HUM 213 Bach Festival (3 SH)

The course is designed to accomplish two main purposes: (1) to serve as an introduction to the skills required for listening to music, and (2) to prepare class members to take full advantage of the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival. Activities will include guided listening exercises, information about Bach and this year’s featured composers, as well as visits from performers participating in the festival who will illustrate the skills and understandings needed to prepare performances of music that can be enjoyed by audiences. The most important goal is to get students, especially those who have never had opportunity before, as close as possible to the workings of the life of a professional musician. In addition to the classroom hours listed below, students will be expected to spend a minimum of 12 hours during the week of the festival in attendance at rehearsals, noon concerts, and/or evening concerts. To meet the minimum 12 participatory hour requirement, students may need to attend activities during the work day or evenings; a master schedule of performances and rehearsals will be provided.