# MUSE 461/561-1001 & 1002: Percussion Ensemble UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA LAS VEGAS College of Fine Arts / School of Music / Percussion Area **Fall 2026** | | | | ------------------- | --------------------------------- | | **Time** (1001) | TuTh 11:30AM - 12:45PM | | **Time** (1002) | TuFr 1:00PM - 2:15PM | | **Class Location** | HFA 235 | | **Office Location** | HFA 208 | | **Office Hours** | by appointment | | **Phone:** | n/a | | **WebCampus** | https://www.it.unlv.edu/webcampus | | **Email** | [email protected] | **_Note:_** The instructor reserves the right to change the syllabus as it relates to how the course is administered. ## Course Description Percussion Ensemble is a chamber music course designed for the development of chamber music skills in an all-percussion format (with some exceptions). This course surveys various percussion ensemble literature that illustrates the vast extremes and subtleties of music for percussion instruments as it exists in ensemble form. It focuses on a wide variety of playing techniques, instrumentation considerations, and other logistical factors unique to percussionists and their often-complex instrument setups. This course functions in various forms based on enrollment and designated repertoire. At times students may perform in trios up through octets and larger "percussion orchestras." Works often contain a mixture of pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments, and students will likely have performance experiences across both realms of instrumentation. ## Course Prerequisite(s) Instructor Approval ## Course Rationale Ensemble performance is where percussionists develop the chamber-music skill that solo study alone cannot build. Percussion ensemble is distinctive in its instrumentation demands: mixed pitched and non-pitched setups, large and shifting personnel configurations, and complex logistical coordination. This course exists to develop those skills while building students' command of a historically significant and continually expanding ensemble repertoire, preparing them to perform at a professional standard and to lead and manage percussion ensembles in their own careers. ## [[4.1.0 What are "Program Competencies"|Program Competencies]] **[[4.1.1 BM Competencies|BM Competencies]] (MUSE 461):** - Perform in solo and ensemble (large and small) settings at a level appropriate for the area of specialization, with sufficient technical and musical skills requisite for artistic self-expression. - Read solo and ensemble (large and small) literature at sight with fluency demonstrating general musicianship and, in the primary performance medium, a skill level relevant to professional standards. **[[4.1.2 MM Competencies|MM Competencies]] (MUSE 561):** - Demonstrate advanced proficiency in performance, showcasing technical skill, expressiveness, and interpretive depth in solo, chamber, and ensemble settings at a professional level. - Collaborate effectively with musicians, educators, and composers, communicating ideas clearly to foster artistic exchange. - Interpret and perform a core body of repertoire appropriate to their performance medium. **[[4.1.3 DMA Competencies|DMA Competencies]] (MUSE 561):** - Perform or conduct and rehearse in an area of specialization at the highest level of professional practice. - Display a thorough understanding of the history of their instrument and a comprehensive knowledge of the repertoire and literature specific to the area of specialization. ## Course Competencies - **Rehearsal preparation:** assigned music learned, equipment set up punctually - Demonstration of [[3.2.2 Ensemble Etiquette]] during all rehearsals - Demonstration of musical awareness and real-time decision-making - Demonstration of professionalism and musical excellence during live performance - Contribution to the ensemble through positivity, engagement, and maximum effort ## Learning Outcomes/Course Objectives 1. Develop a fundamental-through-advanced understanding of chamber-music skills and best practices. 2. Discover a catalogue of historically significant and newly composed percussion ensemble works that further the percussion discipline. 3. Gain a heightened awareness of timbre, tone, and overall sonic characteristics of the instruments chosen for each work. 4. Develop an understanding of how to arrange instruments, sticks/mallets, and music stands to ensure fluid, practical movement among instruments. 5. Obtain a sense of "attention to detail" regarding performance appearance in including demeanor and stage presence. ## Required Material Students must own at least a modest collection of keyboard percussion mallets, various drumsticks, and timpani mallets for successful contribution throughout the semester. Ask your instructor if you have concerns about whether your personal implement collection meets the minimum to succeed in this course. No text purchase is required. All instruments, sheet music, books, and other literature are provided to students. ## Evaluation Methods Ensembles carry few point-bearing assignments. **The final grade is a qualitative judgment against the five assessable areas listed under [[MUSE 461+561 - Percussion Ensemble#Course Competencies|Course Competencies]]**. See **[[#Grading Policy]]** for the qualitative scale. ## Attendance Policy As a chamber ensemble course, every student is crucial to the shared experience among peers. Attendance is therefore mandatory, and failure to communicate possible absences will result in a lowered or failing grade at the instructor's discretion. Most absences due to illness or other life events are often fully excused with reasonable advance notification. Communicate impending punctuality or absence issues as early as it is safe to do so. ## Grading Policy The following is a general, qualitative representation of letter grades relative to the **four areas of assessment** from the **[[MUSE 461+561 - Percussion Ensemble#Course Competencies|Course Competencies]]**: | Grade range | Descriptor | Standard | | ----------- | ------------ | ---------------------------------- | | A- to A | Proficient | Consistently demonstrates/achieves | | B to B+ | Sufficient | Frequently demonstrates/achieves | | C to B- | Sufficient | Sometimes demonstrates/achieves | | D- to C- | Insufficient | Rarely demonstrates/achieves | | F | Deficient | Never demonstrates/achieves | Interpretation of this policy and final grades are at the discretion of the instructor. In general, being punctual, prepared, and engaged in class will result in a positive final grade. Concerns regarding a student's potential underperformance will be addressed between instructor and student well before a substantially negative grade is earned by the end of a semester. # Course Agenda/Schedule | **Module/Week #** | **Activity** | **Due/Benchmark Dates** | |---|---|---| | — | — | — | ## [[6.6 University Policies|University Policies]]