Berea MS Chorus
WELCOME TO THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR BEREA BULLDOGS
Hour Class Time
Arrival 8:05 – 8:30
OnTrack Time 8:30 - 8:55am
2nd Content 8:58 - 9:48am
3rd Content 9:51 - 10:41am
4th Content 11:36 –12:26 pm
5th Content 12:29- 1:19 pm
6th Content 1:32 - 2:22pm
7th Content 2:25 - 3:15pm
Dismissal 3:15 – 3:45pm
2024 -25 CHORUS SYLLABUS
Lesson Plan Template 2024-25
WELCOME BEREA MIDDLE CHORUS 2024-25
Meet the Teacher - August 2024
Director - Antonio Edwards, Bachelor of Music Furman University
Berea Middle School Chorus/Piano Program, 151 Berea Middle School Road
864-355-1762 | aledwards@greenvillschools.us
Berea Middle Chorus
Learn to develop confidence in your voice in MIDDLE SCHOOL ! Our Berea Middle School Choir Performs both fall and spring concerts. CHORUS IS FUN! WE HAVE PERFORMED AT SPRING SING, CAROWINDS AND RECEIVED AN EXCELLENT RATING!
CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC STUDENT REVIEW YOUTUBE VIDEO
Highlights from 2023-24
Students can read music and perform expressively!
October Hispanic Cultural Concert (Oct)
Black History Month Concert (Feb)
After School Chorus (Tuesdays 3:45 - 5pm)
Spring Sing at Peace Center
Chorus at Carowinds Festival of Music
Tri-M Honor Society Started
Berea Music Student Polo Shirts ($20)
Goals for 2024-25
Students can read music and perform expressively!
Fall Concert with Berea Elementary
Black History Month Concert (Feb)
After School Chorus (Tuesdays 3:45 - 5pm)
Choral Performance Assessment (March 27-28 , 2025)
Spring Sing at Peace Center (Tuesday April 8 2025)
Chorus at Carowinds Festival of Music (Date TBD , Spring 2025)
Tri-M Honor Society Started
Note: Chorus students who are interested in performing on and off campus will have a multiple opportunities to do so. However, choral and piano students will all be required to participate in at least one concert performance per semester in the general school group. Students may communicate with Mr. Edwards if they would like to be included in the off campus student group that performs for extra events like Carowinds Festival of Music, Spring Sing etc and there may be an audition process for some off campus opportunities.
Piano Program
We offer piano ! Learn to read music and play by ear, play classics in the fall, jazz in April, rock and blues.
Students are required to participate in ONE CONCERT per semester (most likely after school for parents to attend). Students will also have opportunities to perform during some related arts assemblies.
3 Piano Books we use that Parents can buy if you want to have it at home:
KEYBOARD COMPLETE (CHORDS, BLUES, ROCK) :
https://tinyurl.com/kEYBOARDCOMPLETE
First 50 Classical Pieces You Should Play on the Piano - Hal Leonard
https://www.amazon.com/First-Classical-Pieces-Should-Piano/dp/1480398411
Spring : First 50 Jazz Pieces you should play on the piano, https://tinyurl.com/50JazzSongs
SUPPLIES: Pencil , Manilla folder for music , notebook paper or a composition book
Meet the Teacher :
Antonio Edwards, Bachelor of Music : Furman University
Mr. Edwards is an “artist-teacher” that specializes in voice and piano. The skills he shows his students he also demonstrates in his performances at Greenville City Festivals downtown and at weddings, and various events across the Carolinas!
He has a music education degree in choral music and has been teaching music since 2014, (2014 Emerald High in Greenwood SC, 2017 Legacy Early College, 2021 Berea Middle) and has led the Berea Chorus to 3 consecutive Carowinds Festival of Music performances and has received an EXCELLENT RATING.
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Berea Chorus Youth Polo , Dark Pants (Black, Blue)
BEREA CHORUS POLO SHIRT COST: $20
Parents will be sent information in the first month of school about the opportunity to purchase a BEREA MUSIC POLO. The shirt is GREEN and we will perform in these shirts. If you have a hunter green polo, you may perform in that. However, all choral students are highly encouraged to purchase the green polo for chorus performances. Mr. Edwards will contact parents when we can start turning in money for shirts. It takes about 2 weeks for shirts to arrive after being ordered.
