Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Music School
Introductory choral conducting skills including baton technique, music leadership skills, rehearsal methods, score reading and preparation. Please note that this course offering may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students enrol.
This course develops conducting skills, music leadership skills, rehearsal methods, score reading and score preparation as they relate to choral direction, choral music teaching and rehearsal contexts.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Prospective students will have completed a level of musicianship equivalent to the second year of the BMus(Hons) program.
Experience in choral singing is required and this is both pre-requisite and concurrent requirement with this course. This experience can be as a singer, accompanist or as a conductor.ﾠ This could be UQ Chamber Singers or a community choir of your choice. If you sing in choir that is not conducted by the course lecturer you will need to complete a weekly rehearsal evaluation (see details under Assessment). By the beginning of week two you will need to provide details of the choir you have joined for the semester.
For UQ Chamber Singers participation come to the first rehearsal in the Nickson Room on Tuesday in week one from 4-6pm.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
MUSC2060
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MU356
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled if fewer than 10 students enrol
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Students will demonstrate the presentation of basic choral conducting techniques including beat patterns, cueing, fermatas and release gestures; basic gestures of interpretation including dynamics and gradations, and articulation. Students will develop a knowledge of choral repertoire and musical style as an aid to understanding choral music as an Artform. Please note that this course extendsﾠbeyond issues relating to gesture, and enables students to establish a broad knowledge of choir music as a historically-based music discipline with its own traditions and contexts.
This course provides a basis for future engagement in choirs in community, church and education. Students intending to enter the Music Education field will be able to use this as a basis to further develop these understandings in educationally specific courses later in their programme of study.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate an understanding of a philosophical and ethical foundation for choral leadership
LO2.
demonstrate an understanding of basic choral conducting techniques including beat patterns, cueing, fermatas and release gestures; basic gestures of interpretation including dynamics and gradations, and articulation.
LO3.
demonstrate an understanding of effective rehearsal technique devoting particular attention to vocal health and development
LO4.
demonstrate an understanding of effective leadership skills while conducting the ensemble, communicating the music both verbally and gesturally
LO5.
self-assess personal conducting style and technique through use of video
LO6.
demonstrate a thorough knowledge of selected repertoire
LO7.
demonstrate an understanding of the criteria for choosing good and approprate choral music
LO8.
demonstrate score reading and playing
LO9.
demonstrate an understanding of historical style as appropriate to choral music
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project | Repertoire Folio and Program | 20% The weekly submissions are required to be completed in order to pass this assessment. |
16/08/2024 - 11/10/2024
All Assessment items due Friday 17:00 of nominated week. |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection | Reflection and Report | 20% |
18/10/2024 5:00 pm |
| Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection |
Conducting Task peer assessed
|
40% 20% is weighted to the first 4 peer assessed tasks and 20% for the final task. |
9/08/2024 - 25/10/2024
Week 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 are video submission of conducting task. Weeks 4, 6, 8, 10 and 13 are submission of evaluation and peer assessment. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection | Performance Review | 20% |
11/10/2024 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
Repertoire Folio and Program
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20% The weekly submissions are required to be completed in order to pass this assessment.
- Due date
16/08/2024 - 11/10/2024
All Assessment items due Friday 17:00 of nominated week.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L06, L07, L09
Task description
This Repertoire Folio is submitted in two sections and these are to be uploaded to Blackboard.
Part one consists of seven (7) weekly submission to the Database on Blackboard Discussion of a work for choirs in a particular genre or style as listed below. You may vary the voicings from week to week (SATB, SSA etc) or may chose one voicing consistently through the seven submissions.
Part two is a selection of ten (10) works from the database (your selections and/or those of your peers) that collectively make up a repertoire folio for a choir of your choice. (see further details below)
PART ONE
You are to choose a recording of a work that is appropriate for each section on the following list. Your choice must be unique to the database on Blackboard discussion. Therefore if you select a work to upload to Blackboard Database and discover that another student has already added that selection to the database, you must choose a different work. You must choose a recording available for all to view and upload the link to the database, and if a score is available (eg from www.cpdl.org) include the score to the data base.
