MUSI 3324 – Instrumentation/Arranging

Fall 2018
School of Music
Kennesaw State University
SYLLABUS

FACULTY AND COURSE INFORMATION

Instructor
Dr. Laurence Sherr, Professor of Music, Composer-in-Residence
Office: Music Building 116
Phone: 470-578-3406
E-mail: [email protected]

Class Meetings
Tuesday and Thursday, 12:00–12:50 pm
WB 119

Course Website
KSU D2L Brightspace: http://d2l.kennesaw.edu/

Course Communication
I am available to speak with you in person or on the phone, and to communicate by email. In-
person communication is preferred, and the other specified modes are also completely viable.
Office Hours: to be announced

Electronic Communications
“The University provides all KSU students with an “official” email account with the address
“students.kennesaw.edu.” As a result of federal laws protecting educational information and
other data, this is the sole email account you should use to communicate with your
instructor or other University officials.”

Required Materials
The required books are The Study of Orchestration (Fourth Edition) and the accompanying
Workbook for The Study of Orchestration (Fourth Edition), both by Samuel Adler. The textbook
is needed every class to follow the demonstration of musical examples. Textbook listening
examples are at: https://digital.wwnorton.com/orchestration4. Also required are manuscript
paper (12 staff recommended) and a straight edge (triangle recommended). An USB flash
drive (for storage and class sharing of project files) is required.

COURSE DESCRIPTION, CREDIT HOURS, AND PREREQUISITES

Catalog Course Description

MUSI 3324 - Instrumentation/Arranging
2 Class Hours 0 Laboratory Hours 2 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: A grade of “C” or better in MUSI 2222

A study of the characteristics of orchestral instruments, including scoring principals and

techniques. In addition the course includes the arranging of musical works for a variety of large
and small vocal and instrumental ensembles.
COURSE GOALS

Purpose/Rationale
The understanding of instrumental and vocal capabilities, and the art of combining performers
in arrangements and compositions, are musical proficiencies that are an important part of
professional training. This upper division course builds on the techniques of SATB vocal
scoring utilized in the first two years of music theory. After gaining knowledge in the idiomatic
use of instruments and voices, students will achieve skill in arranging music for groupings of
individual instruments and for the sections of instruments playing together in a large ensemble.
At a higher level, students will expand basic choral arranging techniques to master the
encompassing principles of scoring and arranging applicable to ensembles such as orchestras,
wind ensembles, choirs, and jazz bands. Gaining experience in instrumentation and arranging
provides knowledge and abilities important for success in a broad range of musical disciplines.

Course Goals and Objectives

Students will learn about the technical capabilities and musical characteristics of standard
instruments. Knowing the particular sounds and abilities of each instrument will allow students
to gain skills in creating arrangements ranging from chamber to symphonic. Preparing
transcriptions will equip students with the skills to create arrangements for a variety of vocal
and instrumental ensembles. Related skills to be learned are: 1) score notation and reading,
including the use of different clefs and transpositions; 2) music notation, copying, and editing;
3) the preparation of score and parts, and 4) a working knowledge of instrument names and
playing instructions in different languages.

COURSE CONTENT AND REQUIREMENTS/GRADING SCALE

Course Topics and Outline
Please see the course documents on D2L, which include a detailed Class Schedule with
reading assignments, Homework Assignments list, and Project schedule.
“Disclaimer: The syllabus and accompanying schedules represent my current plans and
objectives. As we go through the semester, those plans may need to change to enhance the
class learning opportunity. Such changes, communicated clearly, are not unusual and should
be expected.”

Grading Scale and Course Policies

1. CLASS: Class will consist of demonstration, lecture, listening, and discussion. There will be
a reading and/or homework assignment for most classes.

2. ASSIGNMENTS: Similar to performing, there is no substitute for the improvements in skill

and ability that come from PRACTICE. For this course, the practice of arranging is structured
into the homework (HW) assignments and projects. Thus, HW is not optional for this class.
There are 3 opportunities to submit each HW. Homework will normally be submitted at the
beginning of the class it is due. HW submitted BEFORE the next class loses one letter grade,
and BY THE END of the next class loses 2 letter grades. No HW will be accepted after that.
Students missing in excess of 3 HWs before the midterm exam, or from that point to the end,
are required to drop (or fail) the course.

3. TESTS: There will be two exams, one at mid-term and the other at the end of the term. To
be eligible for a make-up test, students must notify the instructor of their absence and desire to
take a make-up, by phone or e-mail, NO LATER THAN THE TIME OF THE TEST.

2
4. ATTENDANCE: Class includes live demonstrations of instruments and the explanation of
materials not in the text. There is no substitute for exposure to the playing and insights of live
performers. Regular attendance is thus crucial for success in this course, and is expected at
every class. There is an allowance of three absences for illness or emergency. Each additional
absence results in the loss of a letter grade from the student’s final course grade. Three late
arrivals count as an absence. Arriving more than 15 minutes late for a regular class, or late at
all for an in-class reading session, counts as two late arrivals.