Cost 2023-24 were:
Youth Shirts: YS $20.50 _____ YM _____ YL _____ YXL _______
Adult Shirts: S $20.50 ______ M ____ L _____ XL ____ XXL $21.50 __ XXXL $23.50 ___
COMPLETE OUR CONTACT SURVEY online or on paper! Mr. Edwards will be in contact with you via email or phone!
REGISTER HERE AND JOIN IN TO THE DRAWING!
864-355-1762 | aledwards@greenvillschools.us
PLEASE CLICK THESE LINKS BELOW TO VIEW RECORDINGS OF THE BEREA MIDDLE CHORUS/PIANO CONCERTS FOR SPRING 2024
Congrats to Mr. Edwards on completing his 3rd year at Berea Middle (since 2021).
BEREA MUSIC EVENTS 2024- 25
Fall 2024
~ Thur November 7 at 6pm : Berea Middle and Berea Elementary Chorus Collaboration Concert
~Tue December 10 at 6pm Winter Fine Arts Concert (Band, Chorus , Piano, Art etc)
Spring 2025
~ Berea Middle Chorus has just reserved time slot for CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC (8/15/24) SAVE THE DATE: Friday APRIL 4 , 2025 at 1:30pm
Aeronautica Theatre Director : Antonio Edwards
Parents / chaperones: PLEASE BE SURE TO FILL OUT A LEVEL 2 VOLUNTEER FORM TO GO ON TRIPS WITH STUDENTS. https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/MzE6ZW4tVVM=
Thanks
Learn MORE about Carowinds Festival of music by watching this video
~ Tuesday April 8 - Spring Sing
~ Thursday April 10 - Berea Spring Concert (Jazz Appreciation Month)
Berea Middle School Chorus Spring Concert 2024
SPRING SING 2024 LIVE AT THE PEACE CENTER
BEREA CHORUS LIVE AT CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 2024
JOIN US FOR BEREA MIDDLE SPRING CONCERT - THURSDAY APRIL 11 AT 6PM
FOR $5 TICKETS TO SUPPORT OUR FINE ARTS
(Advance ticket holders get VIP seats at the front!)
BEREA CHORUS GOES TO CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
FRIDAY APRIL 5 2024 (PERFORM AT 2:15 AT AERONAUTICA THEATER)
Explanation of Festival of Music Judging - April 5
(What is a Good, Excellent , Superior)
All groups will receive comments from each adjudicator following their performance along with a Certificate of Participation. For those who choose to receive ratings, you will also receive a ratings sheet from each adjudicator. Ratings are on a scale of 1 – 5, with 1 being Superior. All groups with an Excellent or Superior overall rating will receive a plaque.
Judges:
Read about the JUDGES for this year using this link
What Does Carowinds Provide?
�We provide the following equipment:
• Performance risers• Acoustical shells• Baby grand piano• We do not provide microphones for soloists or duets.
Performance Wardrobe�
Formal performance wardrobe is not required for Festival of Music.
You may wish to consider a more casual “uniform” that is appropriate for performing and enjoying the park, as there are no changing facilities in the park. Please consider the typical weather/ temperature for the timeframe when you are visiting. Performances are indoors.
Berea Chorus Goes to Carowinds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYPVkoej940&t=2s
Carowinds - where the Carolinas come together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2_GPdoHkVQ (1min video)
TO READ MORE INFO ABOUT CAROWINDS FESTIVAL CLICK HERE:
Congrats to the Berea Chorus members performing at Spring Sing at Peace Center Tuesday April 9 at 7pm
For ticket link to this amazing show by our elementary and middle school students around Greenville County, CLICK BELOW
https://www.peacecenter.org/events/detail/24-spring-sing
CONGRATS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS:
Berea Middle Spring Sing 2024 list (Rehearsal and Concert April 9 2024):
Angelina P -7th Soprano
Amya G - 7th Soprano
Jameyea D -7th Soprano
Riliegh F- 7th Soprano
Christopher L - 7th Tenor/Bass
Kayley A-7th alto
Mikiya M- 6th Soprano
Jakaden T - 6th Tenor
Bailey D -6th Alto
Leehana F - 6th alto
Margaret S - 6th soprano
Ziy'yana D. 6th soprano
12 total
BI-WEEKLY MEMO (April 1 - April 12 2024)
CHORUS
Learning Target: (Chorus) I can sing accurate pitch, rhythm , and phrasing for songs for Carowinds Festival April 5, Spring Sing April 9, and/or Spring Concert April 11.
