Homework for next Rehearsal: 10/9/08

Please have the following notes, text and rhythms ready by next rehearsal:

"Hark, I Hear the Harps Eternal" beginning to meas. 32
"Lirum, Lirum" beginning to meas. 37
"Tommorow Shall be My Dancing Day" beginning to meas. 40

Notes and rhyhtms only (no text):
"Riu Riu" beginning to meas. 27

Homework and NEW Time for Founders lunch and other dates

New Times for the Founders Lunch:

Tuesday May 13th-
Call time at Upper Gwinn: 12:10 p.m. (be on time so we can get set on the risers...)
Performance: 12:30-12:40 p.m.
Attire: full concert dress in Tux
We will Sing-
"God of Our Fathers"
"Poor Man Lazrus"
"The Water is Wide"
"We Shall Walk in the Valley of Peace"
"Joy in the Morning" (if needed...)
...and yes, we will still have rehearsal that afternoon at 3:30 p.m. but may end early...

Dates Times and Details for
Sunday May 18th Concert at First Free Church
Call Time- 8:50 a.m. in the sanctuary
Attire- tux please...
We sing at the 9:30 a.m. service (service is done by 10:45 a.m.)
"Joy in the Morning" with First Churchmen (men's choir from FFMC)
and 2 pieces on our own T.B.A.

Homework for 5/1/08 Rehearsal

• All the verses to "Down Among the Dead Men" memorized
• Poor Man Lazrus- memorize vs. 1 & 2
• Review any Monterverdi that makes you nervous...(i.e. you could not sing it alone...it might happen at a rehearsal)
• Friendly reminder: if you are absent from rehearsal, send me an email why...you are always missed when you can't make a rehearsal and your attendance is tied to your final grade in this class. It's a simple choir singers equation: No rehearsal=no singing with group=less time on your part in the ensemble=group sound is diminished. Bottom line- come to rehearsal.
  

Homework post missed

I missed a post for today's rehearsal...most of you should review the material from last session, particularly the memorized verses for "Down Among the Dead Men"-

Reminder- We are singing on May 13th in Upper Gwinn. This has been on the calendar...12:30-1:00 p.m. Make arrangements now with your professors to attend this concert.

Homework for 4/24/08 rehearsal

• Memoirze verses 3 & 4 of "Down Among the Dead Men"
• Be familiar with the text and rhythms of "Poor man Lazrus" don't trip up those words...
• Pronunciation and translation for Monterverdi #3 written and accurate.
• "Kugami" pitches and rhythm at measure 20-23 accurate.
• Bring Ken a double tall latte (optional- a drip coffee will do nicely instead...)
• Solo auditions for "Wade in the Water" measure 33 & 37
  

Another Lamento

This one is for Ben...

Homework due next rehearsal 4/17/08

Please have the following ready by next rehearsal-

• Memorize the first 2 verses of "Down Among the Dead Men"
• Monteverdi #2: be able to sing all notes and rhythms accurately for the entire piece.
• "Kugami"- practice with the mp3 on this blog by stopping the recording just before your entrances to see if you can sing the correct pitches.
  

Homework due next rehearsal 4/15/08

Here is what you need to have ready by next rehearsal 4/15/08:

• Write in all of the Pronunciation and translation for Monteverdi 1,2, and 3. There should be no pronunciation mistakes at this rehearsal...
• "Down Among the Dead Men": be able to sing all notes and rhythms accurately for the entire piece .
• Monteverdi #1: be able to sing all notes and rhythms accurately for the entire piece.
• Monteverdi #2: Pronunciation for the entire song accurate.
• "Kugami": Measures 20- the end, accurate notes and rhythm.
• So I know you've read this blog post, comment below with your initials and part you sing: i.e. "kp tenor". Find the word "comment" below in red; click on it, then follow the instructions for posting a comment.
  

Homework for Thursday 4/10/08 rehearsal

Please have the following ready by next rehearsal 4/10/08-

• New music: "Joy in the Morning" this is the song we will be singing at First Free Methodist church on Sunday May 18th along with the FFMC men's choir. Please have notes in measures 1-34 learned.
  
• "Poor Man Lazrus" Notes learned up to Coda on p. 5
• "Kugami" Notes learned up to measure 16.
  

Homework for 4/8/08 rehearsal

New date for your calendar:
Sunday May 18th- Sing in worship at First Free
When: 8:50 a.m until approx. 10:50
What: "Joy in the Morning" with First Churchmen and other repertoire...

Homework to be completed by 4/8/08 rehearsal:

• Write in the rest of the translation and pronunciation for Monteverdi #1, 2 and #3
  (Can't find your translation page? Here's a link to the page : Monterverdi Translation)
  and check out this video of an early music ensemble performing the first 2 sections (in a higher key and with a "unique" style...)
  
