GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The goals and objectives in choir is to focus not only on the joys of singing but how to read, write and sing music. We will explore music history from the dark ages to contemporary music. Music is a wonderful adventure that crosses centuries of time and many forms and styles. It’s a journey that is a part of our lives and affects the traditions and cultures we have today. My expectations for you are to complete your assignments, study for each test, and more than anything – to have fun while you learn!

AREAS OF STUDY

Basic Music Theory and Music Terms

In this quarter you will learn basic fundamental music theory. You will be responsible for recognizing and writing music symbols and identify them by name. Music terms give meaning to the music we sing and play. You will be required to know these terms by their Italian name and their English definition.

Composers & MUSIC HISTORY

In this quarter we will explore four composers: Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and one contemporary composer. We will spend time listening to their music and studying the historical background of each time period. There will be approximately two tests on the composers & music history. There will also be a section on composers and music history on the final exam.

COMMUNICATION

Communication is always important for current updates and student support. Please refer to my webpage located on SMS website. On my webpage you will find student study guide, all classroom power point presentations, schedule of all tests/quizzes per quarter, concert schedule, TRI-M news page, special link page and district content standards for music. My office phone number is 495-1149 ext. 4260 and my email address is: hjarmon@d49.org. Please feel to contact me with your concerns.

Music Folder

Your music folder is the most important item you must maintain while in class. Everything handed out to you must remain in your folder! Your folder will be graded on the items kept in the folder such as: sheet music, class notes, worksheets, etc. All folders will be kept in the classroom and will be returned to students in ample time to study for tests and the final exam. All handouts and tests will be turned in at the end of the quarter. Students who wish to keep their folders may pick them up at the end of the quarter. Please note that parents will be responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged sheet music.

ALL STUDENTS WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING COLORED PLASTIC FOLDER WITH TWO POCKETS & BRADS:

6^th Grade Quarter Choir (1^ST per) – GREEN 6^th Grade Quarter Choir (2^ND per) – ORANGE

7^th Grade Quarter Choir – RED 8^th Grade Quarter Choir – BLUE

Performances

All students are required to perform. However, all performances are not concerts. Students, who are in choir between concert dates, will perform before another class during the school day. Students will be required to dress in concert attire. Students may bring a change of clothes if they so choose.

Concert attire is as follows: Black or navy blue slacks or pants/jeans for boys and girls (exceptions will be made for those students who have religious constraints). White long or short sleeved shirts or tops. T-shirts ARE NOT OPTIONAL! Dark colored shoes, no sandals, flip-flops or heels over 2”. These types of shoes are safety issues when students are performing on the risers. No gawky or oversized jewelry or colored hair (such as red, pink, blue, etc). Students will be graded not only on their vocal production and their overall performance but their appearance as well.

Students who have an excused absence will receive a theory make-up packet which must be completed and returned in accordance to District policy for make-up work. Students with unexcused absences will be given a “ZERO” for the missed performance.

Honor Choir Christmas Concert	Thursday, December 4
All School Choir/Band Concert	Wednesday, December 10
Black History Assembly	Friday, February 20
All School Choir/Band Concert	Wednesday, May 6
Honor Choir Spring Concert	Thursday, May 7

Tests & Final Examination

Tests will cover the following material:

Music History Singing Quizzes Folder Checks

Theory & Music Terms Quarter Exam Concert Performance

Grading Policy

Concert performances 40%

Tests 20%

Final exam 30%

Music Folder and Worksheets 10%

VIDEO PRESENTATIONS

During the course of the quarter I will be showing video clips of the following curriculum based films:

Meet the Musicians – Bach

Meet the Musicians – Beethoven

AME Biography – Mozart

From Bach to Rock

American Music Roots

Maestro Musician – Beethoven

The Boys Changing Voice

Meet the Musicians – Joplin

Renaissance Music & Art Harlem Renaissance

The videos being shown are all in compliance and correlated to district standards for music:

Standard 4: Students will listen to, analyze, evaluate, and describe music

Standard 5: Students will relate music to various historical and cultural traditions.

RETURN THE ENTIRE SYLLABUS WITH YOUR STUDENT! A COPY OF THIS SYLLABUS CAN BE FOUND ON MY WEBPAGE.

I have read and understand the classroom requirements for my student participating in choir.

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Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature