Vocal Music Department Wabasha-Kellogg High School

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1 Dear Student (and Parent/s), Vocal Music Department Wabasha-Kellogg High School Congratulations on your selection to the Wabasha-Kellogg vocal music program. You are embarking on an exciting adventure that will create opportunities and provide enjoyment not only during your four years of high school but also over the next 50+ years of your life. The single most important characteristic is desire. What you want you will accomplish and what you commit yourself to is what you will enjoy. Therefore, I encourage you to jump into this course with both feet. As you do so, you will find that you will grow in wonderful and unexpected ways and have a rich, rewarding experience. The second most important characteristic is a willingness to take risks. If you are willing to step out of your comfort zone, you will grow in new and exciting ways, perhaps doing things you never thought possible (but always hoped for). This class is about becoming all that you can be. Take a chance. What have you got to lose? In this class, you will find a safe and caring environment for stretching your wings and learning to fly. Rounding out a short list of critical traits are effort and responsibility. Success comes to those who are prepared to take full advantage of the opportunities that will eventually present themselves. In so doing, learn to be accountable to yourself and to the entire team by being responsible in your efforts and attitudes. Team players go further by leveraging each other s support and expertise. These four characteristics are the broader soft skills that will enable you to become a better singer and musician, as well as a better and more successful person. As you choose to make these a part of your life s fabric, you will be surprised at the opportunities that will present themselves to you and the rich relationships you will have with peers and others. I am looking forward to many, many wonderful moments together as we explore the wonderful world of music and singing. Dean Gunnarson, director Wabasha-Kellogg Vocal Music Department [Please tear off and return the following signed statement to Mr. Gunnarson no later than Wednesday, August 22]. Dear Mr. Gunnarson, I have read the High School Vocal Music Syllabus and am aware of the listed expectations and opportunities. Student Date Parent Date W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 1 of 8

2 Vocal Music Syllabus, Wabasha-Kellogg High School Course: Vocal Music (senior high) Schedule: 8:35-9:10 a.m. daily (Monday-Friday) Teacher: Dean Gunnarson Contact Info: , ext. 120 (high school) FOR UP-TO-DATE COMMUNICATION, FIND US ON FACEBOOK at W-K Vocal Music. Also, look for a website on the district website later on. Course Goals In this course, students will learn the skills for leadership and life success through the medium of vocal music. Technically, students will be challenged to expand their singing and musical capabilities and sensitivity. A wide variety of course activities include group singing, solo and small group singing, voice training, and music reading. In addition, a variety of listening and analysis activities will stimulate a personal understanding of how music works. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of music genres and styles from classical to contemporary. Students will demonstrate learning through individual and group performance and through weekly quizzes, quarter/semester/unit tests, and other writing assignments. Required Course Materials 1 folder (for music and handouts) 1 notebook (for notes and writing assignments). 1 pencil (for writing notes and reminders in your music NEVER use a pen for this). 1 pen (for taking notes) Dress clothes for concerts (see later notes) A huge smile (daily) Grade Expectations All students begin the quarter with an A grade. A student who gives 100% on a daily basis, completes all assignments to the best of their ability, sings all performances, and follows directions/contributes well and responsibly should expect to retain an A or B grade. Students do not sing to earn a grade. They sing because they need to sing, because they love to sing, and want to get increasingly better. Students will be given end-of-the-week quizzes for ongoing formative learning assessment purposes. Weekly quizzes are not linked to quarter grades. However, unit or end-of-quarter/semester tests will be reflected in the term grade. The Opera The WK Senior Choir will be traveling to the Minnesota Opera to attend one of Puccini s three operatic masterpieces Turandot on Friday, April 12 (Puccini is considered by many to be one of the two greatest operatic composers to have lived). We will be leaving at 8 a.m. and returning between 4-4:30 p.m. The cost is $9/person (students and chaperones). Tickets for this event normally range from $35 to $200. Last year s seats would have cost us $65 and $85 each for where we sat. This is a highly recommended but not required event. There are currently no other W-K school or after-school events on the calendar for that date so that everyone CAN go. If you would like to attend, please submit $9 to Mr. G by Tuesday, August 28 so that I can submit a ticket order later that week. Chaperones will be needed as well. W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 2 of 8