5. PROJECTS: For the three class projects, each student will create arrangements for the
following ensembles:
• Instrumental: 1) string quartet, 2) woodwind quintet, 3) brass quintet
or
• Vocal: 1) women’s choir (SSA or SSAA), 2) men’s choir (TTB or TTBB), 3) a cappella
mixed chorus
The final project is an arrangement for full orchestra or wind ensemble. Scores and parts for
each project will be notated in a standard software program (Finale or Sibelius recommended).
The full version of Finale v25 is available in our Music Lab. We will seek to have live readings
of student projects in class. For all projects, on-time submission is required to pass the course.

6. EVALUATION PROCEDURE
Preparatory Homework 10% (lowest grade dropped)
Graded Homework 15% (lowest grade dropped)
Class Projects 30% (10% each)
Final Large Ensemble Project 15%
Exam 1 15%
Exam 2 15%

7. PERFORMANCES: The KSU School of Music is committed to broadening access to musical

performances by making its concerts available to live Internet audiences. By participating in
this course, you hereby acknowledge that the university may photograph, record, and/or
broadcast, via live streaming or other means, any public performances, rehearsals, or classes
that you participate in, and you give permission for any such use that is consistent with the
university's non-profit status.

FEEDBACK IN A TIMELY MANNER

Unless there are extenuating circumstances, it is the instructor’s goal to return all graded
homework and Exam 1 the class following their submission.

COURSE WITHDRAWAL
The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is October 5.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

§ Every KSU student is responsible for upholding all provisions of the Student Code of
Conduct, as published at http://scai.kennesaw.edu/codes.php.
§ Section 5C, the “Code of Academic Integrity,” addresses the University’s policy on
academic honesty, including provisions regarding cheating and plagiarism. Incidents of
alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the

3
 Department of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, which include either an informal
resolution by a faculty member, or a formal hearing procedure, that may subject a student
to the Code of Conduct’s minimum one semester suspension.
§ From section 5C: Core Values and Honor Code Pledge:
“Kennesaw State University students accept the pledge below by virtue of their
acceptance into the institution and enrollment in courses…As a member of the
Kennesaw State University community of scholars, I understand that my actions are
not only a reflection on myself, but also a reflection on the University and the larger
body of scholars of which it is a part. Acting unethically, no matter how minor the
offense, will be detrimental to my academic progress and self-image. It will also
adversely affect all students, faculty, staff, the reputation of this University, and the
value of the degrees it awards. Whether on campus or online, I understand that it is
not only my personal responsibility, but also a duty to the entire KSU community that
I act in a manner consistent with the highest level of academic integrity. Therefore, I
promise that as a member of the Kennesaw State University community, I will not
participate in any form of academic misconduct."
§ Please read the full text of Section 5C at the website above.

ADDITIONAL BOR AND KSU COURSE SYLLABUS POLICIES

Reasonable Accommodations
Students with qualifying disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and/or
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act who require “reasonable accommodation(s)” to complete
the course may request those from Office of Student Disability Services. Students requiring
such accommodations are required to work with the University’s Office of Student Disability
Services rather than engaging in this discussion with individual faculty members or academic
departments. If, after reviewing the course syllabus, a student anticipates or should have
anticipated a need for accommodation, he or she must submit documentation requesting an
accommodation and permitting time for a determination prior to submitting assignments or
taking course quizzes or exams. Students may not request retroactive accommodation for
needs that were or should have been foreseeable. Students should contact the office as soon
as possible in the term for which they are seeking accommodations. Student Disability
Services is located in the Carmichael Student Center in Suite 267. Please visit the Student
Disabilities Services website at www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/sds for more information, or call
the office at 470-578-2666.

Copyright Law
It is the responsibility KSU faculty and students to respect the rights of copyright holders and
complying with copyright law. The University System of Georgia recognizes that the exclusive
rights of copyright holders are balanced by limitations on those rights under federal copyright
law, including the right to make a fair use of copyrighted materials and the right to perform or
display works in the course of face-to-face teaching activities.
The University System of Georgia facilitates compliance with copyright law and, where
appropriate, the exercise in good faith of full fair use rights by faculty and staff in teaching,
research, and service activities. The University System of Georgia ensure compliance with
copyright law in the following ways.
A. The USG informs and educates students, faculty, and staff about copyright law,
including the limited exclusive rights of copyright holders as set forth in 17 U.S.C. § 106,
the application of the four fair use factors in 17 U.S.C. § 107, and other copyright
exceptions.
B. The USG develops and makes available tools and resources for faculty and staff to
4
 assist in determining copyright status and ownership and determining whether use of a
work in a specific situation would be a fair use and, therefore, not an infringement under
copyright law;
C. The USG facilitates use of materials currently licensed by the University System of
Georgia and provides information on licensing of third-party materials by the University
System; and
D. The USG identifies individuals at the University System and member institutions who
can counsel faculty and staff regarding application of copyright law.

