Syllabus 

Northwest Middle School Chorus- NORTHWEST SINGERS 

Mr. Epps 

Office: 864-355-6948

Email: wepps@greenville.k12.sc.us 

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to enable students to develop fundamental vocal musicianship, technical skills, and aesthetic awareness through the study and performance of varied middle school choral literature. The curriculum for Chorus includes vocal technique, part singing, music fundamentals, and singing music of various historical and world styles through large and small group participation. Concert performances will be an outgrowth of the study of the musical concepts.

Units of Study for this course are as follows (In no specific order):

Music reading

Vocal techniques

Performance techniques

Diction 

Performance of music from different cultures

Music History 

Music Theory 

Learning Objectives

Students will be proficient in music reading and will be able to demonstrate through sight reading examples.

Students will be able to demonstrate proper vocal and performance techniques.

Students will be able to perform their music on pitch and with correct rhythms.

Students will be able to perform and identify music from world cultures. 

Necessary Materials: A willingness to sing with others and a positive attitude! 

Grading Scale

A 90-100, B 80-89, C 70-79, D 60-69, F 0-59 

Grading Policy – this follows the district assessment guidelines

Major Assessments – 50%

These assessments might include: Written and performance based tests, projects, and after school performances for an audience. 

Minor Assessments – 50%

These assessments might include: In-class assignments, class participation, theory work, and practice. 

Grades will be entered into Power School, a web-based grading and attendance program.  Progress reports and report cards will be given. 

Major Performance Dates*

See CONCERTS/EVENTS tab under NW SINGERS

*Major grades are assigned to concerts because this is a performance based class. We work all year towards these major dates. Students are required to be at the above performances as these are major grades for each student. Please make arrangements for transportation to and from each venue for your student.*

****Students who miss a concert for any reason other than a health/family emergency will be given the opportunity to make up the assignment for a lesser grade. Students who miss for non emergency situations can sing with Mr. Epps before or after school to make up their concert grade. A maximum grade of 80 can be reached by students who miss the concerts for non emergency situations.* Mr. Epps will deal with each missed concert on a case by case basis and provide a time before or after school for students to sing through the concert with him for their makeup grade .**********

*Encouraged events may be added or removed based on availability and/or interest.  

Late Work / Missed Work / Make-up policy

***If a student misses a required performance, he/she will have to make up the performance grade by singing through the concert music with Mr. Epps before or after school. The assignment must be completed within 7 school days of the missed performance date. Special arrangements can be made for family death days and other emergencies ONLY if the student and parent relay this information to Mr. Epps in advance or after an emergency has occured. The key here is COMMUNICATION. Mr. Epps is ready and willing to work with you!

 Northwest Middle-  Missing and/or Make-up Assignments & Take Two Major Assessment Policy 

Missing Work and/or Make-up Work due to absence Policy:

NHI (Not Handed In) is marked in PowerSchool (this weighs at a 0). 

This code indicates the student is missing the work:   

• For not turning it in OR from an absence. 

• Either way, the student has 5 school days to turn in the missing assignment from the date the work was put in the gradebook or from the student's return date from the absence. 

• Upon completion of the NHI, students must immediately send the teacher an email to notify them of the completed work.

• If work is not completed within the 5 days, teachers may convert the NHI to a zero

• If work is completed within the 5 days, teachers may convert NHI to reflect the earned grade. 

NHI = missing = 0

Exception: Teacher discretion upon admin approval for extenuating circumstances

MAJORAssessment  Take Two Policy:

Students may retake MAJOR assessments regardless of the score. 

Test retakes are allowed for ANY MAJOR assessments, and the highest grade will be recorded for both middle and high school credit courses. 

Student retakes are NOT required; however, if the student wishes to retake the MAJOR assessment, they must to follow these steps: 

• Students and/or parents must initiate the request within five (5) school days of the grade being posted by completing the teacher's Google Form, located in the teacher’s google classroom.

• All minor assignments for the instructional unit must have been turned in 

• Students must complete teacher-directed remediation or relearning activities before reassessment.

• The teacher and student will coordinate the reassessment during an agreed-upon intervention time (e.g., before school, advisory, lunch, or after school).

• An alternate assessment or revised learning task may be used to demonstrate mastery as determined by the teacher. 

• The highest score earned will be recorded in the gradebook.

• Only 1 retake for any Major Assessment 

***NO retakes on MINOR assessments for both middle and high school credit classes. 

HS Courses

These courses earn high school credit and must maintain alignment with high school grading practices; the same take-two procedures apply to all Major Assessments for High School Credit Classes.

Class Rules and Expectations

In the music classroom, I will encourage students to be doing several things to ensure success and great music making. 

These “Be” Attitudes will create an environment of creativity and avenue for passionate musicianship. 

-          Be Engaged 

-          Be Prepared 

-          Be Respectful 

-          Be Listening 

-          Be Singing 

What happens if student chooses not to Be these things: 

1. Verbal warning 

2. Student/teacher conference 

3.   Lunch Detention & Phone Call Home 

4.   After School Detention & Phone Call Home 

5.   Referral to Administration & Phone Call Home 

After number 3, a parent or guardian will be called to be notified of the behavior issue and to allow Mr. Epps to seek out a way to improve the student’s behavior and performance in rehearsal. 

 **Any student that reaches level 5 (referral) may be disallowed on special activities and trips. 

 The teacher will monitor and adjust classroom procedures and schedules as needed.  For specific course objectives and standards, please visit the South Carolina Department of Education at www.ed.sc.gov.