Eighth - Twelfth Grade Chorus

Learning Goals:

1.       Healthy singing technique including posture and breathing.

2.       Proper pronunciation, or diction, for understandable singing.

3.       Musical style.

4.       Beginning music literacy.

5.       Exploration of various types and styles of music.

6.       Beginning music vocabulary.

Materials:   1. Pencil with an eraser (can be kept in chorus folder.)

                        2. Music and folder. (provided by school)

Attendance:      Daily attendance is crucial to the success of the group. The first missed rehearsal will not be made up. All other missed rehearsals, regardless of the reason, will need to be made up during detention period. We will only take as long as needed for students to learn/ review new music. Please see Mrs. Burnett to arrange make-ups. Concert attendance is mandatory.

Grading:   

1. Better Singing and Performance (60%)        

Posture

Diction

Breathing technique

Musical Expression

Tension relief

Facial Expression

 

 

2. Participation (30%)  Once a six day cycle your student will receive a grade for participation.

       Students show they are actively participating by following directions promptly, holding their music and pencil at all times while rehearsing, making eye contact with the conductor, and other visual indicators. Students will also periodically complete work to show understanding of musical style and notation.

 

3. Singing Checks (10%)

      Students will be asked to sing their part for their mid-term and final grades. They will sing with the whole group as I circulate and assess each singer’s mastery of material.

 *Rubrics will be provided so students know how they will be graded.

Classroom rules:

            1. Be respectful, polite and cooperative (follow directions).

2. Keep your hands, feet and objects within your own personal space.

3. Be on time and prepared.

4. Use positive language.

5. Enter with an open mind and a positive attitude.

6. Begin tasks immediately and work diligently.

7. No food, including gum, or drinks except water in a closed bottle.

 

Discipline Policy: (I will generally follow this outline depending on the situation.)

1. Step 1-  Reminder- call name, non-verbal cue, redirect behavior

2. Step 2- Detention during 10th period or lunch. (Mrs. Burnett’s choice)

3. Step 3- Removal from class

4.       Use of foul language or violence will result in an immediate trip to the office.

5.       I will contact a parent or guardian at any time during this process that I feel is necessary. Please keep in contact with me about any extenuating circumstance that may affect your student. My goal is to help your child succeed and find a deeper appreciation of many kinds of music.

 

Concert Information:

Students are required to attend and sing in each concert. Chorus students are to remain together in the designated area of the auditorium while other groups perform. I understand we are all busy, but every group works hard and part of a student’s music education is learning how to become a good audience member. We strive to present enjoyable and educational programs and hope you will enjoy them. Each concert is an opportunity to enjoy various styles of music and to practice good audience etiquette.

Lack of concert attendance will result in failure for the marking period. Special circumstances should be discussed with me well ahead of time.

 

Concert Dates:  Tues. Dec. 13, 2011 7:30 pm

              Thurs. May 17, 2012 7:30 pm

 

 

Concert Attire:

Ladies:    *Knee length dress with sleeves

                                    Or

                * Sleeved blouse and knee length skirt

                                    Or

                * Fancy dress pants with a nice, sleeved blouse- no corduroys or cargo pants

                * Comfortable dress shoes

                        (If you only have sleeveless attire, start shopping now or find a sweater,      

                        dress jacket,  or shrug to wear over your sleeveless shirt.)

Men:      * Dress shirt

               *Dress pants

               *Formal tie

               *Black dress shoes with black socks

            No cargo pants, polo shirts, or sneakers of any kind.

 

Look neat and professional. Remember that this is not a fashion contest. We are here to present the music.

 

Music care: Music and folders are expensive. Students will be expected to take good care of music. Music will be kept in the folder rack located in the chorus room. Students are welcome and encouraged to take their music home to practice. Students should not store music in their locker. Any damaged or missing music or folders will be charged to the student.

 

Chorus related activities:  (details to follow)

 

Voice Lessons   Any student in grades 8-12 may sign up for voice lessons. They rotate similar to band lessons. They will mostly likely be once every other 6-day cycle on 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th period.

 

Stardust           Students in grades 9-12 may audition starting Thursday this week.

                          We will rehearse on Tuesday nights from 7-8 pm starting 9/20.

 

Senior High All-County Chorus                        Fri. and Sat. Jan. 13 and 14, 2012

            This is for interested 9-12 chorus students that are selected in 1-2 months.

 

Junior High All-County Chorus                        Fri. and Sat. Feb. 3 & 4, 2012

            This is for interested 7-8 grade chorus students that are selected in 2-3 months.

 

NYSSMA Solo Festival (New York State School Music Association)

                                                            Fri. and/ or Sat. Apr. 20 & 21, 2012

 

 

Thank you for your support! I look forward to a fun and productive year!