Chorus Syllabus 

Middle School Chorus

Course Syllabus

1. Purpose

Middle School Chorus will develop vocal and music techniques, an understanding of many musical styles, an awareness of musical expression, and theory while working with the director and other ensemble members in a way that is cooperative and supportive. 

2. Chorus Structure

(6th Grade) This group consists of beginning musicians looking to begin their singing  experience. Rehearsals meet during Compass Block once per 6-day cycle.

Sectionals will be on a rotating pull out basis. Students will be assigned the same day for their sectional for the entire year and will waterfall through their schedule in order to not miss the same class from week to week. 

Chorus Structure

(7th grade) Because of the size of our 7th and 8th grade choruses this year, we will have a 7th grade chorus and then a 7th/8th grade chorus. The 7th grade chorus consists of students that have at least one completed year of chorus. Students in this ensemble will meet during Compass Block once per 6-day cycle.

Sectionals will be on a rotating pull out basis. Students will be assigned the same day for their sectional for the entire year and will waterfall through their schedule in order to not miss the same class from week to week. 

Chorus Structure

(7th/8th grade) Because of the size of our 7th and 8th grade choruses this year, we will have a 7th grade chorus and then a 7th/8th grade chorus. The 7th/8th grade chorus consists of students that have 1-2 years of prior chorus experience. Students in this ensemble will meet during Compass Block once per 6-day cycle.

Sectionals will be on a rotating pull out basis. Students will be assigned the same day for their sectional for the entire year and will waterfall through their schedule in order to not miss the same class from week to week. 

3. Full Rehearsal Compass Block Expectations

The goal of every rehearsal is to develop musicianship and the ability to work together as an ensemble during our full rehearsal class time.  Chorus students are expected to come to rehearsal with a positive attitude and respect for everyone in the room. Below are some basic rehearsal expectations that all chorus students are responsible for.

• Be on time for rehearsals and sectionals.

• The success of the group depends on your own attitude and responsibility. Listen during rehearsals and take your music seriously.  

• Be fully prepared by having your folder with all necessary music as well as a pencil. 

4. Sectional Expectations

Students will participate in a sectional pull-out model once per 6-day cycle. Each sectional group will be assigned to a particular day of the schedule. These sectionals are designed to provide focused instruction in small groups to support students in their ensemble. 

5. Grading Policies

Overall grading breaks down as follows:

60% Rehearsal & Sectional Participation Grades 

20% Assignment Grades

20% Concert Grades 

Rehearsal Grade is made up of two primary categories:

1. Preparation: Review/practice using Google Classroom resources. Come to class with necessary materials (Music and pencil)

2. Participation: Student actively sings and puts forth their best effort as a member of the ensemble during rehearsal times.

Ms. Fuller will be checking for the following materials at any time as a “Materials Quiz” which will be part of the student’s participation average:

• Pencil

• Folder, sheet music

Assignments Grade 

Occasionally during class we will complete Music Theory worksheets/activities to improve student musicianship and foster their musical reading skills. Students will also begin sight singing and occasionally be asked to complete some at home practice or assignments. 

Concert Grade 

Chorus is a performance based ensemble. All of the work done each term culminates in large ensemble performances. These performances are very important and each chorus member is an integral part of the ensemble. Performances account for 20% of each student’s grade for the term. Below please find our department policy for excused and unexcused absences. 

Excused Absence: Sickness, family emergency, or advanced notice for travel (provided at least 2 weeks ahead of time).

Excused Assignment: Listening to a recording of the concert and write a

reflection on the performance process. Recording of themselves performing

the concert repertoire. Highest grade = 90

Unexcused Absence: Work, no advance notice, outside rehearsal/sports obligations

Unexcused Assignment: Listening to a recording of the concert and writing

a reflection on the performance process. Recording of themselves

performing the concert repertoire. Highest grade = 65

Please mark all concert dates on the calendar (see attached calendar)

6. Concert Attire

In order to produce a professional appearance, you are asked to wear the following to all performances:

A black blouse or dress shirt with long black bottoms or black skirt, or black dress and black shoes.

NO HEELS. This is to maintain comfortable singing posture. 

It is important to remember that concert attire should feel comfortable, as well as look professional. It is impossible to concentrate 100% on your performance if your clothing prevents you from sitting or standing in the way needed to sing with your best posture. 

       VII.         Materials Needed

-Pencil 

-Sheet Music (Provided by Ms. Fuller)

 VIII. End-of Year Music Trip Requirements 

At the end of each year, we celebrate the students' accomplishments by taking a music department trip to an amusement park (typically 6 flags). This is not a mandatory trip. Students will need to pay (cost TBD) to attend the trip, but scholarships are available for families in financial need. In order for students to attend this trip, they must remain in chorus for the entire year, and be in attendance at all required concerts listed on the performance calendar, unless excused absences have been discussed with their teacher. Students must be in good academic standing in chorus and also uphold all behavior expectations. I will contact parents if there are any concerns about a student's behavior that could hinder their chance of attending the end of year field trip. Students that receive an unexcused absence for a concert will not be allowed to attend the trip. All excused absences will need to be in written/email form from the parent prior to the required concert.

IX. Drop Period

6th Grade: Students are required to participate in their ensemble through the first concert to ensure they gain experience in learning to sing, read, and understand music. After the first concert, students who wish not to continue may request to drop the class.

7th & 8th Grade: Once registered for chorus, students are expected to remain enrolled for the entire school year. Dropping the class mid-year is not permitted.

Exceptions: In the case of unforeseen circumstances, a parent/guardian must email both the chorus director and principal to request approval for withdrawal.