Dr. Neil Thornock Music 482 Choral Arranging Online Materials

Syllabus Assignment 1: Two-part Writing Choose a hymn tune (at least 12 measures) and add a second part. Effective two-part writing exhibits the following: --Focus on 3rds and 6ths. --Octaves occasionally. --Fifths even less. --Tritones resolve in contrary motion. --Fourths usually resolve to thirds. --7ths and 2nds resolve to 6ths and 3rds (repsectively). Assignment 3: Three-part writing Choose a four-part work (at least 12 measures) and reduce it to three parts. Retain as much of the original intent as possible. Effective three-part writing (often) exhibits the following: --Complete harmonies. --Bass may be left out. --Include or imply a bass line if there is no accompaniment. --Focus on contrary motion. --Parallel motion can provide interesting contrast --Alternate open and close spacings.