Performing Arts Course Descriptions - McPherson College Catalogs

G-PA 110 Introduction to Performing Arts

3 hours
An introduction to the various aspects of performing arts, this course is designed for both the major and non-major. Students discover the art of collaboration as the element binding all productions together. Major sections covered include structure, setting, style, genre, and audience analysis. Students will attend area productions to observe the various levels of presentation, i.e. educational, professional, community, etc. (Interterm)

PA 115 Performance & Production Lab

1 hour (Can be repeated), by consent of Instructor
These practica are designed to give students a hands-on approach to learning and experiencing the various areas of performing arts. Each practica will be supervised by a member of the departmental faculty and the student will need to complete a journal or portfolio of the work accomplished.

A. Acting
The student will be given credit for rehearsing and performing in a departmental production.

B. Set Construction
The student will assume the position of master carpenter/crew head for the construction of a departmental production. Student could assist the designer in drafting, supervise the scene shop during the construction period, and be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre- production aspects of the show.

C. Properties
The student will accept the responsibilities of prop master for a departmental production. This may include some property design. The student will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

D. Sound
The student will be responsible for securing all sound effects, underscoring, and setting up all amplification for a departmental production. Student will also run sound for the production and be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

G-PA 120 Music Appreciation

3 hours
This course is designed to introduce students to the elements, vocabulary, history, and development of music in Western civilization. Students will be introduced to major style traits, composers, significant compositions, and genres within music thereby gaining greater awareness of how being human is experienced and expressed through the creative process. Music Appreciation assumes a holistic approach and affords students the unique opportunity to study connections between the arts. This course meets The Arts requirement of the Humanities general education distribution requirement. (Interterm, even years)

G-TH 125 Theatre & Film: Stage to Screen

3 hours
This course is designed as an appreciation course of the artistic medium of cinema. Students will gain analytical tools to study film. The study will highlight films that originate as theatrical plays and musicals in order to compare the transition from stage to screen. Students will study narrative styles, genres, history, theory, and film analysis. (Interterm, odd years)

G-PA 132 College Choir

0-1 hour
Open to all students. Students will develop a knowledge of and appreciation for artistic creativity through singing some of the great choral repertoire of the past and present, experiencing the pleasure of singing in a quality ensemble, and developing the singer’s vocal ability. The choir performs on major concerts fall and spring terms and tours during spring term to churches and schools. Prerequisite: entrance interview and informal audition. College Choir meets The Arts requirement of the Humanities general education distribution requirement when taken for credit.

G-PA 134 College Band

0-1 hour
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to musically express themselves through the study and performance of band literature. It is open to all students with appropriate experience, regardless of major. The band and any ensembles developed from it will perform a variety of wind, band and jazz literature. College Band meets The Arts requirement of the Humanities general education distribution requirement when taken for credit. Prerequisite: Entrance interview and informal audition with the band director.

PA 136 Performing Arts Tour

3 hours, by consent of instructor
Travel, lecture, and performance tour of a region of the U.S. or foreign country. Study involves the functions of performing art and its interaction with culture, emotion, language, dance, art, sculpture and architecture.

PA 140 Music Theory I

3 hours
This is a foundation course in harmonic concepts and their application in reading, studying and performing music. Students will learn the fundamentals of music including musical notation, major and minor scales, key and time signatures, intervals, triads, and seventh chords. This course is a core requirement for students seeking music licensure and for those pursuing the Performing Arts music and theatre tracks. Co-requisite: PA 144, Sight Singing and Ear Training I. (Fall, even years)

PA 144 Sight Singing and Ear Training I

1 hour
A study including sight singing, rhythmic performance, improvisation exercises, dictation (melodic, harmonic, rhythmic), and related skills, all designed to develop the student’s musical ear to the highest degree possible. (Fall, even years)

PA 150 Yoga

1 hour (Can be repeated)
Introductory class for students. Students will utilize their own body-instrument and increase flexibility while strengthening their muscle core and breath capacity. (Spring)

G-PA 160 Performing for the Stage

3 hours
Students develop confidence and leadership skills as they pertain to aural performance. Students will practice and perform basic ideas through theatre monologues, poems, song lyrics or prose. Diction, enunciation, dialect, and a basic introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet will be covered as well as charisma, charm, professionalism and marketability. (Spring)

G-PA 170 Stagecrafts

3 hours
The study of a wide variety of “craft/skills” used when preparing a script for performance. The student work will focus on basic set construction practices and scene painting techniques. Other areas covered include the hanging and focusing of lighting instruments, basic costume stitching, the creation of sound effects and the creation of stage properties. The student will work on productions to be staged by the department during the current season. (Fall, Spring)

PA 215 Performance & Production Lab

A. Box Office/Publicity/House Management
Student will take charge of the front of house responsibilities for a departmental production. This includes press releases, First Nighters information, lobby displays, program copy, securing ushers and coordinating with dinner staff. The student will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre- production aspects of the show.

