Southwind Choral Music

Course Description:

Vocal music is a course that seeks to give students in grades 9-11 experience in the study and performance of a diverse repertoire of vocal/choral music. Three levels of instruction are included in the following framework. This plan allows for a total of four years of vocal/choral classes. The course will include instruction in proper vocal technique, musicianship skills, and the cultural and historical context of choral literature. The course will encourage self-expression through performance and creation of music.

Rules and Procedures

Rules

Thank you for:
•    Being punctual to class, rehearsals, and performances.
•    Entering the classroom quietly.
•    Respecting yourself, the teacher, classmates, and other people’s property.
•    Having no gum, food, nor liquids.  Drink water before entering the classroom.
•    Following instructions the very first time.
•    Not talking above a whisper when permitted to talk.
•    Participating as led with your best effort.
•    Keeping your area clean and orderly; and taking the best care of our sheet music and other classroom materials and supplies.

Consequences

1)  Verbal Warning
2)  Verbal Reprimand
3)  Change of Seat
4)  Parent Contact
5)  Referral
Conduct is based on behavior in class.  A check mark is given to reflect inappropriate behavior and a lack of classroom participation.
Grading Scale

Numeric Grade    Letter Grade
93-100                     A
85-92                       B
75-84                       C
74-70                       D
69 – 0                       F

Grading System

Category                                          Assignments                                 Percentages
Class Participation    –    Daily Participation, Journals,                              30%
Bellwork, singing as led, behavior
5-paragraph essay, and supplies.

Quizzes        –                Quizzes, Pop Tests, and other Assignments       20%

Tests            –                Performances, Projects, Special Assignments,    40%
Written Multi-Choice Tests

Homework    –                Practice Vocalizing, Breathing, Posture               10%
Memorization of  Music, sight-reading drills
Assignments on composers/arrangers, singers, etc.

Attendance Policy

The Shelby County Board of Education (Policy #6108) believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.

All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

•    Illness of student.
•    Death or serious illness within the student’s immediate family.
•    When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
•    Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
•    Legal court summons not as a result of the student’s misconduct.
•    Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
•    If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.
All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.  A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student’s return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.

Make Up Policy

Pending on the assignment, activity, or project, the student will be given a maximum of 3 days to satisfy the requirement.

Late Work/Extra Credit Policy

There is no extra credit.
Work submitted past the deadline will not be considered.

Supply List

-#2 pencil daily to mark on sheet music as directed.
-Black or blue ink pens for journal writing
-A 3-prong folder with pockets for your music notebook -(which will remain in the classroom at all times)
-Notebook paper for music notebook at all times.
-1 box tissue
-Course Fee:  $ 150.00  This price covers the uniform for both girls and boys along with shipping.
The monies left over, if any, will be applied to transportation costs and the purchase of sheet music.

Quarter One Vocabulary

Sound                   Vibration

Musicology           Madrigal

Sacred Music        Secular Music

Monophony          Polyphony

Continuo              Improvised

Medieval Period    Renaissance Period

Baroque Period     Classical Period

Romantic Period   Contemporary Period

Opera                   Oratorio

Cantata                Mass

Symphonies         Sonata-allegro form

Nationalism         Art Songs

This is the first post of Southwind Choral Music.