B352 Composition

Name:

B352 CompositionWhat you have to do: 1. Produce a composition or arrangement which must be based on one of the following six tasks:

An original composition for a group of two or more players (AoS 2); An arrangement of a piece for two or more players (AoS 2); An original piece of dance music in a style of the candidates choice (AoS 3); An arrangement of a piece in the style of a dance of the candidates choice (AoS 3); An original piece of programme music, based on a mood or a sequence of events (AoS 4); An arrangement of a piece, adapted to convey a different mood from the original (AoS 4).

An arrangement can be of a whole piece or part of a piece. It must include a creative element and not be a transcription. A copy of the original 2. Produce a composition brief, log and evaluation

Notes on Arrangements You need to start off with a piece you have chosen which has to be submitted as part of your assessment. You will need to decide upon the purpose of the arrangement. The purpose is partly defined by the six tasks above. You may decide to do a number of the following things:1. Alter the structure of the piece2. Alter the pitch and range to suit the instruments which are being used3. Write or reshape the accompaniment4. Change harmony, rhythm or time signature5. Vary the melody or change the style of the piece6. Introduce new melodic ideas (e.g. descants or countermelody)The more you add or vary the original composition, the better mark you will get.

Marking Criteria Unit B352 In addition to the core criteria (out of 15) you will be marking using one of the following scales depending on which AoS you use as your compositional model:Area of Study 2 Composition or arrangement for 2 or more instruments 0 There is no compositional brief and therefore there is nothing to credit.

1 The piece attempts to use the resources but is impractical to perform.

2 The piece uses the resources in a basic way showing some understanding of their combined effect.

3 The piece uses the resources and shows some understanding of their roles within the group.

4 The piece uses the resources effectively in combination and shows good understanding of their roles in the group.

5 The piece uses the resources imaginatively in an effective combination.

Unit B352 Area of Study 3 A piece of dance music 0 There is no compositional brief and therefore there is nothing to credit.

1 The piece attempts to model itself on a dance style but the outcome does not communicate the character of the dance.

2 The piece uses some characteristics of the dance style in a mechanical way

3 The piece uses a range of features of the dance in a musical way with some success.

4 The piece combines a range of features of the dance style, communicating the spirit of the dance in an effective way.

5 The piece combines features of the dance style in an inventive and imaginative way creating a compelling effect.

Unit B352 Area of Study 3 A piece of dance music 0 There is no compositional brief and therefore there is nothing to credit.

1 The piece attempts to model itself on a dance style but the outcome does not communicate the character of the dance.

2 The piece uses some characteristics of the dance style in a mechanical way

3 The piece uses a range of features of the dance in a musical way with some success.

4 The piece combines a range of features of the dance style, communicating the spirit of the dance in an effective way.

5 The piece combines features of the dance style in an inventive and imaginative way creating a compelling effect.

Log and Evaluation (Unit B352) Marking CriteriaThe following criteria should be applied to the Log and Evaluation (Unit B352) 0 Work in this band has no positive worth.

1-2 There is a simple intention. Statements are made about the process, and there is a simple judgement about the effectiveness of the outcome. Work in this band makes simple, general statements.

3-5 The intention describes features of the content of the piece. The progress of the work is clearly documented and there is an accurate judgement on the effectiveness of the outcome. Work in this band contains some detail and makes accurate statements.

6-8 The intention contains detail which is supported by musical reasoning. The log demonstrates that musical decisions have been taken as the piece has progressed, and the evaluation shows an understanding of the effectiveness of the outcome. Work in this band additionally shows musical thinking.

9-10 The intention is musically conceived and detailed. The log demonstrates understanding of the musical impact of the piece as it progresses, and the evaluation provides perceptive insights relating to the effectiveness of the outcome. Work in this band shows a high level of musical understanding.

Example Brief

Example Log

Example Evaluation

Examiners Feedback on brief, log and evaluationLog and EvaluationThe brief shows a clear intent that is well thought out and musically conceived with a good level of musical understanding. The story chosen is clear and there is evidence of how the candidate intends to communicate this in the music composed. The candidate writes in detail the progress made each week and is able to reflect on it musically to decide what to do next. The evaluation is thoughtful and shows a very good level of understanding of what was successful and what could have been improved. Overall this log and evaluation just reaches the top mark.

10/10

Guidance for the Written CourseworkComposition BriefWhat do you intend to compose?Which AoS does this relate to? Why have you chosen this AoS? For each feature you mention:1. Identify the feature (and give an example of it in a piece you have studied);2. Identify the compositional effect that this feature will create (the details of why you have chosen this feature)3. Say how this feature is related to the AoS you have chosenFeatures to include: Instruments and textures, structure, melody, harmony, rhythm, metre, tempo dynamics, What?Why?

Style

Instrumentation

Structure

Harmony

Tempo

Time signature

Texture

Musical devices

Understanding the Brief Activity

I am going to compose a waltz for keyboard in C major. I have chosen C major as it will be an easy key to play in. and time signature for a waltz. It will me in ternary form with a contrasting middle section in A minor. It will have four-bar phrases with chords changing every four bars, as this is a characteristic of a waltz. I will decorate the melody with trills and passing notes in the last section to provide more interest than just a repeat. I will use the flute sound for the melody in the first and last sections and the clarinet section in the middle. These instrumental sounds will also help the piece to flow, and they are the kinds of instruments that would play the tune in an orchestra waltz.

Tasks1. Identify reasons2. Identify where reasons are related to AoS3. Identity places where reasons are lacking4. Identify places where you could insert references to pieces you have studied

Notes:

Composition LogYour log needs to explain a) What you have done in each session (your progress);b) Why you have done what you have done (in relation to the AoS and the musical effect);c) Any suggestions that the teacher or others have given you/a target for next sessionThis means that if you decide to change anything or to deviate from your written plan there will be a record of itTask 1. Identify instances of a-c in the following example brief

2. What is missing from this log/ how could it be improved?

DateProgress (what, why relate to AoS and effect)Notes including advice given/targets

DateProgress (what, why relate to AoS and effect)Notes including advice given/targets

You will need to create an electronic copy of this table and type up what you write here each week onto a word document!Evaluation 1. Did you make any changes to your original brief? If so, why?2. What is your impression of the piece? Give reasons related to the AoS.3. Which features of your piece were particularly effective? Why?4. Which features of your piece were less effective? Why?5. What have your learned from composing this piece what would you do differently next time?

What mark would you give these evaluations? Example A

Evaluation of the piece:My favourite bits of this piece are the playful ones like bars 5 and 13. I tried to keep the piece balanced with 2 sections of the same length. In the end the 2nd section was two bars longer, but I dont think this matters.

There is a lot of imitation in the piece. I could have developed my ideas further if the piece was longer, but I like short pieces

Example B