IT IS CONCERT WEEK for the next 2 weeks!
APRIL 2 & APRIL 4 at 3:45 - 5pm, AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL required for Festival Students. Please have a parent email me if you cannot attend.
~April 5 - Carowinds Festival of Music (auditioned 30 voices , Permission Form Due 3/27)
~April 9 - Spring Sing (Auditioned 15 voices, Permission form due 3/27)
SPRING SING TICKET LINK FOR SPRING SING PARENTS
https://www.peacecenter.org/events/detail/24-spring-sing
April 11 at 6pm - Berea Middle Spring Concert * (Doors open 5:30pm)
(*Graded Concert for ALL Chorus/Piano students! Absent students will have to makeup)
Advance Ticket holders will receive VIP seating near the front.
$5 tickets , fundraiser event for fine arts department
TICKET LINK : https://gofan.co/event/1475654?schoolId=SC66000
Wholly Smoke BBQ vendor will have a food truck at 5pm (Please bring funds!)
SEE BACK FOR CONCERT FLYER AND TICKET QR CODE.
ARE YOU ATTENDING OUR CONCERT? (PLEASE MARK ONE FOR PLANNING.)
Yes my child will attend Spring Concert - April 11 | No, my child will not attend spring concert-April 11
PIANO
PLEASE MARK ABOVE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND CONCERT APRIL 11
(Learning Target) I can play accurately Blues progression p. 14, Arpeggio Ballad pg. 22 and jazz song for Spring Concert April 11
3/28 Blues Progression Quiz p. 14 Keyboard Complete (Handout given to student)
4/4 Arpeggio Ballad Quiz
4/11 at 6pm SPRING CONCERT (Graded concert for all music students)
$5 ticket event, fundraiser event for fine arts department, VIP SEATING FOR ADV. TICKETS
Wholly Smoke BBQ vendor will have a food truck (Please bring funds!)
Please return signed by parents by APRIL 10! SPRING CONCERT FLYER ON BACK!
JOIN US FOR OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPIRIT WEEK FEBRUARY 26-29
WE WILL HAVE 3 CONCERT PROGRAMS ON THURSDAY FEBRUARY 29
8TH GRADE RELATED ARTS: 9AM
7TH GRADE RELATED ARTS: 11:45 AM
6TH GRADE RELATED ARTS: 1:30PM
CAN'T MAKE IT DURING THE DAY? NO WORRIES, WE WILL INCLUDE SOME OF OUR HIGHLIGHTED CONTENT IN OUR UPCOMING SPRING CONCERT APRIL 11 AT 6PM IN BEREA MS CAFE!
Learn the lyrics of LIFT EVERY VOICE AND SING!
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" James Weldon Johnson
Lift every voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the list'ning skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.
SPRING 2024 CALENDAR OF EVENTS!
THURSDAY FEBRUARY 29 - BLACK HISTORY CULTURAL PROGRAM (9am, 11:45am, 1:30pm)
(THEME: AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE ARTS)
FRIDAY APRIL 5 - CHORUS GOES TO CAROWINDS FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
*Payment 1 : $30 due January 30, Payment 2 Due March 4: $34 (Total = $64/student)
(Students are encouraged to participate in the Worlds Finest Chocolate Fundraiser to lower expenses for field trip)
TUESDAY APRIL 9 - GREENVILLE COUNTY SPRING SING (REHEARSAL IN AM, CONCERT AT PEACE CENTER PM)
THURSDAY APRIL 11 at 6pm - BEREA MIDDLE SPRING CONCERT
PLEASE VIEW OUR VIRTUAL WINTER CONCERT 2023!
