SYLLABUS
MUS 37, Basic Conducting
Instructor: Dr. Thomas Joiner
D-117, 864/294-2219

Required
Text:  Labuta, Joseph- Basic Conducting Techniques (4th edition)
A Baton: preferably white, approximately 12"-14"
Your Instrument or Voice

Assignments:
Project #1- written observations of four (4) conductors.  Conductors must include examples from the professional, college, and secondary ranks.  The first two observations are due October 23rd, the final two on December 5th.  Make four (4) copies of evaluation form provided by instructor.

Project #2- choose one (1) of the following due December 4:
1) An annotated bibliography of at least 20 conducting resources (textbooks, biographies, orchestration, score study, periodicals, histories, etc.)
2) An annotated bibliography of at least 20 web sites concerned with conducting.
3) A book review (4-5 typed pages) of one of the following (all on reserve in library):

a. The Great Conductors - Harold Schonberg

b. The Conductor’s Art - Carl Bamberger

c. Conductors: A New Generation - Philip Hart

Grading:

Class attendance is mandatory in a class of this nature. Technique is built by daily practice, which builds on the successful mastery of specific exercises. Final grade is based on the following:

Project #1 10%
Project #2 10%
Daily Participation 30%
Mid-term Exam 20% (conducting = 10%, written = 10%)
Final Exam 30% (conducting = 20%, written = 10%)

Exams - mid-term and final examinations will consist of both written and conducting components.

§ Grade will be lowered one letter for every 2 unexcused absences.

§ Two tardys equal one unexcused absence

“The art of conducting is the highest, most complete synthesis of all facets of the musical activity, and it should be so regarded by anyone dedicating himself to the profession of the baton.”

Elizabeth A. H. Green.

CALENDAR - MUS 37 (Joiner)

Project #1 is due October 23 (two observations), the remaining two on December 5.
Project #2 is due December 4.

September 12 Introduction to Course, Module No.1
14 Module No. 1
18 Module No. 2
19 Module No. 2
21 Module No. 3
25 Quiz, Appendix d, Module No. 3
26 Module No. 4
28 Module No. 4

October 2 Module No. 12
3 Module No. 12
5 Module No. 5
9 Module No. 5
10 Module No. 6
12 Module No. 6
16 Module No. 13 & 14
17 Module No. 13 & 14
19 Film
23 Mid-term Exam (Project #1 due - 2 observations)
24 Mid-term Exam
26 No class, Fall Weekend
30 Film
31 Module No. 7

November 2 Module No. 7
6 Module No. 7
7 Module No. 8
9 Module No. 8
13 Module No. 8
14 Module No. 9
16 Module No. 9
27 Module No. 9
28 Module No. 10
30 Module No. 10

December 4 Module No. 11 (project #2 due)
5 Written Final (Project #1 due - 2 observations)
8 Conducting Final (9-11:30 am)

The competency-based, modular format of the text allows for peer evaluation and ratings. Familiarize yourself with the list of competencies (Appendix A) and the Student Evaluation From (Appendix B). Read the appropriate material PRIOR to coming to class. Practice the exercises in each module and learn techniques PRIOR to the dates listed above. Each member of the class must own a baton and a textbook. Bring them to class every day.