The Visual and Performing Arts Department is comprised of the Art, Drama, and Music Disciplines. Students are required to complete 1.5 credits in the arts by taking any combination of courses from the three disciplines adding up to 1.5 credits. Additional electives from all three departments are open to students with time and interest for them, providing prerequisites within the department are met.

There are no specifically required music courses. Wind Ensemble may be repeated each year. Notre Dame Chorus may be repeated. Concert Choir, Show Choir and Chamber Ensemble may be repeated in the senior year.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

CHORUS 1
.5 credit
This class will incorporate basic music theory and group cooperation through applied singing and the use of units along with other class activities. Students will learn musicianship within a group, sight-reading, and the basics of music that they need in their singing and performances. This is a year-long course which requires two forty-minute classes each week, some out of class rehearsals including the pre-concert rehearsal, and participation in the winter and spring concerts.
PREREQUISITE: None
CLASS STATUS: Freshman through Senior

NOTRE DAME CHORUS
.5 credit
This course offers the student a wide spectrum of music. As a performing group, it will seek to pursue further study of choral literature, vocal technique, and professionalism in performance. The student’s ability to sight-read music is further developed as well as encouraged by advanced part-singing. This yearlong course requires two forty-minute classes each week, one forty-minute sectional each cycle, some out of class rehearsals including two dress rehearsals, and participation in the winter and spring concerts. This course is the next step after Chorus I and is an alternative for those students who do not wish to progress to Concert Choir. This course is also ideal for those students who are returning to the department after an absence of a year or two.
PREREQUISITES: Chorus 1 or department approval
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior

CONCERT CHOIR
.5 credit
Music of all types will be presented in this class with the understanding of further developing of vocal techniques, musicianship, sight-reading, and basic music theory. Sight-reading and part-singing are a must and will be strengthened. Each girl is responsible for her own part as to encourage the wholeness of the group. Singing in small groups will also foster good musicality. This class will help aspiring vocalists with rigorous vocal training. This group will be available to do out of school performances if called upon to do so. This yearlong course requires two forty-minute classes each week, one forty-minute sectional each cycle, some out of class rehearsals including two dress rehearsals, and participation in the winter and spring concerts. Students will be issued a choir robe.
PREREQUISITES: Chorus 1, At least one year of Notre Dame Chorus or department approval. Vocal audition (in January) required for placement.
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior

SHOW CHOIR
.5 credit
This class is designed for students who are interested in performing in a smaller vocal ensemble. Each student must be independently able to hold her own part, as there is movement involved. This group will be available to do out of school performances if called upon. Various types and styles of music will be explored, as well as the incorporation of choreography. This yearlong course requires one forty-minute class and one sixty-minute class each week as well as some out of class rehearsals including the pre-concert rehearsal, participation in the Winter and Spring Concerts, and all other performances out of school. (Minimum of 8 students, maximum of 12 students.)
PREREQUISITES: Chorus 1 and ND Chorus,
Vocal audition for placement and Department approval
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior

CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
.5 credit
This class is designed for students who enjoy performing in a small vocal ensemble. Each student must be independently able to hold her own part, as the group is limited to a maximum of sixteen singers. Serving as the public face of music at Notre Dame, this group will have numerous opportunities to perform outside of school. Musical styles cover madrigals to jazz and music theatre with an emphasis on a cappella singing. This yearlong course involves two forty-minute classes each week, some out of class rehearsals including two dress rehearsals, and the winter and spring concerts. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir is required for juniors; seniors may take this class independently of Concert Choir. Students will be responsible for their own all-black apparel.
PREREQUISITES: Chorus I and Notre Dame Chorus. Vocal audition (in January) required for placement. Concurrent enrollment in Concert Choir required for juniors.
CLASS STATUS: Junior or Senior

# MUSICAL THEATRE
.5 credit
This course is team taught through the Drama and Music Departments for interdisciplinary credit. It will give students an insight into what goes into the making of a Broadway musical. A comparison between a stage production of a musical and a movie version allows for differences in presentation. Students will use readings, recordings, and other media in learning the research process for written and oral presentations. Famous designers, directors, composers, and writers will also be investigated. The performance component of this class will be well suited for those students wishing to hone their music theatre skills or for those students wanting to develop basic skills. We will explore what a student should consider when auditioning for a particular production and what to expect in real audition situations.
PREREQUISITE: A keen interest in Broadway, musicals, theatre, and/or participation in theatre at Notre Dame or in the community
CLASS STATUS: Freshman through Senior

WIND ENSEMBLE
.5 credit
This class is designed for students who play woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments. This course will provide an opportunity to learn about instrumental techniques and the importance of intonation, balance, and blend while playing in an ensemble. Repertoire will include both standard concert band music and arrangements to be performed with various Notre Dame choirs. Additional Course Fee Applies. This yearlong course requires two forty-minute classes each week, some out of class rehearsals including the pre-concert rehearsal, and participation in the winter and spring concerts.
PREREQUISITES: Must know how to read music and have at least two years experience playing their primary instrument.
CLASS STATUS: Freshman-Senior

MUSIC THROUGH THE AGES
.5 credit
This class is non-performance class, which will give students an overview of music, musicians, styles, art, architecture and drama through the various historical periods from the medieval period up to the present modern period. Highlights of selected composers and their compositions will help cement the connections between the periods discussed. This semester-long course requires two one-hour classes each week. Some time in the library, resource center and/or media center may be needed during the course.
PREREQUISITES: An interest in the history of music and the arts
CLASS STATUS: Freshman through Senior

INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MUSIC THEORY
.5 credit
This class is designed for students who are interested in pursuing further study in music, especially in the area of music theory and composition. The students will work from a music theory text to aid in the comprehension of the basics of music theory including notation, symbols, terminology, harmony and transposition. Various projects will be given throughout the course to challenge the creativity of the students. Students will receive instruction for forty minutes once a week, to be arranged with instructor in this semester course. The culmination of the course will be a music project mutually agreed upon by the teacher and the students to display understanding and accomplishment in the course.
PREREQUISITES: Departmental approval.
CLASS STATUS: Freshman through Senior

VOCAL TECHNIQUE
.5 credit
Through individual voice lessons, students will develop the stamina and independence required of aspiring vocalists. Students will learn standard beginning repertoire from Italian arias, English art song, and German lieder in their study of breathing, posture, diction, and support. Students may enroll in Vocal Technique for fall and/or spring semester and may repeat the course. Students will receive instruction for forty minutes once a week, to be arranged with instructor. In addition, all voice students will meet once per quarter for a group performance class. Concurrent enrollment in a Notre Dame choir is expected as well as participation in the spring musical and Solo & Ensemble Contest. Only students who are serious about dedicating individual practice time should consider taking Vocal Technique.
PREREQUISITES: At least Chorus I, concurrent enrollment in an ND Chorus and a Vocal audition (in January) required for placement.
CLASS STATUS: Sophomore through Senior

# Interdisciplinary Courses