MUS 52/352 – Advanced Women’s Choir Course Syllabus
Semester/Year: Fall 2016Course numbers, credits, and prerequisites:
All require audition and instructor consent
MUS 52-501 (1 cr): music major
MUS 352-501 (3 cr): non-music major / Instructor: Prof. Gloria Hansen
Office hours: by appointment
Office location: MUS 159
E-mail:
Class times: TuTh 2:00-3:30 pm
Additional required performances
Saturday, Oct 15 7:30 pm Bader Hall
Friday-Saturday Nov 11-12 7:30 pm Bader Hall
Saturday, Dec 10 7:30 pm Bader Hall / Class location: Music 280
Course dates: Sep 6-Dec 14
Additional rehearsals, retreats, and performances may be scheduled – instructor will give reasonable notice and information will be distributed in class
Catalogue Course Description:
Select women's mixed chorus performs both women’s and mixed-voice choral music of various styles, cultures, and historical periods. For women with significant choral experience; audition required.
Course Learning Outcomes:
· Singing corporately: Each student will vitally contribute to the corporate efforts and music-making of the choir, forgoing her own individual recognition in the interest of the ensemble, and doing all she can, both musically and extra-musically, to help the choir achieve maximum success and quality in both rehearsal and performance.
· Individual vocal and musical development: Each student will improve her own vocal technique and musical skills throughout the semester developing free, clear, and healthy tone, appropriate diction and vowel shape, and an ability to accurately and expressively perform her part and sing in tune in a variety of styles and textures.
· Musical independence: Each singer will improve her ability to sight read and to hold her part without assistance both corporately and independently.
· Historical, cultural, and stylistic context: Each student will demonstrate understanding of stylistic traits, historical and cultural context, and textual meanings for all literature studied.
UW System Shared Learning Goals: This class satisfies the following University of Wisconsin Shared Learning Goal for Students.
· UW System Goal 1: Knowledge of human cultures and the natural world, including breadth of knowledge and the ability to think beyond one’s discipline, major, or area of concentration. This knowledge can be gained through the study of the arts, humanities, languages, sciences, and social sciences.”
UWM Arts GER Outcomes: This course counts toward fulfilling the UWM GER-ARTS requirement. In addition to the course outcomes listed above, the following ARTS-GER outcomes apply. Student performance on these GER Outcomes will be assessed individually and/or in sectional groups following the December concert using the rubric on the last page of this syllabus.
· Demonstrate comprehension of historical, philosophical, theoretical or aesthetic perspectives commonly used in the understanding of a specific art.
· Apply knowledge of artistic principles, conventions, methods, and practices through the creation or production of works of art.
Repertoire:
October 15 Concert –An American Journey
Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal arr. Alice Parker
Down in the Licensed Saloon W.A. Williams
God’s Bottles Randall Thompson
Come, Pretty Love arr. Joan Szymko
In the Sweet By and By arr. Daniel Hall
Wade in the Water arr. Marion Verhaalen
Skip to My Lou arr. Paul Busselberg
November 11-12 Concert
Requiem W.A. Mozart
December 10 Concert-Peace on Earth
Magnificat Z. Randall Stroope
Jerusalem Luminosa Abbie Betinis
Duo Seraphim clamabant Tomas Luis da Victoria
The Darkest Midnight in December Stephen Main
Hope for Resolution Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory
Additional Rehearsal Schedule:
Dress rehearsal for October 15 concert will be on October 15 4:00-6:45 pm
Dress rehearsals for November 11-12 concerts will be:
November 1, 1:00-4:00 pm Bader Hall
November 8, 1:00-4:00 pm Bader Hall
November 10, 6:00-10:00 pm Bader Hall
Dress rehearsal for December 10 concert will be on December 1:00-5:00 pm
Average Student Time Investment: 72 hours
Weekly rehearsals 42 hours
Performances, dress rehearsals, and set-up time 20 hours
Individual practice time 10 hours
Required materials
1. Music: You will be given your own scores to keep and will also be given music on loan from the UWM choral library. UWM-owned music must be returned at the end of the semester. Any student who loses UWM music will be required to purchase new copies of the lost music for UWM at the current market price. Failure to return or pay for lost material by the end of the semester will result in the student receiving a grade of incomplete. Once a student's account is cleared, a grade change will be made.
