University of Massachusetts Amherst: Department of Music and Dance

Choral Ensembles

The University's choral program is designed to give opportunities to all students -- regardless of major field of study -- for enjoyable and challenging ensemble singing of great choral music.  While some groups require more experience than others, we hope everyone who wants to experience collegiate-level singing can find a place.

Instruction in music-reading skills, vocal techniques and understanding music in context are a regular part of the performance preparation for each of our choral groups.  Rehearsals, except for the final one or two, are kept within scheduled class periods.  Adjustments are made to keep total time commitment to the class allotment.

Academic credit is awarded for these ensembles on the basis of in-class work.  Learning takes place in the ensemble dynamic.  These are classes whose "final exams" take place corporately, and in public.  Grades are therefore based almost entirely on attendance, assuming that each student seeks this experience because they want to sing good music well, since to perform acceptably one would have to be learning essential skills and information.  Special arrangements for Honors credits are possible in conjuction with some ensembles.

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