Chorale I

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
MUSC 1144
Descriptive
Chorale I
Department
Music
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
2.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
No
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
24 in all levels combined
Contact Hours
4 hours per week
Method(s) Of Instruction
Tutorial
Learning Activities

Rehearsal and performance

Course Description
A select mixed choir that rehearses and performs standard classical choral repertoire from all historical periods. Emphasis is placed on proper vocal technique, ensemble skills, and musical style. The group performs at least once per semester.
Course Content

Vocal techniques:   Breath support, phonation, resonance, diction (vowel and consonant formation), various visual and physical techniques to encourage healthy singing.

Ensemble techniques:  Choral blend, intonation, understanding conducting gestures.

Repertoire:  Standard choral repertoire from all historical periods; works in various languages (most commonly Latin, German, French and Italian as well as English) will be prepared, with appropriate attention given to correct pronunciation. Each work will be performed in an appropriate style.

Learning Outcomes

Through rehearsal and performance of standard choral repertoire from all historical periods, the successful student will be able to demonstrate the fundamentals of healthy vocal technique, musical style, and ensemble performance and discipline.

Means of Assessment

Grades are based on the students’ regular preparation for rehearsals, attentiveness and effort during rehearsals, and musical contribution to the ensemble. Frequently during the semester, certain passages of music are assigned to be learned for an upcoming rehearsal, during which solo quartets (one singer per part) are heard by the instructor in private. Students are graded on their achievement on these assignments.

60%     Assigned passages (minimum 3 tests)

20%     Contribution to Ensemble (musical/vocal)

20%     Attitude / Effort (ongoing assessment)

100%

Attendance:

Every 15 minutes of unexcused absence or lateness will lower the final grade by 1%. Absence and lateness will be cumulative – whenever a student’s combined absence or lateness adds up to 15 minutes, 1% will be deducted from the final grade.  A drop of 30% due to absence or lateness will result in a UN grade and expulsion from the choir.

Students who are absent without valid excuse from a Dress Rehearsal will not be permitted to perform in the concert, and will fail the course.

Concerts:

Unexcused absence from a concert will result in a failing grade. Every 2 minutes of unexcused lateness to the warm-up and rehearsal immediately prior to a concert (the concert call) will lower the final grade by 1%. Any student who is more than 40 minutes late to a concert warm-up without a valid excuse will not be permitted to perform in the concert, and will fail the course.

Absences will be excused for reasons of illness or emergency; written documentation must be provided.

Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts is assumed; perfect attendance does not increase the final grade.

Textbook Materials

Students may be required to purchase one or more of the scores used during the semester.

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor (audition).

Corequisites

None

Equivalencies

None

Which Prerequisite