Division:  Middle School

Department: Fine and Performing Arts:  Vocal Music

Course Title/Code:  Sixth Grade Chorus          ARTVO100

(year-long/ 3 days per week)

Course Description:     Sixth grade chorus students learn to use their voices effectively in singing. They learn and perform a mixed repertoire of classical, contemporary, folk, and Broadway songs scored for unison to three or four part voices. The students develop music reading skills and begin basic music theory concepts. The sixth-grade chorus has several performances throughout the year. Individual students may be allowed opportunities to participate in extra-curricular region and state level music events.

Goals

This course is designed as a comprehensive approach to musicianship giving students an opportunity to listen, conduct, sing, evaluate, compose, and study different styles of music.  Sixth graders will be introduced to choral singing, which is in essence group singing.  The class is designed to promote musical growth by developing vocal skills and learning to read music.  Although performance based, there is a strong component of sight-singing, ear training, and basic music theory.  

Activities/Content

• Through listening to one another and working together on sight singing and rhythm examples students begin to develop a strong sense of ensemble.  They begin to understand the truism that the group is only as fine as its weakest singer.  Careful listening to one another allows the students the opportunity to recognize strong and weak points of what they hear.  They begin to take ownership in their accomplishments and weaknesses.  When they work together to learn a particular portion of the music, the students become more confident to sing out and answer questions when they do not understand.
• Students learn and practice daily correct vocal technique.  This is done through vocal exercises and breathing exercises.  The goal is for the vocal exercises to transfer to the singing of choral selections. 
• Students will participate in daily music reading exercises, rhythm exercises, melodic exercises, or both.  The exercises are designed to be fun, stimulating, and at times very challenging.  Confidence in reading music will allow for quicker learning of the vocal parts of all choral selections.
• Song selections will represent a variety of styles and difficulty from historical to pop and sacred and secular. 
• At least one time each year, students will have the opportunity to put their choral talents to the test by performing a staged concert that includes choreography of simple movements and some costuming. 

Assessment

• Students are evaluated bi-weekly on their in-class participation, preparation, and commitment to the ensemble ethic. 
• Students are often asked to critique a rehearsal, personal effort, or a concert.  Sometimes sections will critique each other for the practice of verbalizing correct music and singing terms and developing their listening skills.
• There are times when written quizzes, tests and/or vocal evaluations are given. 
• Choral performances are a major portion of the assessment each trimester.  Students usually have one performance each trimester that they are expected to participate.  This is where as a unit and individual, exactly what we have learned and accomplished as well as how much we have improved. 

Students will be expected to purchase the  designated performance outfit.   

Resources: printed, internet & intranet sites, computer programs