7th & 8th Grade Choir Syllabus 2013

Mrs. McClain

I Can Statements: Students will have accomplished the following by the end of the class…

I Can Recognize & Identify the form of the music we sing & listen to in class. (7th-1CE)

I Can Use a musical vocabulary when describing the music we sing in class and listen to. (7th- 5CE)

I Can Perform a varied repertoire of music that includes changes of tempo, key and meter. (7th/8th- 1PR)

I Can Read, write & perform different rhythmic patterns in a variety of meters. (7th- 4PR & 8th- 5PR)

I Can Perform with good posture and breath support. (7th/8th- 2PR)

I Can Evaluate & Critique my musical performance as well as the choir as a whole. (7th/8th- IRE)

I Can Sing in unison, 2-part & 3-part harmony. (7th/8th- 2PR)

I Can Blend my voice with my section & the choir. (7th/8th- 2PR)

I Can Match pitch and sing in tune with my peers in the choir. (7th/8th- 2PR)

I Can Sight sing a unison melody using solfege. (7th/8th-6PR & 7th-4PR & 8th-5PR)

I Can Identify musical characteristics when listening to a piece of music. (7th-5CE)

Class Rules:

No Gum, Food or Drinks in the choir room.

No students are allowed to touch the keyboard without permission.

You must have a pass or your agenda signed in order to leave the classroom.

Students will put their books/personal belongings in the appropriate place assigned by the teacher at the beginning of class. NO CELL PHONES!

Students MUST participate in class, it is not an option. No lip-singing!

Attendance:

Attendance at concerts and performances is MANDATORY and will reflect upon the students grade.

IF, a student is going to miss a concert Mrs. McClain needs a written note from the student’s parents/guardians explaining why the student will miss the concert. This does NOT mean the student will be excused. The note should be turned in no later than 2 weeks before the concert date.

EXCUSED Absences: Family Emergency, Death in the Immediate Family, Ill with a doctor’s note.

NOT EXCUSED Absences: I didn’t know about the concert, I didn’t have a ride, etc.

Concert Attire:

Black pants or a black skirt that goes to the knees. No leggings, jean, sweat pants, etc.

Black socks and shoes. No tennis shoes.

Jewerly limited and tasteful.

Choir polos will be provided the night of the concert. Students should arrive in something that the polo can be slipped on over. The teacher washes the polos after EVERY performance.

Concert Dates: Mark your calendars now!

Tuesday, October 22nd- The 7th/8th grade choirs will perform on the High School Fall Choir Concert. The Concert will take place in the High School Commons. Students are to REPORT at 6pm to the HS Choir Room and the concert will begin at 7pm.

Thursday, December 19th- The 7th/8th grade choirs will perform on the Middle School Holiday Concert. The Concert will take place in the Middle School Gym. Students are to REPORT at 6pm to the MS Choir Room and the concert will begin at 7pm.

Grading:

Signed Syllabus- 10 points

Pencil Checks- 5 points

Journals- 90 points (each 9 weeks)

Concerts- 40 points each

Concert Critiques- 20 points

*Other assignments may also be added into the student’s grade.

*Point values are subject to change.

*Please see the student’s agenda book for grading scale.

Mrs. McClain’s Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.

Mornings-740-743-1315 (MS)

Afternoons-740-743-1335 (HS)

Please sign and return the statement of agreement to Mrs. McClain by Friday, August 23rd.

I, ______have read the 7th/8th Grade Choir Syllabus and understand what is expected of me throughout the class. I understand the rules and consequences and by signing this agreement I will comply with the policies and procedures.

______

(Student’s Signature/Date)(Parent/Guardian’s Signature/Date)