CONDUCTOR KYNAN JOHNS

Course No. 07-701-323, 08-703-523

Meeting place Nicholas Music Centre
Meeting times Monday & Wednesday 2:15-5:15
Lab Orchestra Monday 5:45-7pm R201
(see Schedule for concert dates/ part tests/ opera
Contact kdjohns@rci.rutgers.edu
TA's rutgerssymphonyorchestra@gmail.com


SYLLABUS

Aims: To develop orchestral technique specific to your instrument through rehearsing and performing
major symphonic and operatic repertoire and, to provide members with invaluable experience in
repertoire excerpts required at professional auditions.

Experiences gained through this process aims to fully equip students with the necessary skills to
satisfactorily pursue an orchestral career. Through achieving a high level of detail in rehearsal,
members of the RSO will develop the professional discipline needed in preparation to achieve the
attention to detail needed to be successful musicians.
Individual part tests before each concert are designed to provide students with a quasi audition
practice setting.

LAB Orchestra - A LAB orchestra (string quintet, plus single winds and brass) on rotation will
rehearse on Monday's after RSO in RH201 (5:45-7pm) to read through the standard repertoire
with the graduate conducting students - thus allowing greater repertoire exposure. One 3-hour
RSO rehearsal will be cancelled each semester to allow each student to give back one of those
hours by playing in the Lab orchestra.

Assessment: Grades are awarded based on results in part-tests. Anything less than 100% attendance and quality
of participation in rehearsals can only lower the awarded part-test grade.
All notes are expected to be learnt prior to the first rehearsal. Rehearsals are not for learning
material, but putting it together.

Attendance: Please refer to Attendance Policy
Members are expected to be present at ALL rehearsals. Exceptions will only be granted for
exceptional professional opportunities. Requests for excuses must be given IN WRITING with
proof of invitation and/or other official material during the first week of classes. Only requests for
excuses signed by the conductor and given to the Orchestra Managers will be considered valid.
There will be NO excused absences for the three rehearsals prior to a concert. This includes
outside jobs that are scheduled poorly. Each unexcused absence will result in the lowering of your
final grade by one letter grade. Orchestra members are required to be in their chair ready to play
five minutes before the start of the rehearsal or you are late!!! 3 absences = failure of the course.
2 tardies will act as one unexcused absence.

At the discretion of the Director, failure due to absence may be converted to an incomplete
requiring candidate to complete another semester of orchestra to attain the 100% attendance.