Northley Middle School

Transcription

1 Chorus Handbook Northley Middle School For the s and Parents involved in the Choral Program Mrs. Elizabeth Hazlett, Chorus Director

2 Music Department Mission Statement It is the mission of Penn-Delco Music Educators to engage and nurture the musical aptitude and musical appreciation of every student within a rigorous and relevant environment. We hold true to traditional musical ensembles while embracing the current technological advances and trends of the 21st Century. We believe active participation in music is integral for the development of the "whole child", forming creative, responsible, and productive citizens. Why Choose Chorus? Chorus is an environment in which middle school students practice both musical skills and life skills. The music challenges us to listen to each other, and to react as an individual to the demands of the music and the sound of the choir. The music of the chorus is different from the band and orchestra in that words express much of the meaning of the piece. We experience literature, poetry, and other writings in the midst of excellent music. Requirements Chorus is an organization that requires no financial commitment from the parents. Our instrument is our voice, so there is nothing to buy, forget, borrow, or lease. The music is purchased by the district. There are two main requirements for chorus. Chorus Folder: Each student will be assigned a folder with a specific number. This number corresponds with the number on all of the music it contains. Storage in the classroom is provided, however students are welcome to take them home and practice the music. s are expected to return their folders and all music at the end of the year in gently used condition. ***s may purchase a professional-quality choral folder to take them through middle school and into high school in lieu of the schoolprovided folder. This folder will be theirs to keep.*** Pencil: Each student should come to class with a pencil with which they can make rehearsal markings in their music. PDMusic T-shirt: All students in chorus who do not already have a music t-shirt will be required to purchase a one for $10. T-shirts are used for various extra performances and activities. Becoming a Member of Chorus Any student may join either of the two choruses at the middle school by enrolling in the chorus classes, which are divided by grade level. To sign up for chorus class, please speak to Mrs. Hazlett. Voice Parts The middle school choir is a difficult place to assign voice parts. Voices change in the blink of an eye (both boys and girls) without warning. Therefore, students will be screened for voice part placement. Singers are not screened for quality or potential, merely assigned to a voice part based on comfortable singing range. As these ranges change throughout the year, the director may decide to change voice parts for a particular singer. Sometimes, the singer is placed in a voice part that allows the singer to develop musically. Often, singers are assigned to different voice parts for churches, private voice teachers, or other civic choirs. While this information is of interest to me, the voice part assigned to the student is one that is safe and educationally sound for them to sing. Our goal is to develop voices and train the ears to produce quality sound. Other Opportunities for Singing 7 th and 8 th grade chorus students have the opportunity to audition for Honors Choir a group of that rehearses on Wednesdays from 3:00-3:40. Rehearsals will end in time for students to

3 catch the late bus. Auditions are held in September. Honors Choir singers must be in the regular 7 th and 8 th grade chorus. The music that we sing is of a greater complexity than what the chorus handles. Since the Honors Choir rehearses only once a week, students are expected to attend rehearsals in their entirety. Failure to do so could result in removal from the group. Chorus Policies -Grading- s in chorus class will be assessed daily on a 10-point scale based on five categories: Promptness, Engagement in Class, Listening Skills, Behavior, and Preparation. Please see the Daily Rubric at the end of the handbook for further detail. After school rehearsals and evening concerts will also be a factor in student grades. There will also be periodic exams to assess written and aural music theory skills acquired through the study of the choral repertoire and supplemental material. Weighting of Grades Formative Assessment (Daily Class Grade, Classwork, etc.) 50% Summative Assessment (Concerts, Exams, Projects) 40% Rehearsal Attendance 10% -Rehearsal Attendance Policy- s who participate in chorus have made the commitment to attend scheduled rehearsals. Therefore, attendance is required and the rehearsals are graded. Rehearsals will be scheduled after school prior to concerts and performances, and students should make arrangements to avoid conflicts with other after-school activities. s will not be penalized for early dismissals or school athletic games, however arrangements should be made to go late to athletic practices. Since rehearsals are limited, I ask students to schedule make-up work sessions with other teachers on days when there is not chorus rehearsal. Any absence from rehearsal that is not communicated in advance with a parent note, , or voic will be considered unexcused and will result in a grade of 0/20 for the rehearsal in question. Communication is key! s will not be allowed to perform in the concert if they have failed to attend any scheduled after school rehearsals prior to that given performance. An alternative assignment will be given. -Rehearsal Etiquette- Chorus is a unique experience in that a group of individuals must work together to create music as an ensemble. The advancement of the group, and therefore the quality of performance, depends on each individual practicing proper behavior during rehearsal. An individual who causes disruptions to the rehearsal not only affects his or her own learning process, but that of the entire group. Because the actions or behavior of a single student can adversely affect the quality of performance of the entire ensemble, students who are not able to practice proper rehearsal etiquette as it is taught, therefore, will be removed from the group. Following the rules below will help us to achieve our potential as well as give everyone an enjoyable experience: STUDENT RULES 1. Show respect for other people and their belongings. 2. Talking during rehearsal should be kept to an extreme minimum. You have two ears and one mouth please use your ears at least twice as much as you use your mouth! 3. No food, drinks (except water), or gum in the rehearsal area. 4. NO CELL PHONE use will be permitted during rehearsal. This includes texting. Cell phones should be off and away during all rehearsals. NO CELL PHONES in concert warm up space.

4 -Concert/Performance Policy- Our performance dates are graded assessments and are required. Please communicate our 2 performance dates to all dance teachers, coaches, and other activity leaders now to avoid schedule conflicts. Missing a concert for a dance rehearsal or cheerleading practice is not acceptable. Failure to attend a concert without an acceptable excuse warrants a failing grade for the concert. s who have difficulty getting rides to the concert should speak to the director in advance of the concert so that a ride can be arranged. Illness and emergency will be considered acceptable excuses, but both need to be followed up by a note from home explaining the situation. s with an excused absence will be given an alternative assignment to be completed in place of the concert grade. Absences with no notes and unexcused absences will constitute failure. Please see the performance schedule below to avoid conflicts for the upcoming season. s are expected to be prompt to performances. Cell phones will not be permitted in the warm up area prior to the concert. They should be given to a parent before reporting to warm up, or left at home. -Festival Performance Trips- 7 th and 8 th students will have the opportunity to attend a field trip in the spring. The chorus will perform and be adjudicated by judges who are experts in the field of music education. The group will be given a rating, and receive score sheets and taped feedback from the judges to better our ensemble upon returning home. After the performance, students will spend the rest of the day in an amusement park. This performance is not required, as it requires a financial commitment. All students attending this trip must be present at both the winter and spring concerts. Absence from either graded performance will jeopardize student eligibility for the festival trip. -Concert Dress- For the first 2 evening concerts, the students are expected to dress as follows: Ladies: A dress, or skirt/slacks with a blouse. Dresses and skirts should be at least fingertip length. Tops may be short or long-sleeved. Shorts are not acceptable. Shoes should be comfortable, as the students will be standing for an extended period of time. Flip-flops and/or sneakers are not acceptable footwear. Gentlemen: Dress slacks or khaki pants, with a button-down shirt or polo. Flip-flops and/or sneakers are not acceptable footwear. -There will be occasional extra performances and/or activities for which the students are expected to dress in the Penn-Delco Music T-shirt and casual bottoms that meet the school dress code. T-shirts can be purchased from the music teachers for $10. Required Performances for the Season Thursday, December 5, 2017, 7:00 pm: Northley 6 th Grade Winter Concert Thursday, December 7, 2017: Northley 7 th & 8 th Grade Winter Concert 6:30 pm: Band 7:30 pm: Chorus Tuesday, May 1, 2018, 7:00 pm: Northley 6 th Grade Spring Concert Tuesday, May 8, 2018: Northley 7 th and 8 th Grade Spring Concert 6:30 pm: Band 7:30 pm: Chorus

5 Daily Rubric Promptness never time. shows little effort in getting to class on time. time. frequently asks to be excused to the bathroom or locker. arrives to class on time. asks to be excused to the bathroom or locker. time. always time. Engagement in Class is never engaged or causes class delays and is uncooperative. is rarely engaged or causes class delays and is uncooperative. is does not cause delays, but rarely makes a positive contribution. is often is usually focused and making a positive contribution. is always frequently asks pertinent questions during rehearsal. Listening Skills never never pays rarely pays listens when the teacher or asks for directions usually pays to be repeated. always incorporates and builds off of ideas of others. Behavior Preparation never the is usually is never the is usually is rarely is is asks to go to his/her locker to get materials needed every day for class. is rarely is often always treats others with kindness, and is never is always prepared for class with proper materials. ***s who choose to cut class will receive a 0 for a grade.***