Music in The Salvation Army I - Syllabus
The Salvation Army expects Cadets to conduct themselves, at all times, as a Christian and an Officer-in-training.
Course Description
This course is designed to introduce the Cadet to the significant role that music plays within the worship and evangelical practices of the Salvation Army. With an appreciation for both the unique music mediums of The Salvation Army and contemporary worship styles and technologies, this course will introduce the Cadets to the skills, knowledge and resources needed to maximize and lead in the use of music in Worship.
Course Objectives
1. Cadets will take a brief look at the history of music in Worship.
2. Cadets will be introduced to the role of music in worship, in particular that of the hymn and congregational singing.
3. Cadets will explore why we, as humans sing, and why some of us don’t.
4. Cadets will be introduced to the history of Salvation Army music, discover how our traditions became established and explore their relevance to worship today.
5. Cadets will be exposed to the Salvation Army Songbook and will become familiar with the use of the Metrical Index, Concordance, and Companion to the Songbook.
6. Cadets will receive instruction and practice in leading corporate singing.
7. Cadets will have an understanding of Copyright Law as it relates to the Church, in particular the use of the Church Copyright Licensing International and Church Video Licensing programs. 8. Cadets will be introduced to the wealth of resources and publications that will prove useful in the music programs and worship at their Corps.
9. Cadets will discuss the differences in music/worship styles of the various ethnic groups and cultures that can be found in Salvation Army congregations.
10. Cadets will receive instruction in basic music notation, sight-singing and ear-training according to their ability and experience.
Course Student Learning Outcomes
1. Cadets will describe key events and personalities in the history of music in Worship that laid the foundation for the development of Salvation Army worship practices and traditions. 2. Cadets will describe the significance of the role of music in worship, in particular that of the hymn and congregational singing.
3. Cadets will discuss why we as humans sing and the implications this knowledge will have on their future ministries.
4. Cadets will use the Metrical Index, Concordance and Companion to the Songbook.
5. Cadets will demonstrate the effective leading of corporate singing.
6. Cadets will demonstrate an understanding of Copyright Law as it relates to the Church, in particular the use of the Church Copyright Licensing International and Church Video Licensing programs.
7. The Cadets will be able to sing/clap basic rhythms (up to and including eighth notes). Student Learning Outcomes Assessment The above objectives will be assessed using the assignments detailed below.
Method of Instruction
The information in this course will be shared in lecture format, supported by relevant text and audio/visual resources and through practical demonstration. Class discussion and hands on experience will also be employed to facilitate the acquisition and assimilation of the necessary skills and knowledge.
Textbooks and other required supplies
Bell, John L. The Singing Thing: A Case for Congregational Song. GIA Publications, 2000. Taylor, Gordon. The Companion to the Songbook. The Salvation Army, 1990.
The Salvation Army Songbook
Course Requirements
- Participation: Cadets are required to attend class with a positive approach to the subject matter and actively participate in the activities presented therein.
- Book Response: Cadets will write a response paper to “The Singing Thing” This will be graded using a class-created rubric which the Cadets will also use to complete a self-evaluation of this assignment.
- Quizzes: Two quizzes will be given during the course.
- Song leading Final: Cadets will lead an assigned song from the Songbook and will provide relevant background information to the song.
- Learning Log: Cadets will compile a ‘learning log’ by answering the following questions on each class: What was the most important idea/topic you encountered in this class? How does this relate to your future ministry? What important questions on this topic remain unanswered for you? What teaching/learning techniques were employed? How do these compare with how you learn best?
Course Deadlines
- Quiz I will be given during class on Thursday, October 8th.
- Quiz II will be given during class on Thursday, November 19th.
- The Book response is to be turned in by Thursday, November 19th.
- The Song Leading Final will take place individually during the week beginning Monday, November 16th.
- Learning log entries should be made after (if not during) each class. These will be collected periodically during the quarter. The complete log should be turned in on Thursday, November 19th.
Course Grading
This is a graded course. The final grade is broken down as follows:
- Participation 10%
- Book Response 20%
- Quizzes (2) 30%
- Song Leading Final 20%
- Learning Log 20%
Application to Field Work
Music has a significant role within the worship and evangelical practices of the Salvation Army. Salvation Army officers need an understanding of the unique music mediums of The Salvation Army and contemporary worship styles and technologies and must possess the skills, knowledge and resources needed to maximize and lead in the use of music in Worship.
Course Calendar
Class 1: Course Intro/Syllabus Handout/Assignments
Class 2: Time with the songbook
Class 3: What is Worship?
Class 4: Why music I: What does music mean/Music, culture and the church.
Class 5: Why music II: Brief history of music in Worship.
Class 6: Salvation Army Music I: How it all began.
Class 7: Salvation Army Music II: The establishment of tradition.
Class 8: Salvation Army Music III: Our traditions and their use/relevance for today.
Class 9: Why do we Sing: “The Singing Thing”
Class 10: Congregational Singing & the Hymn.
Class 11: CCLI/Copyright
Class 12: Quiz I
Class 13: Introduction to the songbook
Class 14: Meter and the Metrical Index
Class 15: Leading Corporate Singing 1
Class 16: Leading Corporate Singing 2
Class 17: Leading Corporate Singing 3
Class 18: Leading Corporate Singing 4
Class 19: Music Fundamentals 1
Class 20: Music Fundamentals 2
Class 21: Publications, forms and resources
Class 22: Review/Open forum
Class 23: Song Leading Final
Class 24: Quiz II
Caveat
The preceding procedures and class schedule are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances with the approval of the Director of Curriculum.
