MUS20190 UCD Choral Scholars 1

Academic Year 2021/2022

*Note that entry to this module is by AUDITION, and will be permitted only if you have been awarded a choral scholarship by University College Dublin.

Students will study performance practice issues of High Baroque choral performance (Oratorio & Cantata) through the study of Act II. of Georg Friederich Händel's (1685-1759) work 'Israel in Egypt', a selection of which will be the focus of this module.

Collaborative ensemble singing of the High Baroque period requires the study of style and an understanding of performance-practice problems. In this module students explore issues of performance through a study of movements from Händel's work 'Israel in Egypt’, mutually engaging with peers (at-distance via video/recording or in group) to express and develop a collective artistry. Score study and selected performance-practice scholarship will form the backbone of discussions about how High-Baroque choral music might be approached in performance or studio. Accepted performance practices are showcased and approached by the entire group and demonstrated either through a work-in-progress performance, video or recording of selected repertory.

Technology will be used to assist the preparations of repertoire within the context of a blended model of learning that involves at-distance and in-person engagement. Students will work either remotely under supervision or in small-group rehearsal in Memorial Hall, Richview, using a combination of conferencing technology (sectionals and tutti ensemble), audio tracks, video recordings, use of conductor-marked scores and a Choral-Trainer digital application. When working together in small group rehearsal (4-6 singers), students will be given constant feedback as music is made, understood and shaped.

Students will have the opportunity to hear directly from a respected Early-Music specialist in seminar about their approach to performance and discuss factors influencing early-music choral performance. A broader survey of works, including movements from works by Antonio Stradella (1643-1682), will enable a comparative understanding of the issue of borrowing/appropriation by Händel from works by other composers.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Participation in this module will enable students to:
Encourage new and innovative approaches to personal musical practice, with the aid of technology;
Approach the development of repertoire within a group over a limited time frame;
Develop musical communication skills;
Consider aspects of group dynamics and collaboration in rehearsal or at-distance;
Explore a specific sample of choral repertoire that is reflective of a specific style and genre (High Baroque);
Perform or record a work-in-progress” concert programme (or recording) of assigned repertory (Handel) during the semester

Indicative Module Content:

Choral ensemble performance practice issues in Handel, G. F., Part II of 'Israel in Egypt', as an example of High-Baroque oratorio repertoire and performance.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Small Group

24
Practical

76
Total

100
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Small-group rehearsal (sections)
Small-group rehearsal (one-voice-per-part)
Self learning that includes the use of technology and recordings
Remote lecture/discussion of performance musicology
Critical analysis of professional recordings 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

This module is an element of the overall experience offered to students in receipt of a choral scholarship at UCD. Beyond the parameters of this module members of Choral Scholars engage in between 7-10 group-rehearsal hours per week (120-140 hours per semester), and as much again in private learning, improving upon a range of music-performance skills already in the possession of the student, and, exploring, recording and performing an extensive range of repertoire.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
MUS20090 - UCD Philharmonic Choir 1, MUS20180 - UCD Philharmonic Choir 2

Additional Information:
*Note that entry to this module is by AUDITION, and will be permitted only if you have been awarded a choral scholarship by University College Dublin.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Practical Examination: A collaborative grade will be awarded to the entire ensemble for the standard of the final “work-in-progress” performance, video or recording related to the module. Unspecified n/a Graded No

20
Continuous Assessment: A semester-long continuous-assessment component worth 60% will include:
Professionalism
Group Process
Aesthetic Aspects		 Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

60
Studio Examination: A small-group examination of a single piece performed (or videoed remotely) one-voice-per-part. Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded Yes

20

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.