Syllabus, ENS 107S/180K University of Texas Tex-Mex Conjunto Ensemble Spring 2012
Diatonic button accordion instructor: Joel Guzman Email: Joel Guzman
Class meetings: Tues. & Thurs. 5-6:30 PM, MRH 6.252 Undergraduate: unique # ENS 107S, 25610 Graduate: unique # MUS 180K, #22145 Course Description
This course is offered as a practical introduction to the performing techniques of the diatonic button accordion and the bajo sexto (12 string bass guitar) and their role in the Conjunto based music of Central and South Texas and Northern Mexico. Each semester we will focus on learning the diverse dance music of the regional Tejano communities. As the repertoire of these communities is primarily taught through oral and aural transmission, we will work on aural melodic and rhythmic exercises, and when necessary, use sheet music as a learning tool. A cd will be given out with each semesterʼs examples to help the student to become familiar with the material. We will begin by learning a variety of instrumental patterns in order to accompany an accordionist familiar with the many traditional songs of the Tejano and Norteño music loving populace. While learning the music in this way, it is hoped that the student will gain an appreciation of its significance.
History of Conjunto Conjunto is a uniquely American musical genre, indigenous to South and Central Texas. Its development began when Texans of Mexican heritage (Tejanos) took an interest in the accordion music of Polish and German immigrants, more than a century ago. The ensuing Tejano accordion music, accompanied by the bajo sexto (replacing the European tuba) soon came to represent the Tejano way of life, which was closely associated with working in the agricultural fields. The music has changed some since that time, but still serves as a symbol that binds many Tejano communities in south and central Texas. Through local festivals and tardiadas, conjuntoʼs spirit of “alegre” is experienced through its lyrics, its dance, and its ubiquitous “oompah” beat provided by the bajo sexto.
Repertoire We typically choose pieces from the following genres: Polkas, Rancheras, Waltzes, Redovas, Mazurkas, Schottizes, Boleros, Cumbias, Huapangos, and Paso Dobles
Tentative pieces for this semester: 1. Las Gaviotas ...... traditional polka 2. El Polkerito ...... polka 3. El Tejanito ...... huapango 4. Finca de Adobe/La Rama del Mesquite… canciónes rancheras 5. Albricias ...... bolero 6. Flor de Mexico ...... polka 7. Cumbia de los Locos … cumbia 8. Prenda Querida ...... valse 9. El Cable ...... cumbia 10. Volver Volver ...... canción ranchera 11. El Lucero ...... huapango 12. Caballo Viejo ...... cumbia 13. La Nopalera ...... polka 14. Hay Te Dejo en San Antonio … canción ranchera 15. Yolanda ...... cumbia 16. Tampico Hermoso .... polka
Registering for the class
Students are asked to enroll in this ensemble rather than auditing. In special cases the instructor may grant some students permission to audit, but permission must be requested.
Music folder Please purchase a ring binder folder with plastic insert pages right away to keep your music organized, if you donʼt already have one.
Registering for the class, or auditing Students are asked to formally enroll in this ensemble (rather than auditing) if they are UT students. In special cases the instructor may grant exceptions, but permission must be requested. This is because ensembles with less than ten students enrolled run the risk of being canceled.
Performances Mandatory participation of scheduled performances. There may be other opportunities for which we will ask for volunteers to help provide opportunities for community outreach, performance practice, and small honoraria, which support the acquisition of instruments, workshops, and in inviting special guests.
Special related events In order for the students to participate more fully in the local conjunto scene, they will be informed of unique opportunities to attend professional conjunto performances throughout the semester. Furthermore, they will be encouraged to visit community meetings, Conjunto/Tejano museums, music media stores, radio stations, luthiers and repairers of the bajo sexto, and finding ways that they can support this regional music.
Community Outreach The Center for Mexican-American Studies as does the UT School of Music supports this ensemble. Those who share an interest in the music and cultural practices of the Tejano world considerably enrich our activities.
Rehearsals There will be an important rehearsal before the class recital near the end of the semester. Individual instruction on particular instruments can be scheduled with the instructor as necessary.
Grading As this is a one-unit performance class, grading will be determined primarily by attendance. Students are expected to arrive promptly and to let the instructor know ahead of time if they cannot make a rehearsal. They are also expected to devote practice time to the music to be learned and to demonstrate competency with it as they perform throughout the term. In the weeks prior to a performance, students may be asked to stay a few minutes past class time in order to finish preparing; please expect this and plan to stay until weʼre finished. During week 8 or 9 of the semester, the instructor may ask students to play/sing particular parts they have been learning. This will assure that they are making efforts to improve. Students are required to attend the final concerts listed below.
Religious holidays According to UT Austin policy, you must notify your instructor of a pending absence at least fourteen days prior to the date of observance of a religious holy day.
Disability policy Students with disabilities may request appropriate academic accommodations from the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement, Services for Students with Disabilities, 471-6259, http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/
Performance/Rehearsal dates for the coming semester 1. Extra rehearsals will be booked according to student and teacher schedules. 2. Future performances TBA through emails and UT Tex-Mex websites such as… <. http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=290228755747&ref=ts>. 3. Final off-campus show at Jovitaʼs on S. 1st St., Friday Dec 3rd, 8pm-2am. Our scheduled stage appearance will be decided upon in coordination with the other ensembles about a month or more before the event. There may be a need to meet earlier the day of the event in order to transport instruments down to the venue and have instruments tuned and ready.