3 Concerts The primary learning activity is studying and learning select choral songs. Students will demonstrate their learning in choir concerts and other performances throughout the school year. Performances are divided into Category A and Category B events. Category A performances are: 1 st semester December 13 (Thursday), 7 p.m. winter choir concert (Auditorium) 2 nd semester March 5 (Tuesday), 7 p.m. Large Group choir/band concert (Auditorium) March 12 (Tuesday), school day Large Group contests (Lake City) May 14 (Tuesday), 7 p.m. spring choir concert (Auditorium) ALL students are expected to participate in the FOUR Category A performances. Absences due to significant illness or family funeral are exceptions to this policy. All other performances are Category B performances. Students are expected to perform at Category B performances when it applies. Category B absences need to be approved by the director in advance (excepting illness) and a makeup assignment shall be completed to receive replacement points towards a grade. Due to the critical importance of these performance assignments, an unexcused absence or an unmade up excused absence will result in a lower student grade by approximately 2 full grade levels (i.e. A to C, B to D, or C to F). A makeup assignment will likely entail watching an educational video as selected by the director, taking notes on the video, writing a one-page response, and returning all three items to the director for grading. HS Choir Performance Calendar, Date Begin Date End Time Event Choir Location Qtr 1 10/15/12 7 pm Vocal Music Recital - Musical Theatre Ch Aud Qtr 2 11/5/12 All day 3 Rivers Honor Band/Choir Festival Ch St. Charles 11/12/12 10 am Veterans Day Program Ch Aud 12/13/12 7 pm Choir Concert Ch Aud Qtr 3 1/6/13 1/7/13 All day Dorian Vocal Festival - Luther College Ch Decorah, IA 2/14/13 2/16/13 All day MMEA Convention/All-State Music Ch Minneapolis 3/5/12 7 pm HS Choir/Band Concert - Large Group Ch Aud 3/12/13 All day Large Group Music Festival Ch Winona Cotter Qtr 4 4/5/12 7, 8 pm Music Recital - Solo/Ensemble Ch Aud 4/9/ pm Solo/Ensemble Contest Ch Plainview 4/12/ pm Choir to MN Opera (Puccini's Turandot) Ch St. Paul 5/14/13 7 pm Choir Concert Ch Aud 5/15/13 6 pm Fine Arts Awards/Senior Awards Night Ch Aud 5/17/13 1st hour Graduation practice Ch Gym 5/19/13 2 pm Graduation Ch Gym 5/21/12 7 pm Vocal Music Recital - Pop Concert Ch Aud 5/21/12 7 pm Vocal Music Recital - Pop Concert Ch Aud *Students will be expected to be available for warm-ups and last minute practice/notes minutes prior to concerts (as announced). W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 3 of 8

4 Concert Dress Students are expected to dress up for all concerts. When robes are worn, men should wear dark blue or black slacks and dress shoes. Ladies should wear dark blue or black skirts or dress slacks with dress closed-toe shoes. Blue jeans and athletic shoes are discouraged. If robes are not worn, then dress clothes are expected. In the event that other costuming is needed, that will be announced in advance. If you do not have and cannot afford said items, please see the director as I have clothing here that can be used. Parents, if you have good concert clothing or shoes that your student has grown out of, please consider donating them to our wardrobe. Voice Lessons/Solos/Recitals One of the most powerful means of growing as a singer is by learning and singing solos. W-K students will have the opportunity to perform in a variety of vocal performances and recitals throughout the year. In addition, students are encouraged to sing at various venues in the community as frequently as possible (i.e. at church, singing the national anthem at games, for honor choirs, etc.). When performing, music should always be memorized and students should begin rehearsal at least 1.5 to 2 months before the performance date. Here are some of the possible solo opportunities. October 15 (Monday), 7 p.m. Musical Theatre recital December various area Christmas performances January or February possible Jazz recital (if interest) April 5 (Friday), 7 & 8 p.m. Solo/Ensemble recital April 9 (Tuesday), 4-10 p.m. Solo/Ensemble contest (@ PEM) Tentatively May 21 (Tuesday) Pop concert Students who are serious about improving their singing ability are encouraged but not required to sign up for weekly or bi-weekly voice lessons. Fifteen minute time slots will be available throughout the school day, during lunch, and after school. Students may not sign up for more than one lesson per week and if out of a class, may only do so in a class that least affects their learning progress. At the beginning of the year and then towards the end of 1 st and 2 nd semesters, all students will be required to schedule a 15-minute lesson (alone or with one other person) to measure student progress. Food/Gum/Beverages In accordance with school policy, student may not bring food/gum/beverages to class. A waste basket at the door is available for students to remove gum when entering vocal music class. Travel Outside of School District It is the policy of the school that whenever the school sponsors an event out of town, students are to travel to the event in the transportation provided by the school. This would include contests, performances, etc. Students will follow the school s bus riding guidelines. Students may not use personal vehicles for transportation for performances during the school day, to out-of-town sites, or any time they are considered under the school s supervision. Exceptional situations will follow school policy guidelines. Parents and friends are not allowed to travel on the bus with the exception of accompanists and chaperones. MSHSL Fine Arts Eligibility Statement All high school vocal music students need to get (from the HS office), complete, and return a Fine Arts Eligibility Statement ASAP. Part of this involves a MSHSL-mandated orientation. Students who have gone through that orientation this year already because of athletics do not need to re-do it as it is applicable to both. W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 4 of 8

