Advanced Contemporary Arranging Techniques for Worship – WMUS 525
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/21/2023
Course Description
This course is designed to teach and develop advanced skills as an arranger of vocal and instrumental ensembles. Chord chart writing and arranging techniques relevant to the rhythm section (keyboards, bass, guitar, drums, and percussion) and contemporary rhythm idioms will be explained and studied. Students will be expected to demonstrate skill in scoring for praise bands, orchestras, singers, and choirs. A major worship arranging project is required.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
There is a growing need for worship leaders and pastors of worship to write and arrange songs strategically for the unique needs of their congregations. These worship arrangers need an understanding of the principles of arranging as well as significant “hands on” experience in contemporary worship music styles, including vocal, choral, and instrumental groups. These creative arrangers need to write for large and small ensemble groups.
Course Assignment
Readings and lecture presentations
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (4)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words.
Assignments (8)
The student will create musical scores and arrangements. Each assignment must demonstrate a working knowledge of the course Learn materials.
Final Project Assignment
The student will create a full-length arrangement of a worship song, hymn, or original song (with approval of the instructor), including appropriate vocal, rhythm, and orchestral parts. There will be a choice of style: worship (or original) 3-part vocals with sweetening orchestration, or hymn (or original) 4-part vocals with symphonic orchestration. The arrangement will be a minimum of 36 measures with orchestral accompaniment. Transposed individual parts with specifications are required.
