Middle School Choral Music Course Description and Expectations
Director: Jacquie Holcombe
Class: 6th grade Vocal Music Majors
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 6th grade chorus is designed to promote musical growth in every student by developing vocal skills and learning to read music. Although primarily performance based, there is a strong emphasis on sight-reading, ear training, and basic music theory. The 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.
A. Positive Attitude
1. Show personal commitment to music
2. Demonstrate the ability to work within the group
3. Evidence responsibility and loyalty toward group
4. Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward classmates and teacher
5. Take pride in musical accomplishments
B. Vocal technique
1. Utilize correct breathing technique
2. Sing with good tone quality
3. Demonstrate correct diction
4. Demonstrate phrasing
5. Proficiency in singing a major scale
6. Ability to sing vocal part individually
C. Music Reading Skills
1. Demonstrate working knowledge of rhythm and time signatures
2. Identify the lines and spaces of the treble and bass clef
3. Recognize key of the work being studied
4. Identify music terms
5. Recognize and be able to write a major scale using whole and half steps
6. Identify Major and Minor scales, their names and the number of sharps and flats in each
6. Understand and demonstrate rhythm patterns
7. Evaluate daily and concert performances through critical listening
D. Performance
1. Demonstrate correct posture while singing (sitting and standing)
2. Participate in physical and vocal warm-ups
3. Demonstrate and awareness of ensemble effort
4. Demonstrate stage presence and poise
5. Perform choreography to selected choir literature
A. Various sight-singing texts and hand-outs
B. Various selections of choral literature
C. Folder that uses three punch including pencil and paper
D. Chorus attire
1. Warm-up exercises Daily
2. Sight-singing exercises Daily
3. Ear training Daily
4. Singing Daily
5. Rhythm and interval exercises Daily
6. Theory emphasis Daily
There is no way for a student to adequately make-up a rehearsal or a concert, so absences should be rare. Any written work such as homework or missed class work will be made up within three days of the absence.
CLASS RULES
Proper classroom conduct will be expected at all times. The following are reminders of proper conduct:
1. Be prepared with music, folder, and pencil when class begins.
2. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat or to speak.
3. Put trash in the trashcan.
4. Treat your classmates as you wish to be treated.
5. Absolutely no gum chewing is allowed.
6. Always be a listener. You learn a great deal about how to sing by listening
to each other.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Ladies: Long black skirts, brocade blouse, black character shoes,
black stockings, hair - half up/half down
Men: black tux pants, tux, shirt, brocade vest, black studs and button cover
black DRESS shoes, black socks
Outfits will be ordered for students and costs will be billed to parents through the business office.
It is my hope that every student in chorus makes an A+ grade and a 4 for effort. If this happens, you can bet that our chorus will be an exciting group in which to be a member. It is certainly within every student to make an A in chorus.
For the
Fall trimester, grades will be determined according to the following
percentages:
60% Work Ethic -
Energy, Focus Teamwork, preparation for class - with
pencil, folder, tablet (if necessary)
5% Singing Quizzes
10% Written Quizzes - question a day quizzes, theory
tests, written class or homework, Listening skills - singing and theory based
listening
25% Performance - attendance,
behavior, demonstration of knowledge of music and following directions
Grades will be updated on the Web.
Please understand that negative class participation will create negative results in class participation percentage.
Performing for others is one of the highlights of being in chorus. There will be two evening performances at Cary Academy. If other performance opportunities arise, they will be added to the schedule. If a student finds a conflict with a scheduled performance, the director should be contacted immediately to arrange an agreeable solution. A student who misses a performance will be expected to make up the performance grade with a written assignment. An excused absence from school on the day of a performance constitutes an excused absence from the performance. A student who is not present for at least half the school day is not eligible to rehearse or perform after school that day or evening. To earn the full performance portion of the trimester grade, a student must participate in all scheduled performances or be excused by the director.
During given years, the Middle School Chorus takes an over night field trip. In planning performance opportunities which involve travel, it is hope and somewhat expected that all individuals will participate. While the music is our focus, there are many positives that evolve from traveling and "living" together for a few days. Because chorus involves such "teamwork", we can never perform our best if EVERY member is not present. There are exception to all rules and expectations, but it is my hope that all students participate. When choosing music, numbers, voicing, and abilities come into play and a few singers missing can truly upset the applecart. If you ask the students about their experiences and memories, they will always put group travel and performance at the top of the list.
You will be awarded an extra grade for taking advantage of any of the opportunities listed below. I will always entertain other methods for other Enrichment opportunities and will offer an extra grade for the Enrichment activity you participate in. These activities are not a requirement for anyone.
Cary Academy will provide most of the printed music for each student and a folder in which all school music must be kept. Folders should be kept in the music folder cabinet unless the student takes it home for studying music. Music will be checked out and distributed through the Cary Academy library and any lost, damaged, or unreturned music or music folder will be subject to replacement cost.
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Please keep this copy of the chorus syllabus in your chorus folder, and please sign indicating that you have read and understand the information stated in this packet. Detach at the dotted line and return to Mrs. Holcombe by Monday, September 17.
My parents and I have read the course outline and have put all the performances and other important dates on our home calendar!
Parent Signature ____________________________________________________
Student Signature ____________________________________________________