The year promises some interesting activities and hopefully, you will choose to participate in some, or all of them! Some of the performances are necessary for you to achieve a passing grade in this class, while others are purely voluntary, with the chance to earn extra credit toward a better grade, and points that accumulate to earn a letter/pin.
In recent years, we have had an increasing number of students, who for various reasons, have had conflicts on the days of scheduled performances, or have been academically ineligible to perform. Since this is a performance driven class, if you are unable to perform for the mandatory concerts, or choose not to participate in the extra curricular performances, some of which are also based on academic eligibility, you will have a tough time passing this class.
I seriously suggest that you mark your calendar with the provided dates, and check that calendar before you or your parents schedule an event that will conflict with them. A three-paged typed paper for 50% credit in lieu of attending a performance is not an acceptable learning alternative to my notion. We have declining numbers due to a very tight schedule, and EVERY voice is crucial to a performance. Should you need to miss a performance, a phone call from your parent is required, in advance of the performance, unless it is an emergency. Calling in an excuse after the fact is only acceptable at my discretion, which will be consistent.
Performance attire:
The High School Choir appears in either Choir robes with black dress shoes, (no flip-flops) and black pants/skirts. Some times we will elect to wear appropriate dress clothes. Students who choose to violate the dress code may not be allowed to perform, and a penalty to the grade will result.
Grades:
Grading computation is done via the computerized grading program. I will make every effort to post grades to I-Now weekly. Grade levels round up at 9.6 points per level.
30% Daily Grade: Having necessary materials, class effort, participation, and cooperation
20% Extra Performance: Voluntary performances or service activities within chorus
30% Mandatory performances
20% Teacher Judgment (2 grades per quarter based on overall effort/performance)
Materials:
All students will be issued a black chorus folder, in which they should store copies of all music that will be performed. It is the students responsibility to keep their folder labeled with their name, and to have it for class each day. Loss of the binder will result in a $10 fee, assessed at the end of the year. Defacing the folder will result in a financial penalty based on the severity of the damage. It is recommended that students bring a writing utensil to class, and study materials to make efficient use of time when they are not engaged by class activity.
Classroom Expectations:
1. Give respect; get respect to both teacher, and ALL class members
2. Bring your planner and study materials with you. Locker passes will be issued at an absolute minimum
3. You are permitted to study ONLY when your vocal section is not rehearsing. If I see you doing something else when you should be singing, you will receive a detention
4. NO GUM, food or drink should be brought to class.
5. Remain in seat until dismissed. Take up chairs at the end of choir if requested.
1. Music to be performed
2. Music for the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
3. Music for Conference Music Festival
4. Music for the IL Music Educators Festival (IMEA)
5. Music for Xmas Concert
The entire choir, as part of warm-ups, will rehearse audition skills. Those who are auditioning will be asked to perform the skills individually.
Prepared music will be learned individually through personal CD and out of school rehearsals A Days 7:30 AM
I may choose to program some of the music at our school, in which case we will rehearse it as a group
Weeks 9-end of semester
5. Christmas Concert Music
6. Music for IHSA Organizational Contest
7. Choose music for Solo and Ensemble Contest
8. Begin casting for the High School musical
9. Sight-reading
Dates
October 11 Marathon play rehearsal - 10:00-3:00PM - first run-through of the entire show.
October 12 Highland College Choral Fest for IMEA auditionees
October 16 IMEA Auditions Sterling High School
November 2-12 Cheesecake Fund-raiser
November 5-6 High School Musical - "Once Upon a Mattress" - 7:00 PM
November 21 Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service 7:00pm GYM
December 7 Junior/Senior High Christmas Concert 7:30 PM - GYM
December 8 Chorus trip into Chicago to see "Wicked"
December 14 Elementary Christmas Concert 7:00 PM -chance to earn service points as helpers for the concert
March 6 Solo and Ensemble Contest
March 18 Conference Music Festival Stockton high Schoo - Concert 7:00 PM
April 8 Spring Variety Show - "Warren's Got Talent 2" - 7:00 PM
April 16 IHSA Organizational Contest (must be academically eligible by
Previous semester, and the week prior to contest)
May 5 Spring Concert 7:30 PM
May 12 Elementary Spring Concert - 7:00 PM - chance to earn service points as helpers for the concert
May TBA Graduation
May TBA Ad Pix Awards - Masonic Temple, Freeport - drama students