Vocal production skills

(a) Respiration

Posture

Breathing

Breath Management

 (b) Phonation

Lower Adjustment

Upper Adjustment

Adjustment Coordination

 (c) Resonant tone production

Vocal Resonance

Uniform Vowel Colors

Vocal Coordination

 (d) Diction

Vocal-Tract Freedom

Word Pronunciation

Consonant Articulation

 (e) Expression

Phrasing

Dynamic and Tempo Variation

Agility and Range Extension

            Ensemble skills include (a) demonstration of sensitivity to the needs of the ensemble and a willingness to make sacrifices for the benefit of the ensemble, (b) sharing the art form of choral music in a way that touches people with different backgrounds and interests, (c) willingness to consider new vocal techniques (only healthy ones) and unfamiliar styles of choral literature, (d) giving of utmost attention and energy in rehearsals and in concerts, (e) punctual attendance of each class session (see attendance policy), and (f) punctual attendance of all concerts and special rehearsals. All of these skills will be assessed in rehearsals, concerts, and small group rehearsals.

Individual/Small Group Rehearsals

            Individual/small group rehearsals will be held frequently. Up to 20 percentage points (2 points per rehearsal) may be added to the final grade by attending these sessions. They will be held in my office, Alexander Hall Room 115. You may attend as many of these sessions you wish. Meeting times are by appointment. It is mandatory to attend at least three individual/small group rehearsals (you still will receive extra credit) per semester. Not scheduling and attending these three rehearsals will result in a deduction of 10 points each.

NASM Standards (Applicable to music majors):

Students must acquire:

·       Growth in artistry, technical skills, collaborative competence and knowledge of repertory through regular ensemble experiences. Ensembles should be varied both in size and nature.

·       Sufficient understanding of musical forms, processes, and structures to use this knowledge in compositional, performance, scholarly, pedagogical, and historical contexts, according to the requisites of their specializations.

·       The ability to place music in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.

Students should be:

·       Forming and defending value judgments about music.

·       Acquiring the tools to work with a comprehensive repertory, including music from various cultures of the world and music of their own time.

• Vocal and pedagogical skill sufficient to teach effective use of the voice.
• Knowledge of content, methodologies, philosophies, materials, technologies, and curriculum development for vocal/choral music.
• Experience in solo vocal performance and choral ensemble.

Attendance--Two absences will be allowed with no grade reduction. All subsequent absences will lower the final grade by 5 percentage points each. The instructor is not obligated to excuse more than two absences regardless of the reason. These include medical problems with a physician’s written description, appointment with a physician (or dentist, orthodontist, veterinarian, chiropractor, etc.), death in the family, car trouble, repair people who are later than they say they will be, child care concerns, campus activities, field trips, fraternity/sorority functions, back surgery, appointments with your advisor, medical problems/appointments of parents/children/siblings/other relatives, weddings, funerals, airline reservations, housing emergencies, etc. There are, of course, legitimate reasons to miss class and some absences will be unavoidable. The bottom line, however, is that it is necessary to attend class regularly to receive its full benefit.

Concerts and Special Rehearsals--It is essential that students participate in concerts and special rehearsals. Unless instructor gives prior permission, missing a concert or a special rehearsal will result in a 25% reduction in your final grade. This percentage will be pro-rated for arriving late to a concert or special rehearsal. Please check the schedule before the  add/drop and withdrawal dates to be sure that the confirmed dates and times for concerts and special rehearsals are clear on your calendar.

NOTE:  The disruption or prevention of the peaceful and orderly conduct of classes, lectures, and other University functions is prohibited. Disruptive students will be requested to leave class and will be counted absent. Please refer to the University Policy Manual at http://www.edinboro.edu/departments/judicial/homepage_letter.dot.

NOTE: Only work that has been evaluated by me will be used in grade calculation.

Concerts and Special Rehearsals