Course Description

The PCEP Symphony Band is open to all wind and percussion performers based on auditions for placement or at director’s discretion. This Band will present a minimum of three formal concerts during the school year as well as participation in the MSBOA sponsored band festivals. The Symphony Band will also participate in national and international festivals and conventions. This course is  considered to be advanced placement.

Knowledge, Skills, Enduring Concepts:

• Pitch, Rhythm, and Melody
• Harmony
• Texture
• Form
• Dynamics
• Tempo
• Timbre
• Articulation
• Affect
• Style

Course Content:

• Convert symbolic notation to characteristic balance and blend of sound.
• Sing or play with proper intonation.
• Perform a melody with sensitivity to phrase structure.
• Understand their role as an individual performer within the ensemble including an understanding of the importance of simultaneity in ensemble work.
• Understand the role their part plays in the harmonic structure of the work.
• Understand the structure of a chord and how chords are performed in an ensemble.
• Understand and perform all major scales in tune. Understand the relationship between major and minor scales.
• Understand the relationship between the literature they are performing, its tonal scale, and the chords built on that scale.
• Understand shift in tonality within a work ( modulation or just a momentary shift ).
• Use their understanding of texture to perform a piece and achieve the appropriate balance within the ensemble. Develop understanding of how, when, and why musicians use texture.
• Use their understanding of the formal structure to perform a piece ( sequences, patterns, repetition, organization ).
• Recognize and identify form when listening to a musical work.
• Understand form in its cultural and historical contexts and how that influences interpretation when performing as an ensemble member or as a soloist.
• Use their understanding of the technique of variation to perform a piece.
• Develop understanding of how, when, and why musicians use form.
• Understand and carry out dynamic markings and indicators of variations in dynamics as indicated in the score  ( as stylistically and culturally appropriate ).
• Understand and carry out tempo markings and indicators of variations in tempo as indicated in the score.
• Have a concept of the characteristic tone quality of their instrument.
• Understand the techniques necessary to produce a characteristic tone on their instrument and execute vibrato where appropriate.
• Understand and carry out articulation markings and indicators of variations in articulation as indicated in the score ( as stylistically and culturally appropriate ).
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ways musical elements are used and combined to produce affective qualities.
• Perform with the understanding that the overall effect of a musical product is much greater than the sum of its parts. The essence of effective performances lies in the combination of the elements listed under enduring concepts.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the ways musical elements are used and combined to produce style.
• Perform music of a variety of styles.

Assessments:

• Playing tests
• Required rehearsals and performances
• Daily participation requirements.