HOOD RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Choir HAND BOOK

Transcription

1 HOOD RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL Choir HAND BOOK Anna Stipe Director of Music Hood River Middle School (541) ext. 3982

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the Director...3 Mission Statement and National Standards.. 4 Course Descriptions 5 Music Calendar 6 Classroom Expectations and Procedures.. 7 Grading Information/Solo Ensemble/Parent Volunteer Information..8 Private Lessons and Local Instructors.. 9 Successful Practicing Techniques 10 PARENT/GUARDIAN RETURN FORM.. 11 (First Graded Assignment) 2

3 Anna Stipe: Director of Music August 2016 Dear HRMS Music Families, Whether you are a new sixth grader, or a returning seventh or eighth grader, I d first like to say a big welcome back to school and tell you a little about myself as your new music teacher. I went to high school in Salem, OR and graduated college from Eastern Illinois University. I have been teaching K-12 music over in Wallowa, OR the past two years and am excited to continue the thriving music program here at Hood River Middle School! We have an exciting school year planned, including bringing in guest musical artists, performing a new musical, and continuing our new annual tradition of Cultural Night (October 13). This year, I want your student to know that they matter to me, their peers, and this music department. Their individual skills as a person and musician are a vital part of what makes our department successful. I believe that every student should be given the opportunity to express themselves in life, and music is a great outlet for this expression. This syllabus will provide you with essential information needed for the school year, including concert dates/events, grading policies, and classroom procedures. Please write all concert dates and events on your calendar, as the participation of your child is important for each performance and their grade. Your child s first graded assignment of the year will be the final page of this syllabus- signed by a guardian and returned to Ms. Stipe by September 9 th. Finally, our beginning band night is September 8 th at 7pm in the music room. This event is open to any music student who wants to hear what we have planned for the school year. Beacock s Music will be here for anyone that needs to purchase music supplies. Thank you for your time and please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Musically Yours, Anna Stipe anna.stipe@hoodriver.k12.or.us 3

4 Mission Statement and National Standards Our program believes in excellence through performing, character development, and community collaboration. Our philosophy is as follows: Pursuing excellence through the development of musicianship, self-discipline, individual expression, and cultural awareness to form a more cohesive and expressive community that will better serve others. Musicianship- Being a musician is a multi-faceted skill that students can develop and participate in their whole lives. Self-discipline- Singing or playing an instrument requires dedication, hard work, and responsibility. Performing in an ensemble teaches students the importance of practicing and working as a unified team. Individual Expression-As humans, we all have the need to express ourselves. Music offers a wonderful outlet for students to engage and express their creativity. Cultural Awareness- Through performing works of various cultures, time-periods, and composers, students can appreciate and learn about different musical customs. National Standards: The music program at HRMS is designed to give students a firm musical foundation during and after their middle school experience. The new National Standards incorporate many of the 21 st century skills necessary for students success not only in music, but also in society and higher education. The new National Music Standards focus on the following skill sets below through the lenses of composition and music theory, music technology, and ensemble/solo vocal/ instrument performances. Creating understanding how music is created both as a performer and composer Performing understanding how to select, perform, and critique musical performances Responding responding to music using social context, musical elements, and musical criteria Connecting understanding how social context and exposure can impact understanding and connection with music 4

5 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Choir provides the opportunity for students to learn proper vocal technique and tone production, basic music literacy, and the blending of multiple parts into a unified ensemble sound. These courses are open to any student. Prior musical experience is helpful, but not required. Choral students are required to participate in public performances, with the advanced ensembles participating in local festivals. 7 th Grade Choir 7 th grade choir is comprised of only 7 th grade students. They may have a background in vocal studies of their own, have performed in the audition group Chamber Choir as a 6 th grader, or have no previous experience. We welcome any and all singers to the 7 th grade choir. 8 th Grade Choir or Concert Choir This choir is comprised of solely 8 th grade students. Just like the 7 th grade choir, this group welcomes any student, experienced or not. Chamber Choir or Show Choir This ensemble is audition based, but is open to any grade level. The focus of this course will be on increasing one s musical knowledge and musicianship, furthering one s proper vocal technique, and exploring the next level of choral literature. 5

6 HOOD RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR CALENDAR *indicate required main concert events for grades 6-8 Event Where When Cultural Night HRMS Music/Science Building October 13 th, 6:00pm *HRMS Fall Choir Concert HRMS Auditorium November 17 th, 7:00pm Musical Audition HRMS Music Room November 16, 17, & 18 during student lunches Music/FACS Fundraiser HRMS Cafeteria December 8 th, 7:00pm OMEA All-State Conference (selected students) Eugene, OR January *HRMS Winter Choir HRMS Auditorium January 26 th, 7:00pm Concert Mid-Columbia Honor Choir The Dalles February 5&6 (selected students) HRMS Musical HRMS Auditorium February 23&25, March 3&4, Times TBA Solo and Ensemble (open to all) Portland February TBA *HRMS Spring Choir HRMS Auditorium April 6 th, 7:00pm Concert Trip to Washington Olympia, WA May TBA *HRMS End of the Year HRMS Auditorium June 8 st, 7:00pm Choir Concert HRMS Spring Tea/Talent Show HRMS June 9 th 6

