Elmore Park Middle School Choir Syllabus 2015-2016

Grades 6-8

Mrs. Cecelia Hagood, Choir Director

Course Objectives and Description:

This course is a sequential class between all 3 grade levels and is open to all interested students. No audition is necessary to be a member. The degrees of difficulty for each grade level will vary according to the abilities of each class as a whole. While in chorus the students will:

a. Learn, memorize and perform a variety of choral styles appropriate to the grade level and developmental ability. b. Perform simple to complex rhythmic, melodic and harmonic patterns through sight-singing and performance literature.
c. Learn and apply musical elements and theory to all choral literature.
d. Perform in 2required concerts, as well as other optional performances.
e. Audition for honor choir, if interested. f. Create a positive learning environment by working as a group towards a common goal.
g. Experience other choral performances to develop and enhance listening skills.
h. Develop basic vocal/choral skills such as: appropriate singing posture, vowel and consonant placements, diction, breath support, choral tone and resonance. i. Develop concert etiquette skills.

Accommodations and modifications will be made according to the student’s needs.

Choir Fees 2015-2016: $15

Calendar:

Late September/Early October: Honor Choir auditions (opt)

October 31: All Southwest Honor Choir Auditions (opt)

November 19-21 All Southwest Honor Choir Clinic and Concert (opt)

December 8- Winter Choir Concert- 6:30 p.m. (required) Location TBA

February 18: Vocal Solo & Ensemble Festival, University of Memphis (Opt)

Late April: Honor Choir/ Concert Band Spring Trip, location TBA

May 10-12: West TN Jr. High Choral Festival, (I will take an auditioned group of approximately 100 students from all grade levels)

May 16: Spring Choir Concert 6:30 p.m. (required) location TBA

Grading:

Choir students are graded on their participation and effort. The grading rubrics for daily participation grades, as well as the rubric for sight-singing tests and concerts will be posted to the choir website.

Parent/Teacher Communication:

The choir website can be found by going to the Elmore Park website, staff directory, and clicking on Mrs. Hagood’s name. Announcements and information can be found on the website as well as the Edmodo page.

Please sign up for Mrs. Hagood’s Remind 101 text reminders by texting @mrshagoo to 81010

You may also e-mail Mrs. Hagood with questions at any time.

Classroom Expectations:

  1. Observe all EPMS rules at all times.
  2. Be on time to class making sure to enter and exit the classroom quietly.
  3. No food, gum or drink is allowed in the classroom, except bottled water.
  4. Any non-accidental damage to any sheet music will be handled by replacement of music.
  5. Observe personal space of others by keeping feet, hands and objects to yourself.
  6. EPMS disciplinary procedures will be followed.

Performance attire:

Girls concert attire: Solid black skirt, long straight. Black shirt, round neck, short sleeve. The official uniform may be purchased for $55.00 through the choir. Black dress shoes, black hosiery (if worn). Minimum jewelry.

Boys concert attire: Tuxedo shirt, or white long-sleeved dress shirt, with black bow tie, black dress pants, black dress shoes, black socks. May be purchased through the choir $37.00.