MUEN xx55 - Patriot Singers - The University of Texas at Tyler

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit” (Aristotle)
Patriot Singers
The University of Texas Tyler
MUEN 1155/3155/5155
Course Syllabus
Spring 2013
Meeting Time:
11:00-12:15 MWF, Braithwaite Recital Hall
Conductor: Dr. Cameron Rose
Office: FAC 2021
Phone: 903-566-7304
Email:
cameron_rose@uttyler.edu
Office Hour: MWF 12:15-1:00, or email for a time
Overview
Welcome to the UT Tyler Patriot Singers! You have been selected by audition based
upon your talent, musicianship, dependability, professionalism, attitude, desire to
improve and dedication to work hard. Above all, a positive attitude, teachability and a
strong work ethic are paramount to your success as a choral singer as well as your
membership in the Patriot Singers.
The Patriot Singers is the premiere choral performing ensemble of The University of
Texas at Tyler, and was created to provide a high caliber musical experience to singers
and audience alike. Under direct commission of the University President, the Patriot
Singers functions as a highly visible, public ambassadorial, development and recruiting
arm not only for the School of Performing Arts but also for the University at large. As
such, it is anticipated that you will maintain the highest standards of musicianship,
scholarship, and personal excellence.
Course Scope & Objectives
In Patriot Singers, students will discover and experience the finest in choral singing and
choral literature through study, analysis, rehearsal and performance through membership
in the university’s most select performance ensemble.
A. Singers will rehearse and perform choral literature in a variety of genres,
music historical periods, styles, and cultures and demonstrate an
understanding of the stylistic features of the works.
B. Singers will demonstrate knowledge of compositional devices and
techniques used in choral music during rehearsal, using the proper technical
vocabulary.

C. Singers will demonstrate proper posture, breath support, vocal production, and
diction in different languages.
D. Singers will refine sight-reading, aural skills, memorization, musicianship,
and ensemble-singing abilities through disciplined rehearsal and performance.
E. Singers will perform in concerts outside of regular class time, developing
performance skills of concentration, communication, and expressiveness.
F. Singers will learn and exhibit proper rehearsal and concert decorum.
G. Singers will observe conducting techniques, rehearsal procedures, and
elements of concert programming which may be incorporated into their own
future teaching styles.
H. Singers will evaluate their performances following each concert.
I. Singers will share the responsibility of ensemble administration, by chair set
up prior to rehearsal, and participating in one or more choir committees such
as marketing, performance logistics, etc.
Membership Policy
Membership in the Patriot Singers is an honor and conditional, and not an entitlement.
Students not meeting the musical, professional, or collegial requirements of Patriot
Singers may be dismissed at any time. All singers must re-audition each year for
membership in Patriot Singers.
Attendance Policy
Membership in a choral ensemble at UT Tyler requires full participation in all activities
of the choir. Please note the schedule of events in your personal calendar. You are
expected to attend all rehearsals and performances during the semester.
A. Rehearsals
1) The habit of arriving early is proper professional behavior, not just for
music rehearsals and performances, but in all business and life pursuits.
Tardiness reflects poorly on you. Class starts promptly at 11:00 am and all
students are required to be on stage with music and pencils. Tardiness is
not acceptable. A tardy in Patriot Singers is defined as not being on stage
when vocal warm-ups begin. Two (2) tardies will be counted as one (1)
absence.
Live your life by the following:
To be early is to be on time
To be on time is to be late
To be late is to be replaced
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2) Leaving any rehearsal early or temporarily (to go to the restroom or
any other reason) is considered disrespectful to the conductor and fellow
musicians, and will result in an tardy for that rehearsal. All restroom needs
should be addressed prior to the start of rehearsal. If you can’t stop
coughing you may leave temporarily to obtain water. If you are not well
enough to sing, please be seated in the audience after conferring with the
director. Study your music quietly (no phone or other homework) and
follow along with the rehearsal flow.
3) Cell phones, Blackberries, PDAs, etc., are forbidden in rehearsal. Please
leave in your backpacks, in your car, or at home. Do not carry in your
pockets during rehearsal. They are forbidden on stage. If I have to ask you
to put away your device you will be counted as tardy because you are
causing a delay when I have to stop the rehearsal to address the issue.
