evaluation Preparation, Recording & Analysis
Online activity to support intensive rehearsal program.
40% Multiple weeks Dependent on repertoire performed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Creative assessment / demonstration Reflection
Personal reflection of the performance period.
10% Week 12 15 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3

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.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

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.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Interactive modules on performance and score analysis. (Online delivery) Online class (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Performance/s of semester's repertoire via video or audio submission Online class (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 01 Audition Practical (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3

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 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.

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

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