WCS Senior Chorus
WCS Senior Chorus
Course Outline
Course Objectives
1. Develop basic musical skills, including sight-singing, music theory, and basic breathing/singing techniques.
2. Develop each singer’s vocal abilities to the fullest potential, focusing specifically on ensemble singing.
3. Perform choral repertoire for the school and community.
4. Understand and demonstrate proper concert etiquette as a student and performer.
5. Encourage musical growth to create a life-long love for making music.
The following are the core values upon which we build within the Choral Program:
Striving for Excellence Teamwork Individual Responsibility
In Chorus you will:
- Explore the music of the great composers of the ages as well as contemporary American composers, folksong arrangements from around the world, Afro-American styles such as gospel and spirituals, popular music, and non-Western and world music.
- Students will have ample opportunities to share their musical tastes and suggest musical selections for possible programming. Responsibility to the musical craft, the student, and the audience requires that the choir perform various forms and styles of music. A selection that speaks volumes to one person may have little or no meaning to another.
That is the nature of the art. Broadening our own musical horizons can sometimes be an uncomfortable experience.
- We must agree at this time that not every choir member will “like” each and every song we prepare.
Chorus members are expected to show respect for the director and fellow members. Inappropriate behavior will affect the class participation grades.
Expectations
WCS Senior Chorus
Be seated with all materials when the bell rings
- If you have a cell phone, please put it in a pocket of the Charging Station
- Cell phones may only be used during class if permission is given
Follow directions the first time they are given
- Read the whiteboard at the beginning of each class for that rehearsal’s objectives
Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before speaking
Ask permission to leave your seat
Please Leave food and drink (including gum) elsewhere.
Water is allowed in a spill proof container.
Senior Chorus meets every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
Guidelines
WCS Senior Chorus
Rules and Day-to-Day Operation
Each student is responsible for knowing the classroom rules and adhering to them. If a seating chart is displayed, refer to it and seat yourself accordingly. Allow yourself plenty of time to stow your belongings, retrieve your pencil and music, and find your seat. Remain quiet during announcements and check the board each day for sight-reading, repertoire, objectives, and special instructions.
Music
Numbered music and folders will be distributed. You are responsible for the care and return of these materials. If materials are not returned or are returned damaged, you are required to compensate the music department for their replacement.
Keep your numbered music and folder in the corresponding numbered slot in the appropriate rack of cubbies. It is required that you use a pencil in rehearsal for marking your music. I strongly recommend keeping a pencil in your folder.
You must have your own music for rehearsal and concerts. Coming to class without your music will affect the assignments / preparedness portion of your grade.
Please use only your own music.
Performance attire = Black Bottoms and White tops
Always assume that concert attire is required for each performance. Please let Mrs. Brown know at least 2 weeks before a performance if you need help acquiring concert attire.
Attire for High School Chorus consists of the following:
Males: black pants; white button-up shirt; tie; dress shoes
Females: black pants or skirt; white blouse; dress shoes. No spaghetti straps
Required Performances
Holiday and Spring Concerts – please see attached WCS Music Calendar for exact dates.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in Solo Festival and to apply for All-County and Area All-State Chorus.
Grading Policy
WCS Senior Chorus
Due to the fact that chorus is a type of course that requires continuous participation throughout each class period, the WCS Senior Chorus grading policy is a variation of the WCS policy found in the WCS Student Handbook.
Weekly Grade 90% (1st and 3rd Quarter) 70% (2nd and 4th Quarter)
All students will be graded on attainment of the outcomes as listed in the course syllabus. Throughout the course of daily instruction, students will be required to:
* Have folder, music, and pencil in hand at the beginning of class;
* Demonstrate appropriate posture as taught by teacher;
* Demonstrate appropriate breath management as taught by teacher;
* Demonstrate appropriate listening skills;
* Execute directions given by the teacher;
* Produce appropriate tone as required by the literature and / or the teacher’s interpretation;
* Demonstrate active listening, offer supportive commentary, and work respectfully with peers in small groups;
Please come to class on time. While our performances represent culminating activities, daily rehearsals constitute the most intense learning period. Regarding tardiness or absence, WCS policy on loss of credit will be strictly adhered to.
