Courses and Descriptions
CR 001R Student Recital 0 Credits
25 Minute Student Recital.
CR 002R Student Recital 0 Credits
CR 109 Chapel Choir 1 Credits
Comprised of undergraduate students in their first year of study, Chapel Choir focuses on music for men’s, women’s, and mixed chorus. The ensemble provides the fundamentals of artistic choral ensemble singing and a foundation for all Westminster choral ensembles. Placement hearing required.
CR 209 Schola Cantorum 1 Credits
Comprised of undergraduate students in their second year of study, Schola Cantorum focuses on music for mixed chorus and continues to build and refine the skills developed in Chapel Choir. This ensemble presents campus, community, and regional performances. Placement hearing required.
CR 215 Fundamentals of Conducting 3 Credits
This course provides the foundation of conducting technique and philosophy as it relates to choral ensemble. Primarily, it deals with the development of basic pedagogical proficiencies, specifically alignment, Laban gestural vocabulary, breathing, beat patterns, consistent tempo, and the development of expressive gesture for relaying various styles of music, i.e., legato, staccato and marcato. Basic philosophical understandings concerning the human aspects of the music making process and the role the conductor plays in that process also are emphasized. Specific techniques for dealing with technical elements, e.g., fermata, dynamics, changes of tempo, contrasts in style, also are covered. The overall focus of the course is to establish the important relationship between ear, body, and the choral sound.
Prerequisite(s): TH 141.
CR 315 Techniques of Conducting 3 Credits
Continued development of conducting technique with emphasis on more complex styles and patterns, and on communication through appropriate gestures. Further improvement in conducting various dynamics and articulations, as well as more effective use of the left hand. Rehearsal procedures, repertoire programming, score preparation, and baton techniques are incorporated into the course.
Prerequisite(s): CR 215.
CR 490 Independent Study and Research 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 1-4 credit hours. Students may count up to a maximum of 18 independent study hours toward graduation. 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): junior or senior standing.
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.