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Course Syllabus

MUSC 4166 A Cappella Choir IV

  • Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
  • Department: Music
  • Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 3; Lab: 0
  • Repeatable: Yes.
  • Prerequisites: MUSC 3166 or permission of instructor. Audition required.
  • Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
  • Semester Approved: Spring 2021
  • Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2026
  • End Semester: Fall 2026
  • Optimum Class Size: 100
  • Maximum Class Size: 120

Course Description

This course will provide group training in a variety of choral music literature. Those registering are expected to participate in major activities of the department. This ensemble will provide students with an opportunity to develop technical skill, sight-reading ability, and knowledge of the repertory related to the ensemble. It further allows students to synthesize musical, historical and cultural knowledge into meaningful artistic expression. Registration by permission of instructor. Audition required. May be repeated for credit. (Additional fee required)

Justification

Performance in vocal ensembles teaches valuable musical and life skills for singers, including intonation, blend, balance, facility with language and an understanding of group dynamics. Vocal music majors are required to perform in at least one choral ensemble during each semester of their program at Snow College, and this course is the minimal requirement for all vocal music majors. This course fulfills one ensemble credit as required by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Credit for the course transfers for both music majors and non-majors.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Accurately perform the rhythms, melodies and harmonies of the music selected by the director.
  2. Perform essential vocal music skills as part of a choral section, including, proper intonation blend and balance.
  3. Show improvement in both speed and accuracy of literature memorization as measured by small group assessment.
  4. Understand the music in its historical setting as well as the stylistic, expressive, and formal qualities associated with the particular era of music history.
  5. Understand the textual meanings of the compositions.
  6. Communicate the understanding which they have gained to their audiences.

Course Content

• Sightsinging;
• Rhythmic accuracy;
• Pitch acuity;
• Balance and blend within the section and within the ensemble as a whole;
• Text review, historical context, accuracy of pronunciation and proper syllabification (emphasis);
• Vocal technique, including breathing, posture, tone production, placement and resonance.