Dean's Chorister Medal
Structure of the exam
Section A
Hymn - choose 3 verses of a four-line hymn.
Second verse must be sung unaccompanied and stay in tune as much as possible.
No descants.
Psalm - sing 8 consecutive verses, finishing with the Gloria
Suggest: Ps22
Anthem
Pick an anthem from:
Rutter - Gaelic Blessing
Lindley - Ave Maria
Elgar - Ave Verum
Farrant - Hide not thou thy face
Tye - O Holy spirit, Lord of grace
Shepherd - Easter song of praise
Greene - Thou visitest the earth
Section B
Singing at sight
Sing, in free time in one breath, a series of 4 written notes, starting with the tonic
Clap or tap a series of notes and rests consisting of 8-10 crotchet beats
Sing 5-6 bars of accompanied score at sight. You will be helped 2 or 3 times. Intervals required will be up to a fifth.
Repeat a clapped rhythm
Repeat 3, 2-bar phrases played once
Sing and name either maj/min 3rd, perfect 4th or perfect 5th
Section C
With reference to your chosen anthem, you will be asked:
Notes of the treble clef;
Time values of notes;
Time signature;
Key signatures (up to 3 sharps/flats);
Dynamic markings;
Performance instructions.
With reference to your chosen anthem, you will be asked 2 questions on the following:
Origins of the text and music, including basic knowledge of the composer/author
Style/Mood/Meaning - paraphrased in your own words
What context the piece would be used - which season/occasion?
Other music you might have performed by the same composer
Music which your choir might have sung for the same season
example questions:
Here are some typical questions the examiner might ask you
“Describe the mood of this piece, and say generally how the text is reflected in the music.”
“When was the text (or, the music) written, and by whom?”
“Can you put in your own words the meaning of (part of) the text?”
“In what season of the Church’s year might this piece suitably be sung, and why?”
“In which part of your (Sunday) morning service might this piece be sung?”
“Name another anthem, hymn or song that your choir might sing at the same season or occasion.”
Either of the questions above may lead on to a short discussion about music you sing in worship.
Section D
Belonging to the choir - Michael's Bit!
This module is satisfied by way of the preliminary reference and testimonial that are presented with your entry. These give the opportunity for your special contributions to, and role in, the choir or singing group to be recognised. Your attendance rate must be certified, and is expected to be at least “satisfactory” (75%) if not “impeccable” (95%) after allowing for any excused absence (as determined locally).
Before entering for the Bronze Award, as part of your commitment to your choir or singing group, you should have taken part in at least one special day of music making within the previous 2 years. This might have been attending your RSCM Area Festival, a singing workshop or other event organised by your RSCM Area, or (at the discretion of your local exam administrator) a special music course or visit organised by your own choir or a musical event with a school or other local organisation. Your attendance at this event, with the date, should be certified in the reference.
Section A
Hymn - choose 3 verses of a four-line hymn.
Second verse must be sung unaccompanied and stay in tune as much as possible.
No descants.
Psalm - sing 8 consecutive verses, finishing with the Gloria
Suggest: Ps22
Anthem
Pick an anthem from:
Rutter - Gaelic Blessing
Lindley - Ave Maria
Elgar - Ave Verum
Farrant - Hide not thou thy face
Tye - O Holy spirit, Lord of grace
Shepherd - Easter song of praise
Greene - Thou visitest the earth
Section B
Singing at sight
Sing, in free time in one breath, a series of 4 written notes, starting with the tonic
Clap or tap a series of notes and rests consisting of 8-10 crotchet beats
Sing 5-6 bars of accompanied score at sight. You will be helped 2 or 3 times. Intervals required will be up to a fifth.
Repeat a clapped rhythm
Repeat 3, 2-bar phrases played once
Sing and name either maj/min 3rd, perfect 4th or perfect 5th
Section C
With reference to your chosen anthem, you will be asked:
Notes of the treble clef;
Time values of notes;
Time signature;
Key signatures (up to 3 sharps/flats);
Dynamic markings;
Performance instructions.
With reference to your chosen anthem, you will be asked 2 questions on the following:
Origins of the text and music, including basic knowledge of the composer/author
Style/Mood/Meaning - paraphrased in your own words
What context the piece would be used - which season/occasion?
Other music you might have performed by the same composer
Music which your choir might have sung for the same season
example questions:
Here are some typical questions the examiner might ask you
“Describe the mood of this piece, and say generally how the text is reflected in the music.”
“When was the text (or, the music) written, and by whom?”
“Can you put in your own words the meaning of (part of) the text?”
“In what season of the Church’s year might this piece suitably be sung, and why?”
“In which part of your (Sunday) morning service might this piece be sung?”
“Name another anthem, hymn or song that your choir might sing at the same season or occasion.”
Either of the questions above may lead on to a short discussion about music you sing in worship.
Section D
Belonging to the choir - Michael's Bit!
This module is satisfied by way of the preliminary reference and testimonial that are presented with your entry. These give the opportunity for your special contributions to, and role in, the choir or singing group to be recognised. Your attendance rate must be certified, and is expected to be at least “satisfactory” (75%) if not “impeccable” (95%) after allowing for any excused absence (as determined locally).
Before entering for the Bronze Award, as part of your commitment to your choir or singing group, you should have taken part in at least one special day of music making within the previous 2 years. This might have been attending your RSCM Area Festival, a singing workshop or other event organised by your RSCM Area, or (at the discretion of your local exam administrator) a special music course or visit organised by your own choir or a musical event with a school or other local organisation. Your attendance at this event, with the date, should be certified in the reference.
- Sing, in free time and using a single breath, a pattern shown of 4 notes starting with the tonic.
