Name: Charles Moe
Competency: B3
Artifact Title: Intermediate Literature
Artifact Type: "Little David Play On Your Harp" arr. by Paul J. Christiansen. This is an example of "Intermediate" 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. It is important to consider "style" when performing a spiritual such as "Little David Play On Your Harp." As far as diction goes, vowels still need to be unified for purposes of tuning but ending consonants need not be as "crisp." The nice thing about the phrasing is that Dr. Christiansen has given plenty of instruction when it comes to accents and dynamics. This can be a handy guide. As always however it is important as a conductor to look for the important words and follow their natural syllabic emphasis. This will give the music better musical "flow."
