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.

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

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course 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 80% accuracy.
4. Define and vocally perform the expression marks in all the pieces studied.
5. Sightread, using solfege or numbers, any diatonic piece in any key with simple rhythms with at least 50% accuracy.
6. Demonstrate correctly the sounds of most phonetic alphabet symbols.
7. Pronounce accurately at least 50% of a new text in one foreign language.
8. Demonstrate vowel purity and unity, and crisp diction, as well as proper breathing and vowel placement for singing.
9. Describe at least one stylistic characteristic for each period or genre studied as well as two stylistic characteristics of each piece studied.

Content Outline & 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. Describe at least one stylistic characteristic of each period or
genre studied.   
   C. Match each piece with the period or genre it represents, as well as
the composer.
   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 vocally the expression marks in all the pieces
studied.
   B. Define and perform vocally the expression marks in all the pieces
studied.
   C. Sightsing diatonic musical excerpts in any key at sight, using
solfege or numbers, with at least 50% accuracy.
   D. Perform any simple rhythms at sight with at least 50% accuracy.

III. Developing 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 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.

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 one characteristic of good musical text setting.
   E. Accurately pronounce at least 50% of a new text in at least one
foreign language.

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.

Methods of Evaluation of 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

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.