INTRODUCTION TO CHORAL CONDUCTING
MUSC 327
FALL, 1999
M & W 11:00-12:15
Room FA 0392

INSTRUCTOR:  Dr. Michael Jothen

DESCRIPTION: Introduction to basic choral conducting  technique, score preparation, and rehearsal ideas.

OUTCOMES:
   Participants will develop and expand their knowledge and understanding of:
      A.      choral conducting  patterns, gestures, and nuances
      B.      score preparation for rehearsal and conducting consideration
      C.      aspects of choral literature and choral rehearsal.

   Participants will be able to:
      A.      demonstrate the ability to analyze choral scores
      B.      demonstrate the ability to use conducting gestures to effectively lead a choral ensemble
      C.      demonstrate confidence and leadership skills in conducting a choral ensemble.
 
EXPECTATIONS:
   Participants will be expected to demonstrate:
      A.      commitment to attending and completing class assignments in a professional manner
      B.      care and concern with and in supporting members of the class involved in class instructional activities
      C.      active participation in the process of developing competence as achoral conductor
      D.      use vocal modeling to demonstrate musical ideas.
 
MATERIALS:      "Learning to Conduct and Rehearse", Kohut/Grant, Englewood Cliffs, N. J.: Prentice-Hall, 1990.
                VHS Video Tape

COURSE CONTENT:
        A.      weekly in-class conducting experiences
        B.      weekly, written evaluations of in-class conducting (CONDUCTING ANALYSIS form)
        C.      rehearsal report
        D.      concert report
        E.      quizzes on assigned readings
        F.      summary  Examination: conducting the class from memory
        G.      written summaries of Professional Conducting Tapes (in library)
        H.      development of Choral Program

GRADING:        1.      60% based on evaluation of conducting experiences
                       2.      20% based on timely, accurate completion and submission of class assignments
                       3.      10% based on written examinations
                       4.      10% based on a summary course conducting and final examination.

SUMMARY COMMENTS: Introduction to Choral Conducting is designed to be a participatory
laboratory experience.  Extensive emphasis will be placed on singing and utilizing skills and
knowledge associated with that of becoming and being a choral conductor.  Therefore, attendance will be taken at each session and a grade may be significantly effected given unexcused absences. (the instructor reserves the right to modify and/or change the above as per identified needs)

WEEKLY SCHEDULE
(tentative)

WEEK OF      TOPIC(S)        REPERTOIRE/ASSIGNMENTS/DUE

        8/30    ï    Introduction to course  Bach Jesu, Priceless Teasure
                        BEGINNING TECHNIQUES    Orchestra Song & Solfege
                        Basic Patterns: ictus;  READING: Chapters 1 & 2
                        tactus, starting and    eye contact
                        stopping, posture,
 
        9/6     ï     Basic Patterns: America  (142)
                        articulation, subdivisions,     Chester (148)
                        entrances, dynamics, left hand
                        Discussion Chapters 1 & 2

        9/13    ï    Class Conducting #1:Group 1     Bach Jesu, Priceless Treasure
                        (Videotaped)
                ï       (#1 Continued as above)

        9/20    ï    (#1 Concludes)
                ï       QUIZ I: Chapters 1 & 2  DUE: CONDUCTING ANALYSIS sheet, #1
                        INTRODUCE: Composition #2       READING: Chapter 3
 
        9/27    ï    INTERMEDIATE TECHNIQUES
                        Practice Conducting #2
                ï       Class Conducting #2: Group 2    Composition TBA
                        (Videotaped)

        10/4    ï     (#2 Continued as above)
                ï       (#2 Concludes)

        10/11   ï    INTRODUCE: Composition #3
                         DUE: CONDUCTING ANALYSIS sheet, #2  Practice Conducting #3  Composition TBA
                ï       Practice Continues for #3

        10/18   ï   Class Conducting #3: Group 3    Composition TBA
                        (Videotaped)    ASSIGN: sign-up for individual 'Part Singing'
                ï       (#3 Continued as above) examination on Office Door

        10/25   ï    (#3 Concludes)  DUE: individual part-singing examination
                         ASSIGN: read Chapter #7; identify main ideas
                ï       Class Discussion Chapter #7
                        DUE: CONDUCTING ANALYSIS sheet, #3
                        Introduce Composition #4        Composition TBA

        11/1    ï    Class Conducting #4: Group 4    Composition TBA
                        (Videotaped)    ASSIGN: Rehearsal or Performance Report
                ï       (#4 Continued as above)

        11/8    ï     (#4 Concludes)
                ï       QUIZ II: Chapter 7
                         DUE: CONDUCTING ANALYSIS sheet, #4
 
        11/15   ï    INTRODUCE: Compositions #4 & 5  Compositions TBA

        11/22   ï    Preparation of Compositions #4 & 5      DUE: Rehearsal or Performance Report
                         ASSIGN: Choral Concert Program

                ï       Thanksgiving Break

        11/29   ï    Class Conducting #5 Begins      Time and Composition TBA
                ï       (#5 Concludes)

12/6            ï    Class Conducting #6 Begins      Time and Composition TBA
                        DUE: CONDUCTING ANALYSIS sheet, #5
                        DUE: Rehearsal or Performance Report
                ï       (#6 Concludes)

12/13           ï       SUMMARY DUE: CONDUCTING ANALYSIS sheet, #6
 
12/17   FRIDAY  FINAL EXAMINATION   10:15-12:15


Conducting Skills:
Self-Evaluation Chart