7 Classroom Expectations The HRMS music program believes that musical excellence occurs from high standards in both classroom behavior and musical ability. Being involved in music is a privilege and a way to proudly represent the Hood River community and school. Below are the classroom expectations and discipline procedures for rehearsals. Daily Procedures When the bell rings, student will be in their seat with: 1) Water 2) Music 3) Pencil The board will list our agenda for the day and students are expected to read the board and be prepared for what is listed. At the end of class, students will wait to be dismissed. This will help insure a safe environment for all students and instrument. Rehearsal Rules: Discipline Procedures 1) The student will receive a verbal warning. 2) The student will be moved to another seat in the classroom and a minor warning will be written. 3) The teacher will contact the parents/guardians and/or give an office referral. 1) Be positive and have a Growth/I CAN DO THIS mindset 2) Only WATER allowed in the classroom. 3) Respect each other, the rehearsal room, and the instruments 4) Ask questions when you don t understand something! 5) Be prepared and on time 7

8 HRMS Choir Information Check-off List for Choir Performance Attire 1) White-collared, long-sleeved dress shirt (or long-sleeved blouse for girls) 2) Black dress pants (not jeans)/or full length skirts for girls 3) Black, closed-toe dress shoes (no flip-flops) 4) Black socks 1 inch 3-ring black binder Pencil and Water bottle Participation Form Concert Attire (see above) (Do not wait until the last minute to purchase) Grading: 1) In-Class Assignments 25 points 2) Quarterly Projects 25 points (Forms available on-line and outside music room) 3) Written/Performance Tests 50 points 4) Concert Attendance and Performance 100 points 5) Skill Based Class Evaluations 50 points Solo and Ensemble Solo and ensemble is an event within the area that allows students to perform alone or with an accompanist for an adjudicator. Although not required, the experience is a wonderful educational outlet for students to experience the process of preparing and performing a solo. Additional information will be provided later within the school year. Parent Volunteer Information Members of our Music Booster s Club and parent volunteers are essential to the success and support of our music program! Throughout the year, I will for various support with events, fundraisers, fieldtrips, and concerts. If you are available to help, it would be appreciated! 8

9 Private Lessons and Local Instructors *Chris Heinemeyer is a local musician and able to teach most instruments chris_heinemeyer1@yahoo.com Flute: Corrie Cook (Gresham) (503) or (503) Rachel Anderson (Gresham) (503) Clarinet: Kathy Hannen-Smith or Saxophone: Clark Bondy (Gresham) (503) Phil Baldino (Gresham) (503) Trumpet: Kate Dougherty Horn: Mary Grant (Gresham) (503) Tom Mueller (Gresham) (503) Bill Stalnaker (Gresham) (503) Tbone/Btn: Hugh Amick hugh.amick@gmail.com Aaron Eckert eckertaaron@yahoo.com Tuba/Bass Jerry Keith jerrykeith3@gmail.com Drums: Jeff Minnick Piano: Diana Bederbide Kathy Apland Linda Taylor or Kathy Hannen-Smith or Holly Williams Guitar/Uke Larry Wyatt Al Hare (also does electric bass) Violin: Kathy Apland Chari Bickford chari.moosemaid@gmail.com Voice: Mark Steighner msteighner@gmail.com Lynn Thomas mzmz4143@saw.net Sonja Decker padme@gorge.net 9

10 Successful Practicing Techniques: Practice Tips: Below are some tips to help your student achieve success when practicing 1) Establish a routine time and place where you can practice daily. Make sure you have a chair that allows you to sit up properly and a music stand. 2) Always listen to the tone you are producing. Aim for beautiful tone all the time! 3) Divide your practice time into three different parts: Warm-up: Use warm ups from in class, or be creative and make up your own! Remember that warm ups should focus on intonation and/or diction. Isolate Difficult Passages: Look at passages within the music that you struggle with and isolate them. Remember that practice does not make perfect, but rather permanent. If you are struggling with the words then practice by just speaking the words. If it s the notes, isolate them and sing them on a neutral syllable. Perform: End the practice session by performing a piece that you enjoy! Give a concert performance for your family and/or friends. Although not required, a metronome and tuner are also great tools for practicing. You can often access FREE apps on your cellphone for both of these tools. Suggested Practicing Tools Diction Rhythms Tone Speak the words slowly Exaggerate the diction Whisper Yell the passage Count and clap Sing it on one syllable Use a metronome Breathing exercise Crescendo Drill 10

11 PARENT/GUARDIAN RETURN FORM Please keep this packet to reference throughout the year. This page can be returned to Ms. Stipe by Friday, September 9. This will be your child s first graded assignment. Also, if you would like to volunteer/support the band program, please indicate below. Thank you! I have read through the expectations of this class and understand what is expected of my child. I have written the concert dates on my calendar. (parent/guardian signature) I have read through the expectations of this class and understand what is expected of me. (student signature) Volunteering Information: Please check all options that you may be interested in: : Chaperoning events/festival trips : Helping/recording at concerts : If have musical background, volunteering time in the classroom : Fundraising / Grant writing : Helping with the Musical : Other 11