MUS20370 UCD Choral Scholars 6

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.

Collaborative ensemble singing requires the study of style and an understanding of performance-practice problems. In this module students explore issues of performance through a study of works by three living composers on the texts of James Joyce: Elaine Agnew (IRL), Eriks Esenvalds (CH) and Damien Geter (USA). In exploring this repertoire students will mutually engage with peers (at-distance via video/recording or in group) to express and develop skills and a collective artistry. Score study and selected performance-practice scholarship will form the backbone of discussions about how contemporary 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. Individual vocal and répétiteur lessons will form the backbone of technical training.

Students will have the opportunity to hear directly from one of the composers in seminar about their approach to composition and factors influencing their formation as a composer.

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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 small group over a limited time frame;
Develop musical communication skills;
Consider aspects of group dynamics and collaboration in rehearsal or at-distance;
Learn how to record voice lines using Apple's Garageband programme with a Rode NT-USB microphone;
Explore a specific sample of choral repertoire that is reflective of a specific style and genre (contemporary choral repertoire);
Perform or record a "work-in-progress” concert programme (or recording) of assigned repertory during the semester.

Indicative Module Content:

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

10
Tutorial

10
Practical

10
Autonomous Student Learning

70
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
One-to-one répétiteur sessions
One-to-one vocal coaching
Online tutorials on the topic of recording techniques and skills
Small-group rehearsal (sections)
Small-group rehearsal (one-voice-per-part)
Self learning that includes the use of technology and 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


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: A semester-long continuous-assessment component based on technical online skills relating to self recording projects assigned through Apple's Garageband software using a Rode NT-USB mini mic. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
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
Attendance: Attendance and performance in vocal coaching sessions. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20
Attendance: Attendance and performance in répétiteur sessions Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

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

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
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?

Not yet recorded.