I. Instructor’s Information
Justin Binek
(215) 307-5251 (cell)
jbinek@uarts.edu
justinbinek@gmail.com
II. Course Information
Title: Rehearsal Techniques for Contemporary Choral Ensembles
Number: 757
Description: This class will focus on rehearsal techniques for contemporary vocal
groups, particularly pop a cappella and vocal jazz (both a cappella and with rhythm
section). Among the topics covered will be style and technique, belt singing, solo
singing in contemporary styles, improvisation, sound reinforcement, improvisation,
staging, movement, and programming. The proper use of the microphone for
individuals and groups will be explored.
III. Major Learning Objectives
Major learning objectives for this course are detailed in the course description.
IV. Course Outcomes
The purpose of this course is to help teachers broaden their skills and develop new
strategies for working with pop a cappella and vocal jazz ensembles. Students will
be expected to analyze repertoire for stylistic appropriateness and conceptual
development. Students will also work on their own performance skills in both pop
and jazz realms, focusing on style, technique, and improvisation. Students will also
broaden their knowledge in regards to sound reinforcement and microphone
technique for both soloists and ensembles. Finally, students will be asked to
develop a comprehensive programming and rehearsal strategy for a semester’s
worth of rehearsals and performances with a vocal jazz or pop a cappella ensemble.
V. Required Texts
The Complete Guide to Teaching Vocal Jazz (Including Pop and Other Show Styles), by
Dr. Stephen Zegree (Heritage Music Press)
Scores to be provided by Sound Music Publications, JGB Music, Kerry Marsh Music,
and Matt Falker Music
Additional scores and recorded examples will be provided by the instructor.
VI. Assessment
Students will be assessed on a combination of analytical writing, score analysis,
musical performance, and the final project.
VII. Grading
20% Pre-Assignment:
5%
Performance:
5%
Performance:
5%
Performance:
5%
Performance:
20% Class Participation:
40% Final Project:
written analyses of four scores/performances
jazz standard
jazz improvisation
pop standard
vocal percussion
active and engaged participation and performance
semester plan for a pop a cappella or vocal jazz choir
VIII. Contacting the Instructor
If you have any questions, please feel free to call, text, or email the instructor via the
contact information listed in Section I.
IX. Course Outline (specific topics subject to change)
Class 1: Sunday, June 29
12:00-1:00
1:00-2:00
2:00-3:00
LATE AFTERNOON
Class 2: Monday, June 30
MORNING I
MORNING II
AFTERNOON I
AFTERNOON II
Class 3: Tuesday, July 1
MORNING I
MORNING II
AFTERNOON I
AFTERNOON II
Registration
Introductions/Why do jazz and a cappella?
Basic jazz and pop choral pedagogy
Repertoire reading and pedagogical discussion
Discussions on the pre-assignment
Individual goal-setting
Warm-ups
Repertoire reading and rehearsal techniques
A concise history of vocal jazz group singing
Jazz stylistic performance practices
Improvisation I (phrasing and basic scat singing)
Sound reinforcement I
Piano chord comping and rhythm section I
Warm-ups
Repertoire reading and rehearsal techniques
A concise history of pop a cappella group singing
Pop stylistic performance practices
Improvisation II (pop phrasing and mellismas)
Sound reinforcement II
Piano chord comping and rhythm section II
Class 4: Wednesday, July 2
MORNING I
Warm-ups
Repertoire reading and rehearsal techniques
MORNING II
Vocal percussion (NOT beatboxing)
Improvisation (other topics)
AFTERNOON I
Solo performances of jazz standards
Solo performances of scat solos over 12-bar blues
AFTERNOON II
Performance staging and movement
Piano chord comping and rhythm section III
Class 5: Thursday, July 3
MORNING I
MORNING II
AFTERNOON I
AFTERNOON II
Warm-ups
Repertoire reading and rehearsal techniques
Solo performances of pop standards
Solo performances of vocal percussion rudiments
Discussion of final project
Wrap-up session
Sharing session with the other classes
X. Pre-Class Assignment
Class participants will use the attached Listening Evaluation Form to evaluate four
vocal jazz and pop a cappella scores and performances:
Tight – vocal jazz with rhythm section
I’ll Remember April – vocal jazz with rhythm section
Until/Dienda – pop with rhythm section
I Wish – pop a cappella
It is recommended that if the reviewer is not in the habit of listening to jazz and pop
music on a regular basis, that they begin doing so to get their minds in more of a
listening mode. The four evaluation forms will be due at the beginning of the first
class on June 29. Assessment will be based on depth of critiques.
XI. Final Project
All class participants will be asked to do a final project in which they create a
semester plan for a vocal jazz or pop a cappella ensemble under their direction.
This plan should include the following:
1) Makeup of ensemble (SATB, SSAA, SAB, with or without rhythm section);
2) Ensemble audition requirements;
3) Ensemble schedule, including how many times the ensemble meets per week and
when (including sectionals), plus performances;
4) Proposed repertoire list for the semester, along with justification for choosing
the repertoire (groove concepts, orchestration, etc.);
5) Analysis of repertoire, noting potential pitfalls to be worked in rehearsals and/or
sectionals;
6) General plan for the semester, proposing how far the ensemble should strive to
be on the selected repertoire on a week-by-week basis;
7) Plan for sound reinforcement, ranging from a few condenser mics to individual
hand-held mics and everything in between;
8) Plan for working with soloists on individual style and technique;
9) Additional assignments for students in the ensemble, including required
listening and critical writing; and
10) Any additional considerations to be taken into account for the director’s
particular ensemble.
The final project will be due (via email) to the instructor by 11:59 PM EST on
Sunday, July 13. Final grades for the course will be submitted on or before
Thursday, July 17.