2018-2019 Jackson Memorial Middle School Choir Handbook Directors Mrs. Jennifer Vaughn (6/7/8) jlv4jc@jackson.sparcc.org Mr. Scott Eversdyke (7/8) dse3jc@jackson.sparcc.org Ms. Elizabeth Galloway-Purcell (7/8) eag3jc@jackson.sparcc.org
2018-2019 Performance Schedule Mandatory Dates Please utilize Mrs. Vaughn's website for updated information. All performances are mandatory. As a performance ensemble, each performance is the equivalent of a major test grade. Any unexcused absence from a performance will not be given a make-up assignment. 6th Grade: Winter Concert Tuesday, December 4 7:00 pm Spring Concert Thursday, May 16 7:00 pm 7th Grade: Winter Concert Wednesday, December 5 6:30 pm Spring Concert Monday, May 20 6:30 pm Non-Mandatory Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event* Saturday, April 6 Time TBA 8th Grade: Winter Concert Wednesday, December 5 7:30 pm Large Group Adjudicated Event* Fri/Sat, May 10-11 Time TBA Spring Concert Monday, May 20 7:30 pm Non-Mandatory Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event* Saturday, April 6 Time TBA *Solo and Ensemble and Large Group Adjudicated Events are sponsored by the Ohio Music Education Association. Our specific performance times will be assigned approximately 1-2 weeks before the event. Performance Dress Code: Ladies Dress up! A dress or top and skirt of appropriate length, or dress pants, dress shoes. Gentlemen Dress up! Dress pants, shirt with a collar, dark shoes. NO jeans, shorts, capris, spaghetti straps, strapless dresses, t-shirts or tennis shoes.
Classroom Procedures: All policies set forth in the Jackson Memorial Middle School handbook apply in this class. 1. Rules: Be on time. Three tardies to class will result in a detention. Be prepared for class with all materials. Be courteous to others. Respect school property and the property of others. NO gum, food or drink, or personal electronic devices in class. 2. Rehearsal Expectations Each student is expected to: Be in your seat with your choir folder and a pencil by the start of rehearsal. Three tardies to class will result in a detention. Remain in your seat the entire rehearsal. Listen and follow directions. Refrain from talking while other sections are working. Maintain proper singing posture. Mark your music in pencil only. Store folders and music in the cabinets provided in the choir room. 3. Classroom preparation All students must have: One two pocket folder A sharpened pencil (no pens or markers, please!) Your school planner Course Content: Choir emphasizes the fundamentals of singing including correct posture, tone production, diction, music reading and writing, listening skills and rehearsal procedure. All music that is studied and performed in choir is chosen based on its musical principles to represent different cultures and styles. It is never the intent of this program to encourage any particular belief system(s), but to value and respect the music of history, contemporary music, world music and different styles of music while respecting the intent of the text. Grading scale: A 90%-100% D 60%-69 B 80%-89% F 59% and lower C 70%-79%
Grading Policy: There are two categories of grades product and process. Product grades make up 85% of the total 9 weeks grade, and process grades make up the remaining 15%. Grades for each nine weeks will be based on daily rehearsal, performances, singing and written assessments, and concert observation. More weight may be assigned in one of these areas depending on the nature of the grading period. This will be determined by the director. Daily Rehearsal (process): A positive, disciplined learning environment is essential for large ensemble achievement. Each student is expected to demonstrate behavior conducive to this goal. Students must participate, have all class materials daily (folder, pencil, planner) and display proper singing posture. Performances (product): All performances are mandatory (with the exception of the Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event) and are the equivalent of a major test in this course. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a zero for that performance and no make-up assignment will be given. Students must meet the following criteria in order to receive full credit for performances: 1. Actively participate in the performance. 2. Dress according to the guidelines set forth in the class syllabus. 3. Demonstrate proper singing posture. 4. Demonstrate proper stage etiquette. Performance assessments (product): Each student is expected to perform sections of concert music in small groups for a grade. Performance Observation (product): JMMS Choir members must attend one LIVE performance and complete a performance observation form per semester (2 total). Concert observations will be submitted on Polaris. Acceptable performances: Musical Concert band (like school band) Choir Jazz band Orchestra Multicultural music *Plays and ballets are not acceptable performances for this assignment. Popular music concerts, including Trans-Siberian Orchestra and any other rock, pop, country, or contemporary Christian band are also not acceptable. *Performing groups must be at the 6th grade level or higher. *This assignment is due one week after the performance date. Assignments turned in one day late may earn 50% credit. Assignments more than 1 day late will not be accepted! If you are unsure of what will be accepted, please ask us BEFORE you attend a performance!
Additional Written Assessments (process/product): Written classroom assignments will be utilized throughout the year to solidify learning concepts. Students are expected to complete all written assignments. Late Assignments: Assignments submitted one day after the due date may receive 50% credit. Assignments more than one day late will not be accepted. Gradebook: Not all grades will be entered into Polaris; therefore, the Polaris grade will be different than what you see in Sungard. Please always refer to SUNGARD for up-to-date grades. Discipline: All disciplinary action will be handled at the teacher's discretion. Private Vocal Lessons: Students are encouraged to take private lessons from a qualified teacher. 7th and 8th grade students are invited to take private lessons during their choir or SA period for a weekly lesson fee. More information will be given at a later date. Choir Website: Please visit Mrs. Vaughn s website often! You will find basic choir information, a weekly schedule including rehearsals and assessments, and concert, Chamber Ensemble, and musical information. The website may be accessed through the Teacher Web Sites section of the JMMS website, or by accessing the address directly: http://www.jackson.stark.k12.oh.us/webpages/jvaughn Parental Involvement: As a parent of a Jackson Choir member, your role in motivating, supporting and encouraging your child is imperative. Please support your son or daughter's efforts by attending their performances! Should you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your child's director at 330-830-8034 ext. 3187.