Music in The Salvation Army III - Syllabus
Cadet's Rule
The Salvation Army expects Cadets to conduct themselves, at all times, as a Christian and an Officer-in-training.
Required Texts
The Singing Thing by John L. Bell (GIA Publications)
The New Worship by Barry Liesch (Baker Books)
The Salvation Army Songbook
Course Description
This course is designed to give the Cadets an understanding of the significant role that music plays within 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 provide Cadets with the skills and knowledge needed to maximize and lead in the use of music in Worship.
Course Objectives
- Cadets will continue their familiarization of the songbook
- Cadets will continue to develop their ability to lead corporate singing.
- Cadets will become familiar with some of the materials, software and equipment that can be used in worship when musicians are in short supply.
- Cadets will have an understanding of the power of music and its role in worship.
- Cadets will take a closer look at congregational singing: the history and importance of them hymn and why we sing.
- Cadets will have opportunity for an in-class rehearsal and to view videos of their contributions to Chapels through the leading of Praise and Worship.
- Cadets will discuss the issue of excellence vs. perfection as it relates to the music ministry at their corps and those that take part in it.
- Cadets will understand the importance of blending traditional Salvation Army mediums with more contemporary worship styles.
- Cadets will continue the discussion of the differences in music/worship styles of the various ethnic groups and cultures that make up Salvation Army congregations.
Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
The above objectives will be assessed using in class, 3 minute journals in which the Cadets will address the implications/applications on their future ministry as Corps Officers of the topics discussed.
The Cadets leading of a song in week 2 will be compared to their final (using video tape).
Course Requirements
Attendance: Each Cadet is allowed one (1) absence per quarter with three (3) times late constituting an absence. If a Cadet exceeds the allotted number of absences then the final grade will be lowered by a full letter grade. Excused absences are at the discretion of the instructor and only with advanced notice.
Participation: Cadets are required to attend class with a positive approach to the subject matter and actively participate in the activities presented therein.
Praise and Worship: The Cadets, in their assigned teams, are required to lead Praise and Worship in weekday Chapels when required. A schedule will be provided. A minimum of one hour of rehearsal per Chapel is suggested.
The Cadets overall contribution to planning, preparation, rehearsal and 'execution' will be taken into consideration.
Song Leading: Cadets will lead one song of their choice from the Songbook and will provide background information to the song. Opportunities for leading songs in Chapel and Assembly will be provided and, although these will not be assessed, a rehearsal before and debriefing after will also be used as learning/instruction tools.
Book Response: Cadets will write a 4 to 6 page response paper to "The Singing Thing" in which they should:
- Identify the Thesis of the book (purpose for writing).
- Provide their overall response to the book.
- Describe how this book impacts them as a worshipper and leader of worship.
- Identify 2 or 3 chapters that made an impression on them (positively or negatively).
- Identify how this book (or above chapters) will assist them ministry as a Corps Officer.
- Support observations and examples with quotes.
This paper is to have one inch margins, be double spaced and use Times Roman font size 12. Use standard MLA format and include your name, book title and author.
Reflection/Discussion Questions: From "The New Worship", Cadets should answer the reflection/discussion questions after Chapters 2, 10 and two further chapters of their choosing.
This paper is to have one inch margins, be double spaced and use Times Roman font size 12. Use standard MLA format and include your name, chapter and author.
Course Deadlines
The reflection/discussion questions for Chapters 2 & 10 are due by Friday, October 19th.
The reflection/discussion questions on the remaining 2 chapters are due by Friday, November 16th.
The Book response is to be handed in by Friday, November 16th.
The Song Leading Final will take place during class on Monday, November 12th.
Late assignments will be docked 5% for each day late, up to a maximum deduction of 20%. Assignments not turned in by 5 days after the due date will not be accepted and will count for zero points.
All written assignments are to be submitted using Turnitin.
Course Grading
This is a graded course. The final grade is broken down as follows:
Participation 10%
Praise and Worship 15%
Song leading 25%
Book Response 25%
Reflection Questions 25%
Course Calendar
1 - Time with the Songbook
2 - Leading Corporate Singing: A refresher
3 - Resources for the non-musical Corps
4 - The Power of music and its role in worship
5 - Why we sing (and why some of us don't)
6 - Rehearsal & Review
7 - Hymnody: The history and importance of the Hymn
8 - Blended Worship
9 - Excellence vs. Perfectionism
10 - Song Leading Final
Caveat
The above schedule and procedures of this course are subject to change in the event of changing circumstances.
