Small Ensemble Syllabus

Introduction
This syllabus has been designed in accordance with current education thinking and government policy. Emphasis is placed to meet the needs of modern school based music teaching in small group environments.

The syllabus is deliberately open to accommodate a wide range of ensembles at various stages of development. Any effective combination of instruments may enter and to encourage community based groups there are no age restrictions, the only stipulation being that all players should be within the required grade given for the level entered. Candidates should wear visible name badges to enable the examiner to allocate marks accurately.

Grade candidates may enter as duos, trios or quartets. Any larger combinations will be classed as a large ensemble and are offered as medal examinations (see the large ensemble syllabus).

The current grade fee is payable for each candidate.
Each candidate will receive a report form and, if successful, each participant will receive a certificate.

The entry form should include the names of all players and be bracketed together to show which candidates form an ensemble.  The subject code is EN.

Mark Scheme
A total of 100 marks is available and will be divided as follows:
40 marks for Performance
40 marks for Ensemble
20 for Presentation

Pass Marks
Pass 65
Merit 80  (Merit is shown as Honours in Ireland)
Distinction 90

Assessment Areas
The set pieces include solo passages to allow the examiner to comment on the solo performance, but also include ensemble passages. Players should submit each piece as an ensemble performance.
 
Performance (40 Marks)
Each candidate plays an individual line within an ensemble piece. Examiners will comment on each candidate’s individual contribution within the ensemble.
Examiners will focus on:

  • Pitch
  • Tempo
  • Dynamics
  • Rhythm
  • Phrasing and articulation
  • Musicality


Ensemble (40 Marks)
Each candidate plays an individual line within an ensemble piece. Examiners will comment on each candidate’s teamwork skills within the ensemble.
Examiners will focus on:

  • Interaction with group
  • Ensemble Unity
  • Balance
  • Intonation
  • Concentration
  • Teamwork


Presentation (20 Marks)
Each candidate should contribute to the presentation by doing the following:

  • Introduce at least one item from the programme
  • Dress appropriately (Deportment)
  • Contribute to the Folio


Introductions
Candidates should be able to introduce their programmes as to a live audience. Examiners will expect to be treated as an audience and addressed accordingly. Introductions should be interesting and show some variety. Style can be that of a DJ, a compere, or a performer and it is recommended that candidates study these techniques at a live performance or TV or radio show.

Deportment
Examiners will take into account general presentation of the pieces, deportment, style, facial expression and sincerity. Examiners will expect candidates to dress as if they are performing in a concert. A confident businesslike approach is looked for. Credit will be given for effort in presentation, but not for the quality or sophistication of the resources available to the candidate.

Folio
The ensemble should present to the examiner(s) on the day, a folio in the style of a concert programme. Each candidate should contribute to the folio and should sign to verify their contribution. The folio should include:

  • A front cover showing the name of the ensemble group
  • A list of the candidates
  • A list of the pieces performed
  • A short summary about the pieces performed

The Syllabus
To play two of the following pieces:
Grade 1
Shortnin’ Bread
When the Saints go Marchin’ In
Terrestrial Triplets
Go Those Happy Feelings
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.

Grade 2
Dance Till U Drop
Syncopated Suzie
Jericho
Greensleeves
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade

Grade 3
Sailor’s Hornpipe
Pomp & Circumstance March
When Johnny Comes Marchin’ Home
Bertie the Hot Bavarian
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.

Grade 4
Anger Management
Remembering Ben
The American Patrol
The Parade of the Tin Soldiers
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.

Grade 5
Dona Nobis Pacem
Rushing Around
A Taste of the Orient
The Cherubs Touch
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.

Grade 6
The Punch and Judy Show
Mango Chutney
City Life
Danny Boy
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.

Grade 7
Joplin: The Entertainer
Bartok: An Evening in the Village
Pashley: Circus Suite
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.

Grade 8
Pachelbel: Canon
Bach: Toccata
Pashley: Steam Train Blues
An own choice piece not listed in the syllabus and suitable to the grade.