Columbus Academy Middle School
6th Grade Choir
2009-2010 Syllabus
Mrs. Brooks, Director

Choir Goals

Acquire the musical knowledge required to correctly perform choral literature.

Practice and master correct and healthy singing.

Be open and receptive to new music, ideas, skills and people.

Create a lifelong skill and appreciation for music.

Perform to the best of our ability.

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Choir Expectations
RESPECT classmates, the director, the choral room and yourself.
MAINTAIN an open mind.
ATTEND all required concerts
ARRIVE prepared for class – on time, music folder, PENCIL, no gum.
WORK to your full potential everyday.

GRADES

1.) Rehearsal Grade 100 points

These points are based on participation and contribution to rehearsal. Not meeting the EXPECTATIONS will cause points to be deducted from this score. Points are recorded as follows:

10 points per week

10 points Voice Tracking or Group Performances

A word about voice tracking:
Voice tracking is not a scary thing and you cannot fail this activity. You are awarded points for simply completing the task. Each student will perform a variety of very simple warm-ups and their range will be recorded. We will do this once a quarter. This is a fun way to see how much your voice actually changes through the year and it helps us understand our vocal instrument.

2.) Graded Music Exploration Activities 20 points

This year, each singer will have music theory activities designed for singers that we will use in rehearsal. There will also be listening activities and reflections throughout the year for the singers to expand their knowledge. This will help us to become involved and invested in the music making process and ultimately become an even better choir. There will be 2 graded music exploration activities per grading quarter.

3.) Performance Grade 50 points

40 points Concert Performance

10 points Concert Reflection (completed the following class meeting)

In grading quarters that do not contain a concert, a sight reading grade will take the place for the performace grade.

TOTAL – 170 points per quarter

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168-170 points – OUTSTANDING

165-167 points – Satisfactory +

162-164 – Satisfactory

159-161 - Satisfactory -

158 points and below – Unsatisfactory

Concert Attendance Policy

Each and every member is a vital part of every successful performance. Be certain to post the list of concert dates in an important place.

Unexcused absences from a concert will result in 0 points awarded for the Concert Performance and 0 points awarded for the Concert Reflection.

Excused absences are those defined by the Columbus Academy Handbook. A parent written and signed note or EMAIL must be submitted on the next school day that the singer is present. The student will then be assigned a make-up assignment. In order to receive the 50 Concert Performance points, this make-up assignment must be submitted exactly one week from the date of the missed concert. The student must take the responsibility of turning in a note, procuring the assignment and turning it in.

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6th Grade Choir

Calendar of Events

2009-2010

Event / Date / Time / Place
6-12
Fall Concert / November 4 (W) / 7pm / Theater
5-8
Spring Concert / May5 (T) / 7pm / Theater
Concert Attire
Fall Concert
Black and White
LADIES – black skirts or nice black slacks, black shoes, white blouse or sweater ¾ or long sleeve.
GENTS – Black pants, black shoes, white dress shirt with dark tie / Spring Concert
Black Bottom / Colorful Top
LADIES – black dress pants, skirt, (school dress code length) solid color top WITH SLEEVES (short, 3/4 . or long)
If GENTS – black dress pants, black dress shoes, solid color dress shirt, tie

6th Grade Choir Parent Letter

Student Name ______

Grade ______

This sheet is due by Friday, September 4 and is worth 10 rehearsal points.

Middle School Choir Students and Parents,

Welcome to a new and exciting year in choir!! We have a lot of exciting things planned for the year and this handout is just to communicate the choir procedures. Please sign, date and return this sheet to Mrs. Brooks by Friday, September 4 stating that you have read and understand the following aspects of Middle Choir outlined in the Choir Syllabus.

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Student Signature Date

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Parent Signature Date

I invite you to contact me at if you have and questions or concerns pertaining to this syllabus.

Week 1 rehearsal assignment: Turn in this signed letter by Friday September 4 .

(10 points)