• See if you can sing Monteverdi #1 up to tempo with Italian clarity.
  
• If you haven't already listened to my Kugami mp3, try it out with music this weekend. It may be helpful...
• Enjoy some sunshine!
  

Kugami practice mp3

Note: This is only an aide for practice...the final piece will sound nothing like this less than adequate rendition. Use it as a reference for pitches and context only.

Kugami=Tenor Part Predominant:


Kugami=Bass Part Predominant

Homework for April 3rd rehearsal 040308

Homework for next rehearsal 040308

• Bring a pencil to rehearsal
• Monteverdi #1- start working on ms. 18-end, starting with the text "si calpestando fiori..." and use the Italian slo-mo jukebox to help you.
• Know the words and notes for "Kugami" up to measure 16 at letter A. The composer will be with us on Thursday. Look for a mp3 tonight to help you with this.
  

Italian Slow-mo Jukebox

Homework due next rehearsal 4/1/08

Welcome to Spring Quarter. Here are some links you need:

Men's Choir Syllabus for Spring Quarter 2008

Pronunciation Guide for Lamento della ninfa

Put these dates on your calendar TODAY:

• Tuesday, May 13, on campus, Upper Gwinn for SPU donor luncheon. Concert at 12:40 P.M. Call-time will probably be 12:20 p.m. Done by approx 1:00 p.m.
  
• TBA, Local Church Concert on a Sunday morning early May.
  
• Friday, May 30, at First Free Methodist Church (Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir). Concert at 7:30 P.M. Call-time will probably be 6:30 p.m.

HOMEWORK due at next rehearsal 4/1/08

• Write in translation AND PRONUNCIATION for all 3 parts of "Lamento della ninfa" use the pronunciation guide posted here. Email me at pendek@spu.edu now if you can't access this link.
• Listen to "Non havea Febo ancora (prima parte)" in the SPU men's choir juke box in the side bar at this blog.
• Have notes and pronunciation ready with Monteverdi I (Non havea ancora Febo:hence forth to be known as Monteverdi I) up to measure 17.
  

SPU Men's Choir in Concert

First Day of Men's Choir: Winter Quarter 2008

Welcome to the first day of Men's Choir for Winter Quarter 2008.

See the course syllabus below. You can also access the syllabus via Google Docs here-
or download it as an RTF document here.

I'm looking forward to a new quarter of making music.

MEN'S CHOIR
MUSIC 2312/4312: 2007-2008
(CRN for Winter 2008: 22303/22304)

T, Th 3:30-4:50 p.m.
Demaray Hall, 150
Division of Fine Arts; Music Department

Ken Pendergrass, Director
Office: Crawford Music Building 207
Office Hours by appointment
206-281-2938
pendek at spu
http://spumenschoir.blogspot.com

Course Description
A choral ensemble of men, membership by audition. Men's choir participates in campus choral concerts throughout the year, and in the annual Christmas Concert atBenaroya Hall in downtown Seattle. Occasionally, the Choir will perform at selected churches and organizations in the community as outreach for the University. Repertoire will be drawn from a wide range of historical periods and styles. The course may be repeated for credit.
[NOTE: It is expected that students enroll in Men's Choir for an entire year, as this ensemble is a full-year course in its goals and objectives.]

Course Goals and Objectives

1. To provide students with a high-quality performance ensemble.
2. To perform the best of men's choral literature.
3. To provide an environment for vocal development- individually and collectively.
4. To provide opportunities to learn about music, its development, construction and expression.
5. To create awareness of different styles of music, with emphasis on the various historical and cultural styles within Western traditions. This is a full-year course during which a variety of music will be introduced.
6. To assist members in a greater awareness and expression of their faith through the elements of both text and sonority.
7. To provide a community experience, a sense of unity and an opportunity for fellowship among its members.
8. To provide a means for praising God, utilizing each student's best efforts in creating meaningful expressions of worship.

Text and Supplies
No text is required. Music is supplied to students by the music department. Music issued to students must be returned to receive credit for the class. Replacement costs will be charged for missing scores.

Students are expected to provide two items:

1. A black three-ring binder,
2. Concert apparel consisting of a black tuxedo, white dress shirt, black bow tie and black socks and black shoes. Consult returning Men's Choir members or men from theSPU Concert Choir for advice. Please don not delay in securing your tuxedo.


General Expectations

1. Students in a choral ensemble are required to put forth their best effort at all times. It is expected that students excel in dedication, including:
2. Thorough knowledge of assigned music;
3. Punctual attendance at all rehearsals and performances;
4. 100% participation;
5. Attending sectional rehearsals.
6. Completion of all assignments, exams and job tasks.


