I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 1/27/11)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms X IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program School of Music
Course #
MUSI 112A
Course Title
Prerequisite
Choir
Consent of Instructor
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
1
Date
Instructor
Dr. David Cody
Phone / Email X4691david.cody@umontana.edu
Program Chair Dr. Maxine Ramey, Director
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew X
Change
Remove
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Description of change
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
The University Choir is the university's large mixed voice choral group. This ensemble is open
to the general University of Montana student population with experience singing in a high
school choir or community vocal ensemble. Placement auditions are held during the first few
days of classes in the autumn semester. Rehearsals stress the preparation of high quality choral
music from various periods of music history and in various musical styles. Musical skills such
as reading musical notation, ensemble blend, tone quality, and proper interpretation are
emphasized at rehearsals. Rehearsal and performing ensemble experience in a broad range of
choral repertoire. 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 by music major: Bachelor
of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Arts
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Fundamental issues dealing with basic
techniques as related to the vocal/choral
medium and interpretation are studied and
explored from a perspective of aural, visual
and kinesthetic involvement. The student is
asked to engage in the creative process by
way of choral performance during the course
and within the context of discussions with
the instructor and class. In addition, they are
asked to engage in critical assessment of
their own work during rehearsals and after
performances. This course provides
opportunities for students to develop their
musical potential and aesthetic
understanding through singing in a choral
ensemble. Study includes the care and
cultivation of a beautiful tone, aesthetic
awareness, the ability to read music, the
building of technical skills, team spirit, and
responsible rehearsal habits. Students will
have opportunities to experience the
spontaneity of improvisation and the creative
process of composition. Students will
strengthen listening skills and their ability to
analyze and evaluate music and music
performances. Attention will also be given to
relating their music experiences to personal
development.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Goals: Students are asked to express
themselves at each practice
sessions/rehearsal; to perform 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. In
addition, students are asked to apply a
fundamental knowledge of music theory and
history to their performances, the structures
and forms of the artistic language to convey
meaning. Students present the product of
their work at several concerts throughout the
academic year. Critiques and reviews are
done after each performance.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
1-2 credit hour courses in music conform to commonly accepted practices in higher education in
Schools of Music for applied learning and include skills courses , laboratory ensembles and studio work.
This mode includes activities where students receive hands-on learning experience continually
supervised by the instructor. Work is normally completed in the learning environment, but may include
out-of-class assignments. The contact hours are be devoted primarily to practice, mastery, clarification,
and application of material, rather than presentation of new or theoretical material.
VIII. 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
School of Music, The University of Montana
CHOIR SYLLABUS – FALL SEMESTER 2011
MUSI 112A
GENERAL INFORMATION
Professor: Dean Peterson and David Cody
Office: Room 209
Phone: 243-2794
E-mail: dean.peterson@umontana.edu
david.cody@umontana.edu
Office Hours:
Monday – 10:00 – 10:45
Wednesday – 10:00 – 10:45
By Appointment
MUSI 112 - Section 01 - 1 Credit
MUSI 312 - Section 01 - 1 Credit
Meetings: MWF, 11:10-1200; Sunday Evenings (TBA)
UNIVERISTY CHOIR COURSE DESCRIPTION: The University Choir is the university's
large mixed voice choral group. This ensemble is open to the general University of Montana
student population with experience singing in a high school choir or community vocal
ensemble. Placement auditions are held during the first few days of classes in the autumn
semester. Rehearsals stress the preparation of high quality choral music from various periods of
music history and in various musical styles. Musical skills such as reading musical notation,
ensemble blend, tone quality, and proper interpretation are emphasized at rehearsals.
CHAMBER CHORALE COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Chamber Chorale is a small mixed ensemble specializing in a cappella works from
a wide variety of styles, periods, and nationalities. It is my main objective to provide each
member of the choir with a challenging, stimulating, and highly rewarding experience making
music, and to perform at a high level worthy of your talents and of the University of Montana
School of Music.
