Rehearsal and performance.
Vocal techniques
Breath support, phonation, resonance, diction (vowel and consonant formation), various visual and physical techniques to encourage healthy singing.
Ensemble techniques
Choral blend, intonation, understanding conducting gestures.
Repertoire
Standard choral repertoire from all historical periods; works in various languages (most commonly Latin, German, French and Italian as well as English) will be prepared, with appropriate attention given to correct pronunciation. Each work will be performed in an appropriate style.
Through rehearsal and performance of standard choral repertoire from all historical periods, the successful student should learn the fundamentals of healthy vocal technique, musical style, and ensemble performance and discipline.
Grades are based on the students’ regular preparation for rehearsals, attentiveness and effort during rehearsals, and musical contribution to the ensemble. Frequently during the semester, certain passages of music are assigned to be learned for an upcoming rehearsal, during which solo quartets (one singer per part) are heard by the instructor in private. Students are graded on their achievement on these assignments.
| Assigned passages (minimum 3 tests) | 60% |
| Contribution to Ensemble (musical/vocal) | 20% |
| Attitude / Effort (ongoing assessment) | 20% |
Attendance:
Every 15 minutes of unexcused absence or lateness will lower the final grade by 1%. Absence and lateness will be cumulative – whenever a student’s combined absence or lateness adds up to 15 minutes, 1% will be deducted from the final grade (an unexcused absence from a 2.5 hour rehearsal will lower the final grade 10%). A drop of 30% due to absence or lateness will result in a failing grade (i.e., three unexcused absences) and expulsion from the choir.
Students who are absent without valid excuse from a Dress Rehearsal will not be permitted to perform in the concert, and will fail the course.
Concerts:
Unexcused absence from a concert will result in a failing grade. Every 2 minutes of unexcused lateness to the warm-up and rehearsal immediately prior to a concert (the concert all) will lower the final grade by 1%. Any student who is more than 40 minutes late to a concert warm-up without valid excuse will not be permitted to perform in the concert, and will fail the course.
Absences will be excused for reasons of illness or emergency; written documentation may be required by instructor.
Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts is assumed; perfect attendance does not increase the final grade.
Students may be required to purchase one or more of the scores used during the semester.