MUSI 135 Madrigal Ensemble

A small auditioned ensemble limited to twelve advanced singers performing 16th and 17th century madrigals, as well as appropriate selections from classical, romantic, and 20th century literature. This course may be taken for credit 4 times.

Credits

1 Credit

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

0

Semester Contact Hours Lab

45

Semester Contact Hours Clinical

0

MUSI 135Madrigal Ensemble

Please note: This is not a course syllabus. A course syllabus is unique to a particular section of a course by instructor. This curriculum guide provides general information about a course.

I. General Information

Department

II. Course Specification

Course Type

Program Requirement

Credit Hours Narrative

1 Credit

Semester Contact Hours Lecture

0

Semester Contact Hours Lab

45

Semester Contact Hours Clinical

0

Repeatable

Yes

III. Catalog Course Description

A small auditioned ensemble limited to twelve advanced singers performing 16th and 17th century madrigals, as well as appropriate selections from classical, romantic, and 20th century literature. This course may be taken for credit 4 times.

IV. Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, a student will be able to:

  • Describe and demonstrate good ensemble skills, regarding balance, blend, articulation, and performance techniques
  • Sing freely and expressively as a soloist or ensemble member, regarding tone quality, resonance, diction, and breath management
  • Perform selected music with excellence, regarding pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and other markings indicated on the score
  • Analyze and interpret a new piece of music using skills acquired through previous music experiences (sight singing)
  • Evaluate and critique choral performances, both their own and others, and use critique to construct goals and plans for future performances

V. Topical Outline (Course Content)

The content of this course is repertoire for small a cappella choir. Some repertoire is drawn from the standard repertoire for a chamber or madrigal group, while other selections fall under the umbrella of Contemporary Collegiate A Cappella (CCA) and incorporate several genres, including pop and jazz. As stated in the guidelines of the American Choral Directors Association, "Choral repertoire for two year colleges is chosen not only on the basis of quality, but also on the potential for that repertoire to be: a) supportive of the potential of each choral singer to transfer to a four-year institution; b) challenging in some respect (aesthetically, technically, etc.) to promote growth in the singer and choir in a manner consistent with expectations for a four-year program; c) responsive to the diverse technical, aesthetic, and practical needs of non-music majors or community members involved in the two-year college program; d) strong in its ability to be valuable teaching pieces for the intellectual and emotional growth of a singer as a budding member of the wider choral community; and e) effective in reflecting the social milieu and needs for which a two-year program is frequently expected to be responsive." (http://acda.org/page.asp?page=twoyearcollegechoirlists) Content for this course will be limited to vocal/choral works developmentally appropriate for college freshmen and sophomores and written for 1-2 singers per part. Again, in accordance with best guidelines as stated by the ACDA, "such works must in themselves encourage healthful, musical, intelligent, and beautiful choral singing in well-guided two-year college choral programs." (http://acda.org/page.asp?page=twoyearcollegechoirlists

VI. Delivery Methodologies