MUS 2350/4350 - 2 hours credit
MWF 3:00-4:50 pm
CMB 211
D. ANDERSON
Office - Crawford 208
x2903 / dand@spu.edu

I. DESCRIPTION
Membership by audition. A choral ensemble of men and women, Concert Choir performs several major campus concerts during each academic year. The choir also performs in chapels, an annual Advent Lessons and Carols chapel, an annual Christmas celebration in downtown Seattle, at local churches throughout the year, and tours in the spring. Repertoire is of high quality and is chosen to represent a wide range of historical periods and styles. May be repeated for credit. [It is expected that students enrolled in choir are committed to a full year. This course is a full-year course in its goals and objectives.]
**Students with disabilities need to contact Disabled Student Services in the Center for Learning to request academic accommodations. Disabled Student Services sends Disability Verification Letters out to all your professors indicating the appropriate accommodations for the classroom based on your disability.

II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
    To provide students with a high quality performance choir.
    To perform the best of choral literature.
    To provide an environment for vocal development, both as an individual and as an ensemble.
    To provide opportunities to learn about music; its development, construction and expression.
    To create awareness about different styles of music, with emphasis on the various historical and cultural styles within Western traditions.
        This course is a full-year course during which a variety of music will be introduced.
    To increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature, particularly non-verbal aspects.
        Our case studies are the works we perform.
    To assist awareness in personal expression of faith, through text, sonority and other musical elements.
    To provide a place of belonging, a sense of unity, and a source of fellowship for students.
    To provide an avenue for the worship of God, utilizing the best efforts of man to create meaningful expressions of worship.
    To engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence.
        The ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic and spiritual expression.

III. TEXT and SUPPLIES
    A. No text required to buy. Music is currently supplied to students by the Music Department.
        Music will be issued to students and must be returned for credit.
        Replacement costs will be charged. PLEASE NOTE MUSIC POLICY BELOW.
    B. Black three-ring binder - 1"-1 1/2" ring.
    C. CONCERT DRESS
        MEN: Black tuxedo (no short jackets or tails), white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks, black dress shoes.
                - NO VESTS; NO "DECORATIVE" VESTS, CUMMERBUNDS, TIES, ETC.
        WOMEN: Black, very dressy-formal, mid-calf, short sleeves, modest neckline. Black shoes with low heel. Black hose.
                - NO PANTS or any form thereof... and NOT merely a nice "Sunday" dress...
                Dress must be pre-approved.

IV. EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING
Students in a choral ensemble are required to put forth their best effort at all times.
    A. Students selected to Concert Choir are expected, at this level of distinction, to excel in dedication. Members will strive for and be evaluated on:
        1. Mastery of performance literature including:
            a) Pitches and rhythms
            b) Texts and translations
            c) Diction (with use of IPA)
            d) Phrasings and dynamics
            e) Memorization when required
            f) Expressive elements of the choral art
        2. Punctual attendance at all rehearsals and performances (See letters C, D, E, F below).
        3. Fulfillment of policy expectations for rehearsal and performance (see Sections VII & VIII below).
        4. Attendance at sectional and small group rehearsals (see Section V below).
        5. Completion of individual practice hours (see Section V below).
        6. Understanding and use of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet).
        7. Completion of all assignments, exams and job tasks.
        8. Adherence to TourBook principles (TourBook issued Winter Term).
    B. These will be assessed and graded by:
        1. Attendance records (rehearsal and performance)
        2. Group exams (see Section V below)
        3. Individual exams (see Section V below)
        4. Instructor observations
            - Including evaluation on rehearsal and performance policies and TourBook principles.
        5. Practice records (see Section V below)
    C. Attendance at all rehearsals is of the utmost importance.
        Schedule appointments, projects and homework (including study groups) for other classes, etc. at times other than rehearsal.
        All must attend- critical work is done in rehearsal. There are less than 30 rehearsals each term.
        Absences will affect your grade with these benchmarks:
            A student cannot receive an "A" with more than three absences (90% attendance rate).
            A student cannot receive a "B" with more than five absences (83% attendance rate).
            A student cannot receive a "C" with more than six absences (80% attendance rate).
            A student cannot receive a "D" with more than seven absences (76% attendance rate).
    D. Missing a concert results in a failing grade
        Exceptional circumstances may be negotiated with the director.
    E. Excessive tardiness will be penalized. Excessive starts with three.
        - Leaving before rehearsal is over is the same as being tardy- it is still time missed.
        - Excessive time missed will be penalized.
    F. CLASS BEGINS AT 3:00 AND ENDS AT 4:50.
        - 3:00-3:05 is desginated for sign in, securing music, positioning in proper formation - NOT VISITING OR PLAYING!
        - 3:05 is when rehearsal starts- vocalizing at this time is not optional nor is it meaningless.
    G. Extra rehearsals are needed only if students are not putting forth their best effort in regularly scheduled rehearsals.
        An exception may be if instruments are participating (i.e., when we perform with the symphony) or a performance with multiple ensembles.
        *Critical situations may demand extra rehearsals, but efficient work in normal structure by all members should preclude this necessity.
    H. Although not required, all members are expected to study vocal technique outside of choir, either by private instruction or class voice.
    I. All choir members are encouraged to take advantage of the full range of activities offered by the Fine Arts.
    J. PLEASE NOTE: It is not difficult to get a good grade in this class- show up on time, practice and learn your music.
        - All members are expected to earn an "A" or "B" at this level of selectivity.
        - If you receive something other than an "A" (even an "A-"), you must correct the situation.
        - A student receiving a "C" must re-audition and be re-admitted into the ensemble.
        - The grade "D" is not issued in this class.
        - A student receiving a failing grade will not be re-admitted into the ensemble.
    K. Music Majors and Minors must attend concerts, recitals and forums as specified in the Music Major Handbook.
    L. The director reserves the right to dismiss any member at his discretion. This group is by audition only and members must meet expectations.

