Carson Valley Middle School

Tiger Music

CVMS Choir

2017-2018

Director: Mrs. Karissa Kondo

Course Syllabus

MISSION STATEMENT

“In partnership with students, parents, and community, the CVMS staff will educate our children to be successful lifelong learners and productive citizens.” Furthermore, Tiger Music exists to develop Student Musicians of Excellence and the Highest Character.

CORE VALUES

Academic Excellence – Personal Character – Musical Achievement

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to expose students to the concepts and skills of vocal performance in a group setting. Students will learn the fundamentals of proper tone production and ensemble singing. In addition, special emphasis will be given to the art and practice of critical listening and writing using the vocabulary of music.Choir works from a wide variety of historical styles and genres will be blended to give the students a broad experience of the literature.

Performances will give students opportunities to extend their learning and artist experience. Their first concert will be on Wed, Dec. 13 at 6:00pm in the CVMS MPR. Please see theblue calendar for all performance dates. The calendar is posted in Google Classroom as well as the Class Website for future reference.

OBJECTIVES

Students will be able to:

  1. read and notate music; sight-read music accurately and expressively.
  2. perform a varied repertoire of music.
  3. listen to and analyze music critically, using the vocabulary and language of music.
  4. develop the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and perform music from all parts of the world.
  5. apply knowledge, skills, and understanding to make critical judgment and determine the quality of music experiences and performances.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

  1. Tardy procedure/policy – CVMS Tardy Policy will be observed. Delaying the class will result in a loss of participation points.
  2. Bathroom privileges – please make every effort to use the bathroom during lunch and passing periods so minimal class time is missed. Excessive bathroom use during class may result in a lowering of participation points.
  3. Food and drink – these are not allowed in class. Water is okay.

EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

My two major rules are these: BE KIND and WORK HARD. If you do both of these, you will be successful in choir.

Following our Tiger Ten will help you follow these two rules (see Handbook for details), and following our school motto is a must: “Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible.” We will work hard to build a team amongst our students, and I will expect everyone to watch out for each other, both in and out of the classroom. I expect students to work hard on their own musical achievement with independent practice in order to help the team grow in the rehearsal setting of the classroom. We each must do our part for the group to improve.

PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE

  1. Student will be given a warning concerning the expectation not followed and will be reminded of the appropriate behavior.
  2. If behavior continues, student will conference with Mrs. Kondo and parents will be contacted.
  3. Lunch detention will be issued for continued misbehavior.
  4. Further intervention will take place at the administrative level, possibly resulting in a referral.
  5. Student will be given an immediate referral to a VP for flagrantly disruptive and/or disrespectful behavior.

GRADING

Letter grades will be given on the basis of:

  1. Participation (weekly participation rubrics, attitude and demeanor) – 20%
  2. Practice Logs/Quizzes – 30%
  3. Tests (performance assessments)/Final – 30%
  4. Performances – 20% (Your first mandatory concert will be on Wed, Dec. 13 at 6:00pm)

PERFORMANCE DATES

Performances are mandatory, as this is a performing arts class and performance is necessary for completion of class requirements. Choir is also very team-based, and it is necessary that each member be present for the team to succeed. In other words, every student matters and we need you! ☺

Since these dates are mandatory, please plan accordingly to be sure these dates are protected. Please let me know as soon as possible if you see an unavoidable conflict with one of the dates. Late-notice absences will not be excused. Students will be required to dress nicely and uniformly. Uniforms will be discussed at Back to School Night. Concerts are free (donations are always encouraged!) and are open to the public.

COMMENTS

Studies show that students who study and perform music (and other arts) are more likely to be successful in life…more able to achieve higher scores on standardized tests; more able to think critically and creatively; more apt to achieve their goals and dreams. The study of music makes us better students – better teachers – better citizens, and the skills and knowledge gained through performing arts such as vocal music enable every student to grow to his/her fullest potential FOR LIFE, not just for music. In short, Concert Choir will enrich your life!

COMMUNICATION AND INVOLVEMENT EXPECTATIONS
In attempts to keep communication clear and consistent without sending loads of papers home, I will be using three different methods of communication. I would like for the students and at least one parent/guardian to be signed up for all three, as they will have unique applications throughout the year. I will strive to communicate clearly and often, without flooding your inboxes with redundant or needless information. See green paper with all sign-up instructions.
  1. Remind: all schedule changes/updates, test reminders, performance reminders, etc. will be communicated through Remind.
  2. Google Classroom: Students will be given assignments through Google Classroom. Parents will not have access to this until the district is able to give parent a district-given gmail address (hopefully this year).
  3. Mrs. Kondo’s page on the CVMS Website: the website will be a central ‘hub’ for calendars, performance information and details, digital copies of paper assignments for download (if original is lost), and some rehearsal strategies/tools. Please always check the website before emailing Mrs. Kondo with questions.
I will discuss this further and will offer help at Back to School Night if you have difficulty signing up.
With any concerns about your child and/or their performance in my class, or for answers not found on the website, please feel free to contact me.
Band/Choir Room – MP 60 Email: Phone: 775-782-2265, ext. 2366
Please allow 24 hours for reply for both email and voicemail. I will do my best to respond the same day, but sometimes will need to wait until my prep on the following day

Thank you! Mrs. Kondo

Course Syllabus & Communication Acknowledgement Form

CVMS Choir – 2017-2018; Director: Mrs. Kondo

Please check each of the following, indicating that you have completed (or have attempted but need assistance completing) each task.

❏I have received, understood, and will comply with the Course Syllabus for CVMS Choir.

❏I (the student AND at least one parent) have registered for “Remind” messages.

❏I have attempted, but need help registering for “Remind” messages.

❏I (the student) have enrolled in Google Classroom.

❏I have attempted, but need help joining Google Classroom.

❏I have subscribed to Mrs. Kondo’s website as well as to my class’s page.

❏I have attempted, but need help subscribing to Mrs. Kondo’s website.

______

Student name (please print)Parent/Guardian name (please print)

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Student signatureParent/Guardian signature

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DateDate

Due: Friday, Aug. 18