• Jr. High All-County Auditions (Grades 7/8/9 Only) - January 8, 2025 @ Waterville.

• Jr. High All-County Festival (for students that are selected) - March 14+15, 2025 @ Waterville

• Jr./Sr. High Musical - March 21, 7pm and March 22, 2pm/7pm @ HS Auditorium

  • Snow Date on March 23, 2pm

• NYSSMA Solo Festival - May 9 and 10 @ Central Valley Academy

If interested, students will be given the opportunity to sign up during the respective sign-up windows. These will be disclosed as further information is released.

Lesson Schedules

Goals

• To create a well-rounded ensemble with a focus on musicality.

• To develop musical abilities as a group and as individuals.

• To explore many different aspects of vocal music.

• To appreciate the art of singing.

• To enhance the ability to communicate a message and/or emotion through song.

Expectations

• Be respectful to your peers, yourself, and the space. 

• Be prepared. Have your music, folder, and pencils ready at the start of rehearsal.

• Be attentive. Time is best used when everyone is on the same page.

• Unless given express permission, the use of cell phones is not permitted during rehearsal time.

  • As per new district policy, 7th and 8th Grade students are not permitted to have their phone on their person during classes. As this class meets in the after school activity period, students will be expected to put their phones in a designated area. After rehearsal is over, students will be able to retrieve their devices.

• Come in with a positive attitude and growth mindset. We’re all here to do the same thing!

Grading

Performances - 30%

Concerts are a required portion of the course. If the student has to miss a concert for any reason, a signed note from a parent/guardian must be given to the teacher no later than one day after the concert. In lieu of the performance, the student will have to complete a short research assignment.

Rehearsals - 30%

Rehearsals are a very important part of the music-making process. Rehearsals will be graded based on a 4-point system, each bullet earning 1 point per rehearsal:

• Student is on-time to rehearsal.

• Student is prepared and ready to sing.

• Student is attentive during rehearsal.

• Student is giving their best effort during rehearsal.

Lessons - 15%

Small group vocal lessons occur on a weekly basis, once per 6-day cycle rotation. Vocal lessons focus on individual musicianship skills, as well as musical independence. At the end of every marking period, the lowest lesson grade is dropped. (For example, if there are 8 lessons in a marking period, the average will be out of the best 7 lesson grades.) Students are expected to:

• Be in attendance for the lesson.

• Be prepared with their music.

• Participate to their best ability.

Participation - 25%

This category is a long-term reflection on the effort-level of each student. Students are expected to give their best effort during rehearsals and performances. Participation grades are given every 5 weeks.

Extra Credit - Up to 5 points

Students may show me a playbill/program to prove that they attended a concert/musical/show to earn extra credit. 

Communication