2. Concert attire: Members will purchase the following performance apparel at their own expense. ORDER IMMEDIATELY as it often takes several weeks to receive items. All women are required to purchase a choir dress Students who have purchased a choir dress in the past may continue using their old choir dress, but students needing to purchase a dress can order on line from Stage Accents at www.stageaccents.com or by calling 1-866-548-4504. The cost of the new dress will be between $60-$70 (plus shipping). The name of the dress is “Mandolin”. Women’ will also be required to purchase a pearl necklace for a very nominal fee. Black hose and black closed-toe dress shoes are also required concert apparel all women. No perfume, cologne, or facial/neck jewelry other than studs is to be worn for concerts. Stage makeup (light blush, lipstick, and eye shadow) is appropriate and will enhance appearance under the bright concert lights that tend to wash out facial expressions. Goth makeup is not appropriate for performance
· No cologne, after-shave, or facial/neck jewelry other than studs is to be worn for concerts
3. Black three-ring binder or choir folder
4. Pencil
Attendance
· Unlike many courses where your individual performance has little impact on others in the class, choir is a group effort. Even one voice missing makes a noticeable difference, and your individual performance affects the success of the entire group. Therefore it is imperative that all students be present for all rehearsals and performances.
· All absences are unexcused except for illness (see below), family emergency (serious illness or death of a spouse, grandparent, parent, or sibling), observance of religious holidays, or field trips/events for other UWM classes cleared in advance.
· If it can be scheduled (work, doctor appointment, audition, interview, etc.), it is not considered an excused reason to miss, no matter how dire the situation. Record required dates and times on your calendar today and schedule around them.
· If you are so ill you cannot attend classes, or if you have a serious family emergency, notify your instructor prior to rehearsal via e-mail. Include your name and the reason you will be absent – this will provide documentation since attendance is such an important part of your grade. Do not send word through a third person. These absences will be considered on a person-to-person basis between the student and the instructor.
· If you are ill but not sick enough to miss classes, still come to rehearsal and follow your score (refrain from studying other subjects, reading, or texting). If you fear you might be contagious, sit at the side toward the front of the room.
· Be on time. Students who arrive late will be marked tardy, and three tardies will be treated as one unexcused absence. Students more than ten minutes late will be marked absent. If there are extenuating circumstances causing your lateness, speak to the director after class.
· Your first absence for illness will be excused without further verification, but please provide a doctor’s note for additional absences due to illness.
· Students will be allowed one unexcused absence from a rehearsal without consequence per semester. Each ensuing absence will lower the student’s grade by twelve points (see grading scale)
· Unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal or performance will lower the student’s grade by 32 points (see grading scale.)
· Students who acquire four or more unexcused absences from rehearsal or any unexcused absences from performance risk being removed from the ensemble at the discretion of the director.
· There are sometimes unforeseeable and uncontrollable circumstances that prevent a student from being present. These occurrences are rare, however, and are considered on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the conductor. They can include, but are not limited to, family emergencies, traffic accidents, legal matters, and other situations over which the student has little or no control. They do not include oversleeping, failing to allow enough time to arrive (even in inclement weather), being out of town the night before and without transportation, having to get something to eat, having to deal with a personal issue, etc.
Course/classroom policies
· Bring your music to every rehearsal and have a sharpened pencil in your folder at all times. Use the pencil to write in markings given by the conductor.
· Plan to spend time practicing outside of rehearsal as necessary – either individually or in small groups. Rehearsal time is to be used primarily for ensemble and musical work, not for teaching notes. Any student unable to accurately sing his/her part may be temporarily removed from a performance. Students who continue to struggle even after temporary removal may be permanently removed from the group.
· Students who need additional assistance are welcome to schedule a time with either the conductor or the graduate assistant to work on their music.
