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COURSE NUMBER: MUSI 330
COURSE TITLE: Choral Conducting I
NAME OF INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Evelyn Grieger
CREDIT WEIGHT AND WEEKLY TIME DISTRIBUTION: credits 3(hrs lect 3 - hrs sem 0 - hrs lab 0)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course introduces the student to the technique of choral conducting and choral repertoire. It is required of all senior students in the Diploma of Church Music program. The consent of the instructor is required for others.

Students with credit in MUSI 235 cannot receive credit in MUSI 330.

Prerequisites: MUSI 216, 217, 266, 267
REQUIRED TEXTS/MATERIALS: Required:   
  • Cairns, Debra. Elements of Conducting, An Instructional Manual. 
  • McKelvy, James. Music for Conducting Class, 2nd edition.
MARK DISTRIBUTION IN PERCENT:
Conducting Assignments (3 @ 5%, 10%, 15%)30%
Self-Evaluation (3)15%
Score Preparation/Analysis Assignment15%
Written Test10%
Choral Concert/Rehearsal Observation (2)10%
Final Exam: Practical20%
100%
COURSE OBJECTIVES: The course is designed to develop basic conducting techniques (preparatory gestures, beat patterns, cues and releases, articulatory and expressive gestures, use of the left hand, use of the baton); to develop the ability to read and interpret the choral score; and to begin a familiarity with the foundations of rehearsal procedures; all the while fostering the qualities of leadership and musicianship.  The basics of vocal pedagogy and technique will be introduced, and students will also begin developing the listening skills necessary in evaluating and instructing a choral ensemble.
COURSE OUTLINE:
  • Introduction to the course
    • Role of the Conductor / Becoming a Conductor
    • Movement/Basic positioning
  • Unit I Posture, preparatory/downbeat gesture, beat patterns, releases
    • Posture/Body movement
    • Basic gestures
    • Beat Patterns
    • Releases
    • General Practice Suggestions
    • Practice for Conducting Assignment 1
  • Unit II Left Hand Techniquest
    • Left Hand Techniques
    • Practice Procedures
    • Entrances other than on Beat One
    • Practice for Conducting Assignment 2
  • Unit III Articulations, Divided beats, Tempo changes, Score study and analysis
    • Score study and preparation
    • Articulation
    • Divided Beats
    • Tempo changes
    • Practice for Conducting Assignment 3
  • Unit IV Beginning Rehearsal Techniques
    • Practice for Final Conducting Assignment


Required texts, assignments, and grade distributions may vary from one offering of this course to the next. Please consult the course instructor for up to date details.

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