HomeMy WebLinkAboutMUS-221Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 4/16/2020
Bergen Community College
Division of Business, Arts, and Social Sciences
Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Course Syllabus
MUS-221 Pop/Rock Ensemble III
Basic Information about Course and Instructor
Semester and year:
Course and Section Number:
Meeting Times and Locations:
Instructor:
Office Location:
Phone:
Departmental Secretary: [optional]
Office Hours:
Email Address:
Course Description:
This course requires students to study and to perform in a variety of popular music styles. Special
attention will be given to the development of creative skills and reading pop charts. Students are
expected to participate in concerts for college ceremonies and functions.
Lecture [1.00], Laboratory [1.00].
1 credit
Prerequisite: MUS-220 Pop/Rock Ensemble II
Student Learning Objectives and Assessment:
At the completion of the semester, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate intermediate to advanced techniques of
popular musicianship, playing both by “ear” and by using
notational tools such as lead sheets, chord charts, and
tablature.
Performance
evaluations
2. analyze the basic components of popular music
compositions and arrangements, including song structure,
chord progressions, melodic and rhythmic patterns, playing
the “groove,” and arrangement techniques.
Performance
evaluations
3. explain the similarities and differences between several
popular music styles.
Performance
evaluations
4. demonstrate professional skills in utilizing music
technology, including microphone technique, tone control,
amplified instruments, and live sound reinforcement.
Performance
evaluations
5. articulate the musical legacy of historical popular
musicians, discussing their musical and sociocultural
importance.
Performance
evaluations
6. exhibit the professionalism and attitude required to foster
a creative and productive learning environment
Performance
evaluations
7. demonstrate the ability to create and perform music
together with other musicians in rehearsals and concerts
Performance
evaluations
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 4/16/2020
Required Textbooks:
There are no required textbooks for this course. Musical charts will be distributed by instructor or
can be obtained online. Other instructional materials may be suggested to individual students to
facilitate the development of popular musicianship.
It is suggested that students supply their own instruments and accessories. Drums, percussion,
keyboards, and amplifiers will be supplied by the college. Each student is expected to purchase
a black notebook or folder to keep their assigned music. This music can be taken home for
practice. In addition, it is recommended that students utilize the recording function on their
phones or other devices to record portions of the class for home review.
Suggested Resources:
Larry Baione and the Berklee Faculty. Berklee Practice Method: Get Your Band Together!
Boston: Berklee Press, 2001. (Books are available for bass, drum set, keyboard, voice,
vibraphone, alto sax, tenor sax, trombone, trumpet, and violin.)
Holley, Steve. Coaching a Popular Music Ensemble: Blending formal, non-formal, and informal
approaches in the rehearsal. McLemore Ave Music, 2019.
Music as a Second Language & the Modern Band Movement. Little Kids Rock, 2018.
Modern Band Charts for Modern Band Ensemble- Available for free download at -
http://www.littlekidsrock.org/Songchart/LKR-ModernBandCharts.pdf
Course Requirements:
Students are expected to practice the material during the week. The course will include midterm
and final musical evaluations based on rehearsals, concert performances, and recordings. Each
student is expected to improve his or her musicianship and improvisational skills each semester.
In addition, students will be evaluated by the following:
▪ Attendance / Class Participation: To get full credit for Attendance / Participation you
should come to all classes, complete all listening and writing assignments and pay
special attention to the “ensemble etiquette guidelines.” Since absence or tardiness
disrupts the entire ensemble, unexcused absences or tardiness will not be tolerated and
will result in a lower grade as well as being barred from performing in the concert. All
students are expected to assist with equipment setup and testing. Students will be
assigned these tasks on a rotation basis.
▪ Campus Performances: The course will include one or more on campus performances.
Students are expected to participate in each of these events.
▪ Off-Campus Performances: The ensemble (or selected members of the ensemble)
may have the opportunity to perform at off-campus venues.
▪ Repertoire: You will be expected to work on three songs: 1) a cover song of your choice
2) a cover song of your choice that you will arrange and perform in a differe nt style than
the original version; and 3) an original composition.
Ensemble Behavior:
This is an ensemble. As such we are interdependent, not independent. There is no room for
unprofessional behavior. Once the groups are formed we must work together for an entire
semester. All members need to approach rehearsals with professionalism, genero sity and an eye
toward problem solving and improving the group. You must request the instructor’s permission to
leave the room and work on material in another practice room or class. IT IS MANDATORY
THAT THE INSTRUCTOR KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE AT ALL TIMES! F ailure to comply with
this policy may result in a failing grade.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 4/16/2020
While most artistic decisions are open to group input and often decided by the group, the
instructor reserves the right to override such decisions in the interest of the ensemble or the
program. Remember, all you do will reflect on you, your instructor and our program. Therefore,
we will strive for professionalism in all of our endeavors.
