Peggy Bennett
Joanne Erwin, Director
Jody Kerchner
John Knight
James Heron

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Choral Conducting: APST 262

Dr. Jody L. Kerchner, Instructor
Office Hours: Robertson 115, Check office door for weekly hours or call for an appointment
Office Phone: 775-8267
E-mail: jody.kerchner@oberlin.edu
Class Meeting Times: MWF 10:00-10:50 am (Rm. C21) AND Thursdays, 7-8:30 pm*

*Note :
Thursday evening class meeting times will be confirmed during the first week of class. During this time you will work with the Oberlin Youth Chorale. Evening rehearsal times will be compensated by having some free time during regularly scheduled classes.

Course Description:
This course entails the continued development of conducting technique with emphasis given to choral rehearsal procedures, vocal development, diction, conducting of chant and recitative, and choral performance practices. Prerequisite: APST 260.

Materials:
• Text: Jordan, James. (1996). Evoking sound. GIA Press. (On reserve in the Conservatory Library)
• Articles on reserve in Conservatory Library
• Score: Handel’s Messiah (Dover Edition)
• Packet of music compiled for this course (to be purchased at the Co-op Bookstore, Oberlin)
• Blank Videotape
• Baton

Goals:
The goal of this course is to introduce choral rehearsal techniques that will assist in teaching and conducting of singers. This course will provide students with the opportunity to refine their choral conducting, piano accompanying, rehearsal techniques and planning—all which will be utilized as a choral conductor. By actually working with young singers—the Oberlin Youth Chorale— students will become familiar with rehearsal techniques that will facilitate healthy vocal production and music learning.

Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will:
• demonstrate choral conducting competency
• demonstrate piano score reading competency
• demonstrate your understanding of the voice, rehearsal techniques, and the developmental sequence of rehearsing as reflected in your rehearsal plans and episodes.
• provide a comprehensive score analysis.

Evaluation:

1. Participation (20%)

A. Daily preparation of music, written assignments, and reading assignments and active participation* in class.
B. Demonstration of conducting skill in class.


2. Sectional Rehearsals (20%)

A. Conducting sectional and full-group rehearsals
B. Lesson plans


3. Individual Conferences (30%)
A. Conducting
B. Rehearsal plans/score analysis
C. Performing vocal parts and accompaniment at keyboard
D. Singing any vocal part from choral repertoire


4. Videotape of conducting (20%)

A. Mid-term
B. Final


5. Written work (10%)
A. Quizzes
B. Observation report
C. Reflections

1. All written assignments must be typewritten, double-spaced, and well-written (correct grammar, spelling, syntax).

2. Due dates are fixed. Written assignments are due at the time of the class meeting on the date they are due.

3. Observations of and rehearsals with the Oberlin Youth Chorale are mandatory; no make-up times will be permitted. Your appearance (attire, attitude, behavior) should reflect that of a professional. Not only will your professional appearance and behavior help you to gain respect from the students and professional colleagues, but it will also make you feel confident in your role as the choral conductor/observer. Rehearsal plans are expected to be viewed by the instructor prior to each rehearsal.

*4. Punctual attendance and active participation are required. "Attendance" refers to regular classes, any observations, special rehearsals, and special presentations by Guests. "Participation" means a willingness to answer/ask questions both in and out of class, a demonstration of preparedness in conducting and singing all parts of the vocal score, and an active role in discussion.

Absence does not excuse you from meeting the due date for assignments and presentations. If you are unable to attend class, you are expected to notify the instructor. Three absences will lower your final participation grade by one letter grade. Absences thereafter will continue to lower your final participation grade by one letter grade.