Courses and Descriptions
CR 501 University Chorale 1 Credits
The University Chorale provides the fundamentals of artistic choral singing. Open to all students by audition, this ensemble maintains a high level of performance and pedagogy. May be repeated for credit.
CR 505 Advanced Conducting 3 Credits
A continuation of the conducting studies begun in CR 215 and CR 315, this course aims to be more student-centered, following the process from repertoire planning to the final performance. Intensive score preparation, advanced rehearsal techniques, performance practice and baton technique.
Prerequisite(s): CR 315.
CR 509 Symphonic Choir 1 Credits
A large mixed chorus comprised of students above the lower division, including graduate students from all disciplines. The ensemble regularly performs in the region and focuses on the major choral/orchestral repertoire along with a wide variety of repertoire for large mixed chorus. Placement hearing required.
CR 511 Westminster Choir 1 Credits
A highly select ensemble that performs and records a wide variety of choral repertoire, the Westminster Choir regularly tours nationally and internationally, and aspires to the highest professional standards. Members are selected by audition from all Westminster students above the freshman level. The requirements for selection include good academic standing, strong musicianship, and superior vocal talent. Auditions are held in the fall semester and students participate for the academic year.
CR 513 Williamson Voices 1 Credits
A chamber choir with a unique mission that combines performance and outreach education. Repertoire is chosen from a broad spectrum of literature, including world music and contemporary choral works. Auditions are held in the fall semester and students participate for the academic year.
CR 515 Westminster Kantorei 1 Credits
An early music vocal chamber ensemble specializing in music before 1750, with occasional forays into more contemporary repertoire. [Although the ensemble will generally consist of around 16 singers, the exact make-up of the ensemble will vary from semester to semester, depending on the works to be studied and performed.] Repertoire will include works for vocal ensemble and works featuring significant solo work. The entire ensemble will rehearse three hours per week. Keyboardists may audition for the ensemble. Auditions are held in the fall semester and students participate for the academic year.
CR 517 Master Singers 1 Credits
A mixed ensemble serving as the choir for Graduate Conducting, Sacred Music and Music Education majors. Repertoire consists of a wide variety of choral works drawn from all style periods, works appropriate for use in churches and in schools at the secondary and post-secondary levels. Four semesters are required for all graduate Choral Conducting majors. Two semesters are required for Sacred Music majors, and those Music Education majors who have selected conducting as their performance field. This ensemble is non-auditioned and open to all students.
CR 524 Vocal Techniques for Choirs 3 Credits
Study of vocal techniques appropriate for use in choral rehearsals and for teaching class voice. Techniques for effecting change in group vocal productions are discussed, including such topics as the identification of group vocal problems and mental and physical preparation of a group for good vocal production. Techniques to be developed include (1) how to communicate information about vocal technique to amateur singers, (2) exercises used to develop choral sound by improving diction, dynamics, legato, staccato, martellato, high and low registers, resonance, vowel modification, etc., (3) how to train singers to use a vocal production specifically appropriate to the repertoire of various style periods and the demands of individual composers, and (4) conducting methods for good choral and vocal training. Recommended both for conducting majors and for students in other major programs, including those for whom the voice is not the primary performance medium.
CR 607 Conducting Performance 1 Credits
Graduate Conducting, Sacred Music and Music Education students (with a conducting concentration) enroll for Conducting Performance in the semester of their recital or major conducting project.
CR 621 Choral Conducting I 3 Credits
A study of conducting to develop technique through facial expression, breathing, alignment and gesture. Emphasis is placed on developing and refining a process of score study. This course will assist conductors in evaluating their conducting and preparing them to make conducting decisions based upon score study.
CR 622 Choral Conducting II 3 Credits
In addition to building on the conducting skills taught in Conducting I, this course will focus upon acquisition of a broad range of rehearsal methods and techniques and gaining a comprehensive knowledge of choral ensemble warm-up philosophies, methods and techniques. Conductors will continue to study various approaches to score analysis that aid in preparation for rehearsal. Participants in the course will be required to submit a comprehensive case study which focuses on rehearsal technique and rehearsal procedures.
Prerequisite(s): CR 621.
CR 624 Conducting Skills 3 Credits
CR 625 Choral Pedagogy 3 Credits
This online course reorganizes the components of choral rehearsal technique to reflect a harmonic approach to rehearsing, teaching, and learning. It is designed to emphasize the importance of teaching audiation and rehearsing choirs within a harmonic context.
CR 627 Choral Literature I 3 Credits
A broad survey of choral repertoire from Gregorian chant to present-day compositions. Emphasis is placed upon knowing the availability and sources of music of major composers and of music appropriate for performance in today’s churches and schools.
CR 628 Choral Literature II 3 Credits
A study of selected major choral works, involving analytical and stylistic study. Oral reports by class members on assigned topics.
CR 641B Conducting Primary 1 Credits
CR 641D Conducting Primary (Elective) 1 Credits
CR 641F Conducting Primary 1 Credits
CR 681 Baroque Performance Practice 3 Credits
A practical and theoretical study of issues of Baroque performance practice, including tempo, phrasing and articulation, ornamentation, rhythmic alternation, qualities of sound, continuo practice, influence of dance, affect and national idioms. Primary source materials will serve as the basic core of readings for the course, supplemented and supported by recordings and contemporary resources. In the later half of the semester, students will perform in a series of master classes.
CR 690 Independent Research and Study 1-4 Credits
Students may pursue a special topic for which they have prepared through prior course work. Only one project may be scheduled in a semester. The project may involve 1-3 credit hours. Approval of the faculty sponsor, department chair, and dean required prior to the first day of the semester in which the project is to be completed. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 required.
Prerequisite(s): graduate standing.
CR 703 Special Topics in Choral Pedagogy 3 Credits
Special Topics in Choral Pedagogy explores approaches to pedagogy and vocal technique within the choral setting and how a structured approach to building voices is the foundation for a choral program of excellence. This course will serve as a seminar to explore various topics in Choral Pedagogy.
Through the discussion and examination of different approaches to choral pedagogy, students will explore effective warm-ups, design and implement rehearsal techniques to promote a healthy and honest choral sound. Course work will include readings, viewing and listening assignments, responses to class material, designing efficient choral warm-ups, and two synchronous online meetings.
CR 705 Conducting Intensive 3 Credits
This course presents a sequential and structured method of building conducting technique based upon architectural understandings of the body through Somatics and Bodymapping in combination with comprehensive knowledge of the use of the Laban Efforts as the central component of the development of conducting technique. Participants will acquire auditory and kinesthetic skills to develop responses to harmonic rhythm to inform gestural vocabulary.
CR 710 Seminar in Choral Literature 3 Credits
An intensive study of a specific area of choral history and literature. The content of this course will vary from semester to semester with the special interests and qualifications of the professor teaching it. Emphasis is placed upon in-depth study of the selected repertoire. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite(s): undergraduate must have Permission of Instructor.
CR 720 Graduate Conducting Forum 1 Credits
A conducting seminar that focuses on the synthesis of gesture, score study and pedagogy. Select repertoire and research materials will be conducted, analyzed and discussed. Focus will be given to orals preparation and current choral conducting issues. This course may be repeated for credit.
CR 750 Choral Pedagogy Capstone 3 Credits
Independent research leading to a completed capstone project such as pedagogical publication or presentation, development of an original or unique method of instruction, instructional materials, or case study, or musical performance. The project must be approved by the department.