Pittsburg State University Department of Music
MUSIC 432: Secondary Choral Methods
Fall 2009
Instructor:
Dr. Matthew G. Montague
Office Location:
209 McCray Hall
Office Hours:
As posted
Contact:
Voice: 620-235-4482
E-mail: montague@pittstate.edu
(Text message only: 620-719-9606)
Class Schedule and Location
Monday-Wednesday-Friday
•
10:00 a.m.–10:50 a.m.
•
208 McCray Hall
Description, Prerequisites, and Credits
2009–20011 University Catalog: “Philosophy, objectives, and organization of the [secondary choral music] program with
materials and techniques for implementation. Prerequisite: MUSIC 238 Basic Conducting (3 credits).
This course prepares preservice music educators for the choral classroom at the middle school (grades 6-8) and high school
(grades 9-12) levels. In addition to providing opportunities for the student to observe (and possibly conduct) choral rehearsals in local
public middle schools and high schools, this course will also provide methods and materials for developing a comprehensive choral
music curriculum.
Required Class Materials
Phillips, K. (2004). Directing the choral music program. New York: Oxford University
Press.
• Active ANGEL account
• Blank VHS tape
• Active e-mail account
• Three-ring binder
Objectives
As a result of instruction and meeting course requirements, students are expected to:
1.
isolate, describe, and demonstrate components of effective choral programs, including recruitment and audition strategies,
initial ensemble instruction, and proper rehearsal techniques;
2.
articulate appropriate sequential approaches for teaching vocal production and
achieving a healthy choral tone;
3.
evaluate the instructional qualities of selected choral repertoire;
4.
articulate a philosophy of choral music education that includes an overview of a
well-designed, comprehensive choral music program; and
5.
identify resource materials and strategies to foster the development of high-quality music
programs in schools, districts, and in the community at large.
Projects, Participation, and Plagiarism
Requirements for this course are outlined below. With the exception of rehearsal observations and microteaching assignments
(which cannot be made up), any assignment that misses its designated due date—regardless of tardiness—will have 50% of its point
total deducted, unless cleared ahead of time with the instructor. It is expected that all course work will be original material. Obtaining
input from your peers is encouraged; representing the work of others as your own will result in a failing grade.
The Department of Music and the University place high value upon academic integrity. Persons violating the University’s
academic code of conduct will be subject to any of a number of sanctions. Please read pages 39-40 of the Pittsburg State University
2009–2011 Catalog, “Dishonesty in Academic Work,” for an explanation of the University’s policy on this matter.
Please Note
If you have a documented disability and anticipate needing accommodations in this course, please request that the Director of
Equal Opportunity (ext. 4185) send a letter verifying your disability, then make arrangements to meet with the instructor soon. The
Department of Music will make reasonable accommodations for persons with documented disabilities.
Attendance Matters
Five (5) absences will be allowed. Use them wisely! Each additional absence will result in the lowering of the final grade by 1
letter grade per absence. The only “excused” absence is participation in a University-approved function. Extenuating circumstances,
such as severe illness, will be considered on an individual basis.
From the 2007-2009 catalog: “If, in the judgment of the instructor, a student has been excessively absent from class, the
instructor may drop a student from a class at any time during the semester. If a student is dropped beginning with the 12th week of
class, the student shall receive a grade of “F” (p. 37; emphasis added).
Observations
Each student is expected to observe two (2) rehearsals in local public schools: 1 middle school and 1 high school. The
instructor will provide a list of dates, times, and places from which you may choose, and only those schools may be used.
Microteaching assignments may be with class members or other peers. Observations and microteaching assignments cannot be
made up or turned in late for any credit.
Course Requirements and Grading
Categories of Assignments
personal mission statement
advocacy paper and presentation
repertoire resources
rehearsal plan
concertizing and tour planning
critical reviews of 3 pieces
observations of public school choirs
microteaching #1 (TBA)
microteaching #2 (warm-up)
microteaching #3 (middle school level)
microteaching #4 (high school level)
exams
chapter and lecture quizzes
630-700
560-629
490-559
420-489
0-419
=
=
=
=
=
A
B
C
D
F
Points (# of assignments)
30
(1)
50
(1)
40
(1)
50
(5)
50
(1)
30
(3)
50
(2)
50
(1)
50
(1)
50
(1)
50
(1)
100
(2)
100
(10)
700 pts.
work of distinctly superior quality and quantity
work of good quality and quantity
work demonstrating fulfillment of the essentials
passing work, but below standards of quality
failure
The instructor reserves the right to modify the syllabus and course schedule.
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