Curriculum
In order for our choirs to sound their best, each of us needs to contribute to the best of our ability.
Skills
Goals
Targets
Expectations
Materials
Students will be loaned sheet music.
**All music must be taken good care of to keep in good condition. The music is on loan from the Clague Choir Program. Any music turned in at the end of the year in poor condition will result in a monetary fine.
Regular Homework:
7th Grade Students are expected to practice a minimum of 3 times per week in at least 20 minute sessions for a total of 1 hour.
8th Grade Students are expected to practice a minimum of 3 times per week in at least 40 minute sessions for a total of 2 hours.
Turn-In Policy:
Assessment and Grading:
4/A = Got it!
3/B = Almost There
2/C = Moving in the Right Direction
1/D = Just Getting Started
0/E = No Evidence
We don’t all learn things at the same rate, nor do we sing or read music with equal skill. Every choir member will work to increase individual music skills. Your grade is still in your control!
Required Performances:
Skills
- Singing is a skill.
- Skills need to be practiced to improve.
- Singing, like most skills, becomes more fun as one’s abilities increase.
Goals
- Every choir member will work to increase individual music skills.
- Choir is a group effort - we work together to achieve our goals.
- We will strive to give quality performances.
- We will develop healthy vocal habits for life-long voice use.
- We will work to become responsible and mature leaders within the community.
Targets
- I can sing in unison and in parts.
- I can use standard musical markings.
- I can learn proper vocal techniques.
- I will explore various genres of music.
- I can sing with emotion relating to the text.
- I can evaluate musical performances.
- I can perform proper stage presence and performance etiquette.
- I can develop sight reading and ear training skills.
- I can read music!
- I can compose melodies and harmonies.
Expectations
- Students need to be in class every day and on time.
- By the time the bell rings students should be seated and prepared for class.
- Being prepared for choir class means students have a pencil, their planner, and their music folder.
- Students will not be allowed to bring chewing gum, food, or drinks to choir class.
- Students will master singing skills and concert music at the requested times, or seek additional help when needed to attain these goals.
- Students will maintain a positive attitude while showing respect, responsibility, safety, and caring for themselves, the director, and others at all times.
- Students and parents will keep track of performance dates and come to ALL concerts at the appropriate time and in the appropriate uniform.
Materials
Students will be loaned sheet music.
**All music must be taken good care of to keep in good condition. The music is on loan from the Clague Choir Program. Any music turned in at the end of the year in poor condition will result in a monetary fine.
Regular Homework:
- 1 Practice Sheet per week.
7th Grade Students are expected to practice a minimum of 3 times per week in at least 20 minute sessions for a total of 1 hour.
8th Grade Students are expected to practice a minimum of 3 times per week in at least 40 minute sessions for a total of 2 hours.
- 2 Theory Packets due per quarter.
Turn-In Policy:
- Students have a 2 day grace period where work can still be turned in.
Assessment and Grading:
- Formative Assessments: (Appear in Gradebook, but DO NOT count towards final grade.)
- Rehearsal Technique
- Practice Sheets
- Theory Packets
- Responsibility
- Summative Assessments: (Appear in Gradebook, and DO count towards final grade.)
- Sight Singing - Pitch, Rhythm, Expression
- Performance - Pitch, Rhythm, Expression, Vocal Technique (posture, breath management, vowel production)
4/A = Got it!
3/B = Almost There
2/C = Moving in the Right Direction
1/D = Just Getting Started
0/E = No Evidence
We don’t all learn things at the same rate, nor do we sing or read music with equal skill. Every choir member will work to increase individual music skills. Your grade is still in your control!
Required Performances:
- Attendance at all required Clague Choir performances is expected of all choir students. (See "Required Performances" on your class schoology page in the "resources" folder.)
- Students may be excused from a performance if there is an UNAVOIDABLE conflict. To be excused, you must submit a letter from your parent/guardian at least 2 weeks in advance. Serious emergencies or illnesses with a telephone call from a parent or guardian may also result in an excused absence. Students must be present during the school day of the concert to be able to participate in the concert.
- Please note that an unexcused absence from a performance may lower your period grade ONE FULL LETTER.