Choral Arranging
Date
February 12-May 3, 2024
Course Code
7394a
Credits
3 Graduate Credits*
Tuition
$1,125 is due in full with registration. A $15 Early Bird Discount will be applied until January 14.
Course Description
This course explores the essential concepts and techniques for arranging choral music at the elementary and secondary school levels, including voice types and ranges; notation; harmonic principles; the importance of text in regards to mood and melodic shape; keyboard accompaniment; homophonic and contrapuntal textures; two-, three- and four-part densities; and adapting an existing arrangement to a different setting. Lectures, discussion, analysis of musical examples, quizzes and arranging exercises are all components of this course.
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Become acquainted with voice categories, scoring rules and notation
- Know melodic and harmonic principles, especially those for setting a text
- Understand the challenge and purpose of keyboard accompaniments in regard to mood, intro, endings and transitions
- Know the various textures (homophonic and contrapuntal) and planning the arrangement
- Technically be able to arrange a basic 2, 3 and 4 part setting with accompaniment
- Be able to adapt an existing arrangement and score for a different density
*Students enrolled in the MMEd degree program at VanderCook may register for this course at the 500-level through the student portal. Please contact Dean Sinclair at [email protected] if academic advising is needed.
Instructor
Thomas Jesse (MMEd ’13) studied music at Michigan State University, earned his music education certification at Northern Illinois University, and his master’s from VanderCook. In his teaching career, Tom has taught K-8 general music, 6-12 chorus, musical theatre, music technology, guitar, acting, and theatre technology. He studied jazz arranging with Jennifer Barnes and choral arranging with longtime VanderCook professor Mary Ann Krupa. He has written arrangements for professional a cappella groups as well as numerous arrangements for women’s chorus, men’s chorus, and middle school chorus. Tom currently teaches 7-8th grade general music, and directs extracurricular chorus, musical theatre workshop and the Speech team at Liberty Junior High School in New Lenox, IL. He sings professionally with FAMEntertainment.