Course Syllabus in Choral Conducting 3

M-W 10-10:40 am at the Music Bldg.

Bro. Paolo Roel Rodriguez
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Course Code: MU331

Course Title: Choral Conducting 3
Credit: Two (3) Units
Course Description:
This course provides students with practical procedures for forming,
rehearsing and conducting choirs. Students enrolled in this course will
demonstrate essential conducting and rehearsal techniques, become
familiar with choral literature of different periods and styles, and learn to
analyze music scores for interpretation, rehearsal, and performance. The
use of Advanced Choir class as a Laboratory choir is a requirement.
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Prerequisites: Choral Conducting 1-2, SSET 1-2, Class Voice, Music Theory
VI.
Course Objectives:
In a period of 15 weeks, the student will:
review basic beat patterns and learn advanced conducting techniques
i.e., chironomie, hemiolae, subdivided beats, melding.
Learn to develop an effective rehearsal technique for his/her choir
Learn to develop specific and purpose driven vocal exercises for use of
the choir
Score marking, sight singing, rehearsal techniques, basic choral diction
and conducting styles for voices in choral repertoire.
Expectations include:
consistent participation, both as a conductor and performer for
the other members of the class
on time arrival and attendance every week
preparation of weekly assignments for conducting in class
selection of choice piece to be taught/conducted in class
preparation of Laboratory choir.
VII. Topics to be discussed:
Forming/Organizing a Church Choir (June 16 & 18)
Building a Repertoire for your Choir (June 16 & 18)
Rehearsal Techniques (June 23)
Developing specific vocal exercises that will help your choir sing better.
(June 25)
Developing your groups Choral Tone. (June 30)
Preparing for Music Making: Score Study (pointing out the climax and
potential problem areas in each work) (July 2)
Solving Intonation Problems, Teaching a choir to sing in Harmony (July 7 &
9)
VIII. Attendance Requirement:

A maximum of one absence is allowed for the entire semester. Additional

absences will result in a lower grade. Any absence must be cleared with
the instructor prior to class. No unexcused absences will be allowed and
missed work must be made up. The instructor reserves the right to
require additional or alternate assignments in makeup work.
IX. Grading:
Students will conduct at almost every class session. Students are also
expected to practice outside of class. Class participation is an important
factor in determining grades. Use of a Laboratory choir is a requirement
and will thus be scheduled. The grade will be based on your individual
performance in class, assignments, Quizzes, and mid-term/final
examinations (both written and practical). The grade policy will follow
MBS guidelines.
X. Required Repertoire to be studied: (your choice piece must NOT come from
this list)
July 14 &16: All Things Bright and Beautiful
John Rutter
July 21 & 23: He Trusted in God that He would Deliver Him
Georg
Friedrich Handel
July 28 & 30: The Battle of Jericho
Moses Hogan
Aug 4 & 6: I Stood on the River of Jordan
Moses
Hogan
Aug 11 & 13: If Ye Love Me
Bob Chilcott
Aug 18 & 20: Pie Jesu
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Sep 1 & 3: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
arr. John
Rutter
Sep 8 & 10: Having Seen the Moon
Karl Jenkins
Sep 22 & 24: And the Glory of the Lord
Georg Friedrich
Handel
XI. Assignments:
1. Select a choral piece to be taught to the LabChoir. Due on June 18, 2014.
(10 pts.)
2. Create an effective rehearsal agenda/flow to suit your choir. Due on June
25, 2014. (10 pts.)
3. Create effective, specific and purpose driven vocal and aural exercises for
your choir, based on your selected choral piece. Due on July 2, 2014. (50
pts.)
4. Submit a complete written analysis (harmonic progression, text and
context) of your selected music along with a copy of the score, marked
appropriately (entrances and releases, dynamics, phrasing). Due on July 7,
2014. (50 pts.)
5. Submit a complete written analysis (harmonic progression, text and
context) He Trusted In God that He Would Deliver Him along with a copy

of the score, marked appropriately (entrances and releases, dynamics,

phrasing). Due on July 16, 2014. (50 pts.)