MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to Choral Methods

Course: MUE240

First Term: 2009 Fall

Lec + Lab 2 Credit(s) 3 Period(s) 2.7 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: S

Description: Overview of techniques, methods, materials, style characteristics, and repertoire used in directing choral music at the secondary level including simulated teaching, conducting, and the demonstration of vocal and choral performance practices

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Describe role of conductor from the Medieval Period through the Present. (I, II) 2. Describe the process of singing from respiration through phonation to exhalation. (III) 3. Complete an audition within the class. (IV) 4. Demonstrate and explain exercises that promote good posture and breathing. (IV) 5. Create a written transliteration of a choral text using choral diction techniques. (V) 6. Identify and describe the pros and cons of various choral performance formations. (VI) 7. Demonstrate various warm-ups and describe their use. (VI VII VIII) 8. Demonstrate sight-singing exercises by performing them in class. (VI) 9. Conduct various pieces as handed out in class. (VI, VII, VIII, IX) 10. Describe methods for energizing the choral rehearsal. (VI) 11. Complete a sample program using literature appropriate for the high school choir. (VII, VIII, IX) 12. Describe style characteristics for choral music from renaissance through the present. (IX)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Historical Perspective A. Influence of the church B. Influence of school C. Influence of singing societies II. Emerging Role of the Conductor A. Conductor as interpreter B. Conductor role from medieval through the present C. Requirements of good conductor D. Training of the choral conductor III. Conductor and the Singing Experience A. Vocal mechanism B. Breathing mechanism C. Production of vocal sound D. Vocal registers IV. Choral Sound A. Auditioning and classifying singers B. Posture C. Breathing and breath control D. Resonance E. Registration V. Choral Diction A. Vowels B. Diphthongs C. Consonants D. Foreign language diction 1. Latin 2. Italian 3. German 4. French VI. Effective Rehearsal Procedures A. Rehearsal formations B. Warm-ups C. Sight-singing D. Introducing new pieces E. Pacing the rehearsal F. Energizing the rehearsal G. Intonation H. Building tone I. Building rhythmic precision J. Phrasing ideas VII. Building the Performance A. Nature of performance B. Building the program C. Conductor`s preparation D. Performance arrangements E. Conducting gesture 1. Preparatory gesture 2. Continuing gestures 3. Gesture styles - legato vs. marcato, forte vs. piano 4. Fermata 5. Cut-off VIII. Musicianship A. Rhythm B. Pitch C. Harmony and Texture D. Form IX. Performance Practice A. Renaissance B. Baroque C. Classical D. Romantic E. Twentieth Century

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 6/23/2009

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.