Final?

Question 1

According to Campbell, what is the oldest and most fundamental form of human musical expression?

Answer 1

Singing

Question 2

Why are choral programs able to draw students at any point in their academic career?

Answer 2

Because they usually don’t require any background knowledge in music. They welcome any and all!

Question 3

What are the main skills and knowledge that make up the focus of the choral curriculum?

Answer 3

Development of singing voice, development of musicianship (both technical and expressive), and a historical/cultural knowledge of rep sung

Question 4

What are seven fundamentals of singing that are taught in the warm-up period of a choral rehearsal?

Answer 4

Breath, posture, resonance, vowel formation, range, flexibility, and intonation

Question 5

What is one of the most prominent challenges in teaching adolescents to sing?

Answer 5

Puberty! Voice changes

Question 6

What are four fundamentals of music listed by the author that should be included in a comprehensive choral program?

Answer 6

Music reading, stylistic awareness, critical listening, and expressive performance

Question 7

According to the author, what is the single biggest determinant of the eventual success or failure of a choral program? Why?

Answer 7

Repertoire

Question 8

When programming repertoire, teachers should seek a balance of what three things?

Answer 8

Difficulty, styles/cultures, and tempos

Question 9

Name several types of choral ensembles.

Answer 9

Large mixed, small selection, jazz, show, men’s, women’s, musical theatre, world vocal, gospel

Question 10

What skills do you have currently that would be important in being a successful choir director? Why? What is one area where you feel you need more preparation?

Answer 10

Good communication skills, excitement, musical skills, dedication, respect for students, understanding (general and of singing things with or without puberty)

I am not confident in my piano skills. I did fairly well, but then I got a “good enough” for the piano proficiency exam…. I don’t know what to do with those who don’t know how to read sheet music. Follow shapes and patterns? Solfedge?

Question 11

What are 10 of the school instrumental programs listed by the author?

Answer 11

Beginning instrument class, large concert bands, string orchestras, full orchestras, jazz band, jazz combo, marching, pep chamber, percussion, non traditional

Question 12

In which ensemble did you find your most ‘peak’ performance experiences while in middle school and high school?

Answer 12

Band! Performing in honor bands and choirs!

Question 13

In what ways did these experiences depend or not depend on the setting, the audience, or the type of literature you performed?

Answer 13

Varied greatly by setting: high school band rooms, school gyms, school auditorium, colleges. Audience can affect the vibes: nursing homes, veterans, in school/out. If it’s not fun music and music that does not resonate with the players it will not be sparkly.

Question 14

Is there a specific experience that you had as a school musician that you would want to replicate for your own students? If so, what is it?

Answer 14

I was never really exceptional at anything. Most things I tried, I was good or ok at (except sports). Seeing my hard work pay off gave me confidence. Being acknowledged as exceptional by exceptional people. Working with an awesome teacher with a band of people who truly cared about music and succeeding with them while having a great time. Expressing myself through a really tough time in my life.

Question 15

What are 9 factors that may influence a young student’s choice of an instrument?

Answer 15

Size, convenience, role models, sound, looks, peer pressure, adult pressure, teacher pressure, or just random chance

Question 16

Why did you choose the instrument you did? What effect do you think your choice has had on your identity as a musician?

Answer 16

I couldn’t make a sound on reeds and the flute made me dizzy, so my teacher recommended euphonium. Socially a little bit outlier. Most low brass dude.

Question 17

Can you identify any specific opportunities or experiences made available to you because of the instrument you play?

Answer 17

More scholarships, less competition because I play a less common instrument….but the competition was also better so I’m not sure how valid of an argument this is.

Question 18

If you had it to do all over again, would you make the same choice?

Answer 18

I don’t know! I think so, but I often wish I had more gigging opportunities!

Question 19

Who were you in your school music program? What identities did you take on?

Answer 19

I was bragging rights at times. I was also told I carried the weight of my school’s music program on my shoulders. I was drum major and I often helped with small groups in choir. I was also student aid for the music teachers.

Question 20

Which ensemble do you look forward to teaching the most? Which ensemble are you most worried about teaching? Why?

Answer 20

I’m looking forward to teaching high school band the most. You can really get into expression and character! I’m most worried about teaching choir! I have so little experience with singing and I’m not confident in my piano skills!