Coro A Cappella Improvisation Ensemble

This subject is not offered in 2012.

96 Hours

Basic music skills, especially aural and vocal skills with particular attention to the maintenance of accurate pitch and basic harmonic understanding.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject gives participants the opportunity for an in-depth practical study of contemporary a cappella singing techniques. Classes focus on developing a personal sound and an understanding of the placement of the voice in an ensemble context, as well as the development of improvisation skills and techniques relevant to the repertoire covered. The styles range from jazz, contemporary gospel, folk, soul and rhythm ‘n blues, to free form experimental, afro-american chants, carnatic solkattu and other vocal styles.

On completing this subject students will be able to:

• perform material from a variety of genres in an ensemble setting;
• perform as a soloist and/or leader of an ensemble;
• exhibit an understanding of contemporary choral singing techniques;
• identify and perform selected songs from a wide range of sources;
• take part in ensemble settings which incorporate up to four part harmony arrangements;
• incorporate improvisation techniques leading to real time composition.

Continuous: Preparation, development and commitment, as demonstrated by class performance, with incremental advancement of the material covered in classes (50%).
Formal: 15-minute practical examination consisting of an ensemble recorded performance at the end of the semester (50%).
Late submission
* Unless an extension has been granted, for essays/assignments submitted after the due date, the mark a student is awarded for their work will be reduced by 10% for each day the work is late. Using electronic submission means work may be submitted on any day.
* Unless an extension has been granted, assignments submitted later than 5 working days (or 1 week if due on a weekend) after the due date will not be marked, and will receive no marks.
Hurdle requirements: Students must attend 80% of all scheduled classes and attempt all elements of assessment to be eligible for a pass in this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completing this subject students will:

• exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician;
• demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;
• demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century;
• critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;
• work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments;
• understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.