Newcastle Middle School2014 - 2015

Racer Choir Syllabus

A. Course Description

This class is an elective open to students in grades 7 and 8 in which students will sing music from a variety of time periods and styles. Students will learn appropriate performance and rehearsal skills necessary to develop a choral ensemble. Concert and contest performances outside of class time are a class requirement and a percentage of the grade. Students are required to purchase a choir t-shirt and to meet other special clothing requirements for performance.

Lisa McLean

High School office 387-4304 ext. # 6319

Planning period 7th hour 2:10-3:00

Available before school, 7:45-8:00 and after school until 3:15.

B. Course Content

  1. Singing Technique:
  • Breathing and physical stance (posture)
  • diction, enunciation, pronunciation
  • Proper tone production and vowel shape
  • warm-up exercises and vocalizes
  1. Reading music:
  • Rhythm and standard music notation
  • theory
  • part singing
  • sight-singing skills (solfege)
  1. Musicianship:
  • Dynamics, phrasing and expression
  • singing good choral literature of many types and styles
  1. Performance: memorization, stage presence and concert etiquette
  • 1st nine weeks - Fall concert
  • 2nd nine weeks - Christmas concert
  • 3rd nine weeks - District Contest
  • 4th nine weeks - Spring concert

C. Class Policies and Procedures

  1. Choir rehearsal rules:
  • Come prepared to sing and participate fully.
  • Be in your seat when time for class to begin.
  • No food or gum while rehearsing.
  • Focus on the music.
  • No cell phones, electronic devices, make-up, homework or other distractions.
  • Refrain from talking when: the choir is singing, a section is practicing a part, the director is giving instruction, or a student is addressing the class.
  • No use of strongly fragrant or aerosol substances.
  • Treat people, equipment and instruments with respect.
  • Every voice is important.
  1. ALL rules, policies and procedures in the STUDENT HANDBOOK relating to behavior and discipline will be followed
  2. Disciplinary Consequences for inappropriate behavior by a student may consist of the following actions
  • verbal warning
  • student/teacher conference
  • teacher instituted consequence (separation from class, time-out lesson)
  • parent or guardian notification
  • office referral

D. Course Materials

  1. Music is purchased by the choir program and remains the property of the choir.
  2. Special clothing requirements:
  • Each choir student is required to purchase a Racer Choir t-shirt. (see attached order form)
  • For performances the choir t-shirt will be worn with either dark wash blue jeans or with black pants/slacks. (no holes, capris, leggings)
  • When wearing black pants students will need to wear black shoes.

E. Grading Policies

  1. 34 % Performances and Concerts- 100 points for each performance
  • Participation at performances and concerts is required.
  • The concert schedule will be given well in advance.
  • An unexcused absence at a required performance will lower your grade since missing a concert is like taking

a zero on a final exam

  • If missing a performance is unavoidable the director (not the office) must be notified with a note or phone call

from the parent before the concert explaining the reason for the absence.

  • In some cases of illness, family emergency or unforeseen event not in the students control, the director must

be notified in advance if at all possible and receive a written note from the parent explaining the reason for

the absence within a week.

  • The director will make final decisions about the status of an absence (excused or unexcused) and if

appropriate give an alternative assignment for full or partial credit.

  1. 33% Rehearsal - One 10 point grade may be earned each week.
  • Follow rehearsal rules
  • Learn your part and memorize the music.
  • Sight-reading skills
  • Vocal technique and warm-up
  • Follow directions
  1. 33% Participation - One 10 point grade may be earned each week.
  • Daily attendance and punctuality.
  • Proper use and care of music materials
  • Cooperation and treating classmates, director and other adults with respect.

F. Additional Information

  1. Fundraising:
  • The choirs have an activity account which pays for contest fees, OSSAA fees, music, clinicians,

supplies, robes, awards, food etc.

  • Every choir student is expected to support the choir by participating in the choir fundraisers.
  1. Ensemble and solo opportunities
  • All students have the opportunity to perform in ensembles and solos at district contest.
  • Solos and ensembles receiving a superior rating at district qualify to perform at state contest.
  1. RETURN: Choir participation contract, trip permission slip, t-shirt form and money, drug testing

permission form

G. Choir Performance Schedule

Fall Concert Mon. October 13Auditorium

Middle School Christmas ConcertTues. December 16Auditorium

Contest Preview ConcertThurs. February 26Choir Room

District Solo/Ensemble ContestSat. February 28Western Heights HS

District Choir ContestWed. March 4Mustang High School

(Middle School only)

Spring Sing! ConcertThurs. May 7Auditorium

Choir Participation Contract

2014 - 2015

SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE

BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

To: Mrs. McLean

I have read the RACER CHOIR syllabus/handbook and I understand what is required of a member of the Newcastle Racer Choir Program. This includes the performance attendance policy and the dress requirements.

Student signature______

Parent signature______

Date______

Choir T-Shirts

As a Newcastle Racer Choir member you are required to purchase a

choir t-shirt. The t-shirt will be worn for some performances and choir activities.

The t-shirts are $15.

You may purchase additional t-shirts for parents and other fans.

Payments may be cash or check made out to:

Newcastle Choir Parents Booster Club

Return this order form along with payment by

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29.

NAME
PHONE NUMBER
ADULT SIZES / S / M / L / XL / XXL
QUANTITY

QUANTITY ______X $15.00 = ______AMOUNT DUE