The Catholic University of America
Benjamin T. Rome School of Music
MUS 507B ▪ TOWN & GOWN COMMUNITY CHORUS
SPRING 2009 SYLLABUS
TUESDAY 6:45-9:15 PM
JOHN PAUL II REHEARSAL HALL
Jennifer L. Seighman, conductor
Home: (202) 347-0370
Leo Nestor, D.M.A., Professor of Music
seighman@yahoo.com
06seighman@cua.edu
nestor@cua.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
MUS 507B: CUA Town & Gown Community Chorus
1 Credit
This evening chorus is open to students in all disciplines, faculty, staff, and the Washington
metropolitan community. This course may be repeated for credit. All CUA students must be
enrolled in the course for credit.
GOALS OF THE COURSE
This course will create new opportunities for students to develop individual and ensemble skills in
the areas of musicianship, vocal production, stylistic awareness, and knowledge of choral music.
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Scores will be provided and/or made available for purchasing at the beginning of each semester.
Scores are to be kept in an unadorned, black, 3-ring binder. A pencil is required for all rehearsals for
score markings.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Tuesday, January 13
*Tuesday, January 20 - NO REHEARSAL
Tuesday, January 27
Tuesday, February 3
Tuesday, February 10
Tuesday, February 17
Tuesday, February 24
*Tuesday, March 3 - NO REHEARSAL due to
University Spring Break
Tuesday, March 10
Tuesday, March 17
Tuesday, March 24
Tuesday, March 31
Tuesday, April 7
Tuesday, April 14
*Tuesday, April 21 – rehearsal in St. Vincent’s (7-9:30 p.m.)
Tuesday, April 28
DRESS REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES
Friday, April 24 – dress rehearsal 7-9:30 p.m. in St. Vincent’s Chapel
Sunday, April 26 – 4:00 p.m. (2:30 call) Spring concert in St. Vincent’s Chapel, CUA campus
Wednesday, April 29 – dress rehearsal 7-10 p.m. in Crypt Church
Saturday, May 2 – Combined CUA Choirs Concert 7:30 p.m. (5:45 call in School of Music/6:30 Crypt)
Crypt Church of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception
CONCERT ATTIRE
Women: Long-sleeve black blouse, long black skirt or dress pants, black dress shoes, and
black hose. Please do not wear hairspray, perfume, or jewelry.
Men: Long-sleeve black dress shirt, black dress slacks, black dress shoes and socks. Please
do not wear hairspray, cologne, or jewelry.
GRADING
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
In accordance with the ensemble policies of the School of Music, students are expected to attend all
scheduled rehearsals and performances and exhibit punctuality throughout the semester. If these
expectations for attendance and punctuality are not met, a student’s average will be lowered by one
letter grade for each unexcused absence (or two unexcused tardies) – i.e. A to B.
In order to request that an absence or tardy be excused, the student must:
 email the professor as far in advance as possible to explain the absence/ tardy
 follow-up by submitting a completed “Excused Absence Form” to the professor within
one week after the absence
PREPARATION AND PARTICIPATION (leadership during rehearsals, score
markings, and hearings)
It is expected that students exhibit professional leadership and music-making of a university caliber
(worthy of the academic degree they seek) at all times. Outside of rehearsal, preparation time is
expected on all sections of the music which the student is unable to successfully master during
rehearsal. Students show respect for the director and fellow singers in the ensemble by exhibiting a
positive and hard-working attitude. Chewing gum and eating/drinking anything but water are
prohibited in rehearsals (excluding group snack breaks). All electronic devices must be kept off
during rehearsals and performances. Restroom and drink breaks should occur prior to the start of
rehearsal or during the official group break time – students should not be getting up in the middle of
rehearsal except for an absolute emergency.
Each student will schedule a hearing time with the professor the fourth week of March, during which
time they will sing through the semester’s repertoire and present their marked scores for evaluation.
Accuracy of pitch, rhythm, diction, and other musical/vocal elements will be assessed during this
hearing. A student’s score should contain a word-for-word translation of all non-English texts,
appropriate diction indications (IPA, vowels and consonants specification), as well as all other
important markings provided throughout the semester’s rehearsals. If the student does not pass
the hearing, the student may be asked not to participate in the concert and to withdraw from
the course.
** Visit our Town & Gown website for important resources such as semester logistics
and excused absence forms.**
http://music.cua.edu/townandgown
THE CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA
BENJAMIN T. ROME SCHOOL OF MUSIC
REQUEST FOR EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL
NAME:
ENSEMBLE:
SECTION:
DATE OF REQUESTED ABSENCE:
REASON FOR REQUEST:
After-the- fact requests absences must be filed within one week of the date of absence.
Attach any documentation and e-mail which would facilitate processing of this request.
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
_______________________________________________________________________
(
) APPROVED (
) DENIED
(
) REFERRED TO DEAN
INITIAL: ______