Curriculum and Accountability

Texts, Resources, and Supplies:

• One inch, black binder

• Issued Choir Method Books

• 2 pencils-every day

• Notebook paper

• Issued music

• Water bottle

• Performance Attire

Performance Attire/Choir Uniforms: (see Choir Uniforms tab)

Ladies:

~Performance Dress

~Black dress shoes

~Only stud earrings are permitted.No necklaces.

~Hair should be worn in a conservative manner and pulled back from the face.

Gentlemen:

~Tuxedo package

~Black dress socks and dress shoes

~Longer hair should be pulled back from the face.

~Only stud earrings are permitted. No necklaces.

Methods of assessment:

Students will complete written musical exercises, perform singing skill tests alone and with others, reflect on musical performances, and complete music-related projects.

1. 40% Major Grades Projects/Performances/Tests

Projects will focus on the particular unit of study, aligned to the NC Essential Standards. These may include, but not limited to composition, historical, choral literature by genre, etc. Collaborative Assignments will allow students to demonstrate their understanding in small groups with a provided structure.

Tests will primarily focus on Music Literacy and Ear Training. During in-person and instances of remote learning, recorded individual and collaborative performances will be utilized for assessment. There will be individual assessments utilizing video and/or audio singing performance within Google Classroom, Flipgrid, or Sight Reading Factory, visible only to the teacher. Students will receive individualized feedback for each assessment .

The concert is an end result of hard work. Also consider concerts as part of the presentation of a major academic investment. Therefore, a portion of the Performance Processes grade includes concerts and after-school rehearsals. It is not merely an account of attendance, but rather a demonstration in Concert Etiquette (as outlined by the NAfME) and NC Essential Standards in performance, and will be rubric assessed.

2. 30% Minor Grades Quizzes/Song Excerpts

Quizzes will occur several times per quarter with some being written and some sung, covering a section of music, music literacy, and/or sight-reading assessment. Most of the performance quizzes will be done within a recording platform. Students will never be asked to sing solo in front of the choir as part of an academic assessment. There will be individual assessments utilizing video and/or audio singing performance within Google Drive or Sight Reading Factory, visible only to the teacher. Students will receive individualized feedback for each assessment .

3. 20% Process (Minor) Assignments provide students an opportunity to show progress towards mastery and are graded for accuracy. These assignments serve to gather information about a student’s current level of performance prior to giving a product assignment. Music Literacy Grade: Written music literacy/theory assignments will be given in class. Class time will be provided for completion. In the event that these are not completed in class, students will take them for completion to return the subsequent class period. These will count as 20% of students' grades. In an effort to best prepare for performances, as well as, understanding the performance process, students will be asked to listen to, analyze, evaluate, and respond to recordings of themselves and others. Reflection will also occur prior to and following a major performance. Song evaluations, Score study, and sight-singing exercises will also be accounted for in this category.

4. 10% Homework (Minor) These assignments provide students an opportunity for independent practice of learning objectives without receiving a grade for accuracy. These assignments are based on completion.

5 P's: Prompt.prepared.polite.

present.productive.

Prompt-Arrive on time, ready to work.

Prepared-Ensure that you have your choir binder with Weekly Goals, music, and pencil, ready for the bell-ringer.

Polite- The chorus room will be a safe place for learning. Demonstrate consideration and care for others and class materials. Students will cleanse their hands before class starts. No gum, food, nor beverage other than water are allowed in the classroom.

Present- Fully engage in lessons, with focused listening and attention to all instructions. Class time will center around acquiring and rehearsing musical skills. This requires student and teacher focus, courage, self-discipline, and perseverance.

Productive- Meet individual goals each class period , improving as a musician. Learn from productive struggle.