Choral Arranging
Date
February 10-May 2, 2025
Online
Course Code
7395A
Credits
3
Tuition
$1146
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.
* Course Number:
MMEd: 525
MECA: 7395A
* This course is offered at two course levels. Students enrolled in the MMEd program at VanderCook are eligible to enroll for the 500 course number. Students not enrolled in the MMEd program who wish to earn graduate credit as a MECA Continuing Education student should register for the four digit course number. The difference in credits earned and tuition cost is attributed to the difference in tuition rates for the MMEd and MECA Continuing Education programs. If you are unsure which section is best for you, please contact us directly at [email protected].
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.