MUSP 201: Concert Choir IV - Advanced

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 72
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 18
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Prerequisite: Audition.
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: No
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

Open to all students capable of sustaining a vocal harmony part at an advanced level. Instruction in choral literature for the large choral ensemble. Special attention is given to choral tone production, phrasing and interpretation. Fundamental sight singing, solfege, and music theory will be covered. Participation in public performances is required. 54 lecture hours, 18 lab hours arranged.

Course Objectives

  • Identify and perform at an advanced level the representative literature of choral repertoire by choral composers in a variety of historical musical periods.
  • Demonstrate all necessary techniques to successfully perform as an advanced level singer in a large choral setting.
  • Analyze form and harmonic structure of advanced choral music
  • Demonstrate leadership skills for effective participation in larger choral ensembles.

Major Course Content

  1. Class Discussion of Additional Repertoire for Advanced Choir
  2. Development and Analysis of Intonation Techniques
  3. Additional Stylistic Characteristics of Musical Periods
  4. Study of Additional Important Choral Composers
  5. Evaluation of Various Techniques for Incorporating Drama and Emotion in Choral Music
  6. Defining and Refining a Sound Ideal
  7. Overview of Choral Conducting Techniques 
  8. Classroom Organizational Skills for Choir Directors
  9. Student Directors Instructional Information
  10. Analysis of Concert Programming
  11. Different Uses by Various Composers of Musical/Poetic Architecture
  12. Application of Instruction to Performances
  13. Evaluation of Performances

Hours Arranged Content

  1. Preparation for Final Performances (Additional rehearsals in small and large groups with specific work on challenging musical sections)
  2. Stage Positions and Deportment 
  3. Working with Effective Sound Amplification
  4. Public and Campus Performances (such as: student activity events, high school festivals, and recruitment performances)
  5. Invitational Choral Festivals (field trips to various colleges)
  6. Auditioning as choral soloists (With instruction on techniques of choosing soloists)
  7. Student Leadership Experience and Training(Conducting Experience, Directing Rehearsals, Placement of Vocal Parts in Performance, Building Programs, Classroom Motivation, etc.) 

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Music to be provided by instructor. Research comparative composers and repertoire.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

Analyze form and structure of choral literature. Prepare post-performance critique.

Examples of Outside Assignments

Study online video and audio examples. Learn vocal parts. Memorize music (words, notes, rhythms). Apply advanced choral techniques to appropriate literature as provided by instructor. Attend sectionals. Analyze and study rehearsal CDs and audio files on Blackboard.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Lab, Online Education Lecture, Online Education Lab