SKYVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Choir Syllabus 2013-2014

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Ms. Melanie Tlusty

Room 261

651-702-8046

mtlusty@isd622.org

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Skyview Middle School students are required to take either band or choir in sixth grade and seventh grade. Students have the option of continuing choir in eighth grade. Students will be introduced to basic music theory, a variety of choral literature, proper vocal technique, and performance opportunities. Concerts are mandatory. Students who have an unexcused absence for a concert will be given a zero. Legitimate, excused absences can be made up on a case by case basis at the director’s discretion

COURSE GOALS:

1. Students will be able to identify and notate the pitches on a grand staff through standard musical notation.

2. Students will be able to accurately count and notate following rhythms: whole note, dotted half note, half note, dotted quarter note, quarter note, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and their corresponding rest values.

3. Students will be able to apply and recognize the following elements in a choral setting: expression, dynamic contrast, phrasing, tone quality, timbre, major/minor textures, form, articulation, proper vocal technique, balance and blend in a choral context.

4. Students will be able to accurately sing their assigned parts; alone and in a group (two and three part harmonies).

5. Students will be able to name the major key signatures and identify the tonic note.

6. Students will be able to explain and apply the properties of the following time signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8.

7. Students will be able to visually and aurally recognize various genres through identifiable characteristics of each genres’ cultural origin, authentic instrumentation, and physical performance.

8. Students will participate in multiple performance opportunities and practice proper performance etiquette; both as a performer and as an audience member.

9. Students will work cooperatively, equally, and effectively in groups through projects, performance, and classroom activities.

10. Students will discover connections between the arts and other subject areas through exploration, collaboration, and classroom discussion.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Students:

One section in your binder for choir – make sure to have loose leaf notebook paper in that section!

Pencil

Index Cards

Rubber Bands (optional)

Box of Kleenex (optional – for classroom use)

Hand Sanitizer (optional – for classroom use)

Concert Attire:

Black Dress Pants/Skirt

Black Dress Shoes

White Dress Shirt or Blouse

Black Socks

Classroom Materials Provided:

Choir Folders

Concert Music

Sight-Singing Packet

Rhythm-Reading Packet

GRADING SCALE:

A 92-100% C 72-77%

A- 90-91% C- 70-71%

B+ 88-89% D+ 68-69%

B 82-87% D 62-67%

B- 80-81% D- 60-61%

C+ 78-79% F 59% and lower

GRADING POINTS PER TRIMESTER:

Students will be graded on daily participation. Participation is graded on the following elements:

Listens attentively

Concentrates on work and does not disrupt others

Participates in classroom activities and discussions

Respects peers, teacher, and school property – this includes returning ALL music in the same condition in which it was issued. Students will be charged to replace damaged or lost music.

Follows classroom expectations

Completes both classroom assignments and homework on time

Manages time wisely

Displays a positive attitude and works cooperatively with others

Each element will be scored out of five points for a total of 40 points per trimester.

* Students may keep track of their choir grade below *

ASSIGNMENT/ASSESSMENT

POINTS POSSIBLE

POINTS RECEIVED

GRADE

Attendance and Participation

Daily Participation 40

Concert Attendance (Trimester 2: December 17, 2013) (Trimester 3: May 20 and 22, 2013)

100

Quizzes and Projects Quiz 1 20

Quiz 2 20

Quiz 3 20

Final Project 100

Performance Exams (Two / Trimester)

Rhythm Reading 25

Sight Singing 25

Homework Assignments Worksheet 1: 10

Worksheet 2: 10

Worksheet 3: 10

Worksheet 4: 10

Worksheet 5: 10

In-Class Assignments Assignment 1: 10

Assignment 2: 10

Assignment 3: 10

Assignment 4: 10

Assignment 5: 10

Performance/Concert Critique 50

TOTAL

TRI 1 = 400 Points TRI 2 and 3 = 500 Points

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

Each class will develop their own set of classroom expectations during the first week of school. We will also discuss their goals, interests, and expectations for the class. All students are expected to treat others with respect, and be inclusive in our choral community. Skyview Middle School does not tolerate any form of bullying. Students who are caught participating in any form of bullying will be subject to disciplinary action. Please see the Skyview Middle School Handbook for additional information regarding student conduct.

OPEN DOOR POLICY:

Parents and guardians are welcomed and encourage to observe all choir rehearsals! Please feel free to contact Ms. Tlusty at any time as well. If you would like to help with the Skyview Middle School Choral Program, please send Ms. Tlusty an email. Thank you for your assistance and cooperation!