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Chamber Singers Syllabus - 2006-2007
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MUS 2304/4304 - 1 hours credit
TTh 3:30-4:50 pm
CMB 203
D. ANDERSON
Office - Crawford 208
x2903 / dand@spu.edu
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I. DESCRIPTION
Membership by audition. A small choral ensemble of 16 mixed voices, Chamber Singers perform several major concerts during each academic year. Also, the Chamber Singers sing for chapels and a yearly traditional Advent Lessons and Carols service. Repertoire is of high quality and is chosen to represent a wide range of historical periods and styles best suited for a chamber ensemble. 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.] Members of Chamber Singers must be members of Concert Choir (membership in other large ensembles, including Thalia Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Wind Ensemble, may be acceptable by special arrangement).
**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.
Seattle Pacific University seeks to be a premier Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture and changing the world by graduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom, and modeling grace-filled community.
The Music Department at Seattle Pacific University seeks to be an exemplary music community committed to helping students to develop their talents and abilities fully, to appreciate cultural heritage, and to integrate music knowledge and skills in a life characterized by Christian faith, wholeness, and service.
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II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To provide and advanced ensemble capable of performing the best literature for small ensemble, both sacred and secular.
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.
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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 REFER TO CONCERT CHOIR MUSIC POLICY.
B. Black three-ring binder
C. CONCERT DRESS
MEN: Black tuxedo (no short jackets or tails), white shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black socks, black dress shoes.
- ABSOLUTELY NO VESTS, "DECORATIVE" VESTS, 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.
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IV. EXPECTATIONS AND GRADING
Students in a choral ensemble are required to put forth their best effort at all times.
A. Students selected to Chamber Singers are expected, at this special level of distinction, to excel in dedication, including:
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
3. 100% participation and focus
4. Attendance at sectional and small group rehearsals
5. Understanding and use of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)
6. Completion of all assignments, job tasks and examinations.
7. Fulfillment of policy expectations in rehearsal and performance.
B. These will be assessed and graded in various ways
1. Attendance records (rehearsal and performance)
2. Individual exams (if needed)
3. Instructor observations
- Including evaluation on rehearsal and performance policies.
5. Practice records (if needed and requested)
C. Attendance is of the utmost importance.
Schedule appointments, etc. at other times, and do homework for other classes at times other than choir.
Most work is done in class, so all members must attend. There are less than 21 rehearsals each term.
Sectionals and individual practice are also required (see below). Absences will affect your grade.
A student cannot receive an "A" with more than 2 absences.
A student cannot receive a "B" with more than 3 absences.
A student cannot receive a "C" with more than 4 absences.
A student cannot receive a "D" with more than 5 absences.
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.
F. CLASS BEGINS AT 3:30 - REHEARSAL BEGINS AT 3:35 - REHEARSAL ENDS AT 4:50.
- 3:30-3:35 is time meant to sign in, secure music, position formation - NOT VISITING OR PLAYING!
- 3:35 is when rehearsal starts. Chamber Singers members are expected to be warmed-up before rehearsal.
- Leaving before rehearsal is over is the same as being tardy- it is still time missed.
- Excessive time missed will be penalized.
G. If a student receives a C or lower, it may be proper to reconsider that student's membership in the ensemble.
H. 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 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.
I. Although not required, all members are expected to study vocal technique outside of choir, either by private instruction or class voice.
J. It is suggested that all choir members take advantage of the full range of activities offered by the Fine Arts.
K. PLEASE NOTE: It is not difficult to get a good grade in this class, show up, be on time and learn your music.
All members should easily receive a "B" and a majority should receive an "A".
If you receive something other than an "A" (even an "A-"), you must correct the situation.
L. Music Majors and Minors must attend recitals and forums as specified in the Music Major Handbook.
M. The director reserves the right to dismiss any member at his discretion. This group is by audition only and members must meet expectations.
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V. CONCERT SCHEDULE 2006-2007
Most events parallel Concert Choir Schedule - SEE CONCERT CHOIR CALENDAR.
Other performances as announced in class.
THERE ARE NO EXCUSES - ALL EVENTS REQUIRED - PLAN ACCORDINGLY
Attendance at Women's Choir/Men's Choir "Winter Concert" in March is required.
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VI. 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.
2. Punctuality is expected.
3. All cell phones, pagers, beepers, watches, etc. must be inactivated. No phone calls during rehearsal.
4. Every member must have his/her OWN music in hand at all rehearsals.
5. Every member must be equipped with a pencil and make judicious markings.
- A direction or instruction (such as breath, phrasing, diction, etc.) should only need to be given once.
- Always mark music accurately and completely.
6. Conversations between choir members are unnecessary.
- Please refrain from personal and social activities during rehearsal.
7. Sit or stand in assigned formations. They are designed for specific purposes.
8. Professionalism is expected at all times
- during rehearsals, performances and anytime we are in contact with others (visitors, tour, etc.).
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VII. PERFORMANCE POLICIES
Professional performances are essential. Focus is expected at all times. To accomplish this, a few simple principles must be followed:
1. Attendance by all 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 before performance (beards, mustaches acceptable, but groomed).
- 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.
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).
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