MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE
MUS 252 – Worship Ensembles
Dr. Lewis Oswalt (Aven 322; ext. 3446; Oswalt@mc.edu)
Description
This course introduces the church music student to working with musical groups other than
choirs in the local church setting. This includes handbell groups, vocal and
vocal/instrumental ensembles, and church orchestras.
It meets two hours per week and
carries two hours credit.
Prerequisite: sophomore standing; declared church music major or instructor’s consent.
Rationale
The work of the church music director involves leadership of groups other than traditional
choirs. This leadership requires knowledge of literature, instrumentation, and
rehearsal/performance techniques for these ensembles.
Objectives
The student will:
1. Learn to lead volunteer musicians in a variety of groups and settings
within the local church.
2. Develop skills in planning and leading effective rehearsals for each group.
3. Consider creative ways to employ a variety of musicians and musical groups
in corporate worship.
4. Examine contemporary music methods and materials which apply to
corporate worship in the 21st century.
Methodology
Class sessions will consist of lecture, discussion, and practical applications, including
simulated rehearsals and corporate worship events.
Students will be videotaped and critiqued as they provide leadership in rehearsals and
services.
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Academic Honesty
Students are encouraged to work and study together, but all exams and work turned in
must be entirely the student's own. A grade of zero (0) will be given for work which does
not meet this requirement. For further information, refer to the current Mississippi College
Undergraduate Catalog.
Class Attendance
Class attendance is vital and the student should plan to attend every class meeting.
A
student may have 3 unexcused absences without penalty. Beyond that, the student will lose 3
points each for the 4th, 5th, and 6th unexcused absences and 5 points for each unexcused
absence beyond the sixth.
Points will be deducted from the total number of points
accumulated throughout the semester.
Texts/Resources
The Art of Worship: A Musician’s Guide to Contemporary Worship, Greg Scheer
The Message in the Music, ed. Woods and Walrath
Requirements
Assignments and projects will include handbell skill development; rehearsal plans for
various church ensembles; preparation of needed musical scores, notated
modulations/transitions; and appropriate flow charts for worship service musicians.
Evaluation/Grading
The student will accumulate points for each assignment, quiz, and exam, as well as for
preparation and attendance. These points will be totaled at the end of the semester. Grades
will be assigned according to the student's percentage of the total number of points available,
according to the following scale:
92% and above
=
A
2
84-91%
=
B
76-83%
=
C
66-75%
=
D
below 66%
=
F
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