Chorus Syllabus 2017 2018 Ms. Emily Blanchard emily.blanchard@lebanonct.org www.lmhsmusic.weebly.com/chorus Course Description Chorus (872, 873, 874) is a regularly scheduled academic class focusing on choral singing and is a major school performing group. Students are provided the opportunity to study music of all styles and periods, including popular as well as traditional forms. There is emphasis on understanding the composer s expressive intent, effectively communicating that intent, and on striving for the highest standards of musicianship possible at this level. Activities include rehearsals both during and outside of the school day, several performances during the year, occasional field trips, and sponsorship of other social and musical events. Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for middle/junior high and high school students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Students who exemplify the finest qualities of musicianship, scholarship, and leadership within the LMHS Music Department are invited on an annual basis to apply and audition for membership in our Tri-M Chapter. Tri-M activities target projects that promote these qualities for which its members are recognized throughout the LMHS Music Department. Lyman Memorial High School Choral Program Objectives 1. The Lyman Memorial High School Chorus will develop musicianship skills, healthy vocal technique, and an understanding of musical concepts through the study and performance of diverse choral literature. 2. The Lyman Memorial High School Chorus will offer its members the opportunity to have positive musical experiences, encourage them to lead musical lives and to be artistic human beings. 3. The Lyman Memorial High School Chorus will maintain and promote a sense of community and character both on and off stage that is consistent with the expectations of the greater Lyman Memorial High School community. Chorus Room (Auditorium) Etiquette: We are privileged to have a wonderful facility where chorus students can and should feel at home. However, this is a work environment that must be maintained professionally. Students are allowed and encouraged to come to the auditorium during their study halls to sing with the choir (periods 3 or 4) or to observe a rehearsal. All students must have a pass to ensure they have permission to be there. At no point should you be disruptive to the classes being held, though you may participate if you wish. The auditorium must be cared for properly. It is a shared facility, which means we are not the only people to use it. Please treat it with respect and ensure that you do not leave a personal mess anywhere. Personal items not stored in your folder slot or taken with you could be discarded during cleaning.
After School Rehearsals & Attendance Policies and Procedures The LMHS Chorus holds evening Dress Rehearsals (4) and Concerts (3), all of which are mandatory. Dates are included at the end of this syllabus. Absences during the school day will be handled consistent with the policies of the Lyman Memorial High School Handbook. All scheduled rehearsals and performances are mandatory. Please see me if you have concerns, or need help arranging a ride. If an absence is unavoidable, excused absence forms must be turned in at least 1 week before a rehearsal and at least 1 month before a performance. o Excused absence forms can be found and submitted electronically on the music department website, or in person with Ms. Blanchard Illness/Emergency Absences from required events should be explained promptly by a doctor s note and/or parental phone call. Note: The Lyman Memorial High School Chorus strives to be in alignment with other activities in the Lyman and Lebanon community (trips, athletics, etc.) and understands that conflicts may occur. Daily Materials Needed: Google Chromebook (fully charged) Folder with music (provided by LMHS) Pencil Positive Attitude Rehearsal/Behavior Expectations Class Requirements Class/Rehearsal will begin on time with the bell every day. If you are late, you must have a pass. Full rehearsal will begin promptly at 6 PM. Please be in your place on the risers at that time, ready to warm-up. There is no food, candy, or gum allowed in the choral classroom (only water). Electronic devices may be used in class sometimes; otherwise they should be out of sight and out of mind. Please see cell phone policy in student handbook for further clarification regarding classroom use of electronics. Mutual Respect is the rule of thumb for dealing with students, teachers, and guests in the classroom. Participation in rehearsal and learning must be cooperative and constructive. Completion of any assignment, returning of paperwork or payments, and notifications of absences/schedule conflicts must be prompt. Professionalism on and off the stage is to be maintained at all times. This includes behavior and dress for all rehearsals, concerts, and activities.
