This course will prepare students to conduct a church-based choir. Students will study a variety of choral music that would be appropriate for children and adult choirs as well as valuable resources that would serve to enhance the congregational worship experience. An examination of liturgical seasons, as well as the primary thematic elements of each season, will be included.
The historically informed study of congregational signing of psalms and hymns which involves a focus on texts, tunes, authors, composers, and historical and contemporary traditions. Emphasis is on Christian congregational song, ranging from Old Testament psalms to contemporary praise-worship songs, from traditional Western hymnody to global worship songs.
The study of recently composed and produced music for worship in the United Kingdom and America, along with a survey of music written for worship in the Global South (Asia, Africa, and South America).
A general introduction to Christian liturgy, its meanings, history, and practice of worship as found in various traditions. Students explore the basic theology of worship patterning, the historical development of the Eucharist and Prayer Offices, the lectionary, customs of the church year, and sacramental rites of the Christian church.