6th Grade Contract

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Welcome back to school for the 2018-2019 academic year! This handbook has been written to provide you with a detailed description of the choral music program at Eaton Fundamental Middle School. Parents, please take the time to review this handbook with your child. Once you have reviewed the handbook together, I ask that parent and child both complete and electronically sign the contract located on the class webpage. I will be happy to provide you with a paper copy if you would like one.

The choral program at Eaton Fundamental Middle School will provide students with a challenging and rewarding experience in music performance. In addition to learning vocal health and technique, students will learn valuable lifetime skills such as discipline, responsibility, and teamwork. During daily classroom activities, students will be introduced to musical concepts that will need to be studied and rehearsed. Students will learn how to read and write musical notation, and they will learn how music evolved throughout history. Music checks will take place, and will measure progress being made on the songs we are preparing to perform. Students should develop a regular practice routine at home, as consistent independent practice can only help with preparedness for music checks and concerts.

By participating in the choral music program at Eaton Middle School, your child will gain a long-term appreciation for the value of music and a set of skills that will bring a lifetime of reward and enjoyment.

Sincerely,

Ms. Melissa Tussing,

Choral Director

2018-2019 Eaton Fundamental MS Chorus Handbook

6th Grade General Music

GRADING:

Students are graded by their diligent effort, mastery of work, and daily rehearsal participation through regular attendance and punctuality.

Students in Chorus will be graded on:

Classwork and Homework - 30%

This includes: positive class participation, prepared and on time for class, classwork, homework, written quizzes, and tests.

Individual Skill Development and Practice - 30%

This includes: skill development through home practice (with focus on breathing technique, tone and vowel production, and part learning), music journals, and music checks.

Projects and Performances - 40%

This includes: create and perform individual and group projects, singing tests, music pass-offs, rehearsal attendance, and rehearsal attentiveness.

GENERAL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS:

Students are expected to be in their seats, with their music, required materials, and a pencil before class begins. Students should consider their music and worksheets as their textbooks and are responsible for the condition and return of all music issued.

A pencil must be kept in your chorus binder! This will be part of your music check grade!

WE (students and director) will make every effort to start rehearsals promptly. Since class time is limited, PLEASE BE IN YOUR SEATS WITH YOUR MUSIC BINDER AND A PENCIL, READY TO START WHEN CLASS STARTS. Remember, our main purpose is to learn and perform!

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES / RULES:

  1. All school district policies will be followed.
  2. Upon entering the choir room, read the board.​
    1. Students are responsible for:
      1. Lesson objectives and announcements.
      2. Music binder and materials required for the day.
      3. Be in your seat and ready BEFORE the class starts.
      4. Respect yourself, others, and our music materials.
      5. No gum, food, or drink other than water.
  3. Please stay away from off-limit areas: piano, Ms. Tussing's desk and computer.
  4. Proper singing posture is required at all times, sitting or standing. We will review this the first week of class.
  5. Give your full attention when someone is speaking.

CONSEQUENCES:

  1. The student is warned.
  2. The student will lose participation points and be asked to complete an apology form that will require a parents' signature.
  3. Parent contact in the form of a phone call, email, or letter home is made.
  4. The student receives a referral slip that will be filed in the office and parent contact will again be made.
  5. Repeated problems or serious offense - the student is sent immediately to the office.

CHORUS SUPPLY LIST:

  1. A Folder.
  2. Notebook paper for notes and assignments.
  3. Pencil - every day! NO pens!
  4. Chrome Book (kept under chair unless being used as directed!)
  5. School Agenda

OPTIONAL CLASSROOM SUPPLY LIST:

  1. Hand Sanitizer
  2. One box of tissues.
  3. Clorox Wipes