Week 4 - One simple piece that demonstrates the quality of legato singing in any style for unison, SATB or SSA
Week 5 - One typical piece of Renaissance secular music suitable for a school choir (eg Primary, unison, SATB, SSA)
Week 5 - One typical piece of Renaissance sacred music suitable for your choir (eg Primary, unison, SATB, SSA)
Week 6 - An accompanied choral work (or cycle of pieces eg 10-20mins in total) able to be used in full or select sections suitable for SSA or SATB
Week 7 - A traditional folk song from any country arranged for choir (2 or more parts) suitable as a concert opener
Week 8 - A piece of Australian choral music that is NOT a folk song or an example of CCM or musical theatre
Week 9 - A piece of contemporary choral music NOT musical theatre, pop music or pop arrangement or song suitable as a concert closer
PART TWO
Week 11 - Program
As a choir conductor it is your job to choose the repertoire for the semester for your choir. Nominate the choir you are programming for, eg Primary, High School, SSA, SATB and their background.
You must now use the Database created by all students in the course from weeks 4 - 9, available on Blackboard discussion, and choose ten (10) pieces in the voicings suitable for your choir.
Your ten choices must make a suitable concert program and show the diversity of styles that your choir can sing.
- One of the pieces MUST be a submission from week 5 database (i.e. a longer work or section from a longer work).
- You must choose from a minimum of four (4) different sections of the data base
- You may use all seven (7) if appropriate for your choir and
- Put pieces in an appropriate order that creates a cohesive program and flow for a concert.
Once you have chosen your repertoire, you must complete a conductor's preparation of each work, including
- relevant background,
- rehearsal techniques and
- conductor’s notes for each piece
and
- A complete program for audience members including program notes for each piece, order or works and any other information relevant to a program.
While the length of this response will vary depending on the complexity of the piece, or the need to explain its context, approx 100 words is envisaged for each response, and a total of 1000 words is therefore considered appropriate. Note any difficulties a work may present, any new or different techniques that may need to be learnt, and language translations if needed.
Submission guidelines
Weekly folio items are to be uploaded to Blackboard Discussion Boards for each category. Final Program and Conductors notes submitted via Blackboard Assessment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Application for extension must be made via the appropriate School of Music form before the due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Reflection and Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
18/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Weekly Reflection and Report
Due Week 12
The 20% allocated in this consists of 5% reflecting your engagement during tutorials. This includes having your music prepared to sing and/or conduct appropriately; demonstrating focus during tutorial; responding to questions; contributing to discussions etc
The additional 15% is allocated to the weekly reflections and analysis of the weekly rehearsals and final report in the 3160 choir.
Weekly reflections should be between 150 - 200 words based on the rehearsal techniques and strategies you observe each week. This should be kept as an ongoing dated log of rehearsals and demonstrate your growth in knowledge, perception and understanding.
A summary report of reflections and analysis of the full semester rehearsal should be included at the end of the weekly logbook. This summary report is a culmination of all the analysis and learnings from the weekly reflections demonstrating your understanding and perceptions of the conductors role within a series of rehearsals. Word length for the final report is 500-600 words.
Criteria will include the level of perceptive reflections and analysis arising out of rehearsals, discussions, and extensions which expand the range of learnings provided within the course. Such extensions may come from other choral experiences, youtube videos, secondary sources and the like showing your level of preparation to direct your own choir.
Submission guidelines
Submit via Blackboard Assessment
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Application for extension must be submitted via appropriate School of Music form before due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Conducting Task peer assessed
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration, Reflection
- Weight
- 40% 20% is weighted to the first 4 peer assessed tasks and 20% for the final task.
- Due date
9/08/2024 - 25/10/2024
Week 3, 5, 7, 9 and 12 are video submission of conducting task.
Weeks 4, 6, 8, 10 and 13 are submission of evaluation and peer assessment.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessed.
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L08
Task description
Peer Assessed Conducting Task
There are 5 separate tasks to complete this assessment.
Part 1 of each submission is to submit the video of you conducting the listed work.
Part 2 of each submission is to evaluate five (5) students in a peer review. These are assigned to each student by Blackboard and may be different each week.
Video Submissions and Peer review
Week 3 - Submission of Rejoice in the Lamb Mov 1 - Britten (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Oxd6z2aDU)
Week 5 - Submission of Jesu, bleibet meine freude – Bach
Week 7 - Submission of Magnificat – Mvt 1 – Durante
Week 9 - Submission of Own Choice
Work must be min 3min in length suitable for choir and min of 2 parts. Work may be accompanied or unaccompanied.
