MUSC 109: Chamber Vocal Jazz II

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 4
Total Contact Hours: 126
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 72
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

This course includes the study and performance of beginning to intermediate level composition for the mixed chamber vocal jazz ensemble. Includes repertoire of the jazz idiom in both classical and chamber settings. Public performance required. Audition required. 54 lecture hours, 72 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • demonstrate a beginning to intermediate level knowledge of vocal jazz performance practices from a variety of vocal styles and periods
  • demonstrate beginning to intermediate level familiarity with major vocal compositions and composers in the vocal jazz idiom
  • demonstrate a beginning to intermediate level ability to apply vocal jazz skills in a chamber chorale setting
  • demonstrate beginning to intermediate level sight singing, improvisation and musicianship skills in the chamber vocal jazz idiom

Major Course Content

  1. Overview of repertoire available for beginning to intermediate chamber vocal jazz ensembles
  2. Beginning to intermediate vocal skills in a chamber vocal jazz setting
  3. Introduction to rehearsal practices
  4. Introduction to performance practices
  5. Analyze chamber vocal jazz literature at the beginning to intermediate level
  6. Study arrangements of various periods
  7. Preparation for essay assignment
  8. Selection of repertoire for public performance
  9. Evaluation of performance at the beginning to intermediate level
  10. Jazz voice solo transcription analysis

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Sight reading of material in various jazz chamber styles at the beginning to intermediate level
  2. Sectional rehearsals
  3. Preparation for final performance
  4. Public performances
  5. Group and self evaluation of public performance and personal growth
  6. Sight reading material for future performances
  7. Jazz voice solo transcription analysis

Application of course objectives and development of techniques required for successful completion of the laboratory requirements of this course are time intensive.  The student is responsible for demonstrating a practical competency of skills applied to approximately two hours of chamber vocal jazz literature.  Sight reading, sectionals and full group preparation including accurately mastering then memorizing vocal parts, creating vocal unisons within each section, establishing appropriate phrasing, breathing techniques and dynamics, developing critical listening skills, use of appropriate tone and application of correct vocal production will be addressed.  Additional activities include expressing musical line, internalizing interpretation of lyric and developing relevant performance skills.  During the final weeks of the course laboratory hours include rehearsing, putting together, detailing and simulating concert presentation prior to a series of public performances.

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Library research, internet research

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Personal journal, essays of composers and musical styles, performance critiques. Write a 2-page essay about vocal chamber jazz composers or performances.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Study musical scores. Memorize words and vocal parts. Listen to rehearsal tracks. Vocal jazz transcription assignments.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab