Syllabus

Course Outline (Year Course)  It is of great importance for each student to be double blocked once they get to chorus 2 and above. 

Semester 1:

**Unit 1 - Students will demonstrate understanding of proper vocal production techniques.  Students will review music reading skills and terminology and will build upon prior knowledge through daily practice.  They will identify & classify musical forms of diverse styles, genres, periods, and cultures.  Students will sing & read music containing Do-So motives as well as compose increasingly complex rhythmic phrases.  Students will understand & identify the relationships between music & other disciplines.

**Unit 2 – Students will perform from memory while demonstrating proper performance techniques. Students will sing a varied repertoire of an appropriate level that allows students to demonstrate music performance skills.

**Unit 3 – Students will evaluate music performances & continue to demonstrate proper etiquette during performances.  Student performance requires greater rhythmic and melodic accuracy and continues to emphasize proper vocal production.

Semester 2:

** Unit 4- Students use prior learned skills and knowledge in performance and vocal production as they prepare music during the second semester.  Evaluation of students will be implemented through solo performances in class.  Students continue to build upon music writing skills through the writing of increasingly complex rhythms and melodies. 

** Unit 5 – Students will prepare a variety of choral selections through rigorous rehearsals that require students to demonstrate all learned skills and knowledge to a high level of proficiency.  Repertoire will consist of music that best fits the ensemble’s skill level.

** Unit 6 – Utilizing previously learned performance & sight reading skills, students will prepare a final spring concert performance.  Students will also explore & learn about various music careers.

TEXT AND RESOURCES

Various pieces of choral sheet music, cd player, mp3 player, piano, music sight reading software

Peer tutoring, guest artist/teacher, teacher demonstration, practice CDs to take home and going to local concerts, plays, etc.will be used throughout the year.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT 

Formative:  teacher generated worksheets and quizzes, sectional and individual singing tests, and public performances will be used.  Students will also have a bell ringer each day.  At the end of the week, they will be quizzed on the material from the week.  They will be able to use their one subject spiral notebook as a resource.

Summative:   concerts and reflections  will be used. If no concerts are permitted due to for example-covid, I will use student individual recordings and/or projects including PBL’s. 

GRADING POLICY AND GRADING PROCEDURES/WEIGHTING AND HOMEWORK POLICY 

Grading in chorus is 50% major Standards-Based Assessments.  Assessments might include, but are not limited to: ensemble performances, group or individual projects, original compositions, choreography, or works of art, final productions, major tests, inter-disciplinary projects.

Christmas and Spring Concert will count for two test grades.

50% minor Active in class participation.  Assessments might include but are not limited to: quizzes, in-class work, homework, ensemble work, small scale individual or group projects/performances, written, oral, visual, aural or kinesthetic activities, participation/ effort in individual or group work.