Lafayette County C-1 Middle School
Choir Notes
2015-2016
Mrs. Sarah Cook, Director
Plan Time: Gold 1/Blue 2
7th and 8th Choir: To receive messages via text, text @78voca to 81010.
6th Grade Choir: To receive messages via text, text @6thvoc to 81010.
Important Dates
Tuesday, November 3 MS/HS Fall Choral Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 7 All District Junior High Honor Choir at UCM
Monday, December 14 Middle School Winter Band & Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 5 All District 5th/6th Honor Choir at UCM
Thursday, May 12 Middle School Spring Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Course Fee
All music students need to pay to either Mrs. Reuther or Mrs. Cook $12.00 by March 2. This fee covers the cost of a shirt that students will wear to all concerts throughout the year. Students that are in both band and choir only need to pay one fee. If students have music shirts from last year, there is no need to re-order. Please check to make sure last year’s shirt is clean, free of holes, and still fits if your child is not re-ordering.
Course Goals/Teacher Goals
Middle School vocal music is in place to stress the skills needed to advance to the high school choral program. Classroom goals for this semester class include the improvement of individual vocal skills, auditory perception, and sight-reading. Students will learn the basics of music theory and history. It is my goal to teach music literacy and promote life-long musicianship as well as to develop an appreciation for a variety of musical styles.
Classroom Rules and Procedures
1. Be prepared for class when the bell rings and put everything away before you leave.
2. Raise your hand if you have something to say.
3. Sit or stand in the correct singing position.
4. No food, drink, or gum. Bring a water bottle.
5. Treat others like you want to be treated.
** Chewing gum during class will result in a tardy.
Mrs. Cook will follow BIST procedures; however, serious infractions will result in more immediate consequences.
Grading and Evaluation
Students will receive points from the following categories to make up their final grade.
Rehearsal Techniques (10 points)
Students will receive up to 10 points per day for rehearsal attendance and skills. Evaluation will be based on effort shown during class, musical preparedness, classroom preparedness, and a positive/working attitude toward the learning environment.
Performances (200 points)
Students will be required to attend all middle school choir performances. Students should be on time and dressed appropriately. Points may be deducted for tardiness to concert, poor behavior, or inappropriate dress.
Musical Skills (points determined by assignment)
All vocal classes will include units of study dealing with the fundamentals of music literacy, music history, and music appreciation. Graded assignments and tests will be given.
Singing Tests (10-40 points)
Periodic singing tests will be given based on currently rehearsed music.
Written Tests (points will vary for different units of study)
Periodic written tests will be given at the end of units of study.
The percentage scale and equivalent letter grade chart is the same one used district wide.
Performance Attendance
Performances are expected and are a great learning tool. Attendance at these events is MANDATORY. Any excused absence from a performance will require the student to complete a make-up assignment (see below). The make-up assignment will be due one week after the missed performance. In order to receive an excused absence from a performance, Mrs. Cook must be notified prior to the performance (if possible, the expectation will be to notify the director at least a week in advance). Mrs. Cook will determine if the absence will be excused or not. Students are responsible for arriving at each performance on time and properly prepared. Students are required to be punctual and attend all performances. Points will be deducted for tardiness, inappropriate concert attire, or poor behavior during a concert.
Students may attend other local or regional concerts presented around the area and may earn extra credit by bringing in the program and a short performance review (two paragraphs, 5 sentences each). If a student performs in an area recital or for church, extra credit will be given when a copy of the program or church bulletin is turned in.
Please contact Mrs. Cook prior to the concert if you do not have a ride or appropriate clothing.
Concert Attire
All students will wear the music performance shirt, black pants, and closed toe black dress shoes.
Concert Make-up Paper (for an excused absence)
Students may make-up concerts points if they have an excused absence from school. They may choose one of the following assignments to make-up the concert points. Assignments must be completed within one week of the performance.
Choice 1
Musical Topic of Student’s Choice Approved by Mrs. Cook
Two pages
Handwritten
Single Spaced
One side of paper only
List of References (books, magazines, internet, etc)
Please Use at least one book or magazine as a resource. You may not use all internet sources!
Paper needs to use correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and paragraphs.
Three line heading
If plagiarism is involved, the writer receives an automatic score of zero for the entire paper.
Choice 2
Students may schedule a time with Mrs. Cook to perform concert music on their own. Students will be graded using the standard performance rubric used on all singing tests.
Choir Folders and Music Care
School owned folders and music become the responsibility of the students to whom they are assigned. Any loss or damage to music or a folder will need to be replaced at the student’s expense. Students will be assigned a folder and music. Do not leave your folder or music unattended and always return it to the proper slot following rehearsal. Never fold, roll, or tear music. Only mark in music with a pencil.
Class Supplies
Music
Folder
Pencil
Agenda
Study materials or a reading book
Healthy Habits
Remember that your body is your instrument. Proper care must be taken if you expect it to perform correctly. Vocal students are expected to use healthy habits. Avoid vocal irritants such as smoke, second hand smoke, and alcohol. Also, drinking too much caffeine can dry out the vocal folds. Drink plenty of water (at least 8 glasses daily)
Remember to use your voice wisely. Yelling, screaming, and excessive talking fatigues the voice. It is important to rest the voice when a sore throat is present. Dress appropriately for weather changes, and get plenty of rest.
Please speak with the Mrs. Cook prior to class is you have any vocal concerns. However, if you are having consistent vocal problems and cannot sing you will need to bring a doctor’s note to class.
Order Form
Middle School Music Shirt-$12
Order forms and payment due by October, 2014
Student’s Name ______
Class______
The shirt will be long-sleeved. Remember that middle school students grow a lot! We don’t want the shirts to be baggy, but we would like for the students to have room to grow.
Youth Sizes M______L______XL______Other______
Adult Sizes: S______M______L______XL______Other______
***Please make checks payable to Lafayette County C-1.
****Add $2.00 for 2XL and larger