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ORCHESTRATION

This course is designed to provide students with an in depth study of orchestral instruments and their usage.

Two main areas will be covered: instrumentation, dealing with the construction, sound production, range, notation, and playing techniques of each instrument; and orchestration, which is the actual process of scoring music for orchestra.

Groups of instruments examined include brass, strings, woodwinds, harp, and percussion. Class sessions involve score study, discussion of instrumental techniques, and review of student assignments.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course:
  • The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the various elements (or textures) of orchestral writing and score reading.
  • The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of voicing of chords for orchestra and writing sketches.
  • The student will be able to analyze the techniques used in successful works of the past.

DAW TECHNIQUES

This course covers techniques used in creating realistic and convincing orchestral recordings using sampled instruments in a Digital Audio Workstation. Goals of the course are:

  • Creating natural solo and ensemble performances using MIDI controllers for dynamics, articulation, overall expressiveness

  • Writing for the virtual ensemble – how this is different from an acoustic ensemble

  • Understanding balances, panning and signal processing to create transparency

  • Creating a realistic and convincing final mix

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this course:
  • The student will be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the workings of the orchestra and how to translate this knowledge to a MIDI environment.
  • The student will be able to apply acquired knowledge to use a digital audio workstation to create convincing orchestral renditions of existing scores and original compositions.
  • The student will be able to apply acquired knowledge to mix electronic sounds with the orchestral palette to create a modern synthesis of electronic and acoustic elements.
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