WMS 6th Grade Chorus and World Drumming

Second Semester 2017

Dear 6th Grade Chorus Students and Parents/Guardians,

I am pleased to welcome you to the Waynesville Middle School Chorus department for the 2016-2017school year! The following is an outline of what we will be doing in class, as well as a WMS Chorus Events Calendar. Please be in touch if you have questions. I look forward to a great semester!

Sincerely,

Martha Weathers Brown, WMS Choral Director

6th Grade Chorus/World Drumming Music Curriculum

  • In this class, students will learn the objectives in the North Carolina Essential Standards of Music for 6th grade. Students will develop their singing voices and music reading skills, and participate in the WMS Spring Concert.
  • Grades will be based on class participation, music tests (written and performance-based), and performance in the Spring Concert.

Chorus Fee

Each student will pay a $15.00 fee to cover the cost of music, instruments, supplies, and tee shirts. Chorus fee due February 15, 2017.

WMS Chorus Concerts

  • SAVE THE DATE!! The Spring Concert will be on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in Waynesville, at 7:00 p.m. Students are required to wear their chorus tee shirt, and be in their assigned seats at 6:20 p.m. in order to be counted present.
  • Chorus students will travel by bus to First Methodist during Encore time the day before and the day of the concert for dress rehearsals.
  • Students receive a test grade for singing in the concert. They will be graded on their musical performance, stage presence, and audience etiquette.
  • Students are expected to be at the concerts; however, if a student displays excessive disruptive behavior in class rehearsals, he/she will not be allowed to sing in the concert. Parents/guardians will receive a written notice from Mrs. Brown one step before removal, and another when the student reaches that step. Those students will be allowed to make up the test grade with a written assignment and a singing test.
  • Students who are in ISS or OSS the day before and the day of dress rehearsals and the concert, will not be allowed to sing in the concert, and will be allowed to make up the test grade with a written assignment and a singing test.
  • Students who miss the concert must have and excused absence that is documented with a note in order to be allowed to make up the concert test grade. Excused absences include: illness with a doctor’s note and/or death or other unforeseen family emergency.
  • Chorus is a team sport…and we sincerely want all of our players to be there to participate!

Chorus Tee Shirts

  • Concert uniform is the WMS Chorus tee shirt and dark blue jeans (NO HOLES) with athletic shoes or other similar closed-toe shoes approved by Mrs. Brown (NO BOOTS).
  • Chorus students are expected to buy chorus shirt. These will be ordered in late September. The cost of the shirt is included in the chorus fee.

Chorus Fundraisers

  • Chorus students will have the opportunity to participate in fundraisers to help the chorus department purchase new music and equipment, as well as raise money for the end of the year reward trip to Carowinds. One goal is to purchase a smart-board for the chorus classroom.
  • WMS Gift Basket Fundraiser (details attached)

Classroom Expectations

There are four words that summarize my expectations in the chorus classroom:

RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, COOPERATION, SAFETY

  • Treat other people and property with respect.
  • Ask for permission to play the piano or other instruments.
  • Take care of your music and music folder.

Be on time (students are required to bring a note if they are late).

  • Be prepared (bring a pencil to class)
  • Only bottled water is allowed in the classroom. ABSOLUTELY NO DRINKS, CANDY, FOOD OR GUM IS ALLOWED IN THE CHORUS ROOM.

Grading Policy

Grades are based on the following:

Daily Participation 50%

  • Preparation – on time with all materials and pencil
  • Singing posture – sitting and standing correctly for singing
  • Eye contact – looking at the teacher while singing/drumming, and while she is talking
  • Energized facial expression and correct mouth shape when singing
  • Singing and/or playing the drums as instructed
  • Small group project

Performance 25%

  • Progress learning music for performances
  • Participation in concert

Musicianship Development 25%

  • Sight-reading and music theory tests
  • Vocal technique

Discipline

Chorus students are expected to follow all chorus rules, demonstrate good audience etiquette in class and at performances, and follow the Haywood County Schools Student Code of Conduct.

Communication

You may view the calendar of events and see important announcements on the Chorus and World Drumming Teacher Spaces found at:

  • Resources; Teacher Spaces; Waynesville Middle School; Chorus and World Drumming

I invite each chorus student’s family to sign up for Remind to get up to date announcements via text and/or email.

  • Smartphone users – text rmd/at.3fk36, then follow instructions
  • IOS users – text to 81810 the following message: @3fke36, then follow instructions
  • Email – go to and use code 3fke36

Reward Trip

Chorus members in good standing at the end of the year are eligible to go on the WMS Chorus and Band Reward Trip to Carowinds. The date will be set near the end of the school year. Students must have attended all required performances, have no more than 2 days of ISS, and no OSS. Students may earn money toward the cost of the Carowinds trip by participating in the WMS Chorus Gift Basket Fundraiser. (Details to follow.)

Each student should bring a pocket folder with the insert for holding three hole punch paper. Please bring by Monday, January 30.

Please compete and return the Chorus Information Sheet immediately (sent home with your student AND posted on the HCS Teacher Spaces for Chorus and World Drumming), and the $15.00 Chorus Fee no later than February 15, 2017.

I look forward to a WONDERFUL semester!

Martha Brown