School / Division of Academic Studies

Southwestern Michigan College

School / Division of Academic Studies

Dowagiac Campus

Course Syllabus

Winter Semester, 2011

CourseTitle:Show ChoirMUSI 122 (1546)

Thursdays3:00 to 6:10

Instructor:James L. Jones

Lyons 104D (Choir Room)

574-360-5901 (Cell)

Prerequisite:An audition for the voice faculty is required for participation in the ensemble. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir, MUSI 118 is required.

CourseSMC Show Choir is a highly select choral ensemble that primarily performs pop

Description:and musical theatre styles of music, incorporating singing with movement, microphone techniques, and performance techniques. It is designed for students with an advanced knowledge of vocal technique, musical theatre style dance, and theatre performance styles. This choir is a premier touring and recruiting ensemble.

MethodofRehearsals will prepare the ensemble for musical performances. These

Instruction:rehearsals are designed to improve vocal, dance, and performance technique through daily exercises and a rehearsal of a variety of choral literature. Preparation outside of class may be necessary, and attendance is required.

RequiredSome costuming materials may be required, but this will be minimal. Any lost

Materials:music or wardrobe that was supplied by SMC will result in a replacement fee.

Honesty:Cheating or plagiarizing at Southwestern Michigan College will absolutely not be

Policy:tolerated. Any student found cheating or plagiarizing material in any manner may be assigned a failing semester/session grade for this course. A second such incident while at SMC could result in suspension or expulsion from the institution. A student found in violation of this section of the syllabus will not be allowed to drop this course.

Notice:Information contained in this syllabus was, to the best knowledge of the instructor, considered correct when distributed. The instructor, however, reserves the right, acting within the policies and procedures of SMC, to make changes or corrections in course content and instructional techniques.

AttendanceA missed dress rehearsal lowers final grade by one letter. A missed major

Policy:performance (performances at SMC) results in an automatic failure. A missed minor performance (performances outside of SMC) lowers final grade by one letter. One unexcused absence lowers final grade by one letter. CAR TROUBLE IS NOT AN EXCUSE. WORK IS NOT AN EXCUSE.

GradingThe student’s grade in this class will be based on the following criteria:

Policy:

Attendance: Singer attendance is of the highest importance. The cohesive

structure of the ensemble is compromised when a member is missing. However, it is understood that illness and emergencies do arise. It is the responsibility of the singer to notify the instructor before class is he / she will not be in attendance. The student will be assigned point total out of 5 for each day’s attendance. A loss of 1 point will occur for every 5 minutes the student is late. After 20 minutes, the student is considered absent. Performances will be worth 25 points, and will be graded on an “all or nothing” scale. If you are there, and act accordingly, you get the points.

Singer Preparation and Attitude: In a rehearsal setting it is imperative that a

singer feels comfortable expressing their thoughts about their performance individually or as an ensemble with the respect of their fellow choristers and the conductor. Occasionally a conflict or an issue arises that needs to be addressed. If a singer has an issue with another student, or a decision that the director makes, it is the responsibility of the singer to approach the given matter before or after the rehearsal. Each singer will be awarded a point total out of 5 for each rehearsal based on preparation, participation, and attitude.

Grading:

Attendance:25%

Attitude, Participation, Preparation:25%

Performances:50%

93% to 100%A

90% to 92%A-

87% to 89%B+

83% to 86%B

80% to 82%B-

77% to 79%C+

73% to 76%C

70% to 72 %C-

67% to 69%D+

63% to 66%D

60% to 62%D-

0% to 59%F

ElectronicsAll phones, iPods, BlackBerries, Palm Pilots, pagers, laptops and other

Policy:technological devices including devices capable of taking photographs must be

turned off or placed on vibrate mode and may not be brought out during class. If you are expecting or receiving an urgent call, you are required to leave the classroom before answering. Violation of this policy will result in your removal from the classroom for the class period. Removal from class constitutes an absence for that class period. Multiple violations of this policy will be referred to the appropriate dean for disciplinary action. The instructor has the right to modify this policy to meet the needs of the course.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

WINTER 2011

Thursday, January 133:00 to 3:30“Alice’s Theme” Vocals

3:30 to 4:00“Johnny One Note” Vocals

4:00 to 4:30“Singing in the Rain” Vocals

4:30 to 5:00“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Vocals

5:00 to 5:30“I’m a Believer” Vocals

5:30 to 6:00“Love Songs of Today” Vocals

Thursday, January 203:00 to 4:00“Let it Shine!” Vocals

4:00 to 4:30“Alice’s Theme” Vocals

4:30 to 5:00“Johnny One Note” Vocals

5:00 to 5:30“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Vocals

5:30 to 6:00“Love Songs of Today” Vocals

Thursday, January 273:00 to 5:00“Singing in the Rain” Choreography

5:00 to 6:00“Love Songs of Today” Vocals and Staging

Thursday, February 33:00 to 3:30“Let it Shine!” Vocals

3:30 to 4:00“Alice’s Theme” Vocals

4:00 to 4:30“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Vocals

4:30 to 5:30“Bridge Over Troubled Water” Staging

5:30 to 6:00Run All TTP

Thursday, February 103:00 to 3:30“Alice’s Theme” Vocals

3:30 to 5:30“Let it Shine!” Choreography

5:30 to 6:00Run All TTP

Thursday, February 173:00 to 3:30“Johnny One Note” Choreography

3:30 to 5:30“I’m a Believer” Choreography

5:30 to 6:00Run All TTP

Thursday, February 243:00 to 6:00Work Transitions / Fix Choreography / Review TTP

Plan Microphones

Thursday, March 3 (AUDITORIUM)3:00 to 6:00Work with Sound System / Plan entrances / exits

Thursday, March 17 (AUDITORIUM)3:00 to 6:00Work out kinks / Run with Orchestra / Performance

Wednesday, March 23 (AUDITORIUM)6:00 to 10:00DRESS REHEARSAL (In Auditorium)

Work out lighting / Costumes / Full Run

Thursday, March 24 (AUDITORIUM)3:00 to 6:00DRESS REHEARSAL (In Auditorium)

Work out kinks

Friday, March 256:30 CALLPOPS CONCERT