V. PRACTICE HOURS AND EXAMS
1. Each term, every choir member is required to clock a minimum of 5 hours of outside practice time (1/2 hour a week).
This can be done individually or with others. These outside practice times are dedicated to "pounding out" notes- clearing up questions in pitch and rhythm- and diction practice. It is most logical to do most of this early each term, when such practice is most needed and beneficial. A student with less than 5 hours of practice in a term cannot receive an "A" grade for the class. A record of this is to be turned in by the end of each term: Autumn Term- by the last day of finals; Winter and Spring Terms- by the first day of finals. This form (in pdf or Word.doc) is available at: PRACTICE REPORT form. The 5 hours also can include time spent outside of class time in sectionals or small group (as defined below) rehearsals.

2. Each choir member is assigned to a small group which is to schedule independent rehearsal times to achieve mastery of the music.
These times will count toward practice hours, if recorded on time sheets and turned in. Scheduling these times is the responsibility of the group. Sections are encouraged to schedule independent rehearsals, if needed. This, too, may count as outside practice time.

3. Each term, one or two Small Group Exams are scheduled on specific literature.
Small groups are assigned a brief exam time (as published on the Exam Schedule). Groups will be paired- group from Choir 1 with group from Choir 2. Group pairing will rotate term to term. Exams will determine mastery of the music. Groups will be asked to sing random passages of assigned literature at the director's discretion. Exam may require performances by both groups together (all voices present), single group, smaller director-selected group, one on a part or individuals alone.
    - A grade will be based on mastery of notes, rhythms, diction and understanding of texts/translations.
        - Members will receive an individual grade and a group grade for the exam.
        - An "A" grade can only be achieved with a high level of mastery by all members of the group.
    - Reference the EXAM SCHEDULE for details on each exam- date and content.

4. Each term, one or more individual exams are scheduled on specific literature.
Each member will schedule a brief exam time outside of regularly scheduled rehearsals. A sign-up list will be posted on the door of Crawford 208 at announced times during each term. Each individual will be prepared to perform tasks as announced. These exams will generally focus on an individual's mastery of diction and texts/translations specific to literature texts but may include other musical elements. They will usually only be a few minutes in length, depending on assigned content. Content will generally coincide with that of group exams.

VI. CONCERT SCHEDULE 2007-2008 - SEE CALENDAR BELOW
ALL EVENTS REQUIRED - SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY
SCHEDULE YOUR DEPARTURE AFTER COMMENCEMENT!!!
Attendance at Women's Choir/Men's Choir "Winter Concert" in March is required (and they are required to attend ours).
SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING "SACRED SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS"- All the choirs, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and String Ensemble must to return to campus on Saturday evening, November 24. Dress rehearsal is Sunday morning, November 25 with the performance(s) that same day.

