Listening to Writing ②

46. Music and Theater

University choirs are very active in many universities in America.

In many cases, students who want to join a choir must audition for it. 

Most composition that the members learn are classicals, but among the teruiems and madrigals, it is occasional light piece accompanied by piano and strings. 

madrigals マドリガル

accompany　伴奏

Most arrangements are Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass, but there are some scores that call for soprano I and II, alto I and II, tenor I and II, baritone, and bass. 

score 楽譜

In these eight part pieces, there are often male and female parts that are simmiler but sung an octave apart. 

Much time is devoted learnig rehearsaing part, but mechanics such as breathing and phrasing are also coverd. 

mechanic 技術

47. Music and Theater

Drama and music students at universitiry in America, put on performances for the university on the regular basis. 

In terms of plays and musicals, in addition to the official theatrical ensembles there are often small independent groups that have an extensive repertoire, and also present improvisation pieces. 

plays はここでは演劇

extensive repertoire　幅広いレパートリー

theatrical　劇場の

ensembles　アンサンブル

improvisation　即興演劇 (improvised 即興の)

Some university drama departments even offer courses in the history of comedy in Amarica.

In such cources, students will get the chance to perform as stand-up commics or commedic duos. 

stand-up commics　漫才に近い。

Also, the music departments at many uiversities encourage students performances. 

These performances range from country and western groups to ragtime pianists and dixieland jazz bands. 

Recently, a few rhythm and blues groups have emarged as well. 

rhythm and blues = R and B 

Students studying instrumental music sometimes form brass quartets or woodwind quintets. 金管楽器の四重奏や木管楽器の五重奏

These groups play a mixture of classical and pop pieces. 

Several times in year, university orchestras peforms on stage campases, as well as community locations.