Score of work must be provided for peer assessment.
Week 12 - Final Submission
Students are to video themselves conducting the following two (2) works
(i) Crossing the Bar– Graeme Morton
(ii) Do not stand at my grave – Joe Twist
A verbal or written reflection upon the sequence is also to be submitted. This maybe either a separate word document or in-video commentary, in which the student reflects upon, and evaluates, the evidence provided on the video.
The student is responsible for the integrity of the recording. In assessing this task you will be expected to demonstrate the following:
- Patterns and Gestures
- Cues and Cut-offs
- Musical understanding and response to the music
- Musical responses to sound with influence the choice of rehearsal strategies
It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that the lecturer receives adequate evidence of the mastery of these skills and processes.
Video Submissions and Peer review
Step 1. Submit your video by going to Blackboard assessment task clicking "Question 1"
To submit your conducting video for peer review in the response section click the Insert/Edit embedded media (3rd row of icons, 3rd icon from left) or by clicking browse computer to attach file.
Label your video
Video + Name
eg Conducting 1 Jean Jones
Step 2. For each of your peer reviews complete a review of their conducting. Complete the criteria sheet with mark and comments.
Criteria & Marking:
The areas you will be looking at for each conductor:
1. Knowledge of piece especially the entrances and cut offs for choir
2. Familiarity of Text (including the German for week 5)
3. Hand position
4. Clarity of Ictus and sense of flow
5. Appropriateness of the beat pattern and/or gesture throughout
6.Suitability of piece for choir (for week 9)
Write a comment and mark for each applicable criteria.
Submission guidelines
Submission are via Blackboard. Instructions list as part of task.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension for submission 5 ONLY may be applied for via the appropriate School of Music form before the due date. No extensions for submissions 1 - 4 are possible due to peer assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Late submissions will not allow for evaluations and will lose 10% per late submission.
Performance Review
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
11/10/2024 5:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L06, L07, L09
Task description
Students are to attend a minimum of two (2) live choir concerts and write
- preconcert notes on the work/s being performed and
- post performance review of the performance from a conductors perspective.
Length of preconcert notes will depend on the works and number of works being performed. Post performance review should be 600-800 words per concert and include a scanned copy of program.
At least one (1) concert must be attended as an audience member.
Each student is responsible for finding and attending concerts before week 11. Possible concerts will be discussed in lectures and may include Project Week choral concert, UQ Lunchtime choral concert and/or Brisbane Chamber Choir (UQ choir in residence) concerts. All of these concerts are free or discounted for MUSC3160 students. Other choral concerts, such as King Singers at QPAC, are encouraged but are at students individual expense. Concerts attended must be majority choral and not a school multi-ensemble concert.
Submission guidelines
Submission is via blackboard assessment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension must be applied for via the School of Music appropriate form before the due date.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 1 and 24 will result in a grade 1 being awarded. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Deficiencies in understanding the fundamental concepts of the field of study. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 25 and 44 will result in a grade 2 being awarded. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 45 and 49 will result in a grade 3 being awarded. |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Adequate knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 50 and 64 will result in a grade 4 being awarded. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Good knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 65 and 75 will result in a grade 5 being awarded. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Substantial knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 75 and 84 will result in a grade 6 being awarded. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 99 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Mastery of content. See assessment components for specific grading criteria. Weighted percentages are then determined and a grade allocated. A percentage between 85 and 100 will result in a grade 7 being awarded. |
Additional course grading information
Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
All assessment tasks must receive a grade of pass (or higher)ﾠin order to receive an overall pass (or higher) in this course.
This course evaluates student’s abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Resources available on Blackboard will include:
- Peer evaluation criteria marking
- Jesu Bleibet Meine Freude - Bach score
- Crossing the Bar - Morton score
- Weekly Rehearsal Evaluation
- Rehearsal Summary Reflection
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Practical |
Conducting and interaction in class and ensemble Weekly tasks are assigned, involving conducting gesture, and developing experiences of choral repertoire, rehearsal techniques and associated knowledge. Participation in 3160 choral ensemble. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course:
- School of Music site
- Health and Wellbeing for Musicians