Elmore Park Middle School Choir Syllabus 2017-2018

Grades 6-8

Mrs. Cecelia Hagood, Choir Director

Course Objectives and Description:

This course is a sequential class between all three 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 2 required 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 2017-2018: $75

Please note that the choir fee is $75 per student/ per year even if they are able to wear their uniform from last year. If a uniform is not purchased, the total fee goes toward other choir expenses for the year including rental of concert venues, sheet music (our curriculum and largest budget item), WTVMEA school dues, awards, and basic classroom supplies. Optional events such as All West TN Honor Choir and Solo & Ensemble Festival are NOT included in the fee and are usually $5-$10 per student for registration.

Calendar:

September 18-22: Honor Choir auditions (opt)

October 28: All Southwest Honor Choir Auditions (opt)

November 16-18: All Southwest Honor Choir Clinic and Concert (opt)

December 12 (tentative)- Winter Choir Concert- 6:30 p.m. (required) Location TBA

February 22: Vocal Solo & Ensemble Festival, University of Memphis (Opt)

April 18-20: West TN Jr. High Choral Festival (Advanced choirs) (we will go only one day)

April 27-29 (tentative): Honor Choir/ Concert Band Spring Trip, location TBA

May 15 (tentative) : 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. This is for all choir classes. You will only get reminders about upcoming performances or due dates for fees.

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

Classroom Expectations:

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

Performance attire: (REQUIRED FOR CONCERTS)

Girls concert attire: The official EPMS choir uniform is provided to each student as needed each year. The skirt may need to be hemmed to the top of the shoe. Students will need to provide their own Black dress shoes (no sandals or athletic shoes), black hosiery (if worn). No necklaces. Earrings must be an inch or less in diameter. Hair accessories are acceptable, but must be solid black.

Boys concert attire: The official EPMS choir uniform is provided to each student as needed each year. Pants may need to be hemmed to the top of the shoe. Student will need to provide their own black dress shoes, long black socks. NO jewelry for men except a watch or single bracelet if desired.