Lafayette Co C-1 MS
2012-2013
Choir Notes
6th Grade Vocal Music
Sarah Cook, Director
Choir Calendar
Tuesday, October 30MS/HS Fall Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 18Middle School Winter Band & Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 21Snow Date for Concert
Thursday, May 9Middle School Spring Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m.
Course Fee
All music students need to pay to either Ms. Langemach or Mrs. Cook $11.00 by October 1. 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.
Course Goals/Teacher Goals
Middle school vocal classes are in place to stress the skills needed to advance to the high school choral program. Classroom goals include the improvement of individual vocal skills, auditory perception, and sight-reading. Students will learn the basics of music theory. 6th graders will study unison, two part music, and basic harmony.
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. If you are caught with gum, you will receive a tardy for that block. If you are caught with gum twice, you will receive a tardy and lose 5 points from your daily grade.
5. Treat others like you want to be treated.
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.
Rubric
5 points: Participation (contributes to class discussion, sings/plays at the appropriate time)
3 points: Having all materials
1 point: Be ready when rehearsal begins
1 point: Posture
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.
The ZAP policy found in the middle school handbook will be followed.
Performance Attendance
Performances are mandatory except in the case of an emergency. In the case of an emergency, please notify the director by phone. Students are responsible for arriving at each performance on time and properly prepared. Personal illness and death in family will be excused. Homework, vacation, community events or meetings, or lack of a ride will not be excused. An unexcused absence cannot be made up.
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 who miss a performance due to an emergency will be able to make up the points with a writing assignment.
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.
“What do I do if I miss a concert because I am sick, etc”
Research Paper
(For Replacement of Concert Points due to an excused absence)
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.
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
Contact Information:
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. I look forward to a great year of learning and making music with all of my students. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Plan Time:
Gold 1 and Blue 3
E-mail: