Singing With Friends

This course explores Western choral music, historically and musically, focusing on melody, harmony, and how they intertwine to create beauty. We’ll start with short pieces to introduce these concepts, then learn Dona Nobis Pacem, Danny Boy, Sicut Servus (Palestrina), and Lean on Me (Bill Withers, arr. Mac Huff). Through rehearsing this repertoire, singers will build music theory, reading, and ear-training skills, along with precision, intonation, balance, and expression while deepening their knowledge of music history. Two prerequisites: First, the ability to carry a tune in a choral context (if unsure, try singing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” as a round with a confident friend, or email me for consultation). Second, while reading music helps, willingness to learn your part outside class is essential — our choral sound depends on everyone mastering their part promptly so rehearsal time can focus on pursuing beauty together. Online resources, including part recordings alone and combined, will support your practice.

Folders and music will be provided.

Since beginning piano lessons at age eight Roy Underhill has been involved with musical groups all his life—including choirs, orchestras, concert bands, music theater, and chamber music—as a conductor, music director, performer, and accompanist. His first love is teaching through rehearsal, guiding musicians to greater heights of expressiveness.