Course Syllabus

Course: MUSC 1156

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Music
Title: Community Chorus

Semester Approved: Fall 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2028
End Semester: Summer 2029

Catalog Description: The Community Chorus prepares and performs choral masterworks, including the annual Snow College production of Handel's Messiah, along with additional concerts during the year. May be repeated for credit.

Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 3

Justification: The Community Chorus is a standard ensemble at most 4-year colleges and universities. This ensemble serves three primary purposes: 1) to augment the daytime student choirs for the annual production of Handel's Messiah, 2) to produce additional concerts both alone and in tandem with the Community Orchestra, and 3) to establish a strong link between community members and the college. This course will transfer as performance credit, but may also be taken as a non-credit course.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Accurately perform the rhythms, melodies and harmonies of the music selected by the director. This outcome will be assessed through the evaluation of student performance in rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, and performances.

Perform essential vocal music skills as part of a choral section, including, proper intonation blend and balance. This outcome will be assessed through the evaluation of student performance in rehearsals, sectional rehearsals, and performances.

Communicate the understanding which they have gained to their audiences. This outcome will be assessed via concert performances and critiques.


Content:
A variety of choral music will be studied, practiced individually, and in rehearsal and performed. Correct vocal techniques will also be studied during the rehearsal process. Information on the historical setting and the style of the musical period will be given during rehearsals.While the music performed will primarily draw from the Western Canon, voices of all backgrounds and experience levels are welcomed, and will be given the tools to succeed.

Key Performance Indicators:
Students in choral music performances courses are assessed in the following ways. Percentages are approximate.

Attendance at class sessions 35 to 50%

Active and attentive participation in rehearsals 15 to 20%

Concert participation and performance 35 to 50%


Pedagogy Statement:
This course is delivered via direct instruction, demonstration, modeling, and mentoring. It is open to all singers without regard or reference to race, religious tradition or affiliation, gender, sexual preference or identification. The atmosphere in rehearsal is purposefully inclusive and affirmative, and directed to a successful performance.

Instructional Mediums:
Lab

Maximum Class Size: 150
Optimum Class Size: 100