VII. REHEARSAL POLICIES
Efficient rehearsals are essential. Focus is expected at all times. Choir members are responsible for all material and information covered in rehearsal. To accomplish this, a few simple principles must be followed:
     1. Excellent attendance is expected as described above.
     2. Punctuality is expected as described above.
     3. 100% participation and concentration.
     4. All cell phones, pagers, beepers, watches, etc. must be inactivated. No phone calls during rehearsal.
     5. Every member must have his/her OWN music in hand at all rehearsals.
     6. Every member must be equipped with a pencil and make judicious markings.
          - A direction or instruction (such as breath, phrasing, diction, etc.) need only to be given once.
          - Always mark music accurately and completely.
     7. Conversations between choir members are unnecessary.
          - Please refrain from personal and social activities during rehearsal.
     8. Sit or stand in assigned formations. They are designed for specific purposes.
     9. Absolutely NO food or drink in rehearsal room (this includes coffee, tea, latte, candy, etc.).
          - Keep rehearsal room neat and orderly.
     10. Professionalism is expected at all times
          - during rehearsals, performances and anytime we are in contact with others (visitors, tour, etc.).

VIII. PERFORMANCE POLICIES
Professional performances are essential. Focus is expected at all times. To accomplish this, a few simple principles must be followed:
     1. Attendance is required.
     2. Punctuality is required. Be prepared at the right time and place.
          - Fulfill jobs promptly and lend a hand when assistance is needed (set-up, tear-down, etc.)
     3. All cell phones, pagers, beepers, watches, etc. must be inactivated.
     4. Every member must have his/her OWN music in hand at all performances.
          - You cannot "share" or "look over shoulders" in performance.
          - On entrance/exit, carry music away from audience.
     5. Line-up and perform in assigned formations. No exceptions except by director.
     6. No noise or talking "back-stage" or "on-stage."
          - Listen carefully for any last moment instructions.
     7. Behaviors "on-stage" are to be professional.
          - No conversations, gum-chewing, sratching or other distracting behaviors are acceptable.
          - Be disciplined but SMILE and COMMUNICATE! Be an artist!
     8. Concert Dress required for all performances unless specified by director.
     9. Personal appearance is to be professional.
          - Hair to be neat, clean and out of your face.
          - Men are to be clean-shaven (beards, mustaches, etc. are acceptable, but groomed).
          - Concert dress is to be neat and clean.
          - No perfume or cologne!
          - Women should wear make-up to ease harshness of lighting, but remain tasteful and appropriate.
          - Avoid anything that draws attention to an individual (jewelry, incomplete concert dress, etc.).
     10. Professionalism is expected at all times
          - Respect and honor other performing groups in joint performances.
          - Be an example of excellence anytime we are in contact with others (before, during and after a performance).

IX. MUSIC POLICY
1. Music Check-out
The music for Concert Choir is checked-out to you by a specific number. You are responsible for EVERY piece of music issued to your number. You will be charged $3.00 or replacement cost (which ever is greater) for each piece of music not returned; i.e., if you are issued 25 pieces of music and do not return any of it, you will owe the University a minimum of $75.00.
    The music will be issued the first week in a folder or in your assigned number slot in the Concert Choir Music Cabinet.
        -Any missing music should be noted at that time.
    At the end of the year or departure from the choir, your music will be collected in the folder.
        - An accounting will be made at that time.
2. Music Cabinet
You may store your music in the Concert Choir Music Cabinet located in Crawford 211. The music cabinet may or may not be locked- leave it there at your own risk. If locked, the following people will have keys:
    Director; Choral Librarian; Fine Arts Office
3. Lost Music
Fees for music not returned will be billed to your school account. You may replace any music lost during the school year by ordering and purchasing new copies from a music distributor. Keep in mind that many of our pieces are imported and may be difficult and expensive to replace.

X. STATEMENT
We are trying to do something very unique; taking a large number of individuals, developing their talents, unifying them into one body. With this body, we take a work of art and internalize it, learn to understand it, and express it to listeners. We must become as one, in thought and spirit as we communicate thoughts to other people. The Concert Choir is nationally recognized for excellence. Nothing else is acceptable. Each member must reach the highest level of competence for the choir to be what it must be.

Copyright © 2001 Seattle Pacific University .
Contact David Anderson: (206) 281-2903
dand@spu.edu