I. ASCRC General Education Form
Group
IV Expressive Arts
Dept/Program
Music
Course Title
Opera Theatre
Prerequisite
Consent of Instructor
Course #
MUS 113A
Credits
1
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Instructor
Phone / Email
Date
Anne Basinski
243-5192
anne.basinski@umontana.edu
Program Chair
Maxine Ramey, Interim
Chair
Dean
Stephen Kalm, Interim
Dean
III. Description and purpose of the course: General Education courses must be introductory
and foundational. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/gened/GEPreamble_final.htm
Study and performance of the standard opera repertoire. In this course a student will develop and practice skills needed for performing in the lyric theater. Students rehearse and perform assigned scenes from opera, operetta and musicals. Students also assist in assembling and preparing costumes and set, and serve as stage crew or narrators for scenes they are not in. The culmination of the class is the two performances, which serves as the final. Students are required to learn their individual assignments outside of class, so that rehearsal time is
devoted to developing good ensemble with other members of the scene. This foundational course
provides the student the opportunity to acquire introductory skills in a group setting and to engage in the
creative process. This “learning by doing” course offering involves the student by way of interpretive
performance and critical assessment of their own work and assists in the cultivation of an appreciation
of the humanities and history of different global cultures. The thrust of the course is active involvement
of the student in the creation or performance of a work of art. Required in major: Bachelor of Music
in Vocal Performance
IV. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
Fundamental issues dealing with basic
techniques as related to the opera theater
medium and interpretation are studied and
explored from a perspective of aural, visual
and kinesthetic involvement. The student is
asked to engage in the direct creation of a
work of opera theater by way performance,
stage preparation, costuming, and narration.
In addition, they are asked to engage in
critical assessment of their own work during
rehearsals and after performances.
V. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
Students will express themselves at each
practice sessions/rehearsal and perform or
participate in the production of the selection
or technique to be learned or explored.
Material presented for study represents
styles and genres from a global perspective.
Western and non-western composers and
styles are presented as well as music from a
wide varied of historical time periods.
Students are apply a fundamental
knowledge of music theory and history to
their performances and the structures and
forms of the artistic language to convey
meaning. Students present the product of
their work in public performances on
campus and on tours. Critiques and reviews
are done during each rehearsal and after
each performance.
VII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form. ⇓ The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
MUS 113A OPERA THEATER MWF 3:10­5 Instructor: Anne Basinski
Office: Music Rm. 10
243-5192
Course objectives and activities:
In this course a student will develop and practice skills needed for performing in the lyric theater. Students rehearse and perform assigned scenes from opera, operetta and musicals. Students also assist in assembling and preparing costumes and set, and serve as stage crew or narrators for scenes they are not in. The culmination of the class is the two performances, which serves as the final. Students are required to learn their individual assignments outside of class, so that rehearsal time is devoted to developing good ensemble with other members of the scene. Attendance: Any unexcused absence will result in the lowering of the student’s grade. To be excused, you must speak to Professor Basinski before the class/rehearsal in question – she will then decide, based on your reason for missing, whether the absence is excused or not. The reason for such a strict policy is that it is impossible for your colleagues to rehearse with you when you are not there. Performers must of course attend performances. After the final performance, all participants are expected to help strike the set. Anyone who does not do this will fail the class. The rehearsal schedule is posted on the Voice Area Board directly across from the main Music Office. Check
frequently for updates and information about costume fittings, etc…Rehearsals will probably be relocated the first
two weeks in November due to other activities in the building. Check the voice board ahead of time to see where
rehearsal will be.
If you miss a costume fitting without calling the costume shop in advance (243-5271) your grade will drop to a C
(if you have an A otherwise).
Opera Theater will perform on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 11th and 12th.. All students must be available for
the performance, and the following rehearsal times:
Friday October 3rd 3:10 – Sing through of all, memorized
Saturday Nov 8 & 9 – Tech weekend: plan on 9-5 Saturday, 1-6 on Sunday - 4pm Sunday, dress reh
Monday Nov 10 6:45 p.m. call
7:30 dress
Tues Nov 11 – 6:45 call, 7:30 performance
Wed Nov 12 – 6:45 call, 7:30 performance – afterwards, all stay to strike the set
Opera Theater will tour this program January 18-23rd. We will be going to the Flathead area.
Grading:
Preparation for rehearsals: 50%
Memorization by required date: 15%
Performance: 35%.
Unexcused missed rehearsals will result in lowered grade.
Missing performance or strike will result in failing grade
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty by course
instructor and /or a disciplinary sanction by the university.
All students need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/index.cfm/page/1321.
*Please note: As an instructor of a general education course, you will be expected to provide
sample assessment items and corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.