WOMENS ENSEMBLE COURSE EXPECTATIONS
COURSE TITLE: WOMEN’S ENSEMBLE INSTRUCTOR: BRUCE LENGACHER
TEXT: 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
Website: www.acalaneschoral.com
Degrading, racial, ethnic, homophobic, sexist or other hateful remarks ARE NOT acceptable here.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. Continue to develop the basic fundamentals of singing.
2. Continue to develop an understanding of music fundamentals.
3. Continue to develop musicianship and appropriate musical interpretation through music studied.
4. Continue to expand knowledge of music and its forms through the study, historical perspective, cultural significance, and performance of selected choral literature.
5. To actively participate in all rehearsals and performances.
6. Prequisite for Concert Choir.
COURSE CONTENT
1. Proper Posture/Tone
2. Breath Support
3. Notation and Rhythm
4. Sight-Reading
5. Articulation
6. Ear training Fundamentals
7. Diction
8. Intonation/Unified Vowels
9. Expression
10. Theory
11. History
12. Memorization skills
DESCRIPTION
This is an elective open to students in grades 9 through 12. The objective is to teach the music reading skills, vocal techniques, and performance skills necessary to develop a well-balanced choral ensemble. Students will have the opportunity to sing music 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. All students enrolled are expected to participate in public 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.
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 categories will be used to assess and evaluate student performance:
•Rehearsal Procedure: 60% of grade
Attendance at all mandatory rehearsals and concerts, attitude, and contribution to overall rehearsals:
• Preparation and Effort: 30% of grade
Arriving on time, being prepared (music, pencils), posture, Repertoire checks, written and online homework, theory, meeting paperwork deadlines
• 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.
2. Do not bring books or other items that you do not use in the rehearsal into the
rehearsal setting. Leave all books and backpacks inside the door to the right.
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 quietly 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 periodically, both written and vocally. 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 unavoidable, 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
Repertoire Checks 25 points each 2 to 3 per semester
Performances 100 points each 4/year
Concert Review 100 points each 1 per semester
Final 100 1 per semester
Tardies -1 points each
Unexcused 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 to make up points for absences determined eligible for make up points by the Director. You can receive up to 100pts, 50pts/per additional concert review, per semester by turning in up to two additional concert reviews
On occasion, representatives from and/or employees of the Acalanes Union High School
MEDIA RELEASE
District wish to photograph, videotape, and/or interview individuals in connection with school programs, projects, or events.
In order to release photographs, video footage, and/or comments, and/or to post on district or school web sites, we need written permission. To give your consent, please complete the form below.
I, ______________________________, parent/guardian
of______________________________, give permission for my child to be photographed, videotaped, and/or interviewed by representatives from and/or employees of the Acalanes Union High School District for educational or public relations purposes. I authorize the use and reproduction by the Acalanes Union High School District or anyone authorized by the Acalanes Union High School District of any and all photographs and/or videotapes taken of my child, without compensation to me/my child. All these photographs/video recordings shall be the property, solely and completely, of the Acalanes Union High School District. I waive any right to inspect or approve the finished photographs/videotapes, and the sound track, script or printed matter that may be used in conjunction with them.
Signature of parent or guardian: ___________________________________
Date: ____________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
OR I am 18 years of age or older and I give my consent without reservations to the foregoing on my own behalf.
Signature of subject: ____________________________________________
Date: ____________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
Student name (print please)
2009-2010
ACALANES HIGH SCHOOL
Women’s Ensemble
I have read an understand the information on the preceding pages and recognize that I am responsible for all if the information contained in this document. I recognize the level of commitment and effort required, and agree to the procedures and expectations set forth.
_____________________________ ______________________________________
Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature
Bruce C. Lengacher, Instructor
** Please return this sheet only to Mr. Lengacher. Thank You.
