Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Enrollment Limitation: audition required; auditions generally occur the first week of class, and include sight singing, preparation of a short musical excerpt, and an aural skills assessment
Hours: 54 (18 lecture, 36 laboratory)
Description: Explores the literature and performance practices of vocal ensembles from the Renaissance to the present. Public performances, festivals, and field trips required. May be taken four times for credit. (C-ID MUS 180) (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Evaluate various musical styles in order to interpret a specific part while blending with other singers.
  • CSLO #2: Demonstrate the issue of vocal projection as it relates to the differences between solo singing and ensemble singing, emphasizing the variables of tone production and holding pitch at various tempi as the music requires.
  • CSLO #3: Research and analyze one of the songs or composers being studied and share findings with the class.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

54

Outside of Class Hours

27

Total Student Learning Hours

81

Course Objectives

Lecture Directed Objectives:
1. Sing with proper articulation, dynamics, phrasing and expression as directed.
2. Demonstrate appropriate blend and balance within the section and the ensemble.
3. Analyze and demonstrate choral literature from at least
three periods of music history per semester in different languages.
4. Sing the correct pitches indicated with accurate intonation.
5. Memorize performance repertoire as directed.
Laboratory Objectives:
1. Sing stylistically accurate for the time period and share findings with the class in an oral presentation.
2. Sing with correct pitches and accurate intonation.
3. Evaluate other performance ensembles.
4. Demonstrate increased skill, applying vocal techniques and stylistic understanding of repertoire to new compositions.
5. Analyze and demonstrate stylistic singing in choral literature from at least three periods of music history per semester in different languages.
6. Demonstrate an increased facility above previous level by repetition.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable
          • UC Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Classroom Discussions
            • Example: Discuss compositions and correct styling and interpretation in class. Students will lead the conversation with the instructor's guidance.
          • Problem Solving Examinations
            • Example: Assessment of student demonstration of correct vocal technique and score preparation within public performance.
          • Reports
            • Example: Attend a live concert by a vocal ensemble, listening for blend, balance and technique. Write a short report critiquing the performance. Report graded based upon a rubric developed by the instructor and shared with students.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Student sings a passage from a piece, demonstrating correct intonation, diction and phrasing while instructor observes within a class session and evaluates with rubric.

          Repeatable

          Yes

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Lab:

          1. Instructor places students in a circle. Instructor evaluates sound and works with individuals and the group to compare individual and group sound. Based upon this evaluation, the group is coached to adjust in order to "round" the group tone.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor provides a short lecture on mood and tone in musical performance. Instructor leads a discussion designed to have students take the lead in developing an analysis of the mood and tone that best suit the group in bringing out the text.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Study, interpret and memorize the texts of assigned musical selections. 2. Compare program notes of two contrasting concerts.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Perform assigned music, in small ensemble or solo format, singing 90% of note pitch and rhythm correctly. 2. Listen to another small ensemble perform class assigned music, comparing the performance to the written dynamics and musical notation.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Memorize all the notes, rhythms and text on assigned vocal part. 2. Study and apply suggested dynamics to assigned vocal part. 3. Report on a live concert by a vocal ensemble. Listen to blend, balance and technique. 4. Research a composer of one of the choral selections. Discuss when and where the piece was performed and how it compares to other works of that composer. 5. Evaluate a live performance this ensemble has just performed. Include aspects of pre-concert preparation and public response.

          Required Materials

          • Rise and Sing Choral Book
            • Author: Bradley Knight
            • Publisher: Brentwood-Benson Music Publ.
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • 31 Bach Chorales for Sight-Singing and Performance
            • Author: ed. John Leavit
            • Publisher: Hal Leonard Corp.
            • Publication Date: 2010
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • When the Earth Stood Still
            • Author: MacDonald, Don
            • Publisher: Galaxy Music
            • Publication Date: 2016
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The 21st-Century Voice: Contemporary and Traditional Extra-Normal Voice
            • Author: Michael Edward Edgerton
            • Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
            • Publication Date: 2015
            • Text Edition: 2nd
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

          Appropriate musical selections are studied and performed. All music selected will be of a high artistic caliber, typically professional or university level compositions. Use of sheet music provided by instructor from Music Department score library.