Richmond Middle School Choir Handbook & Syllabus 2018-2019 Course Description: This is a non-auditioned mixed ensemble open to anyone with the desire to sing and begin a basic study of music fundamentals. Students will learn techniques for tone production, including but not limited to: breathing techniques, singing posture, and proper diction. Students will learn music theory including note values, rhythms, solfège, pitch syllables and Curwen hand signs. Students will sing unison, two, and three part music and experience singing in an ensemble. Middle School Choir will sing a varied repertoire, featuring both sacred and secular music representing different historical eras. Repertoire will be suited to the ensemble and will provide a challenging and positive learning experience. Students will perform in several concerts throughout the school year. Class Objectives Develop and strengthen the singing voice. Develop performance skills. Increase knowledge of repertoire and styles. Prepare selected works for public performance. Develop basic music theory knowledge. Learn/Expand the ability to read music and follow a music score. Increase self-discipline and confidence. Experience success when working together as an ensemble. Develop a welcoming atmosphere where students have fun. Required Classroom Materials ** Folder (First one provided for you), Music, Notebook, and Pencils-- Each student will need a notebook to take notes in and a folder to store their choir music. Folders can be stored in the choir room and are to be picked up as students enter the classroom, and are put away at the end of class. Students are welcome and encouraged to take music home to practice. However, music must be brought to class every day. Each student is expected to keep a pencil in his or her folder at all times. Students will frequently be asked to make markings in their music with pencil only.
Classroom Procedures/Expectations Commitment to Excellence Our concerts and performances can only be as good as our rehearsals. The key to a successful rehearsal is hard work! Attaining group excellence depends upon the focused, diligent efforts of each member each day in each rehearsal. It is no coincidence that students who give their all, are among the most accomplished and most respected musicians in choir. Every student has to be committed to giving their best effort in every aspect of rehearsal for the choir to be successful. The reward for this hard work is an experience unlike any other in middle school fun, excitement, the chance to be a part of a very successful group, team-working skills, self-discipline and a lifelong passion for music and life. Choir is a Community and Family, not just a class There is a bond that occurs between people who sing together that is different from any other. When you become a choir member at RMS, you not only receive outstanding opportunities for making music. You also become a part of a larger family of people who are committed to supporting one another. It is crucial that you, as a member of this community show respect for others, making sure everyone feels like part of the group. Bell Procedure Students should be in their seat with their choir folder and pencil when the bell rings. If a student is not in their seat when the bell rings, they will be marked tardy. It is extremely important that choir students have a pencil during class at all times. Food and Drink Students are to bring only water into the room. This applies both before and after school! Choir Folders Each student is required to have their own folder to keep his/her music in. Choir folders should be put away at the end of each class. If a folder, a piece of music, or any other supplementary material that had been handed out to the student is lost, the student is responsible for replacing it. Students are not to use any choir folder but their own. Passes Planners will be signed to use the bathroom in emergencies only. Permission to go to the office, use the phone, or go to other parts of the school will not be given during rehearsal. We have a lot of material to go over this year and we need you there for all of it.
We are PROUD to be a Choir Member We are all professionals at all times. Whether we perform on or off school grounds, each member of the Vocal Music Department is expected to dress and behave appropriately. Each student represents the choir, our school, and our community. Any inappropriate behavior could result in removal from the group or failure of the class. To strive for excellence, we must take pride in ourselves, and what we stand for. Classroom Rules: You are expected to know and follow these rules. 1. When the instructor is talking you are listening. Raise your hand to ask a question or respond to a topic. 2. Respect your instructor, fellow students, and your classroom. Treat people the way that you wish to be treated. 3. Keep your hands and feet to yourself; rude behavior and comments are unacceptable. 4. Bring your supplies to class everyday. These include your folder, notebook, pencil, and planner. 5. Be on time for class. Tardiness in unacceptable and will be handled according to the student handbook. Be in your seat within 30 seconds of the bell ringing. Use this time to sharpen you pencil, etc. 6. Do not touch or play with instruments that are in the classroom. 7. Do not gather at the door when class is over. You will be dismissed by me, at the end of class, not by the bell. Failure to comply will result in a detention before/after school. 8. Electronic devices (phones, mp3 players, etc.) will only be used as the teacher has directed. Consequences: 1. This syllabus is your warning of what is expected classroom behavior. 2. Student will be moved to a successful learning space away from others. 3. Hall Student will sit in the hallway until the end of class until the instructor can address the inappropriate behavior. Student may be given extra homework or time after school with the instructor. 4. Call home to your parent(s)/guardian. 5. Write up and sent to the office.