Evaluation:
Attendance/Participation: 40%
Musical Evaluations : 40%
Professional Attitude and Rehearsal Conduct: 20%
Assignment details and grading rubrics will be posted on the Moodle site.
90-100 = A 86-89 = B+ 80-85 = B 76-79 = C+ 70 - 75 = C 65-69 = D
E =Unofficial Withdrawal W =Official Withdrawal INC=Incomplete 0–64 = F
Any work turned in late from the original due date shall be deducted by one letter grade. Two
letter grades shall be deducted after the second week from the due date, and three letter grades
after the third week from the original due date. There are no make -up examinations unless
approved in advance by the instructor.
Bergen Community College Academic Policies:
Bergen Community College is committed to academic integrity – the honest, fair and continuing
pursuit of knowledge, free from fraud or deception. Please review the college catalogue or
student handbook for further information on this topic. Bergen Community College has adopted
an internal grievance procedure to provide for prompt and equitable resolution of complaints
alleging any action prohibited by federal regulation implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. (ADA). Please review
the college catalogue for further information on this topic.
Bergen Community College is committed to providing its students and employees with an
academic and work environment free from sexual harassment or discrimination. Please review
the policy prohibiting sexual harassment in the college catalog. Please review the statement on
acceptable use of BCC technology in the college catalog. Faculty hold 3 office hours per week,
and as requested by students, by appointment. Students are encouraged to seek out their faculty
member for academic needs.
BCC Attendance Policy
All students are expected to attend punctually every scheduled meeting of each course in which
they are registered. Attendance and lateness policies and sanctions are to be determined by the
instructor for each section of each course. These will be established in writing on the individual
course outline. Attendance will be kept by the instructor for administrative and counseling purposes.
Attendance Policy in this Course
[To be designated by the instructor]
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements [optional but recommended]
Examples:
Statement on plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty.
ADA statement.
Sexual Harassment statement.
Statement on acceptable use of BCC technology.
Statement on the purpose and value of faculty office hours.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 4/16/2020
Statement on Accommodations for Disabilities
Bergen Community College aims to create inclusive learning environments where all students
have maximum opportunities for success. Any student who feels he or she may need an
accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the Office of Specialized
Services at 201-612-5269 or via email at ossinfo@bergen.edu for assistance.
Student and Faculty Support Services [optional but recommended]
List support services, e.g., the Writing Center, the Math Lab, the Tutorial Center, Online Writing
Lab (OWL), Office of Specialized Services, etc. Include information on the BCC Library.
Example:
Student and Faculty Support Services
The Distance Learning Office – for
any problems you may have
accessing your online courses
Room C-334 201-612-5581
psimms@bergen.edu
English Language Resource Center On Line at: http://www.bergen.edu/elrc
The Tutoring Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/tutoring
The Writing Center Room L-125 201-447-7908
http://www.bergen.edu/owl
The Office of Specialized Services
(for Students with Disabilities)
Room L-116 201-612-5270
http://www.bergen.edu/oss
BCC Library – Reference Desk Room L-226 201-447-7436
Special Note on the Tutoring Center
The Henry and Edith Cerullo Learning Assistance Center encompasses the Tutoring Center,
the English Language Resource Center, and the Writing Center. The website of the Learning
Assistance Center is located at www.bergen.edu/elrc. Tutoring services are available for this
course in the Tutoring Center. As listed above, the Tutoring Center is located in Room L-125, and
its phone number is 201-447-7908.
Include a Course Outline and Calendar [can be combined in a single syllabus section]
The Course Outline and Calendar must include all of the following elements:
• A daily or (at least) weekly schedule of topics to be covered.
• Dates for exams, quizzes, or other means of assessment. (This does not mean that all
evaluation of students must be in groups and at the same time. Exams and other means
of assessment can be listed as "to be scheduled individually.")
• Due dates for major assignments – e.g., when is a paper due; if the topic has to be
approved, when; if an outline or draft is an interim step, when it is due.
• Any required special events must be included in the outline/calendar, e.g., a lecture by a
visiting speaker, a dramatic or musical performance, a field trip.
• Designation of Student Learning Objectives – by number – for each topic (see sample
below).
• A note to students stating that the course outline and calendar is tentative and subject to
change, depending upon the progress of the class.
Departmental Policy Syllabus
Revised 4/16/2020
Sample Format for Course Outline and Calendar
Note to Students: The following Course Outline and Calendar is tentative and subject to change,
depending upon the progress of the class.
Week(s) Date(s) Topics & Assignments Learning
Objectives
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Course Outline:
The following outline may be revised at the discretion of the instructor. Specific readings and
written assignments will be shared during class meetings and posted on the course Moodle site.
Week Topic
1 Introduction
2 Song Project I
3 Song Project I
4 Song Project I
5 Song Project I
6 Song Project II
7 Song Project II
8 Song Project II
9 Song Project II
10 Song Project III
11 Song Project III
12 Song Project III
13 Concert Rehearsals
14 Final Concert
15 Concert and Performance Assessment