Access to Email and Course Blog
Information, announcements, and reminders about this course will be posted via each student's university assigned email. It is expected that students will regularly check their university email and respond, if needed, in a timely fashion. A calendar with rehearsal dates, sectional dates and concert dates will be posted at the SPU Men's Choir Blog: http://spumenschoir.blogspot.com, along with digital content (audio, video, images) that may be pertinent to this course.

Attendance and Grading
Attendance is critical for effective rehearsal. Schedule appointments, projects and homework (including study groups) for other classes, etc. at times other than rehearsal. Most work is accomplished in class, so it is vital that all members attend each and every session. There are fewer than 20 rehearsals each term.

Absence and Tardy Policies

1. Two (2) absences are allowed per quarter- to be cleared in advance with the director. Sectional rehearsals will also be required. Absences from any choir event, rehearsal or performance will affect your grade.
2. Missing a concert or chapel performance will result in a failing grade. Unexcused absences from outreach performances (churches, community organizations) will likewise result in a failing grade. CONSULT THE CALENDAR NOW AND CLEAR YOUR SCHEDULE FOR PERFORMANCE DATES. Exceptional circumstances must be negotiated with the director.
3. Excessive tardiness will be penalized. Excessive starts with three. Leaving before rehearsal is over is the same as being tardy- it is still time missed. Excessive time missed will be penalized.
4. Please communicate anticipated absences or tardies with the instructor via e-mail or phone message. Explain the circumstances.



PLEASE NOTE: It is not difficult to get a good grade in this class- show up on time, learn your music, and sing at all scheduled performances. Maintain a professional focus. Students who are distracting will receive a lowered grade.

Sectional Rehearsals:
During each quarter, each section (T1, T2, B1, B2) is required to schedule four (4) fifty-minute extra sectional rehearsals at a time convenient to all members of the section. These sessions are devoted to clearing up questions regarding pitch, rhythm, etc. Each choir member is required to attend at least three (3) of the four sectionals. Failure to attend will count as an absence for each sectional missed. Additional sectionals may be scheduled for critical situations.

CONCERT SCHEDULE 2008
All events required; schedule accordingly.


* Friday, February 29, at First Free Methodist Church (Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir). Concert at 7:30 P.M. Call-time will probably be 6:30 p.m.
* TBA, Local Church Concert on a Sunday morning late January or early February.
* Friday, May 30, at First Free Methodist Church (Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir). Concert at 7:30 P.M. Call-time will probably be 6:30 p.m.


Rehearsal policies
Please follow these principles:

1. Excellent attendance and punctuality is expected as described above.
2. 100% participation and concentration.
3. All cell phones, pagers, beepers, watches, etc. must be turned off. No phone calls or text messages during rehearsal.
4. Every member must have his OWN music in hand at all rehearsals.
5. Every member must be equipped with a pencil and make judicious markings. A direction or instruction (such as breath, phrasing, diction, etc.) should be marked when given. Always mark music accurately and completely.
6. Please refrain from personal and social activities during rehearsal.
7. Do not eat or drink (water being the exception) during rehearsal.


Performance policies
Professional performances are essential. Focus is expected at all times. Please follow these principles:

1. Attendance and punctuality is required. Be prepared at the right time and place.
2. Fulfill jobs promptly and lend a hand when assistance is needed (set-up, tear-down, etc.)
3. All cell phones, pagers, beepers, watches, etc. must be turned off.
4. Every member must have his OWN music in hand at all performances.
5. Line-up and perform in assigned formations. No noise or talking "back-stage" or "on-stage."
6. Behaviors "on-stage" are to be professional. No conversations, gum-chewing, or other distracting behaviors.
7. Concert attire required for all performances unless specified by director.
8. Personal appearance is to be professional.
9. Respect and honor other performing groups in joint performances.


Music policy

1. The music for Men’s Choir is checked-out to you by a specific number. You are responsible for EVERY piece of music issued to your number.
2. At the end of the quarter or departure from the choir, your music will be collected in the folder. Fees for music not returned at the end of the quarter will be billed to your school account.


University Mission Statement
Seattle Pacific University seeks to be a premier Christian university fully committed to engaging the culture an changing the world bygraduating people of competence and character, becoming people of wisdom and modeling grace-filled community.

Music Department Mission
The Music Department at Seattle Pacific University seeks to be an exemplary music community committed to helping students to develop their talents and abilities fully, to appreciate cultural heritage, and to integrate music knowledge and skillsin a life characterized by Christian faith, wholeness and service.

Personal Statement
I hope your experience in men's choir will be trans-formative; with strength, integrity and joy we can lift our voices in spirit and truth, celebrate the gift of music, and create performances that will uplift others and honor our Lord.