Choir Class Contract

Paradigm Schools Joan Steinmann

Choir Class Contract jsteinmann@paradigmhigh.org

Choir Website: https://sites.google.com/view/paradigmhighchoirwebsite/home

Mentor Introduction

Hello! My name is Joan Steinmann, I’ve taught at Paradigm High School since it opened in 2006. I absolutely love teaching choir. It is a great honor to be a Paradigm Mentor to our awesome scholars. My husband Spencer and I have been married thirteen years and have three wonderful children. We live in West Jordan. My hobbies include: reading, hiking, biking, and most recently writing a musical called Solve for X about an Autistic boy navigating high school with a treasure map as a comforting stimulant. I never thought I’d write a musical but it is so fun to stretch myself creatively. (For anyone interested in the musical there is more information on my website www.solveforx.com)

Choir in the time of COVID 19

The world has changed drastically since the onset of the Covid 19 Pandemic. This has affected choir classes. I am committed to following all state and school guidelines for singing during the pandemic. In addition I have done extensive research on the subject of singing and the spread of Covid 19 as I serve on the State of Utah and Western Regional Boards of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA.) Based on all of the research I’ve seen, and our state guidelines, here are a few of the things we are doing to maximize safety while singing:

· Masks will be worn at all times in the choir classroom.

· We will social distance as much as possible inside the choir classroom.

· We will sing (with masks) for no more than 30 minutes in any given room, and then allow for the air to clear before singing again.

· Weather permitting, we will go outside to sing. Singers will have the option to remove their masks outside if they are 12 feet apart.

· Attendance at performances will be limited, but we will provide virtual options for performances. (more TBD)

· Students who exhibit any symptoms of sickness are required to stay home (this includes for performances)

· Makeup work will be allowed for singers who are unable to perform because of illness

Despite these changes I am still really excited to teach choir this year! Singing is so fun. People who sing together form strong emotional bonds, and these relationships are paramount to surviving during this Pandemic. Here are some of the things we can still do and learn in choir:

· Music Analysis: Singers learn how to read music and interpret complex musical concepts. (State Standards.MC.R.1–5).

· Performance: Singers learn the aspects of performance including the ability to express meaning through the solo and/or choral performance. (State Standards MC.P.1–7).

· Music Connection: Singers will synthesize and relate knowledge from personal and collaborative experience to make music. They will relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding of complex issues. (State Standards Mc.CO.1–4).

Tentative Performance Dates:

· Fall Concert: Oct 8^th More info TBD (Tentative Dress rehearsal Tuesday Oct 6^th 3-5 after school)

· Winter Concert: Dec 17^th More info TBD (tentative Dress rehearsal Tuesday Dec 15^th 3-5 after school

Choir Grades will be determined

in 3 ways:

Grade %

1. Skill Acquisition (class rehearsals)

Scholars will be assessed in a variety of ways including but not limited to the following:

a) Working as a group within their section.

b) Following the conductor

c) Ability to match pitch

d) Ability to stay on task

e) Ability to perform fundamental singing techniques

45%

2. Home Practice and Assignments

Scholars will be assessed in a variety of ways including but not limited to the following:

a) Knowledge of Music Theory

b) Ability to sight sing music

c) Ability to match pitch

45%

3. Performances

Assuming we can perform and be in compliance with Covid 19 guidelines, the singers performance will be assessed in a variety of ways including but not limited to the following:

a) Performing with confidence and accuracy

b) Proper Concert and stage manners

c) Attending dress rehearsals

10%

TOTAL 100%

100%

More Covid 19 info:

CHOIR COSTUMES/SINGER’S MASKS

Masks are required to be worn inside at all times. Therefore when we are inside, we must sing in our masks. This isn’t very comfortable. Since the Pandemic began, The Choir Community has been discussing how to keep singing, and avoid people contracting Covid 19.

Several Singer’s masks have appeared on the market. I’ve tested several versions, and by far, the easiest one to use is the Resonance Singer’s Mask available in black or white (both are fine to order) from www.mymusicfolders.com.

This year in lieu of the performance attire we usually purchase (tuxes, glitter shirts, etc.) I ask that all singers purchase the Resonance Singer’s Mask instead. The mask is $32.95 + shipping. Either White or Performance Black are acceptable colors.

Homemade mask options:

If you have access to a sewing machine, and would like to sew your own Resonance Singer’s Mask, please do so! There is a Facebook Group called Masks for Performers led by a Canadian Choir teacher named Joan Fearnley. They have created a mask similar to the Resonance Singer’s mask. The group has lots of helpful tips about sewing. If you are interested in sewing a mask of your own, great! Be sure to follow the tutorials on the FB page.

Any Fabric is acceptable, for custom homemade masks, it does have to be black. If you are interested in making masks for all of the choir please let me know.

THANK YOU FOR READING TO THE END!

As always Email me with questions!

jsteinmann@paradigmhigh.org