Houck Middle School Choir Syllabus Course Objectives Classroom

Houck Middle School Choir Syllabus
2013­2014
Instructor: Ms. Mary Brandenstein
Phone: (503) 399­3446 ext. 275
Classroom # 127
email: brandenstein_mary@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Course Objectives
While in chorus, we will:
● Learn, memorize and perform a variety of choral styles
● Develop basic vocal/choral skills such as: appropriate singing posture, vowel and consonant placements, diction, breath support, choral tone and resonance. ● Perform simple to complex rhythmic, melodic and harmonic patterns through sight­singing and performance literature. ● Learn and apply musical elements and theory to choral literature. ● Perform in a variety of concerts and develop appropriate concert etiquette. ● Create a positive learning environment by working as a group towards a common goal. Classroom Expectations
In order to create great music, there are classroom routines and expectations in place to help us be organized and purposeful every day. Each day will go as follows:
1. Enter classroom, quickly get choir folder, and sit down in assigned seat.
2. Immediately begin Bellwork silently. The bell doesn’t start choir, YOU do.
3. Once Bellwork is complete and attendance has been taken, we will begin our daily vocal warm­ups, sight­reading, and repertoire.
4. Everyone participates in everything we do. It’s that simple. Choir is like a team sport, therefore, we must work together to be successful. 5. You are expected to take notes in your music with a pencil.
6. Water bottles are allowed but food will not be tolerated.
7. Concerts for a musician are like the olympics for an athlete­It is the opportunity to perform the skills we’ve been learning and practicing for months. Therefore, choir concerts are a very important part of your grade. It is essential to attend all scheduled concerts. 8. Have fun! Be brave, be yourself, make friends, take risks, and LOVE MUSIC!
Grading
During this class, you will be evaluated and graded on three elements­participation, performance, and reflection. Below are the different expectations and assignments that will make up each percentage. 1. Participation­50%
5 points per day = 100% participation grade
In order to receive full credit, you must:
● Have a pencil and music scores/music folder
● Actively participate by singing/following along with music, answering questions, and writing notes
● Stand and sit with good singing posture ● Eye contact 2. Performance­30%
● Attendance to all choir concerts is absolutely required. If there is an emergency situation and you cannot make it to the concert, lengthy make­up work will be assigned. ● In addition to the concerts, there will be vocal assessments throughout the year to evaluate the great progress that you are making as a musician.
3. Reflection­20%
This last element makes up mostly written work where you will reflect on your personal participation and progress each week. It’s very important to be able to reflect on how we are doing and how we are growing as students and singers. Every Friday, you will do a self­assessment where you will be expected to honestly grade yourself on your participation for the week. Also, there will be assignments such as listening activities that will factor into this grade. Concert Uniform Concerts are our chance to show off all that we have accomplished to our friends and family, therefore, it is important that we dress to impress. If you are able to get the uniform, great! If you cannot, don’t worry, I understand. Please come talk to me as soon as possible and I will help you.
Boys & Girls Choir:
White collared button down
Black pants or skirt (must be knee length)
Black dress shoes
Black socks, or black tights with skirt
Concert Choir:
Choir Robes
Black pants
Black dress shoes
Black socks
Student and Parent Choir Contract
Student Name_______________________________
Class___________________________
Parents’ Names_____________________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
_______
___________________________________________________________________________
_________
Phone Numbers: ___________________________________________________________________
home
Cell
Work
Email Adresses:___________________________________________________________________
__
Both student and parent agree to: (Initial Below)
____ Read through syllabus together
____Collect proper concert attire
____Arrange transportation for all extra­curricular events, including concerts and after school rehearsals
____Follow all classroom expectations
____Commit to being a dedicated choir member for the year
Student Signature__________________________________
Parent Signature___________________________________
****Parents, if you are available and interested in helping with any of the following duties, please indicate your preferences****
____Chaperone for field trips
____Assist at concerts (supervision, setup, etc)
____Organziation (uniforms, materials, etc)
Times Available: (please circle) Mornings
Afternoons
Evenings
Weekends