Course Description
The Latin American Folk and Popular Music Ensemble will explore the folk and popular song and dance styles of the Spanish speaking areas of the region, with a heavy focus on South American and Mexican music. Students will also learn about history and social significance of those styles. Prerequisite: None; Note: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
Recognize different Latin American music styles and its essential musical elements
Understand the role of each instrument in each style and its performance practice
Perform all the songs learned through the semester at an appropriate level.
Discuss the histories of the development of those styles
Learn about effective artistic communication between ensemble members, including player-to-player and player-to-conductor, in both a rehearsal and performance atmosphere.
Experience the making of collective musical arrangements and improvisation.
Course Grading Information:
Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
Rehearsal Preparation and Participation | 40% |
Mastery of Content/Playing Proficiency | 30% |
Musical Growth and Development | 30% |
Grading Scale
Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
≥ 93.0 | A |
90.0-92.9 | A- |
87.0-89.9 | B+ |
83.0-86.9 | B |
80.0-82.9 | B- |
77.0-79.9 | C+ |
73.0-76.9 | C |
70.0-72.9 | C- |
66.0-69.9 | D+ |
63.0–65.9 | D |
60.0-62.9 | D- |
<60.0 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Participation will be graded according to the percentages indicated in the “Course Grading Information.”
Description of Absence Penalty:
1 excused rehearsal absence NO PENALTY
1 unexcused rehearsal absence: Highest grade you can earn = B
2 unexcused rehearsal absences: Highest grade you can earn = C
3 unexcused rehearsal absences: Highest grade you can earn = D
4 unexcused rehearsal absences: Highest grade you can earn = F
5 or more rehearsal absences of any kind: Failing grade earned
1 unexcused performance absence: Failing grade earned
2 performance absences of any kind: Failing grade earned
2 tardies = 1 unexcused absence
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No materials required, except for your instruments.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.