(Note: This year both band and chorus directors, Mr. Davis and Mr. Edwards, had new additions to the family and had to go on parental leave for a few weeks in November. We were able to have an in person concert in October but not for the holidays. So we decided to put together some selections online. Enjoy :)
"Feliz Navidad" Berea Chorus 6th-8th grade (December 2023)
ORDER YOUR BEREA MUSIC POLO SHIRT TODAY FOR $20 -
Make Checks out to Berea Chorus (Due Sept. 22 , 2023)
PLEASE REVIEW SOME IMPORTANT INFO SHARED WITH STUDENTS VIA GOOGLE SLIDES THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL .
CHORUS LESSON PLANS AND PACING GUDE 2023 - 24
Bell Schedule (Related Arts)
Related Arts Planning /On Track : 8:30 - 8:55am
(Note: Students are encouraged to get to school by 8:05am, after 8:30am you are late.)
2nd Period : 8:58 - 9:48 am
3rd Period: 9:51 - 10:41am
Lunch : 10:54 - 11:33 am
4th Period : 11:36 - 12:26 pm
5th Period : 12:29 - 1:19 pm
6th Period : 1:32 - 2:22 pm
7th Period : 2:25 - 3:15pm
Dismissal : 3:15pm
FALL 2023 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday October 24, 2023: Fall Showcase
Spring 2024 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesday April 9, 2024 - District Spring Sing (MS is April 9, ES is April 8)
Happy Birthday to August Students:
Aryonna
Anthony
LESSON PLANS
SYLLABUS (an outline of the subjects in a course of study or teaching)
General Learning Objectives:
Standard 1: I can arrange and compose music.
Standard 2: I can improvise music.
Standard 3: I can produce a well-developed tone quality.
Standard 4: I can perform with technical accuracy and expression.
Standard 5: I can perform using music notation.
Standard 6: I can analyze music.
Standard 7: I can evaluate music.
Standard 8: I can examine music for a variety of stylistic and historical periods and cultures.
Anchor Standard 9: I can relate music to other arts disciplines, content areas and career path choices.
Berea Middle
Make Up Work
In order to receive full credit for make-up work, all work must be submitted within five school days, immediately following the absence. In cases of prolonged illness beyond five days, special consideration will be given. It is the responsibility of the students, not the teachers, to arrange for make-up work. After the five-day deadline, work will be considered late. Please refer to the Late Work Policy below. • Work assigned before the absence or field trip will be due the day the student returns. • Tests assigned before the absence will be taken on the scheduled test date or date arranged with the teacher. • If a student misses a test or quiz while absent, on the first day back, arrangements should be made with the teacher to make up the assessment within five days. • Ideally, work is made up before or after school in order not to miss more class time. Arrangements may also be made with the teacher to make-up assignments during support times. Arrangements should be made with the teacher to complete this in a timely manner. • Students are expected to check teacher websites and Google Classrooms for assignments during any absence
Make Up Work Deadlines
Assignments must be turned in on or before the following dates: • 1st Quarter: 10-8-2022 • 2nd Quarter: 1-6-2023 • 3rd Quarter: 3-10-2023 • 4th Quarter: 5-26-2023 • Any work assigned during the last week of the quarter will be accepted through the end of the quarter.
Late Work Policy
Greenville County Schools and Berea Middle School is committed to Building a Better Graduate by creating college and career ready students. As such, students must develop character traits that align with workplace expectations. Some examples of these include responsibility, strong work ethic, and self-direction. Students are expected to give their best effort when completing assignments and should strive to complete them by the due date. Students are expected to turn in ALL assignments and should never have a Not Handed In (NHI) recorded in the grade book. Extra opportunities are available for students to make up work through after or before school tutoring, OnTrack Time, and at other times designated by the teacher. Late work will be accepted during the unit of study or within 5 days of the completion of the unit of study. Points will not be deducted for late work.
Retake Policy
Since the goal is for students to master content and skills, students will be allowed to retake/redo major tests only; however, students must commit to doing their part in preparing for the re-test. Students must initiate the request to retake/redo a test within 5 days of receiving the grade on the test. Students are allowed to retake/redo a major test one time. The student must submit a formal email request to the teacher explaining the rationale for the request. The student can cc the parent and grade level administrator as a part of the formal email request, if they choose. Following a re-test, the higher grade will be recorded in the grade book.