B. Stage Management
Production experience in the professional duties of stage manager, including participation as stage manager in pre-production, rehearsal, and performance phases of a production. The student will be a senior member of the production staff, attending meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

C. Dinner Theatre
The student will work with the director of First Nighters in establishing a menu, creating shopping lists, organization of the kitchen, supervising workers, creating décor for dining space and overseeing clean up of the kitchen and dining space. The student will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

D. Event Planning
The student will work with building supervisors and organization leaders to plan and execute events in the Brown, Friendship, and Mingenback complex. The student will be responsible for coordinating the events and planning the set-ups and tear-downs.

PA 220 Stage Make-Up

2 hours
Practical application of various types and styles of professional and theatrical make-up from day-to-day use through specialty applications with some time spent on special effects. Student fee for make-up kit. (Fall, even years)

PA 232 Vocal Ensemble

0-1 hour (Can be repeated)
Vocal ensemble is a select performance group formed by audition from members of the McPherson College Choir. It is designed to give students opportunity to sing and perform some of the great vocal chamber literature in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: simultaneous enrollment in college choir and consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

PA 234 Instrumental Ensemble

0-1 hour (Can be repeated)
This course consists of select trios, quartets, quintets, jazz band or combos, and other like-instrument ensembles organized by audition according to interest and available students. Prerequisite: Simultaneous enrollment in college band or consent of instructor. (Fall, Spring)

PA 240 Music Theory II

3 hours
This course offers a foundation in analyzing and writing music that will benefit any musical endeavor and is essential for a music educator. Students will be introduced to structural elements of writing music including four-part voice writing using triads in root position, harmonic progressions and harmonic rhythm, and part writing using triads in first and second inversion. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure and for those pursuing the Performing Arts music and theatre tracks. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 140, Music Theory I. Co-requisite: PA 244, Sight Singing and Ear Training II. (Spring, odd years)

PA 244 Sight Singing and Ear Training II

1 hour
A continuation of PA 144, Sight Singing and Ear Training I. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 144 Sight Singing and Ear Training I. Co-requisite: PA 240, Music Theory II. (Spring, odd years)

PA 250 Dance I: Ballet & Ballroom

2 hours
Dance course covering basic vocabulary and technique for Ballet, Waltz, Cha Cha, Tango, Merengue, Jive, Foxtrot and Quickstep. (Spring, even years)

G-PA 265 Script Analysis

3 hours (Language Intensive)
This course will explore the structure of dramatic works. Emphasis will be placed on the process of interpreting a text and translating it to the performing arts. Students will strengthen skills in reading, listening, writing, script and other character interpretation as they develop an appreciation of dramatic literature and the author’s art and craft. (Fall, even years)

PA 274 Instrumental Techniques Lab

1 hour (Can be repeated) By consent of Instructor
This course provides students with hands-on experience in playing and teaching band instruments at the public school level with emphasis on a functional knowledge of teaching materials, fingerings, acoustics, tone production, rudiments, and care of the instruments. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Methods for Teaching Instrumental Music in the Secondary School and permission of the Instructor. (Spring, odd years)

PA 315 Performance & Production Lab

2 hour
These practica are designed to give students a hands-on approach to learning and experiencing the various areas of performing arts. Each practica will be supervised by a member of the departmental faculty and the student will need to complete a journal or portfolio of the work accomplished.

A. Design
The student will serve as either scenic or costume designer for a departmental production. The student will work with the director from the early stages of the pre- production meetings, present the designs at the first production meeting and will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre- production aspects of the show.

B. Costuming
Student will assume the responsibilities of the costume shop supervisor for a departmental show. This will include assisting the designer in shopping for fabric, patterning, cutting and supervising crew members in the construction of the garments. The student will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

C. Make-up
Student will be responsible for designing and realizing the make-up designs for a departmental production. The student will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

D. Lighting
The student will act as lighting designer for a departmental production. This will also include the supervision of hanging the design and running lights for the production. The student will be a member of the production staff, attending appropriate meetings in the pre-production aspects of the show.

