PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

PELLISSIPPI STATE TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MASTER SYLLABUS
VARIATIONS MUS 1521
Class Hours: 4.0							Credit Hours: 2.0
Laboratory Hours: 2.0							Date Revised: Spring 99

Catalog Course Description:
	A select choral ensemble that specializes in performing literature of many different styles appropriate for a small chamber group. Emphasis will be on ensemble skills, musicality and expertise in various choral performance practices. Membership is by audition only. Students will be required to purchase performance apparel. May be repeated for credit.
Entry Level Standards:
	The student should possess a desire and capability to sing with a small ensemble, have completed a solo audition, and have choral music reading skills.
Prerequisite:
	Consent of instructor
Corequisite:
	MUS 1720 or 1721 or 1722
Textbook(s) and Other Reference Materials Basic to the Course:
	Music will be distributed
I. Week/Unit/Topic Basis:
	Week					Topic
	1					Introduction to course; vocal exercises; distribute music
	2					Continue vocal exercises, emphasize proper vocal techniques, posture, score marking; begin rehearsing literature for the semester
	3					Continue as above; introduction of additional literature; work on sight-reading skills
	4					Continue learning notes and words of all literature presented to date
	5					Present concept of vowel unification; continue sight-reading skills
	6					Continue work on literature, vowel unification and sight-reading
	7					Present concept of phrase-shaping using literature learned to date
	8					Reinforce concept of phrase-shaping and continue to reinforce the techniques introduced above
	9					Continue as above (The study of music for performance is a cumulative process in which the concepts introduced should continue to improve with time and repeated application.)
	10					Introduce concept of appropriate historical considerations and performance practices in relation to literature being prepared
	11					Reinforce all concepts introduced to date; prepare literature for performance
	12					Continue as above; outside performance possibilities
	13					Continue as above; semester concert
	14					Continue as above; additional outside performance opportunities
	15					Turn in music; view video tape and critique performance(s)
	16					Final Exam Period
*II. Course Objectives:**
	A.			Demonstrate proper techniques of vocal production, i.e. posture, vowel unification, phrasing. II, III, IV
	B.			Acquire and utilize knowledge of group dynamics, i.e. working as a team toward a common goal. II, III, IV
	C.			Develop and demonstrate an understanding of historical considerations for performance practices. I, II, III, IV
	D.			Develop and demonstrate appropriate performance decorum in front of an audience. I, II, III, IV
	E			Evidence an understanding of the basic elements of music and associated terminology important to the preparation of a choral score. I, II, III
*Roman numerals after course objectives reference goals of the Fine & Applied Arts department.
*III. Instructional Processes:**
Students will:
	1.				Participate in group vocal activities in order to develop the requisite vocal skills needed for the performance of choral music. Communication Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy
	2.				Participate in structured class discussions dealing with the cultural implications of selected choral music. Communication Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation, Active Learning Strategy
	3.				Interact with the conductor and other members of the ensemble in understanding selected choral repertoire and in performing it musically and effectively. Communication Outcome, Personal Development Outcome, Cultural Diversity and Social Adaptation Outcome, Active Learning Strategy, Transitional Strategy
*Strategies and outcomes listed after instructional processes reference Pellissippi State’s goals for strengthening general education knowledge and skills, connecting coursework to experiences beyond the classroom, and encouraging students to take active and responsible roles in the educational process.
*IV. Expectations for Student Performance:**
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
	1.			Perform appropriate vocal exercises to warm up the voice prior to performance. A
	2.			Recognize and follow basic directions in musical scores, i.e. dynamic markings, repeat signs, tempo indication, etc. E
	3.			Apply proper performance practices for the literature being performed. C
	4.			Work as a member of a team toward presentation of a successful choral performance. A, B, C, D, E
	5.			Relate repertoire pieces to the appropriate culture and historical context. C, E
	6.			Perform in public with a choral group demonstrating poise and self-confidence. A, B, D, E
	7.			Apply techniques of vocal production, posture, and vowel placement to achieve a healthy, pleasant singing quality. A
*Letters after performance expectations reference the course objectives listed above.
V. Evaluation:
	Evaluation Procedures:
			One hundred percent of the grade for this course is determined by attendance and participation in the classroom and in scheduled performances. Attendance will be graded as follows: Class Absences: A: 3 or less B: 4-5 absences C: 6-7 absences D: 8-9 absences F: 10 or more Class Tardies: No penalty first three times; 1 point subtracted from final grade for each additional tardy Concert Absences: Pre-arranged excused absence: no penalty Excused absence: 1 letter grade Unexcused absence: 2 letter grades “No Show”: AUTOMATIC FAILURE Excused absences consist of serious illness, accident or death in the immediate family. Unexcused absences consist of having to work, forgetting, trips and vacations and lack of transportation. A “No Show” is when the student is aware of the concert but shows total disregard for instructor and ensemble by not showing up for the event.
VI. Policies:
	Attendance Policy:
		REQUIRED! Roll will be taken. Excused absences will be at the discretion of the instructor. Students are responsible for work missed due to absence. College policy states that if a student misses more than 25% of regular class meetings, he will automatically receive a failing grade for the course. This applies to BOTH excused and unexcused absences.