Beginning Choir is a chorus designed for students who enjoy singing! The course focuses on music literacy covering the basic elements of tone production, vocal care, musicianship, and reading music notation. In this class students will learn to sing as a choir and navigate their individual vocal ranges. The Beginning Choir experience will culminate with evening concert performances during both the Fall and Spring semesters.
This class is open to 6th – 8th graders.
Winter Concert - Thursday, December 18th, 2025, 7:00 pm, C-PAEC *Calltime 6:00pm
Vocal Concert w/ CHS - Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, 7:00 pm C-PAEC *Calltime 5:00pm
Premiere Concert - Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, 7:00 pm C-PAEC *Calltime 6:00pm
Students MUST be logged into their LVUSD e-mail to access all files
- Work music into your daily routine by setting aside a time early in the day to practice
- Take lessons from a private music teacher who is a professional
- Check out your local music store for music to sing!
There is a lot of music available for you to sing for fun. There are books of movie themes and classical favorites. Invite some friends over and sing together. Give a concert!
How do you sing with a friend who plays an instrument when they play different notes? I will use the Hal Leonard Publishing book “Wicked” as an example. “Wicked” is available for voice and every instrument. You can sing with your friends from these books. If you have a question, the salesperson at the music store can help you.
1. All students must have a pencil with a good eraser at every rehearsal
2. Every student will need their own folder in class every day with their first and last name clearly labeled on the inside and outside of folders, books, and cases
3. Handling instruments and/or the personal belongings of others is strictly prohibited
Every student will:
1. Practice regularly and complete Music Journals weekly (starting first week of October)
2. Check your specific ensemble Google Classroom and the ACS music website regularly
3. Participate in all class specific performances and showcases
1. Be at all performances for your ensemble. All groups have scheduled performances throughout the year. These performances are a required part of the curriculum
2. Students need to wear the complete uniform at all performances (ACS Music shirt, black slacks, black shoes, long black socks. No heels, skirts, jeans, or leggings)
3. Performances are like final exams and cannot be made up
1. Encourage their student to do their best
2. Monitor practicing. Students do not improve by avoiding challenges
3. Provide a quiet place to practice away from interruptions and distractions (i.e. TV, phone, games, siblings, pets, etc.)
4. Ensure the quiet place is also out of distraction for you. As more parents work from home right now, it’s important that students are able to practice and participate with their classmates regardless of other simultaneous family commitments
5. Check your student’s Google Classroom, your email, and the A. C. Stelle website for assignments and information regularly
6. Encourage your student to perform for you and your family. Praise improvement. Use video chats as a way to perform for their family and friends!
7. Keep equipment, instruments, and materials in good condition
8. Careful scheduling of orthodontists and other medical appointments.
9. Mark all performances/showcases on your calendar
10. Conflicts must be submitted to your teacher in writing by a parent at least 6 weeks prior to the performance date. Failure to do so results in a lowered grade
45% Concerts / Performances / Singing
40% Classwork / Classroom Evaluation
15% Homework / Music Journals
45% Concerts / Performances / Singing
- Concerts or Performances are your public displays of your work and what you have learned. This is the ultimate and most authentic assessment for choral music classes.
- Attend and perform at the concert and receive full credit.
- Missed concerts and performances can be made up as late as one week before the final grading period of the semester to erase a zero on a concert grade.
- In class performances for your peers - this includes singing and placement tests!
40% Classwork / Classroom Evaluation
- Do you come to class prepared and with all necessary materials? (Folder, music, pencil, etc.)
- Did you participate fully? Did you stay in your seat? Were you talking or singing out of turn?
- Do you sing properly with good posture?
- When absent, or planning to be absent, do you ask Mr. Siegel what you missed or will miss?
15% Homework / Music Journals
- Worksheets, concert reflections, time sensitive tear-offs, etc.
- For each day late (of unexcused absence), the homework will be worth 10% less.
- Practicing at home - complete and turn in Music Journals!
Test score 90-100%
“A” 100% accuracy of notes and rhythms, good tone quality and breath support, articulation and dynamics
Test score 80-89%
“B” Most notes and rhythms correct. Inconsistent but good tone quality and breath support, inconsistent articulation and weak dynamics
Test score 70-79%
“C” Some inaccuracies in notes and rhythms, very inconsistent tone quality and breath support, poor articulation and dynamics
Test score 60-69%
“D” Severe problems with notes and rhythms, poor tone production, dynamics and articulation
Test score 0-59%
“F” No appreciable understanding of notes and rhythms, tone quality support, dynamics or articulation
Outstanding (O)
This student consistently shows respect for others in the group and follows the classroom rules. They never interfere with the learning of others. They display a positive attitude toward the group and continuously tries to improve.
Satisfactory (S)
This student sometimes needs to be reminded to respect others and follow the classroom rules.
Needs Improvement (N)
This student is not prepared and ready to work. Causes some distraction preventing others from learning.
Unsatisfactory (U)
This student has a poor attitude and makes no attempt to follow the classroom rules, which brings down the ability of the group to learn and improve.
Outstanding (O)
This student has turned in all assignments.
Satisfactory (S)
This student has turned in most assignments.
Needs Improvement (N)
This student is missing most assignments.
Unsatisfactory (U)
This student has only turned in 0-2 assignments