MUS 0018. Live Sound
Units: 2
Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 16
Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Training provided in a variety of public event technical support scenarios where sound reinforcement is required, including live musical performance, theatrical production, AV/multimedia, and corporate event support. Students will receive introductory training in sound system components and configuration, venue and event evaluation, production techniques and logistics, and production-related business practices. Students will engage in hands-on training in PA system setup, operation, troubleshooting, teardown, transport, and maintenance procedures. (CSU)
MUS 0018 - Live Sound
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/mus-0018/
Catalog Description Advisory: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in MUS 16 Hours: 72 (18 lecture, 54 laboratory) Description: Training provided in a variety of public event technical support scenarios where sound reinforcement is required, including live musical performance, theatrical production, AV/multimedia, and corporate event support. Students will receive introductory training in sound system components and configuration, venue and event evaluation, production techniques and logistics, and production-related business practices. Students will engage in hands-on training in PA system setup, operation, troubleshooting, teardown, transport, and maintenance procedures. (CSU) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Evaluate a venue/event and determine production needs addressing:\\nA. Venue size, configuration, anticipated attendance, etc.\\nB. Nature of event (musical/theatrical performance) CSLO #2: Produce a two-part Equipment Rental Agreement / Event Staff Service Contract addressing the needs of one of four hypothetical public event scenarios. CSLO #3: Demonstrate proper and efficient PA system configuration, transport, setup, tuning, operation, tear down, and maintenance for various size\\nevents. Effective Term Spring 2021 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 72 Outside of Class Hours 36 Total Student Learning Hours 108 Course Objectives Lecture Objectives: 1. Evaluate a venue/event and determine production needs addressing: A. Venue size, configuration, anticipated attendance, etc. B. Nature of event (musical/theatrical performance, AV, corporate, etc.) 2. Interpret and work with technical event support documentation tailored to specific events: A. Tech riders B. Stage plots/diagrams C. Input lists D. Service contracts E. Equipment rental agreements F. Local and regional safety codes G. Production entity, venue, and event insurance 3. Demonstrate a grasp of event production logistics 4. Identify an equipment/service package (rental agreement & service contract) to address a venue/client’s needs and the production requirements of a variety of events 5. Explain the ability to work with other event staff, talent, attendees, etc. Laboratory-Activity Objectives: 1. Demonstrate a working knowledge of: A. Amplification systems, loudspeakers, and cabling B. Analogue and digital mixing systems and operational concepts C. Hardware and virtual outboard signal processing systems 2. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with a variety of small to medium-size PA gear/systems A. Safe transport B. Load-in C. Set up D. Line check E. Soundcheck F. Operations G. Troubleshooting; electrical interference abatement H. Tear down 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 Methods of Evaluation Objective Examinations Example: 1. Students will be given periodic spot quizzes where retention and application of course content will be tested. For example: Identify three types of transducers and their function. 2. A midterm and comprehensive final will be administered where students will be assessed on their grasp of key concepts introduced during instruction. Example: Describe three issues in amplification. Projects Example: Students will produce a two-part Equipment Rental Agreement/Event Staff Service Contract addressing the needs of one of four hypothetical public event scenarios: This is graded with a rubric. 1. A theatrical play requiring general technical support (lobby music, clear-com connectivity, environmental and cue-based sound effects, etc.) 2. An indoor or outdoor large ensemble performance event (example: a vocal performance group or musical theatre performance company production backed by a minimum 10-piece pit orchestra) 3. An indoor or outdoor multi-artist small ensemble performance event (example: multiple 3 to 5-piece combo bands) 4. An indoor multi-presentation multimedia public address (AV) event (example: a spoken word event with multimedia support - Audio/Video feeds from multiple computers / tablets, etc.) Skill Demonstrations Example: Students will be engaged in audio signal routing, management, and processing exercises. For example: Embed audio that includes appropriate mixing, demixing, sampling rate and polarity conversion, remapping, audio level adjustment, and delay. This is graded with a rubric. 2. Under instructor supervision, small student groups (maximum – 5) will set up, tune, test, and dismantle a small-format PA system. Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Laboratory Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Lab: Students will be engaged in PA system configuration, transport, setup, tuning, operation, teardown, and maintenance exercises. Under instructor supervision, scenarios requiring PA system troubleshooting will be introduced – Small groups of students will address the challenge of correcting the issues as they are encountered. Lecture: Instructor will offer integrated lecture and demonstration on the nature of various venue characteristics and event scenarios encountered. Students are expected to actively engage in the lecture. Instructor will offer integrated lecture and demonstration on the professional practices necessary to tailor an equipment rental agreement and live event technical support service contract to varying venues and event scenarios. Students will then compare and contrast the two. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. Students will be required to read and report on an article or technical publication on a piece of PA equipment 2. After reading a specifications sheet, students will make comparisons of spec sheet data on comparable professional audio products Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Students will write three concert reports focusing on venue acoustic properties and/or sound reinforcement issues as applicable. 2. Students will be given a budget and asked to create a comprehensive equipment list for a small to medium-format sound reinforcement system. Students will be required to provide both a targeted area of professional activity within the industry and a rationale for equipment choices. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials Master Handbook of Acoustics Author: F. Alton Everest, Ken C. Pohlmann Publisher: McGraw Hill Publication Date: 2015 Text Edition: 6th Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Sound Reinforcement Handbook Author: Greg Davis, Ralph Jones Publisher: Hal Leonard Publication Date: 2008 Text Edition: 3rd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: The Ultimate Sound Operator's Handbook Author: Bill Gibson Publisher: Music Pro Guide Publication Date: 2011 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.
