Assignment Code: 3218COMP
Due Date: Thursday of Week 2
See Deadlines for Students for the current date code.
Assignment 1 is to compose and notate (using Finale) a sixteen-measure theme with accompaniment:
- This is the theme that you will be arranging for various small ensembles throughout the semester.
You must also use this theme for your final project, which will be for band, orchestra, or choir with accompaniment.
- Begin with the Document Setup Wizard.
- The first dialog box should read "Document Setup Wizard - Select an Ensemble and Document Style." Select "Create New Ensemble" and click "Next."
- Choose a non-transposing solo instrument, such as Flute (from Woodwinds) or Violin (from Strings).
- From Keyboards, choose Piano.
- The Score Order is probably set to "Orchestral." Use the arrow buttons to put the soloist above the piano. Click "Next."
- Enter the title of your work. The title must include your first name, such as "Robert's Theme," "A Tune by Maria," "Mike's Orchestration Project," etc.
- Enter your name as composer.
- Enter a copyright date, such as 2013 or MMXIII.
- Page size should be 8.5 x 11. Click "Next."
- Select a time signature, either 4/4 or 12/8.
- Select a key, either major or minor." Click "Next."
- You may select a tempo marking and playback tempo.
- For this assignment, you must specify a pickup measure.
- Use the Maestro font, not Jazz.
- Click "Finish."
- Save this file to a disk, flash drive, or a web site location such as "My
Space." You will submit this assignment as an email attachment.
- Use either the Speedy Entry tool (preferred) or the Simple Entry Tool to begin entering notes on the staves.
- After you enter pitches, you can use the Expression Tool to enter dynamics.
- Use the Text Tool to edit any text blocks, if necessary.
- This piece is to be in a rounded-binary form.
This consists of two sections of equal length. An eight-measure A section and an eight-measure B section.
It is binary because there is to be an authentic cadence (perfect or imperfect, in the home key or a closely related key) in measure 8, to end the A section, and a perfect authentic cadence (in the home key) in measure 16 to end the B section.
It is rounded binary because the melody from the A section returns at the end of the B section.
The "Ode to Joy" theme from Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is an excellent example of rounded binary.
- The theme must fit the following additional criteria:
- The theme must be in quadruple meter, either simple (4/4) or compound (12/8).
- The melody must not exceed an octave in range.
- You must begin with an incomplete measure, and end with that measure's compliment.
- The theme must be homophonic (melody with chords and bass line).
Some counterpoint may be added later.
- The harmonic rhythm must be whole notes and half notes (or dotted whole notes and dotted half notes).
- You may use either a major or minor key.
If you use minor, it must be harmonic or melodic minor.
Do not use natural minor.
- Since you have all had at least four semesters of music theory, each assignment must include two different types of chromatic harmony.
- Remember that you will be arranging this melody for various groups of instruments.
It should sight-readable by the average college music student.
It does not to be very virtuosic.
Keep it simple.
Avoid excessive syncopation and hemiola.
Avoid large intervals.
All rules of voice leading apply!
- If you need help using Finale, please drop by Dr. Leinberger's office during office hours or make an appointment.
Also, some questions can be answered through e-mail.
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