4) University-sanctioned pre-existing absences. University-sanctioned preexisting
absences include class and university team-related trips, and
religious observances. For the purposes of this syllabus, religious
observances include holy day recognitions, as well as funerals and
weddings for relatives. With the exception of funerals, prior written
notification for all university-sanctioned absences is necessary by August
24 (the third scheduled class meeting of the semester). A note from the
course adviser and a copy of your trip itinerary is required for universitysanctioned
trips. A copy of the service bulletin is required after attending
religious observances, including funerals and weddings. Due to the
collegial team setting of the choral ensemble, the frequency and duration
of these conflicts will be evaluated by Dr. Rose to make a final
determination as to student participation in the ensemble.
5) Other absences. All other absences will be neither excused nor
unexcused. An absence is simply an absence and you are permitted up to
two (2) absences this semester without penalty. Each absence after two (2)
will lower your final grade by one letter per absence. It is your complete,
personal responsibility then to manage your schedule, health, recital
requirements, and other life demands in order that you do not use your two
(2) absences unwisely. Doctor’s notes are unnecessary under this rule,
excepting as described below during performance weeks.
Two (2) tardies always equals one (1) absence, the accumulation of which
also affects the final grade.
6) Absences during performance weeks. During the week of any type of
performance, large or small, no absences are permitted without a doctor’s
note. The note should indicate that your illness physically prevented you
from participating in rehearsal (students are not excused simply for having
an appointment during rehearsal time). Please also note that this absence is
not ‘free,’ but will be counted against the two (2) absences allowed this
semester.
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Due to the importance of performance weeks, any other absence during a
performance week will automatically lower your final grade by one letter
regardless of how many other absences you have.
7) Notifying the Director. Only in the case of an emergency when prior
communication with the conductor is truly impossible, students are always
required to notify Dr. Rose ahead of time by email of an absence.
8) Due to the inherent team-nature of all music ensembles, excessive
tardiness, extended absences, and sitting out for whatever reason may
cause the singer to be dropped from the ensemble at any time during the
semester. In such instances, final grading and scholarship eligibility will
be determined on a case-by-case basis.
9) While in rehearsal, always have your music present and a pencil. Take
notes. Pop quizzes will be given to check if music has been marked. Use
good posture. Listen to instructions, even when given to another section
for they will likely apply to you at some point. And most of all, ENJOY
SINGING!
B. Performances
1) Performances of any kind are the equivalent of an exam in any other
class. In an exam for a lecture course, you would not arrive late or
schedule work or other appointments or activities at the same time, nor
should you for a performance. Clear your schedules far ahead of time for
these events. The day of a performance or dress rehearsal, arrange your
schedule with sufficient time so that you will not be rushed or that a
moderate time change to the event (only if necessary) will not impact you.
For all performances your music should be prepared, including memorized
when required. Performers’ faces should be expressive, with eyes on the
conductor and not wandering around the room. Whatever personal issues
may exist, they must be put aside from the moment you walk on stage or
the performance will be ruined for other singers and audience alike.
Musical accuracy and all body language will be observed and accounted
for in your grading of each performance.
2) Additional performances may be added to the schedule following
publication of this syllabus due to requests from university administration,
public events invitations, and possible school recruiting visits. Dr. Rose
will be judicious and balanced about the acceptance of such invitations.
These additional performances are not optional. Please note that one of the
primary reasons Patriot Singers exists is to represent the best of University
of Texas at Tyler to the public at large, and that you receive scholarships
specifically to perform as musical ambassadors outside of your regular
campus courses and activities. If additional performances arise, a letter is
always provided to provide you with an absence from your other activities.
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Outside performance events for the Patriot Singers are university-excused
absences, and function in every way as do athletic events and team
competitions (for which incidentally, student athletes receive neither
course credit, nor scholarships).
If a student does not attend an additional performance, then he/she may be
dismissed from the ensemble, receive a failing grade, and/or his/her
choral scholarship may be revoked.
3) Absences from concerts or dress rehearsals are always unexcused
unless you have had a death in the immediate family, or are in the hospital
as an admitted patient. In addition, if a singer misses a dress rehearsal or
concert, then he/she may be dismissed from the ensemble, receive a failing
grade, and/or his/her choral scholarship may be reduced or revoked.
