Syllabus

 

Beginning Choir

 

Beginning choir, open to any sixth grader, is an opportunity to introduce students to the experience of music through singing.  In this class, the students learn to perform individually and in a group setting.  In addition, students will learn how to read music and the techniques for performing in a large choir.  A variety of musical styles are introduced.  Students will also be given the opportunity to foster their creativity through various musical experiences.  Students will perform a concert at the end of their semester of choir.  Successful completion of this beginning course will prepare students for the opportunity to pursue Intermediate Choir in their 7th grade year.

 

Intermediate Choir

 

In this class, students will continue to refine their singing skills and techniques.  They will learn new music skills, music theory and history and continue to develop their creativity.  They will learn about music by exploring various musical styles and by performing music written by various composers.  Students will perform a concert at the end of each semester.  Successful completion of this course will prepare students for the opportunity to pursue Concert Choir in their 8th grade year.

 

Concert Choir

 

In this ensemble, students will sing highly challenging music and prepare for concerts and festivals.  Concert Choir students will sing alone, in small groups and large, learn advanced performance techniques, music theory and music history.  They will learn about music by singing various musical styles and by performing music written by various composers.  Students will perform a minimum of two evening concerts during the school year and may travel to festivals and other schools for educational outreach experiences. 

 

 

 

 

 

Grading Scale

A 90-100%            B 80-89%             C 70-79%              D60-69           F 59% & below

 

6th, 7th & 8th grade

60% - Attendance/Participation

20% - Concert Performance

10% - Performance Evaluations

10% - Written Work/Quizes

 

Class Expectations & Policies

  Music will be provided for each student and will be kept in a folder in the choir classroom. Quizzes on material presented will be a part of the student’s final grade. 

Student behavior should be mature and appropriate when dealing with teachers and peers.  Disrespectful and inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.  Working in a group, for the good of the group, is one of the major objectives of any performance based music class. Offenses will result in loss of daily performance points.

Students are to be in class and ready for work at the start of the period.  No gum or food is allowed in the choir classroom. Attendance and participation points (20) will be given weekly and will be a part of the student’s final grade.  In general, most students will receive 18/20 (which is an A) possible weekly points.  A 19/20 or 20/20 may be achieved through exemplary participation and performance only.  Participation points will be deducted from 18/20 due to absences, tardies, not having materials, gum, discipline issues, etc... Points lost due to excused absences may be made up with assignments given to the student by the director.  When an absence is excused, students shall be given a period of at least the same number of days they were absent plus one additional day to complete the make up assignment.  This make up period begins the next school day following the absence.  It is the student’s responsibility to ask for the make up assignment. Points lost due to unexcused absences may not be made up.

I am available for extra help on Fridays from 3:55 – 4:15pm

Attendance at all performances is required.  If you are enrolled in choir, it is automatically assumed that you will perform.  Two weeks prior notification, in writing, will be required should a conflict arise.  Illness and emergencies are the only exceptions.  Points lost for an unexcused absence at a performance may not be made up.  Excused absences for a performance will result in a loss of performance points until a make-up assignment is completed.

 

 

Communication

E-mail progress reports will be sent weekly.  Parents are also encouraged to check their student’s progress through ‘Infinite Campus’. Should parents wish to contact me personally, e-mail is the most effective form of communication (susan.davis@adams12.org)

 

 

 

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