MUS 151

Description:

Choral ensembles are open to participation by the student body. Choral experience or skill is desired in some ensembles but not in others. The ensemble will learn a varied body of choral materials from the choral traditions of both past and present, performing at student and community activities. The literature will be specific to the nature of the group and the skills of the students involved. 3 hrs./wk.

Prerequisites:

Prerequisite: Audition required

Course Fees:

None

Textbooks:

http://bookstore.jccc.edu

Supplies:

Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Objectives:

A. To give students exposure to varied choral literature of various periods in music history.
B. To provide the opportunity for students to develop knowledge and an appreciation for music written for specific types of ensembles.
C. To develop vocal technique and skills.    
D. To develop musicianship.                         
E. To develop the ability to perform choral music skillfully.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate an understanding of responsibility by their presence and quality of work in rehearsals and concerts.
Pronounce the texts correctly of all pieces studied in the semester.
Define and vocally perform the expression marks in all the pieces studied.
Describe at least one stylistic characteristic in each piece or genre studied.
Demonstrate at least one level of improvement in two of the following three areas: musicianship, vocal production, IPA and text pronunciation.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I. Music Repertoire
Literature will be chosen that is designed with the type of ensemble and
the individual singers skills in mind.  It will be as varied as possible
in style, within those parameters.
   A. Describe at least one musical stylistic characteristics in each
piece studied.   
   B. Match each piece with the period or genre it represents, as well as
the composer.
   C. Accurately perform each piece in concert as rehearsed with the rest
of the choir.
   D. Name at least one way that the performance of the chosen literature
differs from standard choral literature.

II. Musicianship
In at least two of every three classes, instruction in developing sight
reading skills will be given and exercises in sight reading will be
practiced.  There will also be instruction or review of musical expression
symbols as needed.
   A. Define and perform vocally the expression marks in all the pieces
studied.
   B. Demonstrate at least one level of growth in music reading skills.

III. Vocal Technique
In each class exercises will be given to develop breath control and
support, vowel shape and placement, tone quality, vocal agility, choral
blend, and intonation. 
   A. Demonstrate vocal exercises.
   B. State the function of each exercise.
   C. Demonstrate at least one level of growth in two areas of vocal
technique.

IV. Choral Texts.
Introductory information will be given throughout the semester about
International Phonetic Alphabet. Information will be given about the
origins and authors of the texts of the pieces studied. Pieces will be
sung in English and in at least one other language including Italian,
Latin, Spanish, French, and German.
   A. Pronounce the texts correctly of each piece studied in the
semester.
   B. Demonstrate the sounds of at least 10 symbols in the International
Phonetic Alphabet.
   C. Name at least one characteristic about each text and language
studied in the semester.

Method of Evaluation and Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

ABSENCES (80% of grade)
Class absences:
     1-3  A
     4-5  B
     6-7  C
     8-9  D
  Over 9  F
Missing a dress rehearsal counts as two absences.
Missing a concert lowers the FINAL grade two letters.

*Attendance in class and at concerts. Accurate performance in class of the
vocal technique exercises.  Accurate performance at concerts of the music
studied in the semester. 80%

Written Exam:  music expression marks, stylistic characteristics, and
textual information  10%
Aural Exam:  sight reading, text pronunciation 10%

Grading Criteria:

90 - 100%  = A
80 -  89%  = B
70 -  79%  = C
60 -  69%  = D
Below 60%  = F

Caveats:

None

Student Responsibilities:

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.

Site Actions