Mallet Percussion Ensemble (MPE) creates and develops original compositions for keyboard mallet instruments using a collective improvisation process. The ensemble also learns, arranges, and presents folkloric, classical, modern, and global genres of music. Students will study marimba, xylophone, glockenspiel, vibraphone, and African balafon. Our coursework connects to music theory through the practice of scales, modes, and arpeggios while adapting and arranging various repertoire of our choosing. No prior experience playing a mallet keyboard is required, but playing an instrument and having basic knowledge of music notation, along with pattern recognition is preferred, but not mandatory. Rehearsing individually and scheduling a practice lab is highly recommended. Presenting solo and ensemble works-in-progress for music workshop and campus events are encouraged.
Learning Outcomes:
• Engage with your group as a community of collaborators
• Practice exploring the unfamiliar as part of your liberal arts education
• Improve your mallet technique, concepts, and approach to the instrument
• Improve your knowledge of music theory, composing, arranging, and performance
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
A recording, video, zoom, or in person audition is necessary, in addition to a note of interest to the instructor. Auditions will take place between May 2-10, with zoom auditions taking place on May 9 and 10 only.
Corequisites: Music Workshop
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 3:40PM - 5:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 6
Course Frequency: Once a year
Categories: All courses , Composition , Fully In-Person , Performance , Theory
Tags: Classical Music , ensemble , Folklore , Global Music , improvisation , Music Composition , Music Notation , music theory , Original Work , Percussion , performance