Quizzes
For most pieces, singers will be required to memorize their music. While in-class
rehearsal will assist towards accomplishing this, singers will also need to review and
rehearse on their own in order to complete memorization assignments. Consider this
your homework for choir. A little every day will accomplish great things in
memorization. Singers communicate with their voices and eyes so much better when not
buried in their scores. Quizzes will generally evaluate: pitch, intonation, rhythm, diction,
musicality, and memorization when applicable.
Vocal Health
Your vocal cords are muscles that need training and exercise and, as a result, they can
become fatigued. It is incumbent upon you to use wisdom in the way you care for your
instrument—your voice. If you are vocally overworked or ill, I support your decision not
to sing as long as you inform me before rehearsal begins. However repeated “sitting
out” during rehearsals would indicate a larger issue exists in which case your status in
the class will be reviewed and final grade may be affected. It is always inappropriate to
abuse your voice by not getting enough food, water, or rest, talking or yelling
inappropriately, and over-singing. Please do not use “choir” as an excuse for substandard
singing in your voice studio or other courses.
Music & Folders
Each singer will be issued music and in some cases, a folder during the semester. Fees
will be assessed for any missing/damaged materials when returned. If the music and/or
folders are not returned or the materials fees paid to replace them, the student will receive
an Incomplete grade until the bill is paid or the music returned.
Students should purchase their own accordion-style organizer in which to keep their
music alphabetized and ready to pull for each rehearsal.
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Concert Attire & Decorum
A. Clothing
Each singer is responsible for their own performance/concert clothing
expenses. Ladies dresses will cost $84. Men should obtain a standard black
tuxedo (no tails), with black tie, cummerbund, and white wing-tip tuxedo shirt
(Al’s Formal Wear has a $99 package to purchase if you tell them you are
from UT Tyler). Men will also purchase a white bow tie and vest through our
supplier which will cost $25. Attire should always be clean and pressed for
all performances.
B. Jewelry
Facial piercings other than for ladies’ pierced ears should not be worn for
performances. Watches and other wrist-bands should not be worn on stage.
Women should wear a 1-strand pearl necklace, and no other necklaces.
C. Hair
Hair for both men and women should be clean and tidy. Hair styles should be
moderate and not attention-getting such as, but not limited to garishly colored,
shaved, spiked, mohawk, etc., as such styles will attract attention to the
individual and away from the ensemble as a whole.
Men’s hair length should not extend below the collar as this is proper for
ensemble performance as well as the business world. Men should also be
fully shaved for every performance whether or not dress attire is required for
the event. Beards and mustaches are discouraged, but if worn, they should be
neatly trimmed close to the face (not bushy), and fully grown-in prior to any
performance (no 'five o'clock shadow' looks).
D. Cologne
As you rehearse and perform in close physical proximity to your fellow
musicians, please do not wear perfumes and colognes as these can often
interfere with the breathing of other singers.
Class Communications
The director will not Text, Tweet, Facebook, MySpace, Blog, Pony Express, or phone
call on official matters of class business. If communications need to be made outside of
rehearsal, the director will email students’ official UT Tyler-assigned student email
accounts, not to personal email accounts (this is a university requirement for faculty).
Nor will the director respond to student emails sent from non-university email accounts.
This is a matter of both communications management, as well as a protection to students,
director, and the university. Students are responsible for the content of all email
communications sent from the director to their UT Tyler accounts regardless of if they
check their accounts or the frequency of use. “I don’t use my student account” will not
be recognized as an excuse for any scenario.
Grading
Grading will be according to the standards given in the attachment “Grading Rubric.”

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Grading Rubric
Patriot Singers
Spring 2013
The attendance/tardy policy will be computed into the final grade after the following
factors are evaluated
A – Excellent, Professional, Superior
Ability
Demonstrates complete mastery of all musical and technical elements in tests and
performances. Music is thoroughly prepared well in advance of tests and performances.
Maintains a minimum ‘A’ (90%) average for tests and quizzes.
Rehearsal Conduct & Participation
Professional, consistently prepared. Punctuality is never at issue. Participates fully in all
elements of rehearsal, consistently arriving early to put music in order. Superior rehearsal
attitude and decorum. Music is thoroughly marked with correct indications as given by
director. Never has to ask for correct entrance point because they are actively paying
attention to the director, even when he is working with another section.
