2014/2015 Black Hills High School Choral Music Department Syllabus

Kathleen Alviar, Director

709-7894Twitter: @blackhillschoir

Classroom Expectations

1. Be to rehearsal on time

2. Be prepared - have music and pencil in hand.

3.Backpacks need to be stored against the far wall; never on risers

4. Always give your best effort and support others.

5. No food, drinks or gum in the choir area.

6.Cell phone use is allowed only with instructor permission (see policy)

Concert Expectations

Be on time.
Have pride in your appearance; professionalism is important!
No cell phones onstage or in audience.
As an audience member, support the performers by listening attentively.
Stay for the entire concert.
Help clean up/return equipment after the performance.

Instructional Goals and Objectives

Through participation in the BHHS choir program, students will learn the following musical concepts and objectives:

Musical Pitch – Learning to hear and sing musical pitches accurately, maintaining a melodic and harmonic line, reading notes, and singing with correct intonation, posture, and breath support within an ensemble.

Musical Rhythm – Learning to read, write, count, clap, and sing musical rhythms in simple and compound meters.

Music Theory – Learning and using new musical vocabulary, scale construction, composition styles and forms, and various musical symbols and terminology.

Musical Interpretation and Appreciation – Learning about musical styles, historical perspectives, musical phrasing, and self expression in music.

Musical Performance – Understanding and practicing appropriate rehearsal techniques, study skills, and practicing strategies; exhibiting professionalism during concerts through self-discipline and team effort.

Grading

The grading system is outlined below. Grading in the BHHS choir program is based on your successful completion ofstandards basedassignments, tests, and active participation in rehearsals and performances.

50% - Attendance and participation in choir performances: 25% of your concert grade is based on your professionalism and performance and 25% is based on your audience etiquette. Performances are recorded for grading and self-assessment purposes only.

It is EXTREMELY important that you attend all performances! Concerts are mandatory, and the ensemble members are counting on you! The only acceptable excuse for missing a concert is illness or family emergency. All other circumstances will be considered on a case-by-case basis ONLY if prior notice is given.

30% - Tests/Quizzes:Singing assessments will be administered in small groups each semester. Other assessments will cover music theory and history concepts as well as audience etiquette.

20% - Daily Rehearsal Skills: Students begin each quarter with 500 pts. for demonstrating proper rehearsal skills. These skills include sitting with correct posture, singing with proper articulation, vowels, etc. and preparation. Points may be deducted each day if students do not demonstrate these skills.

Performance Attire

Each student is responsible for wearing appropriate attire for each performance. You are representing our school and community each time you appear in public. Make sure your appearance and behavior reflect that responsibility.

Chamber Choir: Girls must purchase the required dress and black dress shoes

Boys must purchase a tuxedo and black dress shoes

Con Brio: Con Brio members must purchase the required dress and black dress shoes

Concert Choir: Robes are provided. Boys must wear black dress pants, a white,

Long-sleeved, button down dress shirt, black dress shoes, black dress socks

Girls must wear a skirt (no longer than robe, any color OK) and shirt (any

Color OK) Black dress shoes.

Important Dates

9/26/14 – All-Northwest Audition deadline (optional)

12/18/14 – Winter Choir Concert, 7:00 in PAC (MANDATORY)

2/7/15 – District Solo/Ensemble Competition (MANDATORY FOR CHAMBER/CON BRIO)

2/13-2/15 – All-Northwest Choir, Spokane (optional, by audition)

3/5/15 – Honors Concert, 7:00 in PAC (MANDATORY)

3/12/15– District Choir Festival, Mt. View Church (MANDATORY, during school)

4/24-4/25 – STATE Solo/Ensemble Competition, CWU, Ellensburg

5/28/15 – Awards and Senior Recognition Concert, 7:00 in PAC (MANDATORY)

Please Return This Page

I have read the grading, cell phone, and concert attendance policies of the BHHS Choirs and understand that attendance at concerts is mandatory. I’ve also read the concert attire requirements and understand that it is my responsibility to obtain appropriate concert attire by the first concert.

2014/2015 Black Hills High School Choral Music Department Syllabus