MUS 164

Description:

This auditioned choral ensemble is open to participation by the student body. Prior choral experience or a reasonable level of music reading and vocal technique is necessary. The choir will learn a varied body of choral materials from the choral traditions of both past and present, performing at student and community activities. 3 hrs./wk.

Prerequisites:

Prerequisites: MUS 163 and audition

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 choral literature of various periods
in music history.
B. To provide the college with a representative performing choral
ensemble.
C. To provide the opportunity for talented students to develop knowledge
and an appreciation for music written specifically for chamber choir.
D. To develop vocal technique and skills.
E. To develop musicianship.
F. To develop the ability to perform choral music skillfully.

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

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of professionalism by their presence and quality of work in rehearsals and concerts.
  2. Pronounce the texts correctly of all pieces studied in the semester.
  3. Sing their parts alone with at least 99% accuracy.
  4. Define and vocally perform the expression marks in all the pieces studied.
  5. Define and perform vocally all common expression marks.
  6. Sightread, using solfege or numbers, any diatonic piece in any key with simple rhythms with at least 75% accuracy.
  7. Demonstrate correctly the sounds of most phonetic alphabet symbols.
  8. Accurately pronounce at least 75% of one new foreign text 50% of new texts in at least two other foreign languages.
  9. Demonstrate clear consistent balanced vocal tone as well as proper breathing, vowel placement, vowel purity and unity, crisp diction, and agility of the voice throughout the range.
  10. Describe at least two stylistic characteristics for each piece studied.  
  11. Describe at least three stylistic characteristic for each period or genre of music studied.

Content Outline and Competencies:

I.  Music Repertoire.
At least one piece from each of the following periods or genres will be
studied: Renaissance; Baroque and Classical; Romantic; 20th century art
music; folk songs and spirituals; lighter 20th century music such as
Broadway, jazz, and pop music; and music from other cultures.  
   A. Describe at least two musical stylistic characteristics in each
piece studied.  
   B. Match each piece with the period or genre it represents, as well as
the composer.
   C. Describe at least three stylistic characteristic of each period or
genre of music studied.
   D. Accurately perform each piece in concert as rehearsed with the rest
of the choir.

II. Developing Musicianship
In at least two of every three classes, instruction in developing
sightreading skills will be given and exercises in sightreading will be
practiced.  There will also be instruction or review of musical expression
symbols as needed.
   A. Define and perform the expression marks in all the pieces studied.
   B. Perform vocally any common expression mark.
   C. Sightsing musical excerpts in any key that modulates to a related
key or uses altered notes at sight, using solfege or numbers, with at
least 75% accuracy.
   D. Perform any simple rhythms at sight with at least 75% accuracy.

III. Developing Vocal Technique
In each class exercises will be given to develop breath control and
support, vowel shape and placement, tone quality, agility, choral blend,
and intonation. 
   A. Demonstrate healthy singing body positions, both standing and
sitting.
   B. Demonstrate good breathing technique and support.
   C. Demonstrate consistent vowel placement.
   D. Demonstrate vowel purity and unity and crisp diction.
   E. Demonstrate vocal agility throughout the vocal range.
   F. Produce a clear consistent balanced vocal tone throughout the
range.

IV. Understanding 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 three languages including Italian, Latin,
Spanish, French, and German.
   A. Pronounce the texts correctly of each piece studied in the
semester.
   B. Demonstrate the sounds of most symbols in the International Phonetic
Alphabet.
   C. Name at least two characteristics about each text and language
studied in the semester.
   D. Name at least two characteristic of good musical text setting.
   E. Pronounce accurately at least 75% on a new text in one foreign
language and 50% of new texts in at least two other foreign languages.

V. Concerts.
Concert dates will be announced and printed in the syllabus at the
beginning of the semester.  They provide an opportunity to perform what
has been learned in class.

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:  sightreading, 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.