Syllabus

Hayden Singers - 2025-2026 Syllabus

Maureen Brogren—Instructor brogrenm@haydencatholic.net 

1.   Purpose:

St. Augustine said “When you sing, you pray twice.” Every singer should be led to recognize his/her voice as a gift from God, and through this gift we express feelings and ideas in ways words cannot. The purpose of this course is to develop students’ musical abilities and performance skills while inspiring and fostering teamwork through ensemble unity

2.  Course Objectives:

• The student will learn skills in proper vocal tone production.

• The student will demonstrate attention to musical expression and appropriate stylistic qualities.

• The student will learn necessary music notational and reading skills.

• The student will learn leadership and cooperative skills through the ensemble setting.

Hayden Singers will be active in Christian service by performing for members of our local community

3.  Classroom Rules:

Students are expected to comply with all guidelines set forth in the Hayden High School Student Handbook. Along with these, the basic rules for this class are:

• Students are expected to have their music folder, pencil and eraser with them for all rehearsals

• Students will not be allowed to eat or bring food to class (no gum chewing)

•  Students may bring bottled water to class.

• Students must obtain the Instructor’s permission to leave the classroom.

• Students must bring their calendar to class to discuss performance dates.

• Students will be responsible for their music; loss of music, destruction of music,  or failure to turn in music will result with student purchasing replacement copies for the music department.

• Hayden will pay for students that choose to participate in Solo Festival, however, a student’s withdrawal from that competition will require the student to pay back the fee to the vocal department.

• Students will be respectful of teacher and fellow students at all times.

4.  Grading/Student Evaluation:

The following system of points will be used to determine an overall percentage grade for the course. Though the focus of the class is to develop musical excellence in the ensemble setting, students, regardless of individual ability levels, are expected to continue working toward improving their own musicianship.

a. Class Participation                                                                                 30% (5 points daily)

Being a performance-oriented course, all scheduled performances are important. It is crucial for students and parents to understand the importance of each and every member’s presence at these performances. Performances that are missed will be considered either Unexcused or Excused. Unexcused absences from Required Performances will cause deductions of 50 points each occurrence. If a conflict or emergency arises regarding a scheduled performance:

1.   Notify the Instructor ASAP at 640-2123 (within 24–48 hours of the performance.)

2.   A teacher/parent phone call or meeting is needed to clarify/discuss the reason for the absence.

3.   The Instructor will make the determination of whether an absence is to be excused.

c. Homework                                                               20% (20 points each)

Tests consist of

1.    Singing (parts or song)/Sightreading

2.    Written

5.  Performance Attire:

Members of Hayden Singers will be expected to purchase a designated outfit to wear for performances throughout the academic year.