KSU Sexual Misconduct Policy

KSU does not condone and will not tolerate sexual misconduct or sexually exploitative or
harassing behavior of any kind. The University has a comprehensive sexual misconduct policy
(https://policy.kennesaw.edu/content/sexual-misconduct-policy) and affirms its responsibility to:
• Respond promptly and effectively to sex discrimination, especially sexual harassment and
sexual violence;
• Take immediate steps to eliminate the sexual harassment or sexual violence, prevent its
recurrence, and address its effects; and
• Support all students with appropriate resources regardless of their status as complainant or
accused.

Questions about this policy should be directed to the KSU Equal Employment Opportunity
(EEO) and Title IX officer by telephone at (470) 578-2614. You may also visit the University’s
EEO website http://www.kennesaw.edu/eeo/index.html for more information.

This policy applies broadly to all KSU employees, students, and third parties. All individuals are
encouraged to report and seek assistance regarding incidents of sexual misconduct. A student
who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs in violation of the KSU Student Code of Conduct
at the time of a sexual misconduct incident should not be reluctant to seek assistance for that
reason. In order to encourage students to come forward, disciplinary violations against a
student (or against a witness) for his or her use of alcohol or drugs will not be enforced if the
student is making a good faith report of sexual misconduct.

KSU Policy on Electronic Recording & Social Media (Pending)

Electronic recording performed without the consent of the people being recorded chills the free
exchange of ideas. Academic freedom, free inquiry, and freedom of expression should not be
limited by the fear that one’s brainstorming, polemic discourse, speculative inquiry, or any
other kind of expressed curiosity made within the space of a university classroom will be made
public without one’s consent. This fear is unacceptable regardless of whether one is in an
online, hybrid, or face-to-face classroom setting. Accordingly, no person shall make public any
electronically recorded class discussion without the written permission of the instructor. This
policy is not intended to discourage electronic recording in the classroom or the use of social
media when such actions are performed with the written consent of the instructor, and others
as appropriate. Note: Faculty accommodate all reasonable requests to electronically record a
class discussion; these requests must be documented by the DisAbled Student Support
Services available at: http://www.kennesaw.edu/stu_dev/dsss/prospect.shtml

Netiquette: Communication Courtesy

All members of the class are expected to follow rules of common courtesy in all email
messages, threaded discussions and chats. [Describe what is expected and what will occur as
a result of improper behavior]
http://teach.ufl.edu/docs/NetiquetteGuideforOnlineCourses.pdf
5
KSU Student Resources
Getting Help
For issues with technical difficulties, please contact the Student Helpdesk:
● Fill out a service form
● Email: [email protected]
● Call:770-499-3555

Getting Started With Technology Services - Steps that will help you meet the technological
requirements of the University.

Any requests for make-ups due to technical issues MUST be accompanied by the ticket
number received from ITS when the problem was reported to them. The ticket number will
document the time and date of the problem. You MUST e-mail your instructor within 24 hours
of the technical difficulty if you wish to request a make-up.

Additional Technology Resources

● Student Service Desk and Help Center
● Browser Checker
● USG Desire2Learn Help Center
● D2L Training Options & Resources for Students
● Computertrain Online Courses
● ITS Documentation Center
● Check Service Outages
● Maintenance Schedule

Academic Resources
• Academic Tutoring Services
• Disability Resources
• ESL Study and Tutorial Center
• Library
• Supplemental Instruction
• The Writing Center
• Math Lab

Student Support and Wellness Resources

● Career Services Center
● Counseling and Psychological Services

KSU offers counseling services on-campus that are available to you at no cost. All counseling
services provided are confidential and in no way connected to your academic record.
● Center for Health, Promotion and Wellness
● Student Health Clinic

Note – Resource links are example based only. The specific resource and unit will reflect those
determined in the new university.

Grade Appeals and Student Complaints

KSU desires to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair
6
and amicable manner. The Complaints and Appeals Page was developed to assist current
and prospective students in submitting complaints and appeals and to direct them to the most
effective venue for accurate information and resolution. The resources on the page will direct
students to the specific venue to appropriately address related student complaint.
http://www.kennesaw.edu/complaints_appeals.shtml

Complaints for online students are resolved following the same general procedures for
students who attend classes on campus. However, for any process that requires that a student
appear in person, the university may make other arrangements. For processes that cannot be
completed via telephone, e-mail, or written correspondence, the university may set up a two-
way videoconference site in place of a meeting on the KSU campus.