Performance/ attendance 20% - (2nd and 4th Quarter)
Vocal music students are required to participate in a number of evening performances to meet course objectives. Performances are covered by the same WCS policy as class sessions. There are few reasons that can be considered valid for missing a required performance. A student’s grade will be significantly reduced for not participating in a mandatory event without proper notification. The teacher reserves all authority to grant or refuse an excuse for absence.
Absence due to family emergency or death in the family will be excused. The student should bring a note signed by a parent or guardian explaining the emergency. This note is required as soon as possible after the absence. Remember that choral music is a curricular performance course and a performance is comparable to an exam: performances demonstrate how well the student has mastered the goals of the course. In addition, since our performances are group efforts, it is not possible to “make up” the concert as an individual. Students will be given the opportunity to earn a passing grade by signing a contract and writing a specifically designed report chosen by the music teacher
If questions arise about possible conflicts, please speak to me and provide documentation as soon as such items arise.
Sight-reading/ quizzes – 10%
Some homework may be assigned. This may include preparing one’s part for performance proficiencies as a soloist or in small groups. Memorization is important, and occasional assignments may be made in this area as well.
The improvement of music literacy is an important aspect of our work as musicians. As a means to that end, some time during each rehearsal will be devoted to the improvement of music reading and rhythm reading skills. Individual or group tests will be administered and occasional quizzes or other work may be assigned.
Consequences for Violating a Rule
1. Violations of any classroom rule are treated as follows: 1st violation - a warning; 2nd violation – a lunch detention; 3rd violation – an after school detention plus a parental contact; 4th violation – an after school detention, parental contact, and sent to Principal.
2. Although parental contact is part of the third violation, the director may contact parents whenever she feels it is appropriate.
3. Students who frequently violate the rules may have the warning level eliminated. A parent conference may also be requested.
4. Cell phones may only be used during class when permission is given. Any unauthorized use will result in having your cell phone taken away for the remainder of the day. A second offense will result in having your cell phone taken away and turned in to Mrs. Emery.
Demerits
Demerits will be assigned and recorded for flagrant violations of classroom rules. The student’s grade will be reduced 5% for every demerit. The student will be verbally warned and / or notified if a demerit is issued.
CLASS ABSENCES
If a student is absent from class they are to complete a Make-Up Assignment within one week of the absence. These assignments are located on the Bulletin Board in the Music Room as well as on Mrs. Brown’s webpage linked to the WCS School Webpage. If the student chooses to not hand in a Make-Up assignment they will receive a zero for that day and it will be averaged in as one-third of that weekly grade.
WCS Academic Integrity Policy
Definition of cheating:
- Submitting the results of another person’s work as your own. Including, but not limited to: plagiarism from web, book, friend etc.
- Allowing your work to be used and/or submitted by another
Lab Reports: Partners may share data only, not calculations or write-ups.
Procedures to follow:
- Take Homework/Lab papers from students
- Fill Out a Discipline Referral Form (in triplicate)
- Principal – with papers stapled to this copy
- Academic Teacher
- Parent
3. The Discipline form is mailed home to parent and the principal calls the parent.
Tests: Automatic Zero
All other assignments/assessments: The first incident in a school year (not per class – per year) will result in the opportunity to redo the paper or take a zero. Any other incidents in that school year will result in an automatic zero.
2017
Contract of Agreement
WCS Senior Chorus
I have read and agree to abide by the rules stated in this handout. I have read the WCS Music calendar and understand that attendance is required. I accept the consequences stated in this handout if I choose not to abide by WCS Senior Chorus guidelines.
Student printed name: ______Date: ______
Student signature: ______
I have read and agree to support the rules stated in this handout. I have read the WCS Music calendar and understand that attendance is required. I support the teacher’s efforts to enforce the handout and support the consequences stated in the WCS Senior Chorus guidelines.
Parent / Guardian printed name: ______Date: ______
Parent / Guardian signature: ______
Parent/Guardian EMAIL address:______
Student Email address:______
Do you have internet access at home? ______Yes ______No
2017