8th Grade Chorus

To join the "8th Grade Chorus" Google Classroom, enter the code "jyza6gv ".

Course Description

8th Grade Chorus meets during the school day. This is a performance-oriented course designed to teach students singing skills through a varied repertoire of music and vocal instruction. Music theory, sight-reading, ear training, ensemble skills, and a basic overview of vocal production are emphasized and assessed in this course. Audition and performance opportunities in regional music festivals are offered. Several performance opportunities exist throughout the course of the year. Rules governing this course: Attendance at all concerts is mandatory and proper concert attire is required. This is a full year course that requires dedication from all students who participate.

Class Expectations

• Students are expected to adhere to the following:

  • • • Arrive to class on time

      • Bring your black music binder and a pencil to class

      • A water bottle is recommended

      • Participate in class activities (warm ups, sight reading, rehearsing concert repertoire)

      • All Student Handbook policies regarding attendance and expectations apply

• There is no gum allowed at any time in choir class. All gum must be disposed of before the beginning of class.

• Phones/Devices are not to be used at any time in choir class, unless the teacher has given permission to do so.

Concert Dates/Info

Chamber Singers and Jazz Ensemble Perform at ALL concerts.

Concert attire for all performances is formal, with a white collared shirt or blouse on top, and black pants or skirt on bottom, with black shoes. Please try to avoid jeans, leggings, sneakers, athletic apparel, or white socks.

Wednesday, December 6th - 8th Grade Winter Concert

• Location - CMS Auditorium

• Concert Start Time - 7:00pm

• Student Arrival Time - 6:30pm

• Snow Date - Monday, December 11th

Thursday, December 7th - 7th Grade Winter Concert

• Location - CMS Auditorium

• Concert Start Time - 7:00pm

• Student Arrival Time - 6:30pm

• Snow Date - Monday, December 11th

Wednesday, May 8th - 7th Grade Spring Concert

• Location - CMS Auditorium

• Concert Start Time - 7:30pm

• Student Arrival Time - 7:00pm

Thursday, May 9th - 8th Grade Spring Concert

• Location - CMS Auditorium

• Concert Start Time - 7:30pm

• Student Arrival Time - 7:00pm

Grading Policy

• Performance Assessments/Concerts (30%)

  • These types of evaluations will demonstrate the student's ability to perform various musical concepts and skills such as rhythm, scales and exercises using solfege syllables, vocal technique, and skills within concert repertoire.

  • This category includes all school-related performances.

• Habits of Work (20%)

  • This category will focus on the "vision of a musician". We will discuss in class how an excellent musician conducts themself, and what they need to do in order to be successful in this class, such as:

    • • • Bringing the proper materials to class (binder, pencil)

        • Not using a device without the teacher's permission

        • Not chewing gum while singing

        • Writing all appropriate markings in your score that are discussed in rehearsal

• Attendance (40%)

  • Attendance is crucial for success in this class. Since this is an ensemble-based class, the only way that the ensemble can reach its fullest potential is if each and every member is consistently present. Accumulated absences and tardies will affect the students grade. Attendance policies explained in the student handbook apply.

• Homework/In-Class  Work & Additional Assignments (10%)

  • This involves tasks such as returning required paperwork, concert reflections, and additional assignments to be explained in class.

Canton Middle School Music Department

Concert Make-up Requirements

The Canton Middle School musical ensembles are performance based ensembles, and attendance at performances is mandatory.  Excused absences include religious holidays, illness, or family emergencies. Unexcused absences will affect your grade and participation in ensembles.  In the event of an absence, students will be required to complete one of the options below within one week of the performance date. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Options

1. Choose a piece from the concert repertoire and write a minimum of a one page paper describing specific elements of the piece, or of the composer’s life/accomplishments.

2. Develop a series of three questions that you will use to interview members of the ensemble.  Interview a total of three members from any section and document their responses.

Example Questions:  

• Describe the rehearsal process and how it helped the ensemble achieve a higher level of musicality. 

• If given the opportunity to perform the concert again, what suggestions would you have for improvement?