School Late Work and Retake Policies:
Classroom guidelines and Expectations:
Success in the classroom is greatly affected by the conduct of those in the classroom. The following four rules have been developed to help our students be successful.
Only behavior that does not interfere with other students’ right to learn is permitted.
Be respectful to your classmates and teachers.
Be seated with materials and ready to work when class begins.
Food, gum, and drinks (except water) are not allowed in the classrooms or hallways
In addition, all students should follow all district and school guidelines as specified in the student handbook.
In Science/Lab based classes:
Because we will be conducting some lab activities, it is imperative that students practice safe behavior. They will be expected to follow the guidelines set forth on the Science Safety Contract.
Materials
Grades
Homework
Grading Scale
Planned projects
Manila folder
Notebook paper
Staff Paper
Pencil
Tests & Major Projects = 50%
Quizzes, minor Projects, and Assignments =50%
Literacy Worksheet
Solfege and rhythm sight reading, singing with accuracy of parts
Vocal Practice on repertoire (Flipgrid)
Grade Ranges
90-100 A
80-89 B
70-79 C
60-69 D
Classical Music Month (September)
Hispanic Heritage (October)
Black History Month (February)
Jazz History (April)
Course Outline
(For honor courses, this MUST include how the course exceeds the outcomes of the grade level course)
1st Quarter
Unit Topic: Classical Music Month (September)
Week 1 8/15 What is solfege?
Week 2 8/22 Pretest on Chromebook,
Posture, Vowels, Solfege
Week 3 8/29 Cantate Domino
Week 4 9/5 Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful classical, Cantate Domino
(Labor Day 9/5)
Week 5 9/12 Review Cantate
Week 6 9/19 Hispanic Heritage Prep
Week 7 9/26 Bailar Esta Cumbia
Week 8 10/3 Yo Vivo Cantando
Week 9 10/10
End of Q1 10/14 Hispanic Heritage
2nd Quarter
Unit Topic: Hispanic Heritage (September 15 - October 15)
Week 1 10/17 Holiday Showcase
Week 2 10/24 Holiday music
Week 3 10/31 Reading rhythms,Solfege
Week 4 11/7 Holiday music
(Election Day 11/8)
Week 5 11/14 Holiday music
Week 6 11/21 Holiday music
(Thanksgiving break 11/23 - 11/25)
Week 7 11/28 Holiday music
Week 8 12/5 Holiday showcase
Week 9 12/12
Winter Break 12/19 - 1/2
End of Quarter 2 - 1/12
3rd Quarter:
Unit Topic: Black History, Music Theatre , Jazz and Contemporary Music
(March is SPRING SING, May is Carowinds Music Festival)
Week 1 Spirituals and Motown
Week 2 Spirituals and Motown
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5 Black History Month Show
Week 6 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 7 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 8 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 9 Music theater Alladin Jr
4th Quarter
Unit Topic: Music Theater / Jazz Appreciation
Week 1 “It don’t mean a thing”
Week 2 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 3 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 4 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 5 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 6 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 7 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 8 Music theater Alladin Jr
Week 9 Music theater Alladin Jr
Teacher Contact info: Antonio Edwards (Bachelor of Music)
Alma Mater: Furman University
Office Phone : 864-355-1762
Email: aledwards@greenvilleschools.us
Our Goals in Berea Middle School Music Are:
Singing with proper technique including posture, breathing, and tone
Reading musical rhythms and melodies using ta-ka-di-mi and solfege
Analyzing music history and other musicians to improve knowledge of the world and musical skills
playing musical instruments, percussion and piano
Being an exemplary school for the arts in Greenville County
Performing 1-3 concerts per semester and performing in the community. Performing at Spring Sing.
15-20% of the student population enrolled in Piano/Chorus classes
Recruit rising 5th graders into our music program for 6th grade
Retain every possible 6-7th grader in our music program
Pass on 100% of our 8th graders to high school music programs
Perform at sporting events and other school functions to boost the morale of the school and music program
Antonio Edwards Jr | Berea MS Chorus | Aledwards@greenvilleschools.us | 864 - 355 - 1762
Resources
Help students and parents help themselves by making resources easily accessible.
Student sites
musictheory.net
Parent sites
School forms