Course Syllabus

Course: MUSC 2166

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: A Cappella Choir

Semester Approved: Fall 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Summer 2028

Catalog Description: This course will provide group training in a variety of choral music literature. Those registering are expected to participate in major activities of the department. All students will be auditioned in order to participate in the choir. (Repeatable for Credit) (Additional fee required)

Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1-3; Lecture: 1-3; Lab: 0
Repeatable: Yes.


Justification: Besides providing training for the voice, the choir is an excellent venue for students to feel part of a group. Long-term work toward a mutual goal is almost unique to the study of music. The nature of this group allows those who have not had the opportunity to study music in their previous coursework the chance to learn good music, to join in a group, and to build good vocal health. Vocal music majors are required to perform in a choral group each semester of their program both at our institution and at transfer institutions. The choir credit transfers for both the major and the non-major.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will gain an understanding of the music in its historical setting as well as the stylistic, expressive, and formal qualities associated with the particular era of music history. Upon completion of each semester of this course, students will be able to accurately perform the music selected by the director.  This outcome will be assessed via class participation, sectional rehearsals quartet performance, and the final performance.

They will understand the textual meanings of the compositions. The students will attempt to communicate the understanding which they have gained to their audiences. This will be assessed in their performance. This outcome will be assessed via class participation, sectional rehearsals quartet performance, and the final performance.

Students will show their mastery of selected literature during concerts given each semester. Regular sectional rehearsals will provide feedback on individual progress. Quartets will sing individually for the instructor to ascertain memorization and performance readiness, which will demonstrate their understanding of this outcome. This outcome will be assessed via class participation, sectional rehearsals quartet performance, and the final performance.


Content:
Music will be chosen from all periods of music history and from all levels of difficulty within the ability of the current group. The skills of sightsinging and rhythmic reading will be taught through daily exercises and through rehearsal of the music. Proper vocal techniques will be discussed and applied.

While teaching in a diverse environment, as a group, we will work hard toward a common goal with people that look, speak, and act very differently from ourselves but will interact on an equal and inclusive plane.

Key Performance Indicators:
Regular and prompt attendance will be essential to earn a passing grade  20 to 30%

Participation in rehearsals and concerts  20 to 30%

Essay which includes reactions to the class materials and organization, and feelings about their performance experiences  20 to 30%

Final performance 20 to 30%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Music for this ensemble will be taken from the Snow College choral library.


Pedagogy Statement:
Students in this course will perform a wide range of literature, embodying many different cultural perspectives. They will explore contemporary issues of diversity and inclusion through their presentation of literature from throughout history.

Instructional Mediums:
Lecture

Maximum Class Size: 150
Optimum Class Size: 100