MUS 3194 (LUOA), CMUS 194 (LUO): Innovative Commercial Music Ensemble II

07/01/2018 to 12/31/2199 • Modified 07/30/2026

Course Description

In this course, students participate in a commercial music ensemble, receive weekly coaching from a faculty member, and present a performance during the term. Students should maintain and actively participate in a music ensemble with at least two other musicians.

Rationale

In the 21st century, there are a vast number of types of musical ensembles. This innovative music ensemble will allow the student the flexibility to participate in commercial music groups of various instrumentations playing music in a variety of musical styles. These will often take the form of a contemporary band (vocal, guitar, keys, bass, drums) but may include other formats approved by the instructor.

Course Assignment

Assigned readings and lecture presentations

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student must respond to the Discussion prompts as part of the academic requirements. Each thread must be at least 200 words. In addition, the student must engage with two other students’ threads with at least 50 words each. This process fosters active and thoughtful participation in scholarly discourse. The student must support his/her assertions with at least 2 scholarly citations for threads. Replies should include at least 1 reference from the Bible, which is the appropriate footnote. Acceptable sources include course texts, articles, and the Bible. Sources must be cited in current Turabian format. 

The student must describe the ensemble, either existing or new, in which he/she plans to participate for this course. Utilizing the provided Ensemble Proposal Template, the student will list at least 3 instruments that will be involved, confirm the availability of the players, and notate the style of music to be played and how rehearsals will be conducted. 

The student will complete the provided Personnel Approval Template that includes the names and instruments of each proposed member of his/her ensemble, as well as a video link showcasing the entire ensemble or individual videos of each proposed member rehearsing on the instrument or vocal part he or she will perform for the ensemble. The student’s ensemble must include at least 3 people (including the student); players must exhibit ability to play his/her assigned instrument or sing with an appropriate level of skill for the ensemble.

Utilizing the provided Repertoire Approval Template, the student must submit a list of 5—7 well-known songs or pieces of music to be covered for the semester. The song choices should be appropriate and each choice must include the title, composer/artist, and the duration. If lyrics are included, they must be suitable for study at a Christian university.

The student will rehearse regularly, contribute ideas in rehearsal, perform music well in rehearsal, and contribute to the success of the group. Rehearsals must be recorded and the student must consistently exhibit good style, interpretation, expression, dynamics, phrasing, and stage presence. The video should also showcase the student and ensemble performing with rhythm, pitch, and suitable tempo. Videos of rehearsals are uploaded to YouTube. The student will not upload the video in Canvas but will include a link to the video in the Ensemble Rehearsal Template (provided in Canvas) along with the name of the instrument being played and the module number. Each video must be 3—5 minutes long. 

The student will upload the ensemble’s final performance of 2—3 songs to YouTube. This video should be 8—10 minutes. The student will not upload the video in Canvas but will include a link to the video in the Final Performance Template (provided in Canvas). The student will also utilize this template to notate the name of the instrument he/she plays in the ensemble. The student should exhibit good style, interpretation, expression, appropriate dynamics, phrasing, and stage presence that align with the chosen repertoire. The video should showcase the student performing accurately in rhythm and pitch and at an appropriate tempo.