7th and 8th grade Choir Syllabus

Middle School Choir Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION: The students will study and learn to appreciate many different styles of music. They will be able to express music appropriate for their developmental level through the study of vocal techniques, ensemble skills, theory, history and listening examples. The music learned will be performed at three public concerts each school year.

UNITS:

Winter Concert - December 19, 2011

Music in Our Schools Month Concert - March 13, 2012

Spring Concert - May 21, 2012

Music Evaluations - ongoing

TEXTBOOK: Selected choral octavos and sight singing sheets

GRADING PROCEDURE: 50% - Classroom participation and course work. 25% - concert partcipation 25% - worksheets and quizzes

MATERIALS REQUIRED: pencil every day; choir folder

Classroom Procedures

Grades:

1. Classroom attendance, participation

Be on time! Come prepared and not bearing excuses.
Think positive! Look for creative solutions if you see problems.
Cooperate fully with the director or anyone else left in a position of leadership. (This includes substitute teachers, student teachers, etc.)
Pick up folder and read rehearsal plan on the board
Respect of self, others and school property
Personal belongings are placed on the sides of the classroom, not under the chairs
Food, drink and gum are not permitted in the music department
Proper posture is expected - "six on the floor!" ( your 2 feet and 4 legs of the chair )
Please do not talk while the director is speaking or when you or others are to be singing.
Music folders are to be treated with respect and put back in the cabinet after each class.
Students will be charged for damages to school property which includes music
Please do not use of the piano or stereo without the permission of the director.
HATS, CELL PHONES, i-PODS are not permitted in the rehearsal

2. Assignments and quizzes

Students will be tested on all materials covered in class:

sight reading skills,
part singing,
music reading skills
music elements
historical information

3. Concert attendance

Concert attendance is mandatory. Concerts are considered the final test for the semester.Concert dates are set at the start of the year, allowing students and parents to make plans accordingly. Only in cases of emergency or illness will a student be excused from a performance. If a student is absent from school more than a half day, he/she is not to be in the concert. A note from home or a call to my school extension is required by the next rehearsal day. An appropriate make-up assignment will be determined by the director and the student once the excused note or call is in place. Out of respect for the other performers, in the case of an absence due to illness, a phone call from the parent is needed before the performance.

Rules of Conduct

Whenever and wherever Saint Peter Middle School Choirs appear, we are representatives or the entire music program, Saint Peter Middle School and all citizens and alumni who are in any way associated with this great school. Choir members will conduct themselves in a mature, responsible, courteous, respectful and professional manner. Anything done by a single member reflects on the entire organization. Just as we strive for excellence in our music, we also do so in behavior and the manner in which we conduct ourselves.