CURRICULUM MAP: 10327.map

Mixed Chorus (SCP) 876
Rehearsal and Performance Technique

TIME FRAME: On Going
GRADE: 9-12
CONTACT:

         MAP LEVEL:

01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.1.0.1 --- 01.2.1.0.2 --- 01.2.1.0.3 --- 01.2.1.0.4 --- 01.2.1.0.5 --- 01.2.1.5.1
01.2 THE ARTS - MUSIC --- 01.2.1.5.2 --- 01.2.1.5.3 --- 01.2.1.5.4 --- 01.2.1.5.5 --- 01.2.1.9.2 --- 01.2.1.9.3



How is communication established between performer and conductor in both a performance and a rehearsal setting?
How is blend and balance achieved within a rehearsal and/or performance?
How do vowel shapes affect sound production?
What constitues good breath support and breath control?





Rehearsal and performance techniques are first introduced in mixed chorus. The skills presented here will be used through out the year and continually in Glee Club and Chorale. One of the main focuses of this unit is to learn how to follow and communicate with the conductor. Choral blend and balance will also be discussed and emphasized throughout the year.

The students will develop a daily rehearsal routine that will consist of stretching and vocal warm-ups. The warm-ups are designed to help expand the range of the singer as well as help to create a uniform sound through out the ensemble. Equal focus will be placed upon vowel and consonant production.



The student will develop the ability to:
*explain and demonstrate correct posture for singing
*explain and demonstrate proper diaphragmatic breathing
*sing with a round, warm characteristic tone quality
*Appropriately respond to conductor cues: tempo, breathing, cues, cut-offs, phrasing, dynamic changes
*blend their sound and volume with that of their section and the ensemble
*perform with a wide range of dynamic contrasts
*identify musical phrases and appropriate breathing opportunities
*sing music written in three parts with and without accompaniment





On a daily basis, students will work on rehearsal and performance techniques via:
-Vocal warm-ups that help to extend range and breath support/control
-Vocal warm-ups that are sung using all of the vowels. Attention is paid to uniformity in the vowels and how the shapes of vowels affect tone and range. Warm-ups may be geared to specifically target problem areas in the choral literature
-Blending as an ensemble and as a section via uniform vowels
-Self evaluation and class discussion on how to improve the sound/performance
-Self evaluation and class discussion on what is being performed well and how to reproduce said sound
-Incorporation of skills presented during warm-ups into choral literature
*Students will participate in a minimum of 3 concerts a year: Winter, Spring and End of the Year






Students will be assessed via the following:
*Self evaluation and class discussion
*Aural evaluation-tone quality, blend and balance, unison and harmonies, vowel formation
*Visual evaluation-posture, jaw position, vowel shapes, breathing, ability to follow conductor