Standards Based Grading Students at RMS will receive a proficiency rating based on the state standards. In PowerSchool, students and parents can see the specific standards and the student s current level of achievement. Below are the proficiency levels: AP Advanced Proficiency: Student has met and exceeded standard expectations. P Proficient: Student has met the standard expectations. PP Partially Proficient: Student has not met the standard expectations but is making progress. NP Not Proficient: Student has no knowledge of the standard Students will receive a rubric for each assignment to see how they are being assessed and what they will need to demonstrate to be proficient. Retakes will be given on an on-going basis. Students will also be evaluated on the learner qualities. The areas assessed are: Self-directed Learner Homework Integrity Neighborly Engaged The learner qualities will be assessed as being demonstrated: 1 Consistently 2 Sometimes 3 Needs Improvement **All scores will be published in PowerSchool. I will be labeling each assignment to which category it will fall under. If you ever have any questions or concerns please let me know. Powerschool: Powerschool is a live Internet program that allows students or parents to access student grades and attendance at any time. Please visit this website (https://ps.ric.misd.net/public) for up to date reports. Your child s username and password will be mailed to you Assessment Retake policy This will also align with the district retake policy which is available in the student handbook. Because of the unique nature of the co-curricular class, the large ensemble assessments (concerts) will need to take place with other students. Please consider this before missing a concert. Retaking a concert for a higher standards score can be logistically difficult.
Attendance Policies Tardies When the student is tardy to class, he or she greatly disrupts the flow of rehearsal and arrives without having a chance to adequately warm-up. This affects his/her performance throughout the hour. For this reason, tardiness is greatly discouraged. Students will lose points toward their daily rehearsal skills grade. Rehearsal and Performance Attendance Policy The unique nature of a performing arts class has, as part of the curriculum, rehearsals and performances outside of the scheduled school day. The success of our organization and ensembles depends directly upon the full and complete participation of all of its members. Calendars are provided at the start of each school year and are updated and available in the classrooms. It is reasonably expected that with this notice, as a member of our choir, you will attend every rehearsal and performance. Please do not schedule avoidable conflicts with rehearsals or performances. These include job commitments, baby-sitting, doctor and dentist appointments, senior pictures, etc. Choir is an academic class and is graded. Attendance will be taken at every rehearsal and performance. Although nothing can replace the absence of a performance, the student must see Ms. Neumann for the assignment that will replace the grade. School Related Conflicts It is expected that students who choose to participate in several activities or classes that have an after-school practice/performance component will make every effort to completely fulfill their obligation to each group. In many cases, splitting time equally between the two simultaneous activities is the best compromise. Graded academic activities, such as performances within the arts, need to take precedence over non-graded extra-curricular activities. School-Related Athletics: Performances/games take precedence over practices/meetings. The student and/or parents should resolve practice conflicts by giving advanced notification to that student s coach. If possible, the director will make special arrangements to limit the amount of practice time missed. Performance/game conflicts should be resolved with full understanding and cooperation of all involved including complete and open communication between the students, teachers, parents, and coaches. Students can only be excused if participating in the sporting event s game. If possible, arrangements may be made to split time between the two events. Because our calendar is available from the beginning of the year, it is expected that students check their schedule against the choir schedule. Any conflicts should be addressed at the beginning of a sport s/activity s season. All conflicts must be worked out no few than two weeks prior to the conflict. This will allow coaches and directors to make the necessary adjustments to their ensemble or team. Emergencies/Illness:
If you suddenly miss a rehearsal or performance due to an emergency or illness, a parent must attempt to make contact with the director via voice mail within 24 hours of the missed event (586.727.3225 ex. 2703). This is still required if the student has been excused from school during the day. Make-up Work: If a performance is missed, it is impossible to truly make up that experience. Upon the notice of an excused absence, an assignment will be given to earn the points lost while missing the performance. The assignment due date will be determined by the director and will be completed before the end of the marking period that contained the missed performance. The director reserves the right to deny make-up work to a student who does not provide two week s notice for missing a performance. Partial credit may also be given for situations that arise within the two-week window. For emergency absences, the student is held responsible for the missed performance and should arrange to get the make-up assignment with-in five days of the performance. It is the student s responsibility to arrange for and complete the required assignment. Failure to complete the assignment within the time frame allotted will result in a 0 (zero) being entered into the grade book for that performance. All singing/written tests and quizzes need to be completed, even if absent on the day of the test. Each student will complete the test on the day they return to school (exceptions must be arranged with the director). Choir Boosters We have a volunteer based parent organization that helps support our choir program. The choir boosters meet monthly to discuss a variety of topics including fundraising and other booster events that take place throughout the year. We encourage parent participation throughout the year. All booster meeting dates are on the calendar. Teacher Contact Information Mrs. Molly Schack Email: mschack@richmond.k12.mi.us (the best way to contact me) Phone: 586.727.7552 ex. 2703 Website: www.bluedevilsmusic.weebly.com
Vocal Music Dates for 2018 2019 as of 9/4/18 All dates are subject to change. Most up-to-date calendar will be posted in the classroom. September 11th October 25 th November December 12th December 13 th January TBA February TBA March 4 th March 11-14 th April 12th April 23 rd - 24 th May 7 th May 29 th Choir Syllabus Due High School Fall Choir Concert @ 7:00pm, 6:00 Call Veteran s Day In-School Assembly @RMS MS/HS Yuletide Choir Concert @During School MS/HS Yuletide Choir Concert @7:00pm, 5:30 Call ($ - tickets) Junior High Show Choir Camp @ Macomb Center MSVMA MS Solo and Ensemble Choir Pre-Festival Concert, TBA MSVMA Choral Festival, @ Dakota HS or Stoney Creek HS EnRichmond, Time TBA MSVMA State Choral Festival @ Marysville HS High School Spring Concert @ 7:00pm, 6pm Call Time Middle School Spring Concert @ 7:00pm, 6pm Call Time **ALL EVENTS IN BOLD ARE REQUIRED CURRICULAR PERFORMANCES** *All concerts will be taking place at the Richmond High School, unless noted
6 th Grade Choir Performance Uniforms Choir Performance Uniforms For all formal performances, students will need to wear the following: Ladies: White Shirt (long sleeved/with a collar) Or: Choir T-Shirt (provided by choir boosters) Black Dress Pants Black Dress Shoes (no tennis shoes) Black Socks Gentlemen: White Shirt (long sleeved/with a collar) Or: Choir T-Shirt (provided by choir boosters) Black Dress Pants Black Dress Shoes (no tennis shoes) Black socks 7 th /8 th Grade Choir Performance Uniforms For all formal performances, students will need to wear the following: Ladies: Blue Choir Polo Shirt (provided by choir boosters) Black Dress Pants Black Dress Shoes (no tennis shoes) Black Socks Gentlemen: Blue Choir Polo Shirt (provided by choir boosters) Black Dress Pants Black Dress Shoes (no tennis shoes) Black socks Casual Performances Throughout the year, the choir may travel periodically to perform (other schools, retirement homes, caroling, etc.). Students will wear their choir t-shirt/polo with a nice pair of dark jeans (no holes or frays).
Permission Slip and Choir Syllabus Agreement I,, agree that I have received the choir handbook. (Student s name) I certify that I understand the standards and expectations in the handbook and will do my best to uphold the standards. (Student s signature) (Date) I, the parent/guardian, understand the standards and expectations in the handbook and will help my child uphold the standards. (Parent s/guardian s signature) (Date) Please provide a phone number where parents can be reached during school hours. Home: Work: Cell ***Parent E-mail Address (This is important reminders of dates will be e-mailed throughout the school year. Also e-mail is the fastest way to contact me.) I am interested in helping out with Choir Boosters. Please call me if you need help with anything. No, I cannot help right now. Please list any potential conflicts you see with the after school concert calendar or questions/concerns: ***Please return to Mrs. Schack no later than Tuesday, September 11th***