MNPS Course Code: MUS2129

Course Description

This course provides advanced-level performers opportunities to increase performance skills and knowledge of unaccompanied literature written predominately in the 16^th and 17^th centuries that have a complex polyphonic nature. It covers performance and production, analysis and theoretical studies, historical and cultural contributions and influences, creative aspects and appreciation of music. It stresses individual progress and group experiences. This course generally requires students to participate in extra rehearsals and performances beyond the school day.

Course of Study

· Singing

o Students will explore singing with expression an varied repertoire of vocal literature

o Students will display correct vocal production

o Students will demonstrate appropriate diction to the style of the vocal literature

o Students will proficiently perform music appropriate to the ensemble, (SSA,SAB,SA,SATB)

· Performing

o Students will experiment with various melodic instruments as to sound and capabilities

o 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. Essential Repertoire for Concert Choir Winona, Minnesota: Hal Leonard 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)