PA 330 Private Lesson

1 hour (Can be repeated), by consent of Instructor
These lessons offer an intensive learning experience through a one-to-one setting. Students will develop their musicianship and technical ability through the preparation, interpretation and performance of representative works of the past and the present.

A. Voice
Students will develop their ability to access musical and literary resources for vocal music; their understanding of appropriate vocal pedagogy; their ability to identify, through visual and aural analysis, composers and music representing diverse styles, periods, cultures, genres, and techniques of musical organization; and their ability to evaluate musical performances. Open to all students.

B. Piano
Students will have the opportunity for musical growth both in performance of piano literature and in knowledge of the interrelationships between performance, history, and theory. Open to all students.

C. Guitar
Students will 1) address personal levels of skill and technique as appropriate for guitar; 2) become aware of professional recordings and performances on the instrument; 3) study appropriate literature for the instrument. Open to all students.

D. Brass, Woodwind or Percussion
Students will 1) address personal levels of skill and technique (posture, breathing, tonal concept, resonance, embouchure, range, vibrato, melodic interpretation, poise, performing etiquette, melody, phrasing, style, harmony, rhythms, intonation, articulations, alternate fingerings, and memory) as appropriate for each instrument studied; 2) become aware of professional recordings and performances on the instrument; 3) study appropriate literature for the instrument. Open to all students.

E. Organ
Students will have the opportunity for musical growth both in performance of organ literature and in knowledge of the interrelationships between performance, history, and theory. Open to all students.

PA 340 Music Theory III

3 hours
This course is a continuation of Music Theory II. Students will be introduced to cadences, phrases, periods and sentences, non-chord tones, and diatonic seventh chords as they explore the structural elements of writing music at a more advanced level. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure and for those pursuing the performing arts music track. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 240 Music Theory II. Co-requisite: PA 344, Sight Singing and Ear Training III. (Fall, odd years)

PA 344 Sight Singing and Ear Training III

1 hour
A continuation of PA 244, Sight Singing and Ear Training II. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 244, Sight Singing and Ear Training II. Co-requisite: PA 340, Music Theory III. (Fall, odd years)

PA 350 Dance II: Jazz & Tap

2 hours
The student will be exposed to Basic Tap, Charleston, Jitterbug, Swing Dancing, Hip-Hop, Step Dancing and Stomp. (Spring, odd years)

PA 365A Conducting

2 hours
A study of the fundamental gesture, technique, and score preparation. Additional focus is given to oral communication and writing related to the art of conducting and self-evaluation. Pre-requisites: PA 340 or Instructor Approval. (Fall, even years)

TH 365 Stage & Technical Directing

3 hours
(Fall, even years)

PA 370 Theatrical Design

3 hours
Students will study the basic concepts for design as it applies to scenery, costumes, lighting, and sound. Students will be working as a team of designers, moving from area to area but also allowing for concentration in at least one of the above areas of the theatrical design. Students will focus on designs for the department’s season of concerts, plays, musicals, senior recitals or musical reviews. (Spring, even years)

PA 372 Costuming

2 hours
Theatrical costumes and their construction will be the focus of this course. Students may have the opportunity to do some design work. Students will work on various construction techniques, learn how to measure the actor’s body, draft and alter patterns, shop for fabric and build various costume pieces, i.e. bodice/jackets, sleeves, skirts, slacks and undergarments. Labs will consist of working on departmental productions as well as the creation of teaching tools. (Spring, odd years)

PA 375 Junior Seminar

1 hour
Students at the Junior level will meet bi-monthly throughout their Junior year in a seminar setting and will:

clarify and focus their major goals – academic and vacational
formulate their Senior project proposal
further develop their career resumes and/or portfolios
discuss internships

G-PA 385 Performing Arts History and Literature I

3-4 hours (Language Intensive)
This course will allow students to study music and theatre in relationship, thereby gaining greater awareness of how being human is experienced and expressed through the creative process. This course assumes a holistic approach and affords students the unique opportunity to study connections between the performing arts. Students will be introduced to selected major characteristics and issues in American, Western European, ethnic, and worlds music and theatre from Greek to the mid-19th century. Students seeking licensure in music will enroll in the additional credit hour to prepare for the Praxis exam. (Spring, odd years)

G-PA 390 Performing Arts History and Literature II

3-4 hours (Language Intensive)
Part two is a continued study of the music and theatre relationship. This course surveys the performing arts in the last 200 years highlighting the most important changes and challenges to the field in that time. Students pursuing licensure in music will enroll in the additional credit to prepare for the Praxis exam. (Fall, odd years)

PA 400 Theatrical Form and Style

3 hours
An examination of the major historic period styles in acting, design, and directing. Students will read plays that will work with the various techniques discussed in class. (Spring, even years)

PA 410 Special Topics in Performing Arts

2 hours
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to experience a variety of topics in the Performing Arts that could be linked to the production calendar or topics that are not covered in the regular series of courses. Examples might include a seminar covering a specific playwright to be produced, an acting style being used in the staging of a production, or rendering skills needed to prepare a portfolio.

