Official Course Description:  MCCCD Approval: 6-23-09
MUE240  2009 Fall - 9999	L+L	2.0 Credit(s)	3.0 Period(s)
Introduction to Choral Methods
Overview of techniques, methods, materials, style characteristics, and repertoire used in directing choral music at the secondary level including simulated teaching, conducting, and the demonstration of vocal and choral performance practices. Prerequisites: None.

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MCCCD Official Course Competencies:
MUE240  2009 Fall - 9999	Introduction to Choral Methods

 

1.         Describe role of conductor from the Medieval Period through the Present. (I, II)

2.         Describe the process of singing from respiration through phonation to exhalation. (III)

3.         Complete an audition within the class. (IV)

4.         Demonstrate and explain exercises that promote good posture and breathing. (IV)

5.         Create a written transliteration of a choral text using choral diction techniques. (V)

6.         Identify and describe the pros and cons of various choral performance formations. (VI)

7.         Demonstrate various warm-ups and describe their use. (VI VII VIII)

8.         Demonstrate sight-singing exercises by performing them in class. (VI)

9.         Conduct various pieces as handed out in class. (VI, VII, VIII, IX)

10.       Describe methods for energizing the choral rehearsal. (VI)

11.       Complete a sample program using literature appropriate for the high school choir.  (VII, VIII, IX)

12.       Describe style characteristics for choral music from renaissance through the present. (IX)

 

 

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MCCCD Official Course Outline:
MUE240  2009 Fall - 9999	Introduction to Choral Methods

 

I.          Historical Perspective

            A.        Influence of the church

            B.        Influence of school

            C.        Influence of singing societies

II.        Emerging Role of the Conductor

            A.        Conductor as interpreter

            B.        Conductor role from medieval through the present

            C.        Requirements of good conductor

            D.        Training of the choral conductor

III.       Conductor and the Singing Experience

            A.        Vocal mechanism

            B.        Breathing mechanism

            C.        Production of vocal sound

            D.        Vocal registers

IV.       Choral Sound

            A.        Auditioning and classifying singers

            B.        Posture

            C.        Breathing and breath control

            D.        Resonance

            E.         Registration

V.        Choral Diction

            A.        Vowels

            B.        Diphthongs

            C.        Consonants

            D.        Foreign language diction

                        1.         Latin

                        2.         Italian

                        3.         German

                        4.         French

VI.       Effective Rehearsal Procedures

            A.        Rehearsal formations

            B.        Warm-ups

            C.        Sight-singing

            D.        Introducing new pieces

            E.         Pacing the rehearsal

            F.         Energizing the rehearsal

            G.        Intonation

            H.        Building tone

            I.          Building rhythmic precision

            J.          Phrasing ideas

VII.     Building the Performance

            A.        Nature of performance

            B.        Building the program

            C.        Conductor’s preparation

            D.        Performance arrangements

            E.         Conducting gesture

                        1.         Preparatory gesture

                        2.         Continuing gestures

                        3.         Gesture styles – legato vs. marcato, forte vs. piano

                        4.         Fermata

                        5.         Cut-off

VIII.    Musicianship

            A.        Rhythm

            B.        Pitch

            C.        Harmony and Texture

            D.        Form

IX.       Performance Practice

            A.        Renaissance

            B.        Baroque

            C.        Classical

            D.        Romantic

            E.         Twentieth Century