THEA 0018 - Acting for Musical Theatre
http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/thea-0018/
Catalog Description Prerequisite: Completion of MUS 10 with grade of "C" or better or permission from instructor following audition Advisory: Completion of THEA 10A or MUS 39A with grade of "C" or better or at least one year of private vocal lessons Hours: 72 (36 lecture, 36 activity) Description: Requisite acting techniques to be successful in performing in a Broadway style musical. While the focus of the course is on acting, proper techniques in singing and movement will also be included. Students will practice and perform solos and duets. Dance or heavy movement are not emphasized in this course. (CSU, UC) Course Student Learning Outcomes CSLO #1: Identify and evaluate through discussion and written analysis the achievements and contributions of major Broadway musical composers and lyricists, periods and styles. CSLO #2: Analyze and demonstrate techniques required to successfully audition for a musical. CSLO #3: Observe live musical theatre performances and critically analyze acting and musical vocal technique, character development and presentation. CSLO #4: Access, analyze, and create a character utilizing learned practices to be an effective actor in a musical through rehearsal and performance of a solo and duet. Effective Term Spring 2021 Course Type Credit - Degree-applicable Contact Hours 72 Outside of Class Hours 90 Total Student Learning Hours 162 Course Objectives Students will through oral, written, and physical performance: 1. Describe and practice the basic elements of blending acting technique with vocal techniques on stage utilizing stage movement, posture, voice technique, range and style 2. Identify, observe and perform the relationship between acting and singing Broadway musical vocal styles using voice and body language and character expression 3. Discuss and practice techniques required to successfully audition for a musical 4. Analyze and practice the basic steps toward creating a character in a musical, including building an acting objective, obstacle, tactic and back story 5. Practice learned techniques of creating characters and reinforce through in-class performances of musical solos and duets 6. Observe live musical theatre performances and critically analyze acting and musical vocal technique, character development and presentation. General Education Information Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability AA/AS - Fine Arts 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 Reports Example: Students will be assigned to see two live musical theatre shows and be expected to write a paper comparing and contrasting one performance from each show. Students will be evaluated on ability to analyze strengths and weaknesses of performer(s) technique and approach toward acting within the songs. Was the style appropriate? Did movement, posture, gestures support character given your knowledge of the show? If not, why? If so, why? Was singing technique in appropriate style? Was it supported properly with tone and breath support? How did acting and singing support one another? Skill Demonstrations Example: For their final, students will be evaluated on duet performances via established rubric. Criteria will include: 1. Character and Research Understanding; 2. Volume and Diction; 3. Breathing and Tonality; 4. Movement and Presence; 5. Total effect of performance Repeatable No Methods of Instruction Activity Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Activity: Instructor will demonstrate ineffective approaches to taking stage, approaching accompanist, working with sheet music, and introducing audition song and character (slating). Students will be asked to identify what was ineffective and why and offer more effective suggestions toward each of those steps. Instructor will then hand out industry standard audition approaches when auditioning for a musical and students will each practice the appropriate steps in front of the class for peer and instructor feedback. Lecture: Instructor will present video examples of two separate performers doing the same song from the same Broadway musical. Instructor will prompt students given recent lectures on effective means of creating character choices using appropriate technique and style within a song as opposed to singing concert style. Students will be asked to write 3 examples of effective acting demonstrated in one video example and 3 aspects identified in the other sample that could use improvement and why. What would they do differently to improve? This written exercise will be followed by a class discussion on what they identified, wrote down and why. Typical Out of Class Assignments Reading Assignments 1. In Acting the Song, read over section on Singing terminology and come prepared to discuss your vocal range, character type and bring two examples of songs from Broadway musicals that support those choices for discussion. 2. Read unit on "theatricality" in Acting in Musical Theatre and come prepared to discuss differences between singing a song and acting a song onstage with particular emphasis on expression. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Performance: Students will work with instructor to select a solo from a Broadway style musical. Student will need to do show research and character work, as well as acquire sheet music and accompaniment of song to rehearse outside of class. Student will have opportunities in class to work song for feedback and will perform for midterm grade memorized and well-rehearsed incorporating instructor and class feedback suggestions when appropriate. 2. Writing: Students will be assigned to write journal entries on setting goals, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and observing the growth of both their own individual performances and that of their classmates. Students will receive prompt questions and be asked to use learned terminology and applications from class in their journals. Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Required Materials Acting in Musical Theatre: A Comprehensive Course Author: Joe Deer and Rocco Dal Vera Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication Date: 2016 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Acting the Song Author: Tracey Moore and Allison Bergman Publisher: Allworth Press Publication Date: 2016 Text Edition: 2nd Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Mastering College Musical Theatre Auditions Author: David Sisco and Laura Josepher Publisher: Contemporary Musical Theatre Corp. Publication Date: 2017 Text Edition: 1st Classic Textbook?: No OER Link: OER: Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.