PA 415 Performance & Production Lab

A. Musical Theatre
The student will be given credit for rehearsing and performing in a departmental production of a musical or musical revue.

B. Directing
Student will take responsibility for directing a show not connected to another class. Student will be in charge of all aspects from budget through supervision and selection of cast and crews.

C. Choreography
Student will receive credit for planning, teaching and rehearing the movement for a performance. Student will be in charge of integrating the blocking with the movement and support the piece as part of the directing team.

D. Technical Direction
Student will take responsibility for directing the technical aspects of a show not connected to another class. Student will be in charge of all aspects from budget through supervision of crews and designs.

PA 440 Music Theory IV

3 hours
This course is a continuation of Music Theory III. In this upper-level course, students will be introduced to advanced chromaticism, secondary functions, modulations, and larger musical forms from major historic periods in music. Students will also explore materials and techniques used in Twentieth-Century Music. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure and for those pursuing the Performing Arts music track. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 340, Music Theory III. Co-requisite: PA 444, Sight Singing and Ear Training IV. (Spring, even years)

PA 444 Sight Singing and Ear Training IV

1 hour
A continuation of PA 344, Sight Singing and Ear Training III. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 344, Sight Singing and Ear Training III. Co-requisite: PA 440 Music Theory IV. (Spring, even years)

PA 451/CI 451 Methods for Teaching General Music in the Elementary School

3 hours
For music education majors. The methods and materials for music teaching at elementary level. (Fall)

PA 453/CI 453 Methods for Teaching Vocal Music in the Secondary School

3 hours
Students learn choral literature, pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, rehearsal planning, music literacy strategies, assessment and grading, rehearsal management, and administration of a middle and high school choral program. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure. Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor. (Spring, even years)

PA 454/CI 454 Methods for Teaching Instrumental Music in the Secondary School

3 hours
This course provides an overview of and practical applications in the basic technical aspects of organizing, administrating, teaching, and conducting instrumental ensembles at the public school level. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in Instrumental Techniques Lab and permission of the instructor. (Spring, odd years)

PA 465 Advanced Conducting and Rehearsal Techniques

2 hours
This course provides students an in-depth study of band or choral teaching methods and advanced study and practice in band or choral conducting. Topics will include conducing and rehearsal techniques, score study and repertoire. This course is designed for students seeking music licensure. Prerequisite: Successful completion of PA 365, Conducting. (Spring, odd years)

PA 475 Senior Project

2 hours
Each performing arts major is required to complete this capstone experience. Four of the more popular projects are listed, but each student is allowed to create a project to match his/her interests and expertise in the performing arts.

Recital Project
The student will complete an intensive preparation of skills and research in conjunction with a performance. Research could include Western European, Musical Theatre and American classic. Prerequisite, Private lessons.

Directing Project
Intensive development of directing skills and process, including text analysis and exploration of craft fundamentals as a basis for director/actor /designer collaboration and effective staging, with particular emphasis on challenges of style in text and production. Examination of process of conceptualization in dramatic production; centrality of theatric conceptualization in interpretation of dramatic text. Students direct a full-length play under observation, with discussion and critique of work in progress with faculty advisor. Prerequisite, PA365, Directing and PA365B, Directing.

Acting Project. Student will be involved in the selection of the role in one of the department’s production for a culminating acting experience. Student will be involved with the director in examining the script, creating the approach to the show, and setting goals for the production. An intensive rehearsal process as the student prepares the role in collaboration with the entire production team and cast. Prerequisite, G-PA160, Performing for the Stage.

Design Project
Complete responsibility for the design of one of the following elements for a departmental production, depending on the student’s primary area of interest: sets, costumes, lighting, makeup, or sound. Student will be working in collaboration with the director and other designers assigned to the production. Prerequisite, PA370, Theatrical Design.

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297 Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)