Carthage Choral Program

Choral Program


The Carthage Choir and Carthage Women's Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Michael Burkhardt in Siebert Chapel on the Carthage Campus

The Carthage Choral Program is comprised of over 250 participants in five ensembles. Each of the ensembles in the program performs on and off campus each term and are open by audition to all Carthage students at the beginning of each term. One need not major or minor in music to be an active member of any one of Carthage's excellent performing groups: Carthage Choir, Carthage Community Chorus, Carthage Women's Ensemble, Gospel Messengers, and Lincoln Chamber Singers.

Ensemble Goals

Literature

Students . . .

  1. Sing choral literature of various styles including spirituals, folksongs, and gospel music in addition to repertoire of the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20/21st Century periods.

  2. Sing choral literature from Europe (England, France, Germany, Italy), Africa, Slovak Nations, and the United States.

Ensemble Singing Skills

Students . . .

  1. Develop an understanding of the vocal mechanism, the breathing mechanism, and a whole person approach to singing.
  2. Develop singing posture and breathing skills that free and support the "primary instrument."
  3. Develop vocal tone with an increasing understanding of the light and heavy vocal mechanisms, vowel placement, tongue placement, and breath support.
  4. Develop proper diction through correct use of vowel shapes, consonant articulation, and textual accent.
  5. Develop intonation awareness through oral, aural, and kinesthetic choral experiences.
  6. Learn to responsibly care for the human voice.
  7. Learn to blend with one another through uniform vocal gestures, diction, and intonation.
  8. Continue to develop basic musicianship skills (audiation, sight-reading, pitch and rhythm accuracy).

Expressiveness

Students . . .

  1. demonstrate style characteristics (historical period and composer intent).
  2. Develop skill in phrasing.
  3. Sing expressively with their whole persons (body, intellect, spirit/soul, and voice).
  4. Become a part of something greater than their individual selves.

Attendance

Choir rehearsing
The Carthage Choir in rehearsal

On-time attendance is expected for all rehearsals, meetings, and performances.

Each student will be allowed 3 unexcused absences during the term. Unexcused absences include missing rehearsal to sleep, eat, chat with friends, etc. After 3 unexcused absences individuals will be placed on probation. Failure to meet the terms of the probation will result in dismissal from the choir and a failing grade for the term.

Excused absences include health problems, deaths in one's family or circle of friends, and/or academic field trips. Should conflicts arise due to health problems, deaths in one's family or circle of friends, or academic field trips, notify Dr. Burkhardt in advance of the rehearsal(s) to be missed so that he can excuse you from rehearsal(s). NOTE: Unless you are contagious or bed-stricken, common illnesses such as colds, sore throats, etc, are not considered excused absences. Much can be learned by attending rehearsals without singing!

If you have questions or concerns about your attendance, please speak with Dr. Burkhardt.

Evaluation

Students will be evaluated on the following criteria . . .

  1. Rehearsal and program attendance
  2. Knowing the music (throughout the term singers will be asked to perform given sections or pieces of music in rehearsal; it is particularly during these times that singers are observed and evaluated; some singers may be asked to sing a section or piece of music for the director at a mutually agreed-upon time)
  3. Effort and attitude in rehearsals and performances