Assessment Music All singing parts must be prepared. Rehearsal is a time to refine your part and to listen to other parts to see how yours relates. Music preparation is assessed through planned and unplanned performance assessments, both in small groups and as individuals. The rubric for performance assessments can be found on the music department website. Recordings will be uploaded to the website as a practice tool. Academics Academic projects will occur throughout the year. They may be in the form of a piece of writing or a project/presentation. The rubric for writing can be found on the music department website. I will accept late work, however 10 points will be deducted for every day the assignment is late. If you wish to redo an assignment for credit, please see me, as those will occur on a circumstantial basis. This year we will be utilizing Google Classroom frequently, for most assignments as well as communication. If you have a Smart phone (iphone, Android, etc.) please download the Google Classroom App to stay on top of assignments and announcements. Growth, Initiative, Effort Improvement in skills and knowledge is one of the primary goals of the LMHS choral program. Improvement can be demonstrated in many different ways and will manifest differently in each students. If you work hard, participate, and put your best foot forward, you will be very successful. More detailed assessment structure to come in September. Performance Attire All performance attire must adhere to the LMHS Dress Code. BLACK JEANS AND/OR SNEAKERS ARE NOT APPROPRIATE CONCERT ATTIRE. Please see Ms. Blanchard if there is a concern in obtaining appropriate attire. Winter & Spring Concerts: Long Black Black dress pants for the boys, and a long black skirt or pants for the girls, or, if the skirt is knee-length (no shorter), black tights are required. Boys should have a long-sleeved black button down shirt. Girls should have a long-sleeved black shirt, or black sweater. **Boys and girls must have flat black dress shoes. Ballet flats or a small heel are acceptable boots are sometimes acceptable if they are a little dressier see Ms. Blanchard if you need clarification** Ms. Blanchard has extras of everything but shoes, should you have trouble acquiring any of these items. Graduation: Combination of white and khaki. Dresses are fine, but must be knees-length (Same goes for skirts and/or shorts)
21 st Century Learning Expectations In the music classroom, we are responsible for two primary learning expectations. The other four, while not our priority, are also utilized daily and will be a guide for student learning. Primary Skills: LMHS 2: Students will work independently and collaboratively to solve problems. LMHS 6: Students will demonstrate personal responsibility, cultural appreciation, and appropriate respective behavior. Secondary Skills LMHS 1: Students will use technology and other resources to access, evaluate, and apply appropriate information for authentic learning opportunities. LMHS 3: Students will communicate clearly and effectively. LMHS 4: Students will become active learners, demonstrating innovation and adaptability. LMHS 5: Students will apply the processes of evaluation, and creativity to solve problems. National Core Arts Standards Music Create 1. (Imagine) Generate musical ideas for various purposes and contexts. 2. (Plan and Make) Select and develop musical ideas for defined purposes and contexts. 3. Evaluate and refine selected musical ideas to create musical work that meets appropriate criteria. 4. (Present) Share creative musical work that conveys intent, demonstrates craftsmanship, and exhibits originality. Perform 5. Select varied musical works to present based on interest, knowledge, technical skill, and context. 6. Analyze the structure and context of varied musical works and their implications for performance. 7. Develop personal interpretations that consider creators intent. 8. Rehearse, Evaluate, and Refine personal and ensemble performances, individually, or in collaboration with others. 9. (Present) Perform expressively, with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy, and in a manner appropriate to the audience and context. Respond 10. Select music appropriate for specific purposes and contexts. 11. Analyze how the structure and context of varied musical works inform the response. 12. Support an interpretation of a musical work that reflects the creators /performers expressive intent. 13. Support personal evaluation of musical works and performance(s) based on analysis, interpretation, and established criteria. Connecting 14. Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make music. 15. Relate musical ideas and works with varied context to deepen understanding.
