- Year of study: Over two semesters.
- Final assessment: Approved fulfilment of course requirements.
- Prerequisites: Admission to a programme in which the course is included.
- Language of instruction: Norwegian and English.
Course description
This course is required for all students of orchestral instruments. ORK30 is organised with ORK20 Orchestra II. The course is encompassed in the assessment of Principal Instrument. No additional credit (ECTS) is given.
Learning objectives
The course prepares students for work in professional orchestras and ensembles. The student will
- develop awareness and assertiveness in performance and presentation of music in orchestras and ensembles
- gain extensive knowledge of orchestral music from a variety of periods and genres
- gain knowledge and experience of large ensemble and orchestra play
- gain practical experience with a broad repertoire for large ensemble and orchestra
Overview
Repertoire is selected with regard to familiarising students with the works, repertoire rehearsal, and performance in front of audiences. In the course of two years, the orchestra repertoire should include
- music from the 17 Century to the contemporary period
- standard genres music written for large ensemble and orchestra
Structure
Orchestral, repertoire and practice ensemble projects vary and are determined once every academic year (set down in the Academy’s Academic Calendar and course information distributed at the beginning of the autumn semester).
Symphony Orchestra activities are allotted to project weeks. As far as possible, Symphony Orchestra project weeks are designed to simulate professional orchestral activity, and are concluded by concerts.
2-4 group rehearsals are held ahead of each project such week. Independently, each student participant must prepare for her or his assigned tasks in the orchestra.
In addition, one wind/brass project may be organised each academic year, to make up for missing opportunity to participate in orchestra. Euphonium and Saxophone students will not be able to participate in the Academy’s orchestra on a regular basis. Projects for the Symphony Orchestra’s wind and percussion instrumentalists will be organised in addition to the normal orchestra projects.
Activities in the various ensembles are coordinated in order distribute the work load reasonably. Due to the practical limitations of rehearsal and study with a full symphony orchestra, there will be an emphasis on repertoire study in smaller groups. Students will also individually study the repertoire with her or his Principal Instrument instructor.
A course plan will be presented at the beginning of each academic year, including an overview of repertoire and concerts.
In setting the plan, the following must be taken into consideration
- the technical skills and orchestral experience of the students
- available orchestration
- the aim of providing students with experiences of a diverse repertoire for orchestra and large ensembles during the course of their studies
- collaboration with soloists and other groups within the Academy
Student participation is regulated by instrumentation and repertoire demands. Lists of participants and final project schedules (including group rehearsals) are made available no later than three (3) weeks prior to the start of each project.
In distribution of parts among wind instrumentalists, seniority and artistic qualifications will be taken into consideration. Auditions may be held for leading roles and larger tasks.
For an overview of the anticipated study progression, please see Organisation under the description of the individual study programme.
Students have registered automatically for instruction/supervision and assessment in the course in accordance with the study progress requirements set out in the individual education plan.
Course requirements
1. Compulsory attendance
Participation is compulsory for all students of an orchestral instrument. Exemption from Orchestra in the first year of study may be granted in special cases when it is strongly recommended by Principal Instrument Instructor.
2. Compulsory participation
Active participation is required, in accordance with required instrumentation, rehearsal schedule and the Orchestra Committee guidelines at any given time.
Final assessment
Prerequisite: All course requirements must be fulfilled and approved before the student is given a final assessment.
Marking: The final assessment will be given as a mark of “passed”/”failed” for each individual student, which shall be determined on the basis of her or his active participation in the course.
Failing Mark
A failing mark obliges the student to repeat the course, either in part or full. The extent of required course repetition is determined on an individual basis.