Name: Charles Moe
Competency: B3
Artifact Title: Easy Literature
Artifact Type: "In the Bleak Midwinter" arr. by Brad Printz. This is an example of easy literature
Rationale for Inclusion: Competency B3 requires that a teacher of vocal music be able to interpret choral music scores with an understanding of range, tessitura, phrasing, diction, and articulation. The main thing to work for in this arrangement of "In the Bleak Midwinter" is diction, specifically vowel unification; this will help keep the music in tune. The arranger did not put in many instructions pertaining to phrasing, so the conductor has to get creative. A good tip is to look for the important words in the textual phrases, that way you will be able to give those words greater emphasis. Knowing which beats are weak and which beats are strong is also extremely helpful. What makes this piece "easy" is that the harmonies are limited and there are not more than two vocal parts at any given time. Therefore the arranger has to fill out the harmonies with an interesting accompaniment.This particular piece is one I have conducted myself with a church choir I direct in Milaca, MN.
