COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to give advanced choral music students the necessary skills needed to develop a higher understanding of choral music and the production of the voice. Students will be able to demonstrate advanced music theory, sight-reading, tone production. The students will be able to discuss the differences between the following musical periods: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern. The students will keep a “Daily Journal” where they will analyze and critique many different elements of their own choral sound. Each student will participate in 4 live performances each semester. This course will prepare the students to be successful in college by helping them meet the 12^th grade National Standards in music.

Length: One Year

Prerequisite for Enrollment: A 90% or above grade in their 9^th grade chorus class. An 80% or better on a music theory entrance exam. A vocal audition by the instructor.

Recommendation for Enrollment: Students that have past experience in music and have a deep appreciation for choral music.

Type of Course: College preparatory (UC/CSU) and meets graduation requirements.

COURSE OUTLINE

Based on California State Music Standards

All of the Eagle Expectations apply to this course

(Integration of Core Knowledge; Critical Thinking; Effective Communication; Personal & Social Development )

A. Literature:

1. The students will describe, analyze, and demonstrate the different genre of choral music. Students will sing a wide range of musical styles including the renaissance, baroque, classical, and modern. The students will also experience American composers including jazz and popular music.

2. The students will interpret the various music styles and demonstrate the different decorations that are applied to the

appropriate styles.

3. Students will critique the various styles they hear and develop their ears to fine tune the sound qualities needed for each period.

4. The students will evaluate the cultural values that were created by each period and be able to identify them by examining the other fine arts of each period.

B. Vocal Production:

1. The students will recognize the importance of vocal pedagogy and will demonstrate the pedagogy using proper

Vocal techniques.

2. The students will have the ability to create harmony by developing good listening skills and hear how their own voice plays a part in the group.

3. The Students are required to sing a solo or duet each semester that will be judged and critiqued by their own peers.

4. Each student will demonstrate their vocal part in each song and will be expected to hold their own part.

5. The students will describe and demonstrate health practices that help keep their bodies and voices in good condition.

6. Students will demonstrate and improvise techniques used in

both modern music and jazz.

7. The students will demonstrate basic sight-reading principles and will apply these skills to the classics in music.

C. Writing

1. Students will write two reports every semester that will critique a classical music event that they attend. They will use musical terminology and symbols to communicate their

ideals and music values to what they experienced.

2. Each student will keep a “Daily Journal” where they will record mini-lessons, critiques, theories, terms, and symbols.

3. The students will have ten quizzes each semester where they can use their journals as a guide.

4. The students will have two tests each semester that will demonstrate music theory and sight reading principles.

II INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS

Students will learn six musical works as well as a solo, duet, and an art song, each semester. The students will learn a variety of vocal pedagogy for proper vocal growth. There will be two papers of critiquing of a musical event, fifty journal entries, ten quizzes, and two music theory tests each semester. The instructor will use a number of different strategies, such as individual and small groups, to teach musical concepts to the students. The instructor will use lecture, discussion, and technology, such as recording devices, among other strategies. Students will critique and help other students achieve the National Standards.

III EVALUATION/GRADING OF STUDENT WORK

A. Students will be evaluated on both formal and informal basis. Writing will be evaluated by the instructor, the performing arts rubric, as well as by peers and by the individual student. Students will be required to use the techniques of music taught in the chorus class.

B. Students will be given tests and quizzes to check for understanding of the musical concepts and to determine the students’ ability to interpret what they have

Sung to make higher level connections.

C. Students will be responsible for learning the music assigned and for the writing assignments given to them by the instructor. Students will be responsible for

contributing to their vocal sections in voice and in critique.

D. Students are expected to attend class regularly and to participate constructively

In classroom activities.

IV INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

A. Music will be determined by the instructor.

B. Daily Journal.

C. Chorus uniform.

D. Chorus folder.