CONCERT CHOIR COURSE EXPECTATIONS
COURSE TITLE: CONCERT CHOIR
INSTRUCTOR: MR. LENGACHER
INSTRUCTOR: MR. LENGACHERTEXT: Selected music from Choral literature and method books
OFFICE HOURS: Daily 7:30am and By Appointment
Phone: 280-3970 ext.7325 Email: blengacher@acalanes.k12.ca.us
Email: blengacher@acalanes.k12.ca.usDegrading, racial, ethnic, homophobic, sexist or other hateful remarks ARE NOT acceptable here.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Continue to develop basic fundamentals of music and vocal performance.
2. Prepare music and proper skills for performances, solo and ensemble festivals, and large group CMEA festivals.
3. Participate in all rehearsals and performances.
4. Expand knowledge of music history and musical forms as related to music studied and performed.
COURSE CONTENT
Selected choral literature representing various styles, cultures, composers, and periods,written music critiques of performances, related articles, and music theory worksheets.
DESCRIPTION
This is an elective open to students successfully completing the screening process. The objective is to work for mastery of the music reading skills, vocal techniques, and performance skills necessary to develop a well-balanced intermediate to advanced choral ensemble. Students will have performance opportunities, and the opportunity to sing music of high artistic merit, covering all time periods, including music of today. The student will acquire performance practice skills appropriate to the style period of the various pieces of music being performed. In addition all students will participate in the Spring Musical. All students enrolled are expected to participate in all performances; this is a course requirement.
ACADEMIC EFFORT
1. Regular attendance and promptness to class and rehearsals.
2. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances.
3. Cooperative and positive attitude and willingness to work.
4. Leadership and collaborative skills.
MATERIALS NEEDED: Music folder, pencil, and binder for notes.
GRADING POLICY
GENERAL
The success of our choir depends upon its members giving at least 100% of themselves every day. I expect this of all of you, and I expect our group to be the best it can be. Excellence comes from hard work, commitment, and dedication. Because we constantly strive for the highest possible level of execution in our singing, it is important that we effectively work together as a group. Our group depends upon you to reach for that level of perfection every day. Listed below are some guidelines that will help us reach our common goal, doing our best! Please read these guidelines carefully. your complete understanding of these policies is essential.
GRADE COMPONENTS/ASSESSMENTS
The following methods will be used to assess and evaluate student performance:
• Attendance at all mandatory rehearsals and concerts, attitude, and contribution to overall rehearsals: 60% of grade
• Arriving on time, being prepared (music, pencils), posture, Repertoire checks, written and online homework,theory, meeting paperwork deadlines: 30% of grade
• Finals: 10% of grade
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Respect the room, the people in it, and the Music program as a whole. The Golden Rule applies here. Follow the procedures that are laid out for you, and there will be no problems with this rule.
2. Do not bring books or other items that you do not use in the rehearsal into the rehearsal setting. Leave all books and other articles at the side of the room, inside the door to the right. With the limited amount of space available to us, it is imperative that you keep your things where they belong. Make sure to have a pencil at your seat at all times.
3. There should be absolutely no hats, food, gum or drink in the choir room at any time. Consider this rule as your warning. Violations of this rule will result in a referral.
If you receive three referrals in a semester you will be dropped from the ensemble.
Verbal Warnings, Referrals, and Dismissal will be at the discretion of the Instructor.
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
Absences and tardies carry a lot of weight in regard to your grade. Everyone is vital to our identity as a group and our sound. It is not possible for us to be our best if people are absent or tardy. Since tardies are rarely necessary, your grade will be directly effected by absences or excessive tardies. You are expected to be in your seat with your folder, pencil and any other required items when the bell rings. Failure to meet this expectation will result in a tardy for that day’s class.
TESTING
You will be tested regularly, both written and vocally. You should be prepared to demonstrate your ability to sing your part by yourself or in a small ensemble at any time after the notes have been learned. Vocal tests will be graded on the following: accuracy, intonation, tone quality, dynamics, expression, and musicality. Written tests will be on musical terms, fundamentals of singing, and basic musical concepts (theory).
PERFORMANCES
All performances and sectionals are Mandatory and are a part of your grade!!!
All performance and rehearsal dates will be given to in a timely manner well in advance. This will give you ample time to make the necessary arrangements in your schedules, i.e, work, or other personal activities. You have made a commitment to this ensemble and are responsible to its members to be at every performance and rehearsal. We all get sick. Absences due to illness are obviously excused, but you will need to make up the points missed. All other conflicts will be handled individually on their own merit and must be cleared with the director PRIOR and WELL IN ADVANCE of the performance or rehearsal. An unexcused absence will result in a performance “F” which would lower your grade considerably and could be grounds for dismissal from the ensemble.
ADDITIONAL
All choir members are REQUIRED to turn in one choral concert review each semester. A list of acceptable concerts and critique formats are outlined on the sheet entitled Concert Reviews.
POINT SYSTEM
Rehearsal Procedures +5 points a day ~450points/semester
+5 points a day ~450points/semesterRepertoire Checks 25 points each 2 to 3 per semester
25 points each 2 to 3 per semesterPerformances 100 points each 4/year
100 points each 4/yearFinal 100 1 per semester
100 1 per semesterTardies -1 points each
-1 points eachUnexcused Absences (Cuts) -20 points
GRADING SCALE
92 + = A
90-91.9 = A-
88-89.9 = B+
82-87.9 = B
80-81.9 = B-
78-79.9 = C+
72-77.9 = C
70-71-9 = C-
68-69.9 = D+
62-67.9 = D
60-61-9 = D-
Below 60 = F
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit is available by turning in up to two additional concert reviews. You can receive up to 100pts, 50pts/per additional concert review, per semester. Some points missed may not be eligible to be made up by extra credit.
RESPONSIBILITY
As a member of this ensemble you will exhibit at all times, the appropriate attitude, professionalism, best effort, and leadership and musical skills. It is a privilege and an honor to be a member of this ensemble. Not following rules or negligence of your responsibilities is not an option.
AGREEMENT to Print & Sign
