A Cappella Choir I

A Cappella Choir I

Recommended Prerequisite: Teacher Recommendation

Grades Offered: 9-12

Credit: ½- 1

SDE Course Code: 0995A

MNPS Course Code: MUS2127

Course Description

Provides opportunities for advanced-level performers to increase performance skills and knowledge. A Cappella music performed includes madrigal, notes, quartet and solo literature of all style periods. Covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and world cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects of music and appreciation of music. Organizes objectives for self-paced progress through all levels. Stresses individual progress, group experiences and a variety of performance styles appropriate to the ensemble. This course generally requires students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.

Course of Study

· Singing

Students will explore singing with expression and varied repertoire of vocal literature
Students will display correct vocal production
Students will demonstrate appropriate diction to the style of the vocal literature
Students will proficiently perform music appropriate to the ensemble (SSA, SAB, SA, SATB)

· Performing

Students will experiment with various melodic instruments as to sound and capabilities
Students will experiment with timbres of various rhythmic instruments

· Improvising

Students will perform a non-notated rhythmic accompaniment to a melody
Students will improvise a simple variation to a familiar song
Students will improvise accompaniments to selected pieces

· Composing

Students will create an obbligato figure to a familiar song
Students will develop a non-notated vocal warm-up for the ensemble
Students will arrange songs into a medley

· Readingand notating

Students will Explore notation in choral music with a difficulty level of 3
Student will examine terms, signs, and musical symbols in a choral music score
Students will apply sight-reading skills in choral music at a difficulty level of 3 using solfege
Students will apply examine notation of vocal parts using standard symbols
Students will vocally demonstrate non-standard notation in a classroom setting

· Listening

Students will explore choral literature to identify musical elements, forms, expressive devices, and compositional techniques
Students will examine use of musical elements in a recorded work
Students will examine use of timbre, melody, and harmony in works of similar genres
Students will examine music recordings of a variety of musical styles and genres

· Evaluating

Students will identify elements for evaluation of personal participation in a choral performance
Students will identify musical elements for comparison of choral performances with similar or exemplary models
Students will identify aesthetic qualities of a given choral work

· Understanding relationships between music and other arts

Students will identify basic elements common in the arts
Students will identify characteristics of art forms within a particular historical period or style
Students will determine which disciplines are related to music
Students will identify technological developments utilized in creating, producing, and listening to music.

· Understanding music in relation to history and culture

Students will identify characteristics of musical genres, styles historical periods and cultures
Students will identify various American music genres
Students will identify stylistic features that define choral works

Standards

MNPS Vocal Music Standards

http://www.mnps.org

National and State Vocal Music Standards

http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/standards

Textbook

Douglas, Bobbie, Brad White, Glenda Casey, Jan Juneau. Essentials for Concert Choir

Winona, Minnesota: Hal Leonard Music Publishing, 1999.

Recommended and/or Required Resources

Teacher’s discretion within county and state guidelines.

Successful Sight-singing BKS 1 and 2

Successful Warm-ups- Nancy Telfer

Essentials of Music Theory BKS 1-3, Sally Albrecht

Varied Repertoire (Octavos)