· Please put cell phones away in a bag, purse, or pocket during rehearsal. Use of cell phones during rehearsal distracts you and those around you and is disrespectful to the conductor and the other members of the ensemble.
· All students are expected to display outstanding character and represent the university to the best of their ability at all choral rehearsals and performances – particularly when off campus.
· Every Women’s Chorus member must sign a contract stating that she has reviewed the schedule and understands the attendance, behavior, attire, and practice expectations of this ensemble.
Grading
Rehearsal discipline and participation (120 points): Student rehearsal discipline and participation will be assessed following the March concert and again following the December concert. Students will be scored according to the following scale:
60 points: Student is always attentive in class, regularly uses efficient and energized body alignment for best physical performance, makes regular eye contact to engage with the conductor and the rest of the ensemble, puts forth maximum effort in music making, and exhibits a consistently positive attitude.
48 points: Student is mostly attentive with only occasional minor classroom disruptions (talking, etc.), slouches only rarely, makes moderate eye contact to engage with the conductor and the rest of the ensemble, puts forth moderate effort in music making, and exhibits a mostly upbeat attitude.
36 points: Student disrupts class at times (talking, cell phone usage, etc.), often slouches, makes infrequent eye contact with the conductor, puts forth minimal effort in music making, and exhibits a neutral attitude.
24 points: Student often disrupts class, is not attentive, slouches, rarely looks up, puts forth almost no effort in music making, and exhibits a somewhat negative or apathetic attitude.
0 points: Student is constantly disruptive, slouches constantly, never looks up, puts no effort into music making or does not participate at all, and exhibits a negative attitude.
Individual musical performance (40 points): In December students will perform selected sections of the Women’s Chorus literature individually and in small groups. These performances will be evaluated using the Arts GER Outcomes rubric on the last page of this syllabus.
Attendance: Remember that unexcused absences alter your grade. See the section on attendance for additional details.
Grading scale: 149+ points= A; 144 points= A-; 140 points= B+; 133 points= B; 128 points= B-; 124 points= C+; 117 points= C; 112 points= C-; 108 points= D+; 101 points= D; 96 points= D-; Less than 96 points= F
University and Music Department Policies:
http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/SecU/SyllabusLinks.pdf
Rubric for the assessment of ARTS GER Outcomes
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOME: Each student will improve his/her own vocal technique and musical skills throughout the semester developing free, clear, and healthy tone, appropriate diction and vowel shape, and an ability to accurately and expressively perform his/her part and sing in tune in a variety of styles and textures.
GER CRITERIA: Apply knowledge of artistic principles, conventions, methods, and practices through the creation or production of works of art.
ASSIGNMENT: Rehearse music in the full ensemble setting, in sectionals, and individually; perform public concerts.
RUBRIC: Students will be evaluated on their musical performance as follows:
Points earned / 10 / 8 / 6 / 0Tone / Student sings with a clear tone and demonstrated breath control. / Student sings with good tone and demonstrated breath control. / Student sings with an average tone with some demonstrated breath control. / Student demonstrates limited age-appropriate tone and breath control.
Diction / Student demonstrates excellent proficiency with languages, diction, articulation, and technique. / Student demonstrates good proficiency with languages, diction, articulation, and technique. / Student demonstrates adequate proficiency with languages, diction, articulation, and technique. / Student demonstrates limited proficiency with languages, diction, articulation, and technique.
Musicianship / Dynamics and expression are well executed. Singing displays a solid connection to the style and emotional content of the music, and to fellow ensemble members. / Dynamics and expression are somewhat present. Singing displays a moderate connection to the style and emotional content of the music, and to fellow ensemble members. / Dynamics and expression are inconsistent. Singing displays only some connection to the style and emotional content of the music, and to fellow ensemble members. / Dynamics and expression are inconsistent or lacking. Singing displays limited connection to the style and emotional content of the music, and to fellow ensemble members.
Accuracy / Correct pitches and rhythms are mastered. Intonation is true. / Pitches and rhythms are generally accurate. Intonation is consistent. / Musical accuracy and/or intonation are inconsistent. / Musical accuracy and awareness of intonation are missing from the performance.
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