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 The Director’s Award for Chorus, which is a cumulative 7-8th grade award.
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 Junior High Choir appears in appropriate dress clothes. Appropriate clothes consist of garments other than shorts, t-shirts, tattered blue-jeans or sweatshirts. I would prefer the boys to wear dress pants, a nice shirt or sweater, and dark shoes. For girls, dress pants or a skirt/dress that is not terribly short. No one is to wear flip-flops. 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 Ed-line 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 three-ring binder, in which they should store copies of all music that will be performed. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their binder 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 binder 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. You will be given a bathroom/drink break mid-block.
5. Remain in seat until dismissed. Take up chairs at the end of choir.
1. Music for the Junior High Musical or Variety Show
All students, regardless of whether they plan to participate on stage will learn the choral music for the show. You will not be studying during choral rehearsal. Extra credit will be given should you decide to participate as auxiliary singers and percussion in the orchestra pit.
2. Music for the IL Music Educators Festival (IMEA)
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 some class time rehearsals.
I may choose to program some of the music at our school, in which case we will rehearse it as a group.
4. Skills
Weeks 9-end of semester
3. Christmas Concert Music
4. Choose music for Solo and Ensemble Contest
5. Skills and Sight-reading
Dates
October Columbus Day Marathon Play rehearsal – 10:00am-3: 00pm
October IMEA Auditions – Rock Falls High School
November Jr. High Musical - 7:00 PM Gym
November Cheesecake Fund-raiser
December Junior/Senior High Christmas Concert – 7:30 PM - GYM
December Elementary Christmas Concert – 7:00 PM
February Solo and Ensemble Contest (Students must be academically eligible)
April Dress rehearsals for the High School Musical
April The High School Spring Musical
May Spring Concert – 7:30 PM
May TBA 8th Grade Promotion