During Winter Quarter 2021, the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra
will be taught asynchronously as the
following course:
“Topics of Orchestral Practice, Habits &
Traditions”.
This course is open to all UC Davis students (regardless of
their major) who are interested in learning about orchestral
music. In a sense it is like entering the “kitchen”, and seeing
from inside all the details of what it means to be a
professional performing musician and a conductor.
How does it work?
It’s very simple and fun, really. I will be uploading a private
YouTube video every week. These videos will be related to what
we do as musicians, and I will be presenting and featuring some
guest speakers, which will include:
interviews with professional musicians, soloists, singers,
composers and orchestra administrators
interviews with conductors: what does a conductor do,
exactly?
topics of discussion: which composers interest you, and
why?
interview with orchestra musicians about preparing
auditions, about playing in a professional orchestra.
conducting opera, working with singers and stage directors
(interviews with directors and singers)
collaborations with choirs (interviews with folks in the
choral world)
performing/conducting new music: collaborating with living
composers. (interviews with composers)
watch parties: we will schedule two watch parties in which
we will focus on one specific symphonic work (I will ask
for suggestions)
If you have any questions about the UCDSO, email
Professor Baldini at
csbaldini@ucdavis.edu.
What do you have to do, in order to pass this class?
(It’s a P/NP class)
register, using this CNR: 33559
watch my weekly videos, and provide comments in our
“Commentary Room” (an online document). I will take your comments
into consideration to continue creating the course content in
future interviews and videos.
if you play an instrument or sing, you are welcome to
send me any videos that you create if you would like feedback
from me about your playing or singing. (this is not
required)
you can set up a time to meet with me via Zoom if you’d like
to talk about music or to discuss any of the videos or
interviews. (this is not required)
Here is my
YouTube channel (in which you will find the course videos, as
well as many current and vintage videos of performances).
Course Information
MUS 141 (CRN 33559 for Winter Quarter 2020)
Meets via zoom some Tuesdays at 8:00 pm (Fall Quarter
2020), meetings will be recorded and shared with those
who cannot attend.
The UC Davis Symphony Orchestra (UCDSO) is committed to
presenting repertoire from different periods and styles at the
highest artistic level. Members also pride themselves in
performing works by students, faculty, and visiting composers.
Established in 1959, the orchestra has performed in many cities
in Northern California, as well as in Australia, Canada, France,
French Polynesia, and Spain. As of 2013, the UCDSO has grown
to approximately 110 members and is a resident ensemble of
Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center.
