MUS20360 UCD Choral Scholars 5

Academic Year 2020/2021

*Note that entry to this module is by AUDITION, and will be permitted only if you have been awarded a choral scholarship by University College Dublin.

Students will study performance practice issues of High Baroque choral performance (Oratorio & Cantata) through the study of Act I. of Georg Friederich Händel's (1685-1759) work 'Israel in Egypt', a selection of which will be the focus of this module.

Collaborative ensemble singing of the High Baroque period requires the study of style and an understanding of performance-practice problems. In this module students explore issues of performance through a study of movements from Händel's work 'Israel in Egypt’, mutually engaging with peers (at-distance via video/recording or in group) to express and develop a collective artistry. Score study and selected performance-practice scholarship will form the backbone of discussions about how High-Baroque choral music might be approached in performance or studio. Accepted performance practices are showcased and approached by the entire group and demonstrated either through a work-in-progress performance, video or recording of selected repertory.

Technology will be used to assist the preparations of repertoire within the context of a blended model of learning that involves at-distance and in-person engagement. Students will work either remotely under supervision or in small-group rehearsal in Memorial Hall, Richview, using a combination of conferencing technology (sectionals and tutti ensemble), audio tracks, video recordings, use of conductor-marked scores and a Choral-Trainer digital application. When working together in small group rehearsal (4-6 singers), students will be given constant feedback as music is made, understood and shaped.

Students will have the opportunity to hear directly from a respected Early-Music specialist in seminar about their approach to performance and discuss factors influencing early-music choral performance. A broader survey of works, including movements from works by Antonio Stradella (1643-1682), will enable a comparative understanding of the issue of borrowing/appropriation by Händel from works by other composers.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Participation in this module will enable students to:
Encourage new and innovative approaches to personal musical practice, with the aid of technology;
Approach the development of repertoire within a group over a limited time frame;
Develop musical communication skills;
Consider aspects of group dynamics and collaboration in rehearsal or at-distance;
Explore a specific sample of choral repertoire that is reflective of a specific style and genre (High Baroque);
Perform or record a work-in-progress” concert programme (or recording) of assigned repertory (Handel) during the semester.

Indicative Module Content:

Choral ensemble performance practice issues in Handel, G. F., 'The Ways of Zion do Mourn' from 'Israel in Egypt', as an example of High-Baroque oratorio repertoire and performance.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Autonomous Student Learning

76
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Small-group rehearsal (sections)
Small-group rehearsal (one-voice-per-part)
Self learning that includes the use of technology and recordings
Remote lecture/discussion of performance musicology
Critical analysis of professional recordings 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is an element of the overall experience offered to students in receipt of a choral scholarship at UCD. Beyond the parameters of this module members of Choral Scholars engage in between 7-10 group-rehearsal hours per week (120-140 hours per semester), and as much again in private learning, improving upon a range of music-performance skills already in the possession of the student, and, exploring, recording and performing an extensive range of repertoire.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
MUS20240 - UCD Philharmonic Choir 3, MUS20250 - UCD Philharmonic Choir 4, MUS20320 - Philharmonic Choir Autumn 24, MUS20330 - Philharmonic Choir Spring 25

Additional Information:
*Note that entry to this module is by AUDITION, and will be permitted only if you have been awarded a choral scholarship by University College Dublin.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: A semester-long continuous-assessment component worth 60% will include:
Professionalism
Group Process
Aesthetic Aspects		 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

60
Practical Examination: A collaborative grade will be awarded to the entire ensemble for the standard of the final “work-in-progress” performance, video or recording related to the module. Unspecified n/a Graded No

20
Studio Examination: A small-group examination of a single piece performed (or videoed remotely) one-voice-per-part. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

The nature of collaborative performance rehearsal is such that feedback is consistently given in rehearsal. The Studio Examination piece will be presented once in Week 5 or 6 with no weighting (to enable formative assessment) and again in Week 9, 10 or 11 with a weighting of 20% (to allow for a summative approach).