Beg.West African Drumming Ens.

This course will focus on learning by ear and playing the polyrhythmic traditional music of the peoples of southern Ghana, Togo and Benin, including sections of Adjogbo and Agbekor. All students will learn drum, rattle and bell parts, some songs and some dance steps as well. Non musicians are welcome, but practicing between classes is required. The group will perform in a workshop at the end of the semester.

Chorale

With varied repertoire, an intermediate-level women's choir providing excellent vocal training, occasional solo opportunities, and a structured sight-singing curriculum. Performs on and off campus, sometimes with men's choruses and orchestra. Previous ensemble experience is helpful, though not a prerequisite.

World Music

This course is a survey of selected musical traditions from different parts of the world, including Africa, Indonesia, Indian, the Caribbean, and the United States. The course adopts an ethnomusicological approach that explains music as a cultural phenomenon, and explores the social and aesthetic significance of musical traditions within their respective historical and cultural contexts. It examines how musical traditions change over time, and how such changes reflect and relate to social and political changes within a given society.

Theory I

Studies two part counterpoint, four part harmony (part-writing, inversions, harmonization, figured bass and non-harmonic tones) and composition of simple period forms. Includes analysis, ear training, solfege, use of notation software and keyboard harmony.

Theory III

This course provides a continued study of chromatic theory, including chromatically altered chords and modulations and an introduction to form. Includes part writing, analysis, ear training, and keyboard harmony.

Conducting I

Fundamentals of conducting: gestures, rehearsal techniques, study of representative short scores, and practice leading primarily choral ensembles. Videotaping, class recital.
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