Performance
Confident, artistic performing. Always visibly engaging on stage. Professional in
conduct before, during, and after concerts.
B – Good, Above Average
Ability
Developing in mastery of musical and technical elements as demonstrated in tests and
performances with some minor, noticeable errors. Preparation for tests may be lastminute,
as evidenced by some cramming-induced errors. Maintains a minimum ‘B’
(80%) average for tests and quizzes.
Rehearsal Conduct & Participation
Generally prepared. Participates in all elements of rehearsal, but sometimes distracted
and may not sing at, or has to ask for the correct entrance. Music is mostly marked with
correct indications as given by director, but reminders are necessary. Sometimes has
difficulty stopping the play and engaging the moment.
Performance
Mostly confident performing, though some vocal uncertainties hinder from full musical
expression. Moments of engagement on stage, but not yet consistent in facial
commitment. Above average conduct before, during, and after concerts.
Scholarship
Patriot Singers scholarship reduced by $250.00 in following semester if enrolled.

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C – Average
Ability
Awkwardness or uncertainties with some technical or musical elements as demonstrated
in tests with significant errors or “blank spots.” Notes, but not musicality, have been
learned (barely), by performance time, but not before.
Rehearsal Conduct & Participation
Present in rehearsal, but can be easily distracted or inattentive at times. Forgets to bring
music or pencil. Music is missing indications as given by director. Has difficulty
overcoming self and singing-out. Maintains a minimum ‘C’ (70%) average for tests and
quizzes.
Performance
Still uncertain in performing as basic musical elements have been barely learned. Less
engaging on stage, not yet facially interesting to watch. Student-like conduct before,
during, and after concerts.
Scholarship
Patriot Singers scholarship reduced by $500.00 in following semester if enrolled.
D – Poor, Below Average
Ability
Many notes have not been learned as demonstrated by tests.
Rehearsal Conduct & Participation
Punctuality is a regular issue. Participates in rehearsal, but often distracted or inattentive.
May also distract other singers with unnecessary whispering or conversations. May
exhibit some attitude problems towards other singers or the director. Music is missing
indications as given by director. Doesn’t bring a pencil. Doesn’t bring music. Maintains a
minimum ‘D’ (60%) average for tests and quizzes.
Performance
Uncertain in performing as basic musical elements have not been learned. Not engaging
on stage, not facially interesting to watch. Questionable conduct before, during, and after
concerts.
For obvious reasons, students receiving a ‘D’ grade will not be eligible to re-audition for
Patriot Singers the following semester.

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F – Failing
Ability
Many notes have not been learned as demonstrated in tests. In some instances, misses
tests altogether.
Rehearsal Conduct & Participation
Punctuality is a regular issue. Present in rehearsal, but may exhibit a general disinterest,
disdain, or antagonism for the ensemble, fellow singers, or the director. May also be a
distraction to others either directly or indirectly.
Performance
Uncertain in performing as basic musical elements have not been learned. Not engaging
on stage, not facially interesting to watch. Poor conduct before, during, and after
concerts.
For obvious reasons, students receiving an ‘F’ grade will not be eligible to re-audition
for Patriot Singers the following semester.
The information contained in the course syllabus, other than the grading criteria and
absence and make-up policies, may be subject to change with reasonable advance notice
as long as the change is without prejudice to the students.
(UT Tyler Syllabus Policy)

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Patriot Singers
Performances & Dress Rehearsals 2012-2013
SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR TO BE ADDED TO WITH NOTICE
S P R I N G
January 26 (Sat), 7:00 pm
Patriot Singers Feature Concert
Longview First United Methodist Church Church
400 N. Fredonia Street
Call time 5:30 pm
March 1 (Fri), 6:00-9:00 pm
March 2 (Sat), 6:00 pm
March 22 (Fri)-23 (Sat)
Dress Rehearsal
First Presbyterian Church
Masterworks Concert
First Presbyterian Church
Call time: 4:30 pm
Possible Houston Tour
May 4 (Sat), 9:00 am - noon
Dress Rehearsal
First Presbyterian Church
6:00 pm Final Concert
First Presbyterian Church
Call time: 4:30 pm