Central Methodist University Department of Music

Spring 2020

Syllabus

 

Choral Arranging MU337

(2 hrs.)

 

Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-1:50pm, Classic Hall 200

Prof. David Witter, Classic Hall 202-D, 660-651-9964

dwitter@centralmethodist.edu; office hours by appointment

 

Course Description

A study of technical skills necessary for developing a melody into a complete setting for a particular choral combination with or without accompaniment. Considerations include available vocal resources at elementary school, secondary school, and adult age levels; accompaniments; two-, three-, and four-part arranging in a variety of styles. Prerequisite: MU207.

Required Materials Access to music notation software.

Optional Materials Arthur E. Ostrander and Dana Wilson. Contemporary Choral Arranging. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall, 1986. (ISBN: 0131697560)

Mission Statement Central Methodist University prepares students to make a difference in the world by emphasizing academic and professional excellence, ethical leadership, and social responsibility.

DESE-Specific Subject Competencies

MoSPE Competencies

• Demonstrates content knowledge and ability to use multiple subject specific methodologies for specific

instructional purposes to engage students (1C2)

• Understands how to select appropriate strategies for addressing individual student needs in meeting curriculum

objectives (3C2)

• Demonstrates knowledge of current instructional resources to support complex thinking and technological skills (4C2)

Course Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate and apply knowledge and understanding of the general ranges and characteristics of various voice types (children, adolescents, high school students, mature adults).

2. Students will develop and refine the ability to prepare arrangements for various choral ensembles.

3. Students will demonstrate knowledge of scoring for combined forces of choir and instrument(s).

4. Students will improve the ability to use the music notation software Sibelius and/or MuseScore.

5. Develop skills for searching for appropriate arrangements and discerning the degree of musical quality and value of arrangements.

Grading

Weekly arrangement projects and assignments 60%

Attendance and Class Participation 20%

Final Project 20%

Assignments must be submitted in the appropriate Dropbox folder by class time on the due date. 

Make-up and Late Work

Timely completion of homework and projects is essential.  An assignment not turned in during the class period in which it is due will be accepted one class period late for half credit.  Assignments completed more than one class period late will not be accepted.

Attendance Policy 

Attendance is a very important factor in completing the course successfully. Each absence beyond three will result in a 3% deduction from the course grade. Two tardies will be considered equivalent to one absence. Students with no absences will earn a 3% addition to their course grade.

Class cancellation

In the event of a university-wide closure, students should assume that all classes are canceled. Should I need to cancel class for any reason, I will let you know in person and via email.

Health and Safety for Musicians

Musicians face a number of health and safety issues, particularly in applied lessons and ensembles. Hearing concerns, vocal health, and muscle injuries are a concern for faculty and students. Awareness and education are key to preventing harmful habits or injuries. In addition to the information shared with you in lessons and rehearsals, there is material available to you regarding best practices for maintaining hearing, vocal, and muscular health. Helpful information is posted on the Fine Arts section of the CMU webpage (http://www.centralmethodist.edu/finearts/current.php).

Academic Conduct Policy

Students are expected to follow the CMU Academic Conduct Policy as outlined in the current CLAS Online Student Handbook, located at http://www.centralmethodist.edu/cges/_docs/Online_Student_Handbook.pdf. Any evidence of academic misconduct may have any or all of the following consequences:

1. Grade of zero on the individual assignment

2. Grade of F in the class

3. Dismissal from the class

4. A notation of academic misconduct on your transcript

The Dean of the University may take additional action, including probation, suspension, or expulsion from the college.

Students with Disabilities Policy

The full CMU Students with Disabilities policy is in the current CMU CLAS Catalog: http://www.centralmethodist.edu/catalog/cges/policies/upolicies.php-disability. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with the Center for Learning and Teaching and your instructor for special accommodations.

GENERAL EDUCATION COMPETENCIES: The university learning principles and outcomes were adopted in Spring 2016. Six of the 9 ULOs will be used to assess the general education common core (31-32 hours). The ULOs are intentionally broad statements that guide a culture of learning and allow for a holistic approach to assessment.

Communication (articulate, multimodal)

1. Students are articulate, able to speak and write clearly and effectively.

2. Students are multimodal, able to interpret and express ideas through multiple modes of communication

Curiosity (discover, analyze)

3. Students can discover, explore, and seek solutions based on accumulated knowledge and current research.

4. Students can analyze, evaluate, interpret, and summarize data.

Community (serve, respect)

5. Students will serve others and be ethical and informed citizens.

6. Students will understand and respect diversity, including other’s viewpoints, positions, and beliefs

These can be found in the CLAS catalog (http://www.centralmethodist.edu/academics/catalog/clas-catalog/academic- requirements/index.php) and in the CGES catalog at ( http://www.centralmethodist.edu/academics/catalog/cges- catalog/academic-requirements/index.php.

Which courses meet these competencies?

Consult the CLAS catalog (http://www.centralmethodist.edu/academics/catalog/clas-catalog/academic- requirements/degree-requirements.php) and the CGES catalog (http://www.centralmethodist.edu/academics/catalog/cges- catalog/academic-requirements/index.php). Central Methodist University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or federally defined disability/state defined handicap ("disability"). This includes but is not limited to recruitment and admission of students, educational programs, services, activities, financial aid, and scholarship programs. The University complies with all federal and state non-discrimination requirements.

Grievance Policy

Central Methodist University has established a grievance policy and process designed to provide students and others with a process to resolve potential issues. This policy and process is established to provide persons with an avenue to file a written concern and to establish a process to track and implement changes as a result of said concern. For more detailed information, consult the CLAS catalog at: http://www.centralmethodist.edu/academics/catalog/clas-catalog/policies/index.php.

If an issue cannot be solved through consultation with the faculty or division chair, students can report an incident/issue within 30 days of the event via the online web form https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?CentralMethodistUniv&layout_id=3. 

Final Exam: Tues., May 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Course Schedule

Date	Topic
Jan. 14 –16	Introduction to course, Initial arranging considerations, Harmonization review
Jan. 21 – 23	Planning Arrangements; Piano Accompaniments
Jan. 28 – 30	Planning Arrangements; Piano Accompaniments
Feb. 4 – 6	Two-Part Arranging
Feb. 11 – 13	Two-Part Arranging (or you may elect to continue with two-part)
Feb. 18 – 20	Three-Part Arranging
Feb. 25 – 27	Four-Part Arranging
Mar. 3 – 5	Four-Part Arranging
Mar. 10 – 12	Introductions and Endings
Mar. 17 – 19	Four-Part Arranging; Adding Instruments
Mar. 24 – 26	Spring Break
Apr. 2	Class Discussion
Apr. 7 - 9	Elizabeth private lesson, Modulation
Apr. 14 -16	Crystal private lessons, Popular Styles
Apr. 21 - 23	Private Lessons, Adapting Existing Arrangements to Other Voicings
Apr. 28 - 30	Private Lessons, Special Choral Devices
Finals Week	Tues., May 5, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

 

Schedule dates of note (may or may not pertain to this class): 

Jan. 13 – first day of classes

Jan. 20 – MLK, Jr. Day (no classes)

Jan. 23-24 – MMEA (many music ed students will be gone)

Jan. 30 – Soccer Stop Day (no classes – celebrate the soccer team’s national championship)