Choir and Chorale

Joshua Law, Instructor

Office: A146D, Phone (415) 239-3366

Course Objectives:

        a.     To learn choral singing techniques which include choral intonation, toning, dynamics and interpretation.

        b.     To learn to interpret choral music of all styles and periods.

Course Policies:

       a.       Each individual accepted through audition must agree to participate in at least 95% of all rehearsals regularly scheduled and specially arranged ones when needed as decided by instructor. A piano has 88 keys, the pianist do not play all of them at the same time. But they are all there ready to be played.

Seats will be assigned by voicing. Attendance will be taken by sitting arrangement. Please stay in your seat at all times.

        Nobody is allowed to freely walk in and out of the class at his/her pleasure without permission. Contact with the instructor by calling 239-3366 or faxing 239-3992.

        b.        Qualification: An ability to carry a tune is basic and ability to read music desired since the class is not Music 1A (Musicianship - sight singing).  Ability to sing by ear may not mean that one can sing in a choir because singing by ear does not demand one to sing any note against another.

        c.        Voice Assessment: The instructor will give the prospective student a simple assessment test to find out how he could help him/her sing well in the choir.

        d.        Grading: all members of the choir are graded upon participation and growth of choral skills. All members of the choir and chorale will receive a grade of no lower than B if they participated in all regular and additional rehearsals and concerts. Additional effort and leadership work will guarantee an "A" Grade. Excuses will not be allowed for any reasons other than emergencies and sickness which are to be supported by doctor's or personal testaments two days prior or after to the actual absence. Concerts are mandatory; no excuses will be given. Excessive absences in regular rehearsals and absence in dress rehearsals and concerts will seriously jeopardize final grade. Instructor has no responsibility to drop students for them. An "F" grade will be automatically given to students who have been absent for a period more than two weeks without an acceptable excuse.

        e.        Preparation: Students are responsible to learn their own parts alone or with other members after the initial three times reading through. Tapes may be prepared and given to those who need help. But in each of the rehearsals, members are expected to be able to sing their parts with 80% confidence. The beginning 10 minutes (11:05 to 11:15) will be devoted to warm-up exercises. The next 25 minutes (11:15 to 11:40) of each rehearsal will be devoted to note rehearsals. The remaining 45minutes  (11:40 to 12:25) will be devoted to choral toning, and interpretation. A quality recorder is needed for people who need to record their part rehearsal for home preparation.

        f.      Sheet music and study aides: All music are expected to be returned to the instructor by the end of the semester or at announced times. Failure to do so will result in a monetary fine (for replacement and a "D" or below grade. Students are expected to  take their music home for further study. Optional training tapes can be made and distributed to students at $2:00 each. Students may not return these tapes for refunds.

        g.        Rehearsals:

        1.        During the note rehearsal period, (11:15 to 11:40) every member is expected to help each other to learn his/her parts under the direction of the instructor.

        2.        During rehearsal, when the instructor stops the music, it is for a reason. Please refrain from talking or attempting to work on your own part. These distractions reduce rehearsal productivity and cause you and your neighbors to miss instructions.

        3.        Students may not use any kind of writing instruments except the easy erase type pencils to mark on the music.

        h.        Performances: Performances will be scheduled during the mid-term and final periods. Additional performances will be scheduled as requested or planned. Students are required to participate in all these performances.

Coming Soon