Freshmen Choir

To join the "Freshmen Chorus" Google Classroom, enter the code 7a4ej5c5 .

Course Description

Freshmen Chorus is an ensemble that meets during the school day. All students will study the basics of vocal production, sight singing, ear training, ensemble skills, music theory, and choral repertoire from many periods and genres of choral music.

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.

CMS/CHS

Choir Grading

The following is a breakdown and description of grades in choir.

• 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.

• Concerts/Performance Assessments (30%) - Attendance for concerts is mandatory. It is the culminating presentation of months of hard work, and the success of the concert is dependent upon the attendance & participation of all members of the ensemble. There may also be other performance assessments throughout the year. 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 and dress rehearsals.

• Habits of Work (20%) - In order for a choir to sound its best, each individual singer needs to be working at their best in both performances and rehearsals. That includes coming to class prepared and ready to give your best effort. Arrive to class on time with the necessary materials (binder w/ music, pencil). Water bottle is recommended. Be present, and focused on the task at hand. Be respectful and cooperative toward the success of the group.

• Class Assignments (10%) - This involves tasks such as returning required paperwork, program notes on the concert repertoire, concert reflections, and additional assignments to be explained in class.

Concert Attire

Unless otherwise specified, the following will be the required concert attire for all performances.

Students will wear BLACK CLOTHING that they, their families and directors deem appropriate. OUR PRIORITY IS FOR ALL STUDENTS TO BE:

• Themselves

• Comfortable

• Present a unified color palette where music is the focus

PLEASE CHOOSE FROM THE FOLLOWING OPTIONS:

• Black dresses

• Black trousers

• Black skirts/Black stockings

• Black collared shirts

• Black socks

• Black dress shoes (Close-toed)

• Black jackets & suits

PLEASE AVOID:

• Sneakers

• Exposed legs

• Exposed shoulders

• Leggings as pants

• Athletic apparel

• Non-collared shirts

• White socks 

Canton High School Music Department

Concert Make-up Requirements

The Canton High 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.  Your performance within the large ensemble and attendance at performances encompass 30% of your grade.  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 composer of a piece from the concert repertoire and write a minimum of a three page paper highlighting the significance of the composer.

2. Develop a series of five prompts that will be used to interview members of the ensemble.  Interview a total of three members from any section and document their responses.

Sample Prompts  

• • • • • 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?