Unit outline_

ENSE3306: Chamber Choir (Advanced) 6

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Rehearsals prepare the auditioned members of the Chamber Choir for a public concert(s) at the end of each semester. The music chosen covers compositions from Gregorian chant to the twenty-first century, and may include a baroque orchestra, or instrumental ensemble. Sight-singing skills, style and historical performance practice will be an emphasis in preparation for performances.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Performance
Credit points 3
Prerequisites
? 
ENSE3305 or ENSE3605
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Paul Stanhope, paul.stanhope@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Rehearsals Weeks 2-5
Ongoing assessment of music preparation
15% Multiple weeks During allocated class time AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Music and movement Rehearsals Weeks 6-9
Assessment of music and movement rehearssals Weeks 6-9
20% Multiple weeks Duration of allocated class time AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test Rehearsals Week 10-11
Assessment of memorised chorus material during week 10-11 rehearsals.
20% Multiple weeks Duration of allocated class time AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test hurdle task Early Feedback Task Early Feedback task
Perform a section of a piece in a small group of 4-8 singers.
0% Week 03
Due date: 19 Aug 2025 at 18:00
approx. 3 minutes of music AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
In-person practical, skills, or performance task or test hurdle task Week 12 - piano dress rehearsals at NIDA
Assessment of dress rehearsal period at NIDA
20% Week 12
Due date: 01 Nov 2025 at 18:00
Duration of allocated rehearsal time AI limited - refer to Canvas
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Performance Performance Week at NIDA
Assessment of Week 13 Opera performances at NIDA
25% Week 13
Due date: 08 Nov 2025 at 18:00
Duration of allocated class time AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Assessment summary

Early Feedback task
Ongoing assesment: Weeks 2-5
Ongoing assessment: Weeks 6-9
Ongoing assessment: Weeks 10-12
Performance Week at NIDA, Week 13
 

Assessment criteria

 

Assessment grading  

The following assessment criteria are used for performance work in this unit of study:

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Comprehensive and outstanding technical control and musical integrity in relation to developmental expectations. Musical individuality consistently projected to create a persuasive personal representation of the work. Performance flair indicative of soloist standard. A mark of 95 or above indicates extraordinary technical virtuosity and musical artistry.

Distinction

75 - 84

Hi standard of technique, musical and stylistic achievement. Consistently coherent and expressive performance. Some personal interpretation of the work suggesting soloist potential. 

Credit

65 - 74

Confident technique with evidence of solid musicality and some stylistic achievement. Occasional lapses indicative of unresolved technical, artistic and/or stylistic issues. Projects potential for further development.

Pass

50 - 64

Satisfactory level of preparation and musical engagement. Some inconsistencies in musicianship, style and/or technique. Musical imagination and overall performance sense developing though some insecurity in this area. Attendance and punctuality sub-optimal

Fail

0 - 49

Unsatisfactory technical achievement and/or unsatisfactory level of musical and artistic engagement. Limitations may be of such a scale and consistency as to call into question the student’s future direction in the programme. Unsatisfactory attendance and tardy punctuality.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties of 5% per day of up to 10 days will be applied. If students are away during set assessment periods, they should contact UoS co-ordinator regarding alternative assessments.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Multiple weeks Weeks 2-9 rehearsals Rehearsal (31 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 01 Introduction, unit of study outline, expectations, remaining auditions. Lecture (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 06 Rehearsals Week 11 (Sitzprobe Week) Rehearsal (6 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 10 Rehearsals Week 10 Rehearsal (14.5 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 12 Rehearsals Week 12 (piano dress at NIDA) Rehearsal (15 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9
Week 13 Week 13 performances at NIDA Performance (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5 LO6 LO7 LO8 LO9

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. demonstrate accuracy of intonation
  • LO2. demonstrate vocal technique appropriate to ensemble situations
  • LO3. demonstrate choral blend through matching of vowels and attention to dynamics
  • LO4. demonstrate ability to sing in multiple languages
  • LO5. demonstrate rhythmic accuracy, ability to follow conductor and resultant musical flexibility
  • LO6. develop ensemble skills
  • LO7. develop stylistic skills relevant to repertoire
  • LO8. demonstrate a commitment to maintaining a high level of concentration during rehearsals and performances.
  • LO9. demonstrate a high level of preparation and professional conduct including punctuality, participation and responsibility for music scores, and other appropriate materials required for rehearsal.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

this unit has not had any enrolments before

Disclaimer

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