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MUSIC 420 - CHORAL CONDUCTING AND LITERATURE
(3 Credit Hours)
Spring 2007

MONDAY-WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY, 11-11:50
Dr. Paul Weber, #107, Ext. 7149
Room 103 (Mauney) 

CATALOG DESCRIPTION:  A study of the art of choral conducting:  coordination of hand technique, breath control, diction, phrasing and dynamics.  Discussion of the organization and development of choral groups with research on choral methods and directing experience.

OBJECTIVES:  Upon completion of this course, the student will have knowledge of and basic competence in choral conducting techniques, rehearsal procedures, tonal production, elements of diction, stylistic and interpretive elements, examples of standard choral literature for a variety of ensembles, the role of the choral conductor and organizational skills expected of the choral director.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE COMPETENCIES covered by this course include:

1.1  The ability to use a knowledge of music history and theory to enlarge the students' understanding of music and the evolution and characteristics of styles.

1.2  A knowledge of music literature suitable for various age levels and the ability to select music appropriate for the ensemble and/or individual student.

1.3  A knowledge of basic music vocabulary/terminology essential to the teaching of music in the schools, K-12.

1.4  The ability to use and the knowledge of the importance and nature of the music of various world cultures, including American music, (black, folk, jazz, musical theater, music of North Carolina composers, and twentieth-century music).

2.1  A broad musical background based on a comprehensive understanding of music, and the ability to integrate this understanding into artistic musical expression.

2.3  The ability to perform simple accompaniments on the piano.

3.1  An understanding and knowledge of staging and the visual presentation of ensembles in performance.

4.1  A basic understanding of the human voice as a musical instrument and the basic ability to use his/her own voice effectively and stylistically.

4.2  Basic knowledge and techniques in working with young singers and the changing voice, including the ability to develop appropriate tone quality.

4.4  Conducting skills and teaching techniques sufficient to elicit a musical performance from both choral and instrumental ensembles at all levels K-12.

4.12 A working knowledge of diverse approaches to student instruction at differing age and ability levels.       

4.14 The ability to convey to students creative approaches to the study and performance of music which will enable them to become consumers as well as performers of music.

4.15 The ability to inspire students to participate in a diversified program of music which will enable them to become consumers as well as performers of music.

4.16 The ability to evaluate musical performance and student work and to involve students in the evaluative process.

5.1  The ability to define and express a positive philosophy of music education and to relate this philosophy to the requirements of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.

5.4  The ability to evaluate personal teaching effectiveness.

5.5  A knowledge of organizations and structures for music education, including the state MEA handbook and other professional publications.

5.7  The ability to relate positively to students, school personnel, and society.

5.9  A recognition of the role of music education as a part of aesthetic experience at all levels of instruction.

5.12 A recognition of the value and role of out-of-school music participation.

5.13 The ability to put student needs ahead of personal needs.

REQUIRED TEXT:
Gordon, Lewis.  Choral Director's Rehearsal and Performance Guide New York:  Parker Publishing Company, 1989.

Willetts, Sandra.  Upbeat Downbeat.  Nashville:  Abingdon Press, 1993.

 REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Choral Reading Packet from Choral Workshop
Chantry Choirbook (supplied)
Baton (do not purchase one until its use is discussed) & Metronome

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.  REGULAR ATTENDANCE:  Because of the performance nature of the course, regular attendance at all class meetings is expected.  More than two unexcused absences will result in a final grade reduction of two points for each absence.  Attendance is mandatory for required conducting workshops and/or field trips. 

2.  DAILY PRACTICE OF ASSIGNMENTS:  Students are to practice in front of a mirror on a regular basis.  Knowledge of the works assigned will include the ability to sing, rehearse and conduct each vocal line as well as to articulate potential choral problems in the composition and possible solutions to those problems.  

3.  CLASS PARTICIPATION IN CONDUCTING ASSIGNMENTS:  Students are to be prepared to conduct at any class meeting, and, when not conducting, are to fully participate in the class vocal ensemble. 

4.  CONDUCTING OF THE CHAPEL CHOIR:  Students will be required to conduct the chapel choir during the semester.  

4.  SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF QUIZZES, CONDUCTING AND WRITTEN EXAMS, AND PROJECTS:  Quizzes  (i.e., on musical terms pertinent to conducting), midterm and final taped conducting exams (the student may be asked to supply a video), a final written exam, and listening and repertoire projects are all features of this course. 

5.  AN OPEN MIND TO CRITICAL EVALUATION:  This course involves both group and individual instruction within a class setting.  The instructor will ask individuals to demonstrate conducting techniques and will correct elements of musical presentation.  Such one on one teaching within a group environment is not to be interpreted as negative criticism of the individual or as a personal attack.  Correcting, when done in front of a class, can benefit everyone in the class.  Therefore, critical feedback from your instructor must be viewed with an open mind.  Criticism will revolve around what you are doing rather than who you are.      

