Clarification details
Updated September 2015. This document has been updated to include conducting to demonstrate ensemble skills.
Programme
When planning and preparing students for their ensemble assessment, be aware that Explanatory Note (EN) 2 requires students to perform two pieces as a member of the same group during the same performance context/situation.
Holistic judgements
EN 8 states that the student’s performance will be ‘assessed holistically, across both pieces of music’. There needs to be an indication of the student demonstrating the criteria across both performances to achieve the appropriate final holistic judgement.
For example, if the student performs two pieces accurately and with balance in a convincing manner (Excellence), however their feel and cohesion within the group is on the Achieved/Merit boundary, the overall judgement would sit in Merit criteria.
Conducting
Students conducting vocal or instrumental ensembles can meet the requirements of this standard. Careful selection of pieces is required in order for the music to be considered substantial, and to allow for ensemble skills (as outlined in EN 2) to be demonstrated.