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Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Syllabus - 2002-2003
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MUS 3779/3801 - 2 hours
credit
MW 7:00-9:00 pm
CMB 103
R. LUBAG
Office - Crawford 104A
x2205/206-229-2714/ rlubag@spu.edu
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I. DESCRIPTION
Membership by audition.
A choral ensemble of men and women, Vocal Jazz Ensemble performs
several
major campus concerts during each academic year. The choir also performs
in schools, on campus at various venues including the Gwinn Commons, at
local
churches throughout the year, at jazz clubs and festivals and tours on a
limited schedule for recruitment. Repertoire is of high quality and
is chosen to represent a wide range of jazz/contemporary/worship 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.
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II. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
To
provide students with a high quality performance ensemble.
To perform the best of contemporary vocal
jazz
& worship 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
different 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.
To develop leadership skills within individuals to be able
to lead within their own discipline throughout life.
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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 NOTE MUSIC POLICY BELOW.
B. MP3 CD Player or Portable MP3 Music
Device
C. CONCERT DRESS
MEN: All Black Dress
Shirt, black socks, black dress shoes.
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NO TEE SHIRTS, NO JEANS, NO VESTS, NO "DECORATIVE" VESTS, TIES,
ETC.
WOMEN: All Black
Blouse
or Shirt and Slacks, Black shoes with low heel. Black hose.
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NO TEE SHIRTS, NO JEANS, NO BELLY BUTTONS SHOWING, NO LOGOS OR
DECORATIVE
DESIGNS,
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sp; 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 Vocal Jazz Ensemble
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:
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Pitches and rhythms
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Texts and translations
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Diction (with use of IPA)
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Phrasings and dynamics
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Memorization when required
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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
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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:
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student cannot receive an "A" with more than three absences (90%
attendance
rate).
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student cannot receive a "B" with more than five absences (83% attendance
rate).
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student cannot receive a "C" with more than six absences (80% attendance
rate).
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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 7:00 AND ENDS AT
9:00.
- 7:00-7:05 is
desginated
for sign in, securing music, positioning in proper formation - NOT VISITING
OR PLAYING!
- 7:05 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 another ensemble)
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.
- If a student
receives
a C or lower, it may be proper to reconsider that student's membership in
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.
M. Students are required to attend two off-campus
performances
and write a short one page, double spaced essay about the perfomance. See
director for possible events.
N. Students must
own and use an MP3 CD player with assigned listening to develop their ear,
and knowledge of the vocal jazz idiom and worship music idiom.
O. Students will participate one Thursday and Sunday in
Fall and Winter Quarter in a local church praise choir designated by the
director.
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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 weekly record of this outside time is to be turned in each
Monday. This form will be available outside Crawford 208, in Crawford 211
or you can print from this 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 given on specific literature.
Small groups are given a brief exam on assigned literature. 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.
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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 104A 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.
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VI. CONCERT SCHEDULE 2002-2003
- SEE CALENDAR BELOW
ALL EVENTS REQUIRED
- SCHEDULE ACCORDINGLY
Attendance at Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, Edmonds Jazz Connection is
required as well.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR 2002-2003- Recruitment tours/concerts have not
been
set as of October 1, 2002. Be prepared for extra performances later in
Winter
and Spring Quarter.
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VII. REHEARSAL POLICIES
Efficient rehearsals
are essential. Focus is expected at all times. Ensemble 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.
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Always
mark music accurately and completely.
7. Conversations between choir
members
are unnecessary.
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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
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during
rehearsals, performances and anytime we are in contact with others
(visitors,
tour, etc.).
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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."
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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).
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Concert
dress is to be neat and clean.
- No
perfume
or cologne!
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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
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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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IX. MUSIC POLICY
1. Music Check- out
The music for Vocal Jazz Ensemble 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 as it becomes
available.
-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 Music Library in Crawford 104. The
music
will be locked- but 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 new
copies
from music librarian. Keep in mind that some of our pieces are imported
and may be difficult or impossible to replace.
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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 SPU Choral Dept. 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.
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