5 Standing Wabasha-Kellogg Singing Rubrics - Longitudinal Assessment Name I. Posture Elongated spinal column/ S curve in back Lifted chest, relaxed shoulders Weight evenly balanced R-L Forward weight over balls of feet Arms/hands hanging loosely at side II. Breathing No Yes Comments Graduation Year Choir Section Inhalation Breath Support Comments Minimal/Passive Sometimes Usually Consistent/ In Context Expanding waistline, minimal to no shoulder involvement. Active breath support engages diaphragmatic / abdominal musculature. III. Resonance Head voice (women) Mask resonance Open throat Low Larynx Comments Energized hooty quality Forward, vibrant tone placement in the nasal area. Expanded pharynx with high soft palate. Larynx is in a low position for singing. Not yet Somewhat Usually Consistent/ In Context W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 5 of 8

6 Name IV. Vowel Formation Ah Ooh Oh Ee Ay Relaxed, dropped jaw Forward, rounded lips, pharyngeal stretch. Same as ooh w/ more open jaw Long, slightly puckered lips, high tongue Like ee, w/ tongue placement en route to ee. Not yet Sometimes Usually Consistent/ In Context V. Rehearsal Skills Starts rehearsal on time w/out prompting. Engages fully in choir warm-up exercises. Focused effort through full rehearsal. Demonstrates hard work ethic. Class talk occurs at appropriate times and is learning-focused. Pencils rehearsal notes in music. Is flexible and responsive. Works cooperatively with choir members and teacher. Demonstrates personal and class leadership. No Inconsistent Consistent Comments Other Comments W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 6 of 8

7 Fine Arts Letter To the vocal music director, I verify that I am eligible to receive an All-School Letter for Senior High Vocal Music for the year 20 under Category 1/Category 2 (circle one). I have also written in the points that I have earned this year on the lines provided in the first category. My signature serves to certify that my points are correct. I understand that I am eligible to receive an All-School letter only when both you and I have signed on the following line. Student Teacher Date Date Earning an All-School Letter In Senior Choir, one must: Category 1 - have been a positive and contributing choir member for all 4 quarters of the current school year. Earned a minimum of 20 points by participation in these specific events: a) Solo performance at solo-ensemble music recital 5 points and contest. b) Ensemble performance at solo/ensemble music recital 5 points and contest. c) Solo or small ensemble performance in a choir-related 5 points/event concert or event. (Must be approved before performance. Maximum 15 pts/yr). d) Solo or ensemble performance in community event, 5 points/event non-choir related. (Must be approved before performance and can include singing the National Anthem for a game or meet but with no more than 3 people singing. Maximum 5 pts/yr). e) Audition or performance with an honor choir. 5 points/event f) Participation in an all-school musical. 5 points/event g) Department service completed during the year. 10 points/sem. (Maximum 10 pts/yr). * points are non-cumulative from year to year. - or - Category 2 - be a senior who has participated in Senior Choir for 4 years and who has earned a minimum of 10 points from the given list above. You must be current on all music-related school bills to qualify for an All-School Letter! You must participate in all required choral performances excepting exceptional circumstances! W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 7 of 8

8 Student Information Sheet Vocal Music [Please tear off, fill out, and return to director] Name Preferred Voice Part Heighth Grade Sr Choir / Jr Choir (circle one) Do you play any instruments? If so, what, for how long, and how good are you? Are you in band currently? If you play the piano, are you interested in learning how to accompany? [This is highly recommended if you are a reasonably good piano player]. Are you interested in being involved in any theatrical or musical theatre productions? Are you interested in doing any solos or ensembles this year? [You must do a solo successfully before you will be allowed to do a duet, trio, or quartet. This does not apply to larger ensembles, like triple trios, in which there is more than one person on a part]. Are you interested in taking private or group voice lessons this year? What sports or other activities do you hope to be in this year? What is your primary address? What is your parent s primary address? Do you use Facebook? W-K Vocal Music Syllabus (HS), Page 8 of 8