MUS 363 Choral Arranging

A study of the techniques of arranging for male, female, and mixed vocal groups, including Finale music-notation software.

Alternate years

The purpose of this course is to help each music student develop an approach to designing an arrangement of a choral music selection and successfully completing all aspects and details of the arrangement. Upon successful completion of the course each student should be able to create a choral arrangement with instrumental accompaniment and a score that is suitable for professional presentation to a performance ensemble.
The course is designed as a laboratory class. This means that student participation is particularly important. All reading assignments should be done before class so that you can explain your understanding of the concepts addressed in the reading.
All arranging assignments will be shared with the class during our meetings. As musicians and colleagues, all students will be expected to constructively critique the work of their peers.
It is understood that every student will be at a different point in developing the skills required of an arranger. Students are expected to approach assignments based on their existing skill levels and, to the extent possible, grading will not be on an absolute scale but will reflect individual growth and development. For some students assignments will be minimally demanding. For others they may require a great deal of effort, but that effort will pay off in greater improvement in skills.