EVALUATION:

   The course grade will be determined by:

            Listening project:                        5%

            Quizzes:                                      10%

             Repertoire project:                     10%

            Class conducting:                         15%

            Midterm exam:                             20%

            Final Written exam:                       20%

            Final Conducting exam:                 20% 

Failure to complete any of the components listed above will result in a grade of "F" for the course.

 COURSE OUTLINE

January 10
Syllabus; Projects;
Topic:  "The Importance of Communication"
Write 1 page (double-spaced) on the topic:  The kind of conductor I want to be!

January 12 Topic:  "Relating Gesture to Musical Expression"
                                    Posture
                                    Vertical and Horizontal Planes
                                    Hand Position
                                    Beat:  (Preparation), Ictus, (Rebound)
                                    Marcato, Staccato, Legato

Conducting: Practice the two-pattern in varying styles (Joyful, Joyful) using a mirror.
Be prepared to explain posture, planes, position, ictus, etc. to class

 Reading:  Gordon:  Chapter 4;  Willetts:  Chapters 1 & 3

 January 15 Note Class Time:  1:35!!!

 January 17 Topic:  Use of Metronome; Tempi; Duple & Triple Meter Patterns

Conducting:  "Now the day is over" MERRIAL (LBW 280), "Glorious Things" AUSTRIA (LBW 358), and "Joy to the World" ANTIOCH (LBW 39) Study:  Tempo indications; secure a metronome

January 19
Review:  Conducting various patterns in legato, staccato and marcato styles Topics:   Preparatory Gesture & Breathing
Conducting:  Practice preparation gesture with breathing for any beat
Reading:  Willetts:  Chapter 2
Study:  Tempo terminology for quiz 

January 22
Quiz:  Tempos and Tempo Terminology
Review:  Preparatory Gesture & Breathing
Topics:  Internal and Final Releases; Fermata
Conducting:  Practice Chester by William Billings and The Star-Spangled Banner

Reread:  Gordon, pp. 76-77

January 24
Practice! practice! practice:  "Starting and Stopping the Music

January 26
NO CLASS

January 29
Topics:  Terms for Dynamics and Character; Selecting a Baton; Subdivisions                  Reading:  Willetts:  Chapter 4
Conducting:  Practice subdivided beat patterns; Prepare "Surely He Hath Borne" (Messiah
Review:  "Silent Night" in 6 pattern
Study:  For a quiz on terms 

January 31
Quiz on Terminology
Review:  Subdivisions
Topic:  One-Pattern; Baton; Use of the Left Hand
Conducting:  Practice all patterns with the baton; work on left hand cues, release, dynamics

February 2
Review:  Use of Left Hand; Baton Technique
Topics:  Entrance on Pickup Note; Ritarding & Subdividing; Changing Meters
Willetts:  Chapter 6 & 7

February 5
Topic:  Developing Expressive Conducting Techniques
Conducting:  Assigned pieces
Read:  Gordon, Chapter 5

February 7
Topic:  Expression through Body Language
Conducting:  Assigned pieces
Gordon, Chapter 5

February 9
Getting ready for the conducting workshop

REQUIRED CONDUCTING CLINIC AND READING SESSION
Ralph C. Schultz, Guest Conductor & Church Musician-in-Residence

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9
7:00-8:30 p.m. Choral Conducting Techniques

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10
9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Conducting Techniques & Reading Session
12:15-1:30 p.m. Lunch with Dr. Schultz
2:00-4:00 p.m. Conducting Voices & Instruments

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12
10 a.m. Convocation (Belk Centrum)

February 12
Open Discussion with Dr. Schultz on lecture and conducting issues; Room TBA

February 14
NO CLASS

February 16
TBA

February 19
TBA

REQUIRED PERFORMANCE:  THE ELMER ISELER SINGERS, TORONTO
Monroe Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

February 21
TBA 

February 23
TBA

February 26
Midterm Conducting Exam & Video Analysis

February 28
Midterm Conducting Exam & Video Analysis

March 12
Reading:  Gordon:  Chapters 6 & 7
Topics:  The Rehearsal; Developing A Rehearsal Plan; Seating; Motivation

March 14
NO CLASS; read Gordon, Chapter 8 and Handout & complete assignment

March 16
NO CLASS; go on the web and find out about the ACDA; complete assignment

March 19
Working with Singers
Gordon, Chapter 8 & Handout

March 21
Quiz on Handout
Discussion of Choral Sound
Class Conducting

March 23
Topic:  Performance Practice
Reading:  Gordon, Chapter 9 

March 26
Score Study
Reading:  Gordon, Chapter 10

March 28
Score Study continued

April 2-6
NO CLASSES

April 9
Auditions, Goals, Programing, Management
Topic:  Selecting Repertoire:  Building a Program
Reading:  Gordon, Chapters 1-3

April 11
Preparing for Performance and Evaluating
Reading:  Gordon, Chapters 12-13

April 18, 20
Preparing for Final Exams

April 23
Final Conducting Exam, Part I

April 25
Analysis of Video for Exam I

April 27
Final Conducting Exam, Part II

April 30
Analysis of Video for Exam II

May 2
REPERTOIRE PROJECT DUE

May ?
FINAL WRITTEN EXAM