Opportunities for Music Making! There are many opportunities to make music outside of the chorus classroom! Here are some options, both at Lyman and away from Lyman. Let Ms. Blanchard know if you are interested in any of these or have more questions! Musical Theater Class -5 th period, semester 1, learn about the history of musical theater, singing musical theater, dancing, acting, choreography, lights, movies, opera, etc.! World Music Class 5 th period, semester 2, learn about music from all around the world. A super fun class, a great way to fill 0.5 credit towards electives, fine arts, humanities, etc. Chamber Choir A Cappella group that meets after school on Thursdays in the band room from 2:05 3 PM. We ll work with your coaches to make sure you can come to sing! It s a lot of fun (Past rep includes Stitches, by Shawn Mendes, Party in the USA, by Miley, and other songs from Pitch Perfect). Charter Oak Music Festival A festival in Eastern/Southern CT that we participate in every year. No audition, just an amazing time singing with about 100 other students from different schools in CT. We rehearse for 2 days with a concert at the end of the second day. Lots of fun! Eastern Region Music Festival Audition based festival I will provide you with the audition repertoire, which you will sing for a judge in November, and then may be invited to participate in the festival at UCONN in January. If you choose to then audition for All-State, you could perform with the top musicians in the state in April. See me for more info and the audition piece. The Musical!!! This year s musical is Grease, and Lyman Drama is looking forward to bringing Danny and Sandy to life on stage! Auditions will be in late November/early December, and the show is in March. It is a lot of fun, and low pressure! Bring your friends, it is an absolute blast and very special thing to be a part of. We rehearse 3 days a week in January and February, every day in March, and a couple Saturdays along the way. Please talk to me or other drama club members if you are unsure, or if you don t want to be on stage but help backstage. Trips This year, Lyman chorus is teaming up with French classes and headin down to the Bayou! We will be traveling down to New Orleans, Louisiana, in late March 2018. The trip will cost around $1100 (Final price will be announced after deposits for flights have been placed). Highlights of the trip include: Tour of French Quarter Performance by chorus members in French Marketplace Authentic New Orleans cooking demonstration Dinner at Mulate s, featuring a live house band Jazz lunch cruise If you would like to attend this trip, we will have an evening parent meeting and require a deposit by mid-september. Information forthcoming. Chorus & Band will also be traveling with World Language to New York City to see a Broadway show in May! Details forthcoming.
Calendar All full rehearsals are held on Wednesdays from 6 8 PM unless otherwise noted. Please check the website for the most up to date schedule. Tuesday, December 12 Full Rehearsal w/band 6 8 PM Winter Chorus and Band Concert Wednesday, December 13 7 PM Full Rehearsals & Concerts Wednesday, April 11 Dress Rehearsal, casual 6 8 PM Spring Chorus Concert Thursday, April 12 7 PM Other Music Department Events Wednesday, May 30 Dress Rehearsal with costumes 6 8 PM Pops Concert Thursday, May 31 7 PM Tri-M Meetings Every X-Block Friday (Twice a Month) First meeting: 9/1 2:15 2:30ish Charter Oak Music Festival Thursday, November 2: 1 7 PM (Pick up @ Lyman @ 7 :30 PM) Wednesday, November 8: 1 PM end of concert (Pick up @ EO Smith HS) Eastern Region Auditions Saturday, November 18: Time TBA E.O. Smith High School Lebanon Tree Lighting Sunday, December 3: 5:30 PM Winter Band and Chorus Concert Wednesday, December 13: 7 PM Auditions & Callbacks for the Musical Wednesday, November 29: 2:15 5 PM Thursday, November 30: 2:15 5 PM Art has the role in education of helping children become more like themselves instead of more like everyone else. Sydney Gurewitz Clemens Eastern Region Festival (UCONN) Friday, January 5: After school 9 PM Saturday, January 6: 8:30 AM 2 PM Concert Snow dates: Jan 12 & 13 All State Auditions Saturday, January 27: Time TBD North Haven High School Spring Musical Friday, March 16: 7 PM Saturday, March 17: 2 & 7 PM (Snow date March 18) Chorus & French Trip to New Orleands Saturday, March 24 Tuesday, March 27 Spring Chorus Concert Thursday, April 12: 7 PM Pops Concert Thursday, May 31: 7 PM (This may change, depending on snow days and the definitive last day of school) Music Department Banquet/Tri-M Induction Friday, June 1: 5-7:30 PM Sign up for Google Classroom (Students) and Remind.com (Students & Parents) to stay in the loop! Google Classroom Code: pxu4qv To Join Remind.com: Text this code: @lymancho to this number: 81010