Show Choir

Union High School

Show Choir

2013-2014

Instructor Contact Information

M. Abbate/J. Mosser

Room A103

908-851-6780

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Class website –

Parents/guardians, please feel free to contact me via email at any time

Course Description

Chorus offers the advanced or experienced vocal music student the opportunity to further develop technical and ensemble skills on their voice through performance of standard and popular choral literature. Students will increase their skills in the areas of (1) technical ability, (2) basic musicianship, (3) musical concepts required for musical performance, (4) proper rehearsal rules and procedures, and (5) musical performances in the community.

Course Objectives

  1. To perform, in public, 2-6 musical selections per major concert.
  2. To rehearse 4-5 selections each semester that will develop sight reading, technical and general musical skills for the student.
  3. Class rehearsals have the following objectives:
  4. Performance of a skills-development warm-up routine.
  5. Emphasis on the following musical objectives required of performers in a performance group:

Correct performance of notes, rhythms, intonation, dynamics and articulation

Attention toward ensemble balance, proper tone quality and production, and correct entrances, attacks, and releases.

Overall technique and breath support.

Focus toward following the conductor and correct musical interpretation of the music. This will include interpreting the conductor’s motions so that performance will demonstrate correct tempos, entrances, cut-offs, dynamics, articulations, and tempo changes.

  1. Reinforce musical concepts and vocabulary
  2. A review of skills covered in rehearsal

Required Texts and Other Supplies

A three-ring binder

A pencil and highlighter

Assignments and Grading Policy

Major Assessments: 35% of grade

Students will perform in 2 mandatory concertsThe dates for these performances are December 19 and May 22 at 7:30 pm. Students will be required to arrive at 6 pm. Again, participation is mandatory, and will constitute 4 major test grades, so please make the necessary arrangements ahead of time (arrange a ride, avoid scheduling medical appointments, inform work). If there are extenuating circumstances (illness, bereavement) that inhibit you from attending, please let me know as soon as possible so that we can discuss an alternate assignment.

Quizzes - may be announced or unannounced, on current work.

Tests – a minimum of 3 major tests will be given per marking period.

Notebook – students must keep a neat and accurate notebook. Notebooks will be checked from time to time announced or unannounced, for a quiz or test grade.

Daily Assignments and Participation: 50% of grade

This is a performance based class, so participation is imperative. You can not hope to succeed in this ensemble if you do not participate. This means coming to class prepared with your notebook and your own copies of your music, having a pencil to make notations, participating in singing exercises, standing and singing as directed in rehearsal, and completing all written classwork assignments.

Homework: 15% of grade

All homework will be checked and graded. Late or incomplete assignments will not be accepted.

GOOD ATTENDANCE, PUNCTUALITY, CITIZENSHIP AND EFFORT ARE REQUIREMENTS IN EVERY COURSE AND ACTIVITY.Communication

KEEP THIS GUIDE AS A REGULAR PART OF YOUR NOTEBOOK AND DISCUSS IT WITH YOUR PARENTS. ONE COPY OF THIS GUIDE MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED. A SECOND COPY WILL BE MADE FOR YOUR NOTEBOOK.

***Parents/Guardians: I find email communication to be the most efficient way to keep you notified of any concerns regarding your student’s progress or classroom behavior. If you would like to give your consent to receive updates via email, please provide an email address below.

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Student Name (Printed) Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)Parent/Guardian Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian email address

Class Rules and Procedures:

  • Come to class on time. You must be INSIDE the room when the bell rings
  • Cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited unless use is explicitly directed by the instructor for class activities
  • Please raise your hand to be acknowledged; do not speak while I am speaking.
  • There is absolutely NO food, drink or gum chewing permitted in this classroom, with the exception of water.
  • Begin “Do Now” work as soon as you are seated. This will be a short assignment posted on the board at the beginning of class. You will have no more than 5 minutes to complete the exercise and all work will be graded.
  • Remain seated unless you are given permission to get up or are instructed to move to the Smartboard or the risers.
  • Do not write or carve on the tables (or other school property). This will be regarded as vandalism.
  • Come to class prepared every daywith binder, textbook, folder, pencil and highlighter (as applicable to your class) as well as completed assignments.
  • Be respectful; disrespectful behavior or bullying will not be tolerated.
  • Follow directions immediately; we have a lot to accomplish and will need the cooperation of every person in the class to complete our tasks; any action or behavior that impedes the learning of other students will not be tolerated
  • The classroom computer and teacher’s desk are off limits to students

Consequences

  • Any initial violation of class rules will be given a warning.
  • An additional violation will result in detention. Detention is held after school only. Please make special arrangements if needed; keep in mind that after-school activities do not constitute an excuse to miss detention. A pass will be given if needed.
  • Students will be given 2 chances to come to detention; upon second absence, parent/guardian will be called, and a pink slip will be filed with the main office.
  • Any serious infraction will result in immediate phone call to parent/guardian and a pink slip.

NON-ATTENDANCE IN CLASS WILL RESULT IN AN IMMEDIATE CUT SLIP; NO WARNING OR EXCEPTIONS

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Student Name (Printed)Student Signature Date

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Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)Parent/Guardian Signature Date

A copy will be made for you to keep as part of your notebook