Lafayette Co C-1 MS
2011-2012
Choir Notes
6th Grade Vocal Music
Sarah Cook, Director
Choir Calendar
Tuesday, November 1MS/HS Fall Choir & Jazz Band Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Monday, December 19Middle School Winter Band & Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 21Snow Date for Concert
Course Goals/Teacher Goals
Middle school vocal classes are in place to stress the skills needed to advance to the high school choral program. Classroom goals include the improvement of individual vocal skills, auditory perception, and sight-reading. Students will learn the basics of music theory. 6th graders will study two part music and basic harmony.
It is my goal to teach music literacy and promote life-long musicianship as well as to develop an appreciation for a variety of musical styles.
Classroom Rules and Procedures
1. Students need to be quietly sitting in his/her assigned seat when the bell rings. Students should be prepared for class with their folder, music, and a pencil.
2. Talking during rehearsals should be kept to a minimum. Any necessary talking should be about the music we are studying and should never be a distraction to the class.
3. Raise your hand if you have something to say.
4. A sectional rehearsal during class time usually leaves other sections without anything to do. Please bring extra study materials or a reading book to class everyday to work on during sectionals. Talking during this time will not be tolerated.
5. At the end of rehearsal, make sure your folder is returned to the cabinet. Do not leave music lying around the classroom. Do not roll, fold, or tear music or music folders.
6. Gum, food, and drink will not be allowed in the vocal room; however, WATER IS ENCOURAGED. If you are caught with gum, you will receive a tardy for that block. If you are caught with gum twice, you will receive a tardy and lose 5 points from your daily grade.
Consequences related to grade and points
Warning—Keep All 10 Participation Points
2nd Offense – Loss of 5 Participation Points
3rd Offense – Loss of All 10 Participation Points
Mrs. Cook will follow BIST procedures; however, serious infractions will result in more immediate consequences.
Grading and Evaluation
Students will receive points from the following categories to make up their final grade.
Daily Points (10 points)
Students will receive up to 10 points per day for rehearsal attendance and skills. Evaluation will be based on effort shown during class, musical preparedness, classroom preparedness, and a positive/working attitude toward the learning environment. Points will be deducted for not being respectful toward the director or other students, not having a pencil, folder, or music, and/or failing to participate in class constructively.
Performances (200 points)
Students will be required to attend all middle school choir performances. Students should be on time and dressed appropriately. Points may be deducted for tardiness to concert, poor behavior, or inappropriate dress.
Musical Skills (points determined by assignment)
All vocal classes will include units of study dealing with the fundamentals of music literacy, music history, and music appreciation. Graded assignments and tests will be given.
Singing tests (30 points)
Periodic singing tests will be given based on currently rehearsed music.
Written Tests (points will vary for different units of study)
Periodic written tests will be given at the end of units of study.
The percentage scale and equivalent letter grade chart is the same one used district wide.
The ZAP policy found in the middle school handbook will be followed.
Performance Attendance
Performances are mandatory except in the case of an emergency. In the case of an emergency, please notify the director by phone. Students are responsible for arriving at each performance on time and properly prepared. Personal illness and death in family will be excused. Homework, vacation, community events or meetings, or lack of a ride will not be excused. An unexcused absence cannot be made up.
Students are required to be punctual and attend all performances. Points will be deducted for tardiness, inappropriate concert attire, or poor behavior during a concert. Students who miss a performance due to an emergency will be able to make up the points with a writing assignment.
Please contact Mrs. Cook prior to the concert if you do not have a ride or appropriate clothing.
Concert Attire
Ladies may wear a dress, skirt and top, or nice slacks and dress shoes. Men may wear dress pants, dress shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Tennis shoes and jeans are not acceptable. Reasonable clothing is expected at all concerts. Students that are unable to comply with this dress code should see the director at least two weeks before the concert.
“What do I do if I miss a concert because I am sick, etc”
Research Paper
(For Replacement of Concert Points due to an excused absence)
Musical Topic of Student’s Choice Approved by Mrs. Cook
Two pages
Handwritten
Single Spaced
One side of paper only
List of References (books, magazines, internet, etc)
Please Use at least one book or magazine as a resource. You may not use all internet sources!
Paper needs to use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraphs.
Three line heading
If plagiarism is involved, the writer receives an automatic score of zero for the entire paper.
Choir Folders and Music Care
School owned folders and music become the responsibility of the students to whom they are assigned. Any loss or damage to music or a folder will need to be replaced at the student’s expense. Students will be assigned a folder and music. Do not leave your folder or music unattended and always return it to the proper slot following rehearsal.
Never fold, roll, or tear music. Only mark in music with a pencil.
Class Supplies
Music
Folder
Pencil
Agenda
Study materials or a reading book
Contact Information:
Please speak with the Mrs. Cook prior to class is you have any vocal concerns. However, if you are having consistent vocal problems and cannot sing you will need to bring a doctor’s note to class. I look forward to a great year of learning and making music with all of my students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Plan Time:
Gold 1 and Blue 3
E-mail: