Threefold Amen (I sketch in pencil and then print with a computer.) MUS 111 Schedule William Wieland
This composition would be excellent for your e-portfolio or grad school application.
A threefold amen is sung in many Christian churches. It is simply the word “amen” sung three times. In this case “amen” does not mean plagal cadence, but a threefold amen may include one.
For this assignment, compose on 2 staves (treble and bass) for an SATB ensemble in any key. Follow the Writing Rules. The Part Writing Tips may also be helpful.
1st Amen — a Tonic Prolongation

2nd Amen — any Harmonic Cadence except a perfect authentic cadence

3rd Amen — Predominant – Dominant – Tonic
     — the last 2 chords must be a perfect authentic cadence (See Harmonic Cadences.)
When the chord progression is wonderful, please improve the rhythm and melody. You may add passing and neighboring tones—but the more you add, the more likely I will find errors and deduct points. When everything is beautiful, add the lyrics (A-men, a-men, a-men.) and turn it in. We will sing these in class.
MuseScore Tips:
  • Use a piano staff to save space. We will sight read these in class.
  • Use different voices if your parts have different rhythms.
    • Look for 1 & 2 in the upper right.
    • Use Voice 1 for the soprano and tenor (stems up).
    • Use Voice 2 for the alto and bass (stems down).
  • Delete extra empty measures.
  • Add the lyrics A-men, a-men, a-men.
GRADING RUBRIC — You begin with 95 points and I make deductions as follows:

95 points — I receive nothing before the final exam.

45 points — I receive only a rough draft.
10 points if
  • the rough draft is late,
  • the revised composition is late, or
  • the final cadence is not authentic.
 6 points if
  • the first amen is not a tonic prolongation,
  • the second amen is a perfect authentic cadence, or
  • the final cadence is not a perfect authentic cadence.
3 points
  • for each incorrect pitch.
  • for each triad missing a 3rd.
  • for more than a P8 between S/A or A/T.
  • each time the alto or tenor do not move to the nearest note.
  • for each instance of perfect parallel motion.
  • if 7 does not go to 8 in an authentic cadence. (Inner voices may go 7 to 5.)
  • if 4 does not go to 3 in an authentic cadence.
  • for a 7th chord whose 7th does not resolve down by step.
  • if an active tone is doubled. (Active tones are the leading tone, altered tones or 7ths of 7th chords.)
  • for each note that is extremely high or low.
  • for each incorrect use of a second inversion chord.
At the instructor's artistic discretion, your grade may be raised or lowered as many as 10 points.