REHEARSALS
We must all relish and respect the rehearsal process! In some ways, this can be more
rewarding than the actual performances. As we develop our ensemble: a unique blend of your
individual voices, personalities and sensibilities, into a harmonious whole, we begin to form
bonds as fellow musicians and friends. Each member’s strong commitment to the ensemble is
essential for our success. You must be in attendance at every rehearsal and in a condition to
contribute to the best of your ability. This means that you must show up on time (before
2:10pm if we are to start on time). This also means that you must take care of your voice and
try your best to be in a frame of mind that allows you to focus on making music and to steadily
improve at each rehearsal.
GRADING
To earn a grade of an A for the semester, demonstrate good use of rehearsal time, prepare music for
upcoming rehearsals outside of class, attend all extra rehearsals, miss no more than two classes over
the course of the semester, be late to class no more than two times and don’t leave class early.
Rehearsal / Concert Participation (80%)
Good use of rehearsal time, expressive singing, proper singing posture, demonstrated out-of-class
preparation, participation in discussions and general positive leadership will be evaluated for this
portion of the grade.
Sectionals / Extra Rehearsals (20%) (Scheduled as needed)
Attendance is mandatory at these rehearsals. Roll will be taken.
Attendance/Punctuality
Once the grade has been determined via the above, it may be affected by attendance. Our learning
together depends greatly upon what happens during our rehearsals. Thus, regular attendance is critical.
1) A student may miss two rehearsals without penalty to the semester grade.
2) Upon the third absence, the semester grade will be lowered by one full grade (i.e. A becomes B)
3) Students missing four times will be required to set up an appointment with Mr. Peterson.
4)
If the dress rehearsal is missed because of something other than a personal emergency, the
earned
semester grade will be dropped by one full grade.
5) If the concert is missed for something other than a personal emergency (i.e., death in the family,
serious illness), a grade of F for the semester will be recorded.
6) Punctuality has a positive effect on our momentum and ensemble morale. The rehearsal begins
with the warm-up at ten minutes after the hour. Please be in your chair prior to the warm-up. If a
choir member is not present during the taking of roll, he/she will be counted absent unless I am
notified of the tardiness following that rehearsal. Persons arriving ten minutes late or leaving class
early (unless I have been notified in advance) will be counted absent for that rehearsal. Two tardies
or two incidents of leaving early will be converted into absences. If you have unusual circumstances
(those beyond your control) that affect your punctuality and/or your attendance, please let me know
of them as soon as possible.
REHEARSAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Bring your music to every rehearsal.
2. Bring a pencil to every rehearsal and use it to write instructions in the music. Do not use a pen.
3. Practice silently, related parts, during the portions of the rehearsal when you are not singing.
4. Be a musical leader.
5. Practice the assigned music outside of class.
6. Hold your music up and watch the conductor.
7. Sit with your back away from the chair when singing in a seated position.
8. Strive for beautiful, resonant and supported vocal tone.
09. Avoid excessive vibrato. (There will be occasions when singing with no vibrato is required.)
10. Listen to others more than you listen to yourself.
11. Strive for good intonation.
12. Speak your consonants clearly and sing with well-informed vowels.
13. Shape musical phrases.
14. Exhibit self-discipline.
CHOIR UNIFORMS
Male singers will wear a black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow-tie, black socks and dress shoes. If men
do not currently own a tux, it may be rented or purchased at one of the following vendors:
Tuxedo Gallery – 742 S. Higgins, 728-4530
Beautiful Weddings – 101 W. Railroad – 549-9060
Female singers will be required to purchase a black concert dress. Order information is as follows:
Company: Stage Accents
Dress: Monarch #8751
Cost: $59 +$12 S & H
Company Address: 234 Industrial Parkway, Northvale, NJ 07647
Phone: 1-800-631-1611
FAX: 1-201-750-2601
E-mail: customerservice@stageaccents.com
(The prices above may change but are based on ordered quantities of six or more. It would be of cost
advantage for someone in the choir to organize the orders for the dresses and coordinate with
members of other choral ensembles that are purchasing the same dress. There is an addition cost of
$6 per dress if ordered individually.)
PERFORMANCES
MESSIAH – Sunday, November 27 – University Theater 7:30 PM (Final Rehearsal will be the afternoon of
November 27. Make travel plans accordingly to return early from Thanksgiving Break)
DECEMBER CONCERT – December 8 – University Theater 7:30 PM – University Choir and Chamber Choir
will perform.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.