GMS Chorus
Course Description
Course description:
Chorus is a yearlong exploratory offered to 7th and 8th grade students. Class meets every day during Exploratory 2 for the duration of the school year. Students will learn about basic rhythm and note reading, how to warm up properly and produce a full, safe sound, and about why we sing.
The goal of Chorus class is to teach young musicians proper singing techniques and, more importantly, how to have fun while performing and making music. Students will share their gift of music with classmates and the teacher to work together to perform songs that are selected to facilitate learning and to foster a love of singing.
Course requirements:
· Students are responsible for attending two concerts. These concerts count as summative exams.
· Students may also choose to participate in the annual Caroling on the Circle event in December where they will showcase songs from the upcoming Winter Concert. This event is a great way for GMS to serve the community and to raise awareness for the event’s purpose, which is a canned food drive to support the local food banks here in Georgetown. Caroling on the Circle is not a mandatory event, but it is one that we enjoy participating in yearly.
Grading:
· Students will receive a weekly grade of 10 points for participation (formative assessments). Participation means that the student is trying his or her best to complete individual or group assignments as well as singing the songs that we learn. Students are on task and responding to the teacher’s directions at all times.
· Students will complete group and individual activities to check for understanding. These will vary in point value and quantity depending on the unit (formative assessments).
· Students are responsible for attending combined rehearsals as concerts approach (held during the school day), and are responsible for attending the Winter and Spring concerts (all summative assessments). If a student fails to attend the two mandatory concerts, an alternative assignment will be given and due one week after the missed performance.
· Other unit exams will be completed throughout the year as well (summative assessments).
Other opportunities:
· Your student also has the opportunity to audition for Delaware Jr. All State Chorus. This is an excellent way for your student to excel vocally, meet new people, and sing in an accelerated ensemble.
· Your student may be chosen to participate in Sussex County Jr. Honor Chorus based on criteria set by the teachers of Sussex County. This festival allows your child the same opportunities as All State Chorus, but is much more accessible and local.
Below are the concert dates for the 2017-2018 school year. Please mark them on the calendar:
· GMS Winter Concert: Thursday, December 14th, 7:00 PM.
· GMS Spring Concert: Thursday, May 17th, 7:00 PM.
Parents/Guardians: Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is a conflict with one of the concert dates. Students are required to attend for a summative grade. Please list your email address below, as this is the best and fastest way for me to update you. I’m looking forward to a great school year!
Laura Carey, Chorus/Band, Georgetown M.S.
, 856-1900 ext. 2251
My parent/guardian and I have read and agree to the GMS chorus course description and syllabus:
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