Credit Hours: 1
Spring Semester 2007
Website: www.utpb.edu/music/index.html
Prerequisites: none
Location of class: MUSH
Time: Th 9:30 - 10:45; sectionals per arrangement
Faculty: Gregory M. Pysh (432) 967-1180
E-mail: gpysh@fpcmid.org
Office Hours: by appointment
Course Description: This course is open to all students, and may be repeated for credit. It consists of choir rehearsals and performances and the production of program materials for performances. It is hoped that the course will deepen students’ joy and enthusiasm for ensemble performance.
Text and Required Materials: There is no required text for the course. Music will be supplied to students by the music program. All music issued to students must be returned in good condition at the end of the semester for credit. Replacement costs will be charged ($5.00 minimum per piece). A black three-ring binder is also supplied by the music program and must also be returned in good condition at the end of the semester for credit. Replacement costs will be charged ($5.00).
Rehearsal Protocol: Rehearsals will begin promptly with warm-ups. Missing the warm-up will constitute an absence for the entire rehearsal. All choir members should bring all music and a pencil to all rehearsals. All choral instructions should be entered into choir parts in pencil. ALL CELL PHONES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF. Students are responsible for the music and performance binders distributed to them throughout the semester. In the event of lost music, extra copies may not be available.
Final Grade: The student’s grade will be based on an evaluation of his/her effort, improvement, musicality, mastery of skills in performance as well as the quantity of work accomplished, attendance at rehearsals and performances, quality of preparation, and quality of performance. Attendance and participation in all University Choir performances is required. Failure to participate in any required University Choir performance will result in a significant adverse effect on the student’s grade and possible failure in the course.
Attending choir rehearsals is mandatory. Students are allowed to miss four rehearsals in the course of the semester. Taking more than these four allowed absences will adversely affect the student’s final grade. Absence from rehearsal does not mean absence from responsibility. The student is responsible for all material covered in rehearsal and all music distributed, and for any other pertinent information disseminated in the missed rehearsal and should contact other students or me by e-mail or by telephone in a timely fashion after an absence.
Objectives:
1. To develop an advanced ensemble capable of performing the best choral literature, both sacred and secular;
2. To provide students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the skills inherent in ensemble performance by performing together;
3. To provide students an opportunity to develop/hone specific musical skills: singing in parts, score reading, sight reading, score study and theoretical analysis, intonation, balance and ensemble;
4. To introduce students to a survey of choral literature from the Renaissance to the present;
5. To introduce students to the study of diction, particularly as it applies to singing;
6. To provide an environment for vocal development, both as an individual and as an ensemble;
7. To provide opportunities to learn about music; its development, construction and expression;
8. To create awareness about different styles of music, with emphasis on the various historical and cultural styles within Western traditions;
9. To increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature, particularly non-verbal aspects;
10. To provide a place of belonging, a sense of unity, and a source of fellowship for students;
11. To engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence;
12. To contribute to the campus and general communities through artistic and spiritual expression, to have FUN!
Grading:
For a grade of A, the student:
1. Consistently does more than is required.
2. Is prompt, thorough in all work, and usually free from conductor's correction.
3. Has unusual dependability and originality in solving problems.
4. Has ability to associate and re-think problems and can adapt to changing situations.
5. Enthusiastic and interested in his/her work.
6. Has ability to apply learned ideas to new material.
For a grade of B, the student:
1. Frequently does more than required.
2. Is careful in complying with assignments.
3. Eagerly attacks new problems, and profits from criticism.
4. Enthusiastic and interested in his/her work.
5. Is prompt, thorough and accurate in all work.
For a grade of C, the student:
1. Does what is required.
2. Applies him/herself during rehearsal times.
3. Attentive to assignments and relatively free from carelessness.
4. Able and willing to comply with instructions and, responds cheerfully to correction.
5. Is reasonably prompt and accurate in all work.
6. Has the ability to retain general principals and apply them.
For a grade of D, the student:
1. Usually does what is required.
2. Attendance is often irregular.
3. Sometimes forgets materials.
4. Frequently "misunderstands" assignments.
5. Is willing but slow in complying with instructions and corrections.
6. Is careless and lacking in thoroughness in preparation.
For a grade of F, the student:
1. Usually does less than required.
2. Is listless and inattentive.
3. Frequently forgets materials.
4. Is often tardy.
5. Seldom knows anything outside the lesson material.
6. Retains only fragments of general principles.
7. Is lacking in conviction and is unwilling or unable to do the work.
Incompletes are highly discouraged and rare.
Grade Computation:
Attendance at rehearsals 35%
Demonstrates timely, accurate preparation of music 50%
Timely preparation of program materials 15%
Failure to attend any required University Choir performance may result in failure of the course.
Public Relations : As a member of an ensemble at UTPB, you are in the spotlight of the school and the community. Because of the visibility of public performances, each member should be aware of demonstrating a high quality of musical achievement that reflects well on the reputation of UTPB. Any student who misrepresents UTPB will be subject to dismissal or other possible actions.
Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. Any suspicion of academic dishonesty will be reported and investigated. A student who engages in scholastic dishonesty that includes, but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism, and collusion will receive an “F” for the course. All persons involved in academic dishonesty will be disciplined in accordance with University regulations and procedures. For complete information on UTPB student conduct and discipline procedures consult the university’s handbook at: http://www.utpb.edu/utpb_student/students/studentguide/sg3_index_frame.htm#StudentWelfareandDiscipline. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, collaboration, or Internet applications, consult Dr. Keast. Assignments generated by downloading or printing from the Internet are considered under the auspices of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Students with disabilities that are admitted to The University of Texas of the Permian Basin may request reasonable accommodations and classroom modifications as addressed under Section 504/ADA regulations. Students needing assistance because of a disability must contact Dr. Efren D. Castro, Director, Programs Assisting Student Study (PASS) Office, 552-2630, no later than 30 days prior to the start of the semester. The definition of a disability for purposes of ADA is that she or he (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantively limits a major life activity, (2) has a record of such an impairment or, (3) is regarded as having such an impairment. Students who have provided all documentation and are eligible for services will be advised of their rights regarding academic accommodations and responsibilities. The University is not obligated to pay for diagnosis or evaluations nor is it obligated to pay for personal services or auxiliary aids. If you need accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with the instructor, or if you need special arrangements in the case the building must be evacuated, please inform Dr. Keast at keast_d@utpb.edu immediately. It is best to contact Dr. Keast after class or during his office hours.
Let this syllabus serve as an outline to the objectives and materials that we will cover.
This syllabus is subject to revision at the discretion of Gregory M. Pysh.
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