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Queen's University
 

CHAMBER MUSIC ENSEMBLES

With regular coaching from a QCM instructor, students in chamber ensembles will learn the principles of ensemble playing, and will develop visual and aural musical communication skills through the preparation of a piece or movement for performance at the end of the term. Topics covered will include (but will not be limited to) the mechanics of cueing, leading, reacting in specific rhythmic contexts, issues of articulation on dissimilar instruments, and how to develop collective musical ideas as a group and execute them effectively.

Students may apply as a pre-formed group or as individuals.  All individual applicants must audition in order to be placed with players of similar level and interest.  Every attempt will be made to place students in appropriate groups. However, placement cannot be guaranteed if there aren’t sufficient applicants.

Coaches may be assigned according to instrument types within ensembles, schedule or student preference. Repertoire will be selected in consultation with assigned coach.

1) SCHEDULE

8 x 1 hour sessions with a coach will be arranged, per term, once groups and coaches have been assigned.  The coaching schedule for the term should be agreed upon by all parties at the beginning of the term, and submitted to the QCM office.  The coach will be the group’s liaison with the QCM office for the purpose of communication and room scheduling.

Coaching will begin any time after September 17th and conclude by December 16th, 2012 in the Fall Term.

Groups are encouraged to meet for additional rehearsals without their coach, and may contact QCM to arrange room booking for such rehearsals.

Ensembles have the opportunity to perform at the following QCM recitals:

  • Fall Term Student concert: Sunday 16th December, 2012
  • Mid-winter Student concert: Sunday 10th February, 2013
  • Ensemble Concert: Sunday April 14th, 2013
  • Year End Student concert: Sunday June 9th, 2013

2) WHO CAN ATTEND

This course is open to students of any age, playing any instrument at an intermediate level or higher.  Students are expected to practice their individual parts outside of coaching time, so that coaching sessions can be spent on ensemble skill development.

3) PRE-REQUISITES

  • Intermediate performance level or higher
  • Moderate sight-reading ability or higher
  • Audition (if required): by arrangement with Director of QCM.  Please prepare a selection of your choice, and be prepared to do a short sight reading sample.
 

4) COURSE MATERIALS

QCM can assist in repertoire selection, and can access parts and scores from Queen’s library. Any group wishing to play repertoire not available in the library is responsible for purchasing/renting their own music. QCM will provide each member of the ensemble with a copy of the full score (when available). All music should be annotated with bar numbers prior to the first rehearsal.

To each coaching students should bring:

  • Individual part and full score
  • Pencil and eraser
  • Instrument with all accessories
 

5) FEES & REGISTRATION

Registration fee: $40 per family per year. This fee covers registration for all programs within the Conservatory over the year.

Course fee: $195 per person/per term for trios
Course fee: $155 per person/per term for quartets

Groups of other sizes should consult QCM office for fees.

Copyright Queen's University

Kingston, Ontario, Canada. K7L 3N6. 613.533.2000