UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

FROST SCHOOL OF MUSIC

FROST SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE (MIP 141/741) SPRING 2018

INSTRUCTOR MEETING TIMES

Dale Underwood, Frost North Studio Wing 229 W 8:00pm – 10:00pm
(305) 284-6790 Nancy Greene Rehearsal Hall
d.underwood@miami.edu
Office Hours by Appointment

GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Brian Bethea Joey Speranzo
bpb53@miami.edu jes379@miami.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The Frost Saxophone Ensemble is a large ensemble that performs significant repertoire. It is open to all qualified
undergraduate and graduate students at the Frost School of Music. Throughout the course of the school year,
members of this ensemble will:
1. Strive for excellence in everything that you do
2. Present high-quality performances of significant repertoire to a diverse and varied audience
3. Communicate effectively and thoroughly (verbal, written, etc.) with peers and instructors
4. Deepen their understanding of music and broaden their musical literacy through the study and
performance of standard and contemporary wind repertoire
5. Be encouraged to take creative and artistic risks in their music making and musical expressivity when
presented with the opportunity to perform a solo or improvise a musical line
6. Be responsible for the promotion and advertisement of their performances (via social media, etc.) in an
effort to increase audience engagement and attendance
7. Utilize music technologies, where applicable, to enrich the study of performance repertoire
8. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, musicality, and stage presence commensurate with that of a
professional in the performance field
9. Extrapolate pedagogical practices learned and taught privately and apply them to the large ensemble
experience in a manner that will contribute to the success of the group

WEEKLY REHEARSALS
FSE will meet in Nancy Greene Rehearsal Hall (unless otherwise communicated) every Wednesday from 8:00pm to
10:00pm. Rehearsals will begin at the designated time. It is your responsibility to be prepared for every rehearsal
with regard to your instrument and your music. A specific schedule for each rehearsal will be sent via Facebook
Messenger (or other applicable means as requested) to all ensemble members in advance of each rehearsal. Please
check the group regularly and make note of any pertinent information (i.e. if the rehearsal location has changed).

MUSIC
It is your responsibility to prepare your parts prior to the first rehearsal. You are responsible for the maintenance of
each piece of music you are issued. If your music is lost or damaged, you will be held responsible for the acquisition
of a new copy.

GRADING POLICY
Grades in this ensemble are assigned based on your punctuality, preparedness, and your presence at each rehearsal
and performance, as well as your fulfillment of the ensemble goals. Individual parts are to be prepared before
rehearsals. Since each member of FSE is critical to the success of the ensemble, your attendance at all rehearsals is
compulsory. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is expected. All absences are to be submitted, in writing,
to the instructor for approval. This is only allowed 3 times during the semester and is never allowed for the two
rehearsals prior to a performance.
Your final grade will be determined by the following criteria:
1. Preparation of your music (prior to rehearsal)
2. Degree of professionalism exhibited in rehearsals and in performance
3. Attendance and punctuality with regard to performances/concerts
4. Attendance and punctuality with regard to rehearsals
5. Successful fulfillment of the nine course goals outlined in the course description

Graduate students are also expected to perform additional leadership-based roles. Graduates shall demonstrate role-
model characteristics in rehearsals. Graduates shall also lead sectionals as required. These expectations, in addition
to the performance of more difficult ensemble parts, will be reflected in the grades of graduate students when
compared to undergraduate students.

ATTENDANCE
As was previously stated, your attendance at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Failure to abide by this
policy will have an adverse effect on your overall grade:
One unexcused rehearsal absence = C
Two unexcused rehearsal absences = D
Three or more unexcused rehearsal absences = F
Each tardy accumulates, as well. Three unexcused tardies is equivalent to one unexcused absence. A tardy is defined
as arriving 5 or more minutes late to any rehearsal or performance call time.
Note: An unexcused absence from a performance may result in an automatic course grade of F and dismissal from
the ensemble.
Excused absences are defined as: illness (with a physician’s note), family emergency, a University of Miami related
event or activity (with prior approval/written documentation), and religious holidays. Please notify the instructor and
director, whenever possible, of any absence that occurs. Non-emergency absences MUST be communicated to the
instructor least 3 days prior to the absence in order to be considered “excused.”

ELECTRONIC DEVICES
In order to maintain a focused learning environment, it is required that all cell phones, tablets, and other electronic
devices not used for a musical or educational purpose be turned off and stored out of sight for the length of each
rehearsal. These devices are not permitted on stage during a performance, regardless of whether or not they are off
or in silent/airplane mode.

PERFORMANCE DRESS CODE

To be determined by the ensemble in rehearsal.

IMPORTANT DATES
February 6, 2019 Wed, 8:00pm Hindman rehearsal only
February 13, 2019 Wed, 8:00pm Hindman recording only
March 27, 2019 Wed, 8:00pm Horn studio concert
April 16, 2019 Tues, 8:00pm Spring Concert