Chorus 1/2

Woodmont High School- Chorus 1, 2

Sarah P. Owens (Office) 864.355.8672

Director of Choirs

saowens@greenville.k12.sc.us

Syllabus

Chorus 1, 2 2023-2024

Rm. FA 105

Course Description

This course emphasizes the development of vocal technique and skills including: good posture, tone quality, breath support, diction, and attack and release. Attention is given to the understanding and practice of basic elements of music including music reading skills. Students may have the opportunity to sing in foreign languages while studying a variety of styles of choral music. Vocal independence is emphasized in the performance opportunities that will be given. Students are expected to apply theory learned to learning music and sight reading. This is considered a beginner level chorus class. There are no prerequisites.

Course Goals

1. Be able to read rhythmic and tonal notation. 

2. Be able to use and define musical performance terms and symbols in a choral setting. 

3. Demonstrate proper use and improvement of the following while singing: intonations, tone quality, diction, vowel formation, breath support, range development and posture. 

4. Gain an appreciation of the history of music from various periods of history and the various composers of the music studied. 

5. Be able to read and sing a vocal part in the choral setting.

6. Be able to evaluate musical performances using musical terms.

7. Be able to perform on stage and practice correct audience etiquette.

8. Be able to play your vocal part on the piano to help with independent study.

9. Be able to recognize aurally and notate musical intervals.

10. Sing individually, small group and large group.

Course Requirements

Tardy and Attendance Policy

See student handbook

Classroom Rules

1. You must have a pencil, your folder and chrome book at all times .

2. Your music is your textbook for choir.  You are responsible for lost, damaged or music not returned.  Report lost or damage immediately. 

3. Do not talk in rehearsal ESPECIALLY while the director is talking.  Use time to practice and study music.  You are expected to practice mentally if you are not singing. If you wish to speak, please raise your hand and wait to be called upon.  

4. Maintain good posture for standing or sitting.

5. When in performance attire, remain fully dressed while in public.  Do not remove any part of your outfit while in public.  Be sure to wear your outfit appropriately including all parts/accessories.

6. If you are not feeling well, tell Mrs. Owens BEFORE class begins.  (See ”SICKNESS” below.)  Never sing with a sore throat or laryngitis.  I am not a mind reader; please see me as your participation grade will be affected if you are not participating in class. 

7. Always do your best and don't be afraid to try something new.

8. No Cell phones.

9. When on break (this is a privilege) you must sit or stand to stretch near your chair and you may talk to those around you.  

10. Food/drink (including gum) is not allowed in the music room unless it is part of a specially approved activity.  Bottled water is allowed during rehearsal.

11. Do not enter the choral office without permission.  

12. NEGATIVITY SPREADS SO BE MINDFUL OF YOUR ATTITUDE AND THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK.  YOUR WORDS CAN HURT.  In this classroom we encourage and support each other!

SICKNESS

Be mindful of rule # 6 above.  If you are too sick to sing but not sick enough to go home, you must participate in rehearsal mentally.    You must sit in your seat with your music.  Sitting doing nothing, putting your head down, laying down, or sitting in the choral office will not be allowed.  If you cannot participate without singing as described above, you must go to the office to call home!

**  For any offense, the director has the option of assigning IN-REHEARSAL SUSPENSION (IRS).  If assigned, you will be isolated from the rest of the class for at least one class period and given written work that will serve as your daily grade.

Leave problems outside the rehearsal room.  Once you enter class you are part of a supportive group in which you as an INDIVIDUAL are an important part.  Be aware that your BEST is needed daily.  

Grading Criteria

A 90-100

B 80-89

C 70-79

D 60-69

F 59 or below

Semester grade is divided as follows

MAJOR GRADES – 60%

• PARTICIPATION –  Students receive a grade of 100 at the beginning of each two week period. Students will loose points for not following rules and/or procedures. A rubric will be used and both teacher and student will choose a consensus grade. Absences do require make-up.  Students have 1 week after assignment to see section leader or Mrs. Owens to catch up on missed assignments.  This is YOUR responsibility!

MINOR GRADES – 40%

• WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS/NOTEBOOKS –  This includes classwork or daily assignments.

• TESTS/QUIZZES –written tests will be given in this class weekly.  Reflecting student understanding and will cover all material up to the point of the test.

• Journals/projects- 1-2 

Exam grade: 20% of final grade

Performance in December (Winter Concert)/May (Spring Concert)

MAKEUP, LATE WORK and RETAKES

The due date of any assignment is the due date.

Any major assignment that has been assigned for one week or more must absolutely be turned in on time.  If you find it necessary to be absent on a due date, it is your responsibility to still turn it in the day the work is due. If this assignment is not turned in on the date, you will receive a 10 point deduction for each day late up to 5 days.  After the 5th day (class period) you may turn in work but the grade will not exceed a grade of 40.  

Any minor grade that has been assigned for less than one week and is not turned in on due date will be accepted with a 50 point penalty.  Students have the opportunity to retake assessments at teacher or students discretion.

What will I need for this class?

• 
  One 1 inch binder with 3 rings

• 5 dividers 

• A good attitude

• Energy