Teacher: Jay Winston
Course Description: The Balladeers is the Pingry School select women’s ensemble. It is comprised of up to 25 female singers between 9-12 grades. Those in the group must be accepted through an audition process. The group performs many genres of music: a cappella madrigals, a cappella and accompanied classical music, music in languages including English, French, Italian, German, Hebrew, Spanish, and Latin, traditional choral and folk literature, and popular repertoire in the ‘college a cappella group’ style. It is the goal of this group to have the flexibility to perform in each of those genres at the highest level.
The Scheduled Glee Club is comprised of all of the Balladeers as well as some students who may choose to take glee club as a scheduled course for credit. During rehearsal time for scheduled glee club, we will work on concert repertoire that will be performed by the women’s glee club and combined choruses. The scheduled glee club members who are not in Balladeers will participate in the scheduled Balladeers rehearsals by ‘auditing’ the Balladeers rehearsals and by, on occasion, rehearsing with the Balladeers for the learning experience.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1. FOCUS- We perform a lot of music and class time is extremely valuable.
2. If you are having trouble with the music it will be expected that you seek out extra help yourself. If you don’t tell anyone you are having trouble, people might not know you need help. You can ask me anytime and you can ask your peers.
3. If you know your part well and you see someone is having trouble, you should take the initiative and ask the singer if she would like some help.
4. Lead by example
5. See me to review music. Every once in a while, particularly before concerts, you should stop by my office to review trouble spots in the music.
6. Written letters and reflections- At the beginning and middle of the school year, you will have a 10 minute home ‘assignment’ in which you will be asked to write about some things you are looking forward to in class. We will reflect on these after our last concert.
I. SIGHT READING
II. DICTION
III. MUSICAL PHRASING
IV. MUSICAL STYLES
V. VOCAL TECHNIQUE
VI. ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE
VII. ONE-ON-ONE REVIEW
VIII. PERFORMING
IX. FUNDRAISING
X. CLASS PERFORMANCES
XI. SOLO AUDITIONS
XII. GRADING
I. SIGHT READING The Balladeers/Scheduled Glee Club class offers an opportunity to learn quite a bit of music in preparation for a lot of performing opportunities. Because of this, sight-reading and quick music learning is stressed in the course. Music is learned at a fast pace.
II. DICTION Because we will be performing in a variety of languages, diction in each of these languages will be stressed. In some cases, short diction quizzes will be given on the rules and IPA (international phonetic alphabet) in the given language. It is the goal of this class to perform the languages without an ‘americanized’ accent.
III. MUSICAL PHRASING/DYNAMICS It is important, as musicians, that the notes not simply be sung. The flow of the musical phrase must be of highest importance. The air must constantly be moving with energy in order to create an exciting musical phrase. We are looking to develop the ability to sing all dynamic levels with great pitch, harmony, and musicality, while singing with good vocal technique.
IV. MUSICAL STYLES This chorus will perform in a variety of musical styles. Different musical styles require a different musical sense and, perhaps, a slightly different approach vocally. We will talk about the needs of different musical styles and how to approach those styles with the best vocal technique.
V. VOCAL TECHNIQUE Classes will begin with a vocal technique warm-up. The goal of this warm-up is to gently allow the voice to become more flexible and ‘warm.’ It is important that each singer sing with her voice. She must allow her voice to ‘let go’ and, in the process, allow for new experiences vocally. We will talk about breathing, energetic and flexible air flow (support), correct vocal production and use of dynamics, and free production of vowels
VI. ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE The philosophy of the Alexander Technique will be referenced quite often. The Alexander Technique is a method of freeing the body in order that old habits be replaced with new, freer use. Throughout the year, the singers will be made more aware of how their body influences their singing. By releasing the neck and allowing the head to float freely, the spine will lengthen, the back will widen, and the limbs will release. As a result, breathing will be freer and more natural, vocal ‘support’ will be realized organically, and singing will be freer and easier.
VII. ONE-ON-ONE REVIEW Each singer will have the opportunity to review her music in a one-on-session with me. As the course moves quickly, this will be a good opportunity to make sure that areas of music in question are reviewed. Diction, notes, rhythms, musical phrasing, and questions on vocal technique can be addressed in these sessions. Please do not hesitate to set up a one-on-one session.
VIII. PERFORMING There are many performances throughout the course of the year. A lot of music will be learned. It is important that all performers be at all performances. If there is a conflict with a rehearsal or performance, adequate notice must be given and the student must speak with the director before permission will be granted. Performance dress for most concerts is long black skirt and white blouse. Appropriate footwear must be worn. No athletic shoes or ugg-like shoes allowed.
IX. FUNDRAISING In past years the Balladeers have raised money for kid’s cancer research. Last year we raised money to benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in memory of Rebecca Youngdahl’s father. These are both wonderful charities. As a new tradition, the Balladeers will have an opportunity at the beginning of the year to discuss various charities to which they might like to raise money. Should the group want to continue donating to kids cancer research, or to Memorial Sloan Kettering, that is completely acceptable.
X. CLASS PERFORMANCES We will perform for each other three times during the year. The first performance will be a group performance. Each section, S1, S2, A1, A2 will choose a piece on its own, rehearse together, and perform for the class. The second performance will be duets and trios. Once again, students will choose one or two girls from class and select a piece to practice and perform for the class. We will have limited class time for rehearsal so students will need to organize a few rehearsals outside of class time. At the end of the year, each student will perform a solo for the class.
XI. SOLO AUDITIONS Solos in classical or traditional choral literature will be auditioned in front of me. We will have an opportunity to work a bit on the solo so I can see if you are able to be flexible. Pop a cappella solo auditions will happen in class, in front of the class. Students will be expected to prepare the solo prior to the audition. The students in the group will have the first vote for the soloist. When the list of singers is narrowed down, I will make the final decision. The following are criteria we should look for in a solo audition: 1. Vocal energy and quality 2. Physical energy 3. Confidence 4. Preparedness 5. Ability to interact with the audience 6. No ‘commenting’ on mistakes
XII. GRADING Grading is a relatively simple process in the Balladeers/Scheduled Glee Club class. Effort, attendance, focus, and discipline will be the things most considered in grading. It is the hope that each student receives an A in the class. As this is an ensemble class, working well with your fellow classmates will also be important. It is important to find ways to contribute to the group. In addition, respect for your fellow classmates is of the utmost importance. Some examples of what might lower a student’s grade are: consistent lateness, talking, lack of effort, missed rehearsals or performances, etc. A few diction quizzes may also be given. The rules for the given language will be talked about in class and students will have the opportunity to study these rules prior to quizzes. These quizzes will not be given hard grades, but they will give me an idea as to whether or not you understand the language. It is expected that assignments with due dates will be turned in on the assigned dates. The Pingry School policy on late assignments is that, for each calendar day late, an assignment will be docked 1/3 of a grade. If an assignment earns an A and it is late by three days, the assignment will result in a complete grade drop to a B. This is a Pingry School policy.
*Grading is done on an individual basis. I will not be comparing one singer with another. I want to see continued individual growth and development. I will expect more from those who have more experience in the group and I will expect the most from the officers.
Participation Examples: Prompt arrival to class, attendance, communication with the director about the need to miss any class, rehearsal, or performance whether it is mandatory or not, focus and classroom attention (and not taking focus away from others in the class), effort, care of music and folders, music arranging, taking the initiative in rehearsals, and creating a positive learning environment.