Beginning Choir (Girls Chorus) Syllabus

Beginning Choir (Girls Chorus)

2 Semesters 2 Credits Grade: 9

Course Description: This course is designed to introduce and develop basic singing techniques, sight-reading skills and basic music theory concepts. The group performs in concert three times a year. Attendance required at all performances.

Course Objective: To provide students with positive musical and educational experiences through the process of singing fundamentals-rehearsals-performances.

Content

I. Letter names of the lines and spaces for bass and treble

clefs

II. Basic rhythms using eighth, quarter, half, and whole

notes and rests.

III. Basic musical markings and symbols.

IV. Determine a key in both sharps and flats.

V. Major, natural minor, harmonic minor and melodic minor

scales.

VI. The solfege system as it relates to the major scale.

VII. Beginning level sight-reading exercises.

VIII. Correct vocal techniques and singing posture.

IX. Correct pronunciation of Latin.

Approximate Time Table

1st nine-week grading period.

1. Music Theory

-Letter names of lines and spaces in both bass and

and treble clef.

-Basic rhythms using eighth, quarter, half, and

whole notes and rests.

-Use of the dot in rhythms.

-Keys in sharps and flats.

-Basic musical terms and symbols.

2. Introduction to various vocal techniques.

3. Major & minor scales.

4. Introduction to proper rehearsal procedures.

5. Book I sight-reading exercises.

2nd nine-week grading period.

1. Reinforcement and sequential progressions of rhythmic

studies.

2. Reinforcement of key signatures.

3. Reinforcement and sequential progression of vocal

techniques.

4. Reinforcement of proper rehearsal procedures.

5. Learn music for the upcoming Concert.

6. After school rehearsals (December).

7. Concerts (December).

8. Rehearse ISSMA music

9. Book I sight-reading exercises.

10. Reinforcement of all scales.

3rd nine-week grading period

1. Reinforcement of level 1 curriculum with the addition

of 6/8 time and sixteenth notes.

2. Reinforcement of key signatures.

3. Reinforcement of proper rehearsal procedures.

4. ISSMA Chamber Night performance (Feb.).

5. ISSMA contest (Feb.).

6. Book I sight-reading exercises.

4th nine-week grading period

1. Reinforcement and sequential progression of Rhythmic

studies.

2. Reinforcement of key signatures.

3. Reinforcement of proper rehearsal procedures.

4. Learn music for Spring Concert.

5. After school rehearsals (May).

6. Spring Concert (May).

7. Book II sight-reading exercises.

Materials Used

1. The Folk Song Sight Singing Series Books I and II.

2. Choral music selected by the Director.

Grading System

Nine-week grades for Choir classes will be determined by the student's percentage grades in the following categories:

Tests: Singing and Written

-The average score earned on tests given during the grading

period.

-On singing tests students will, when possible, be given a

copy of their part showing where flaws occurred.

-Tests missed and not made up will result in a "0".

Performances: Concerts, Contests and other public appearances

-The average score earned by the student for participation in

performances during the grading period.

-Unexcused performances missed will result in a "0".

Classroom Participation

-The average score earned by the student during the grading period as

determined by the classroom teacher.

-Consideration will include classroom rules established by the teacher.

-Consideration will include tardies and absences.

Performance Rehearsals

-The average score earned by the student for participation in

performance rehearsals during the grading period.

-Unexcused performance rehearsals missed will result in a "0".

Classroom Rules

You have the responsibility of being in your seat prior to the bell. Sight reading pitch will be sounded immediately following class bell. Tardies will be assessed a one point deduction from the participation grade. Failure to check in will result in a two-point deduction.

1. No gum.(Deduction of 1 participation point)

2. No talking.

3. Good posture.

4. Positive behavior

5. Good attention

Attendance Policy

Consistent attendance is important for successful music learning and vocal skill development. It is the responsibility of the student to request makeup assignments (available in Choir Room).

All students are expected to make up work for missed classes regardless of reason. Classes not made up will result in a two (2) point Classroom Participation grade reduction. Absences may be made up by turning in a "make-up" sheet within two (2) days of absence(s). For extended absences, this time will be extended to the number of days absent plus one day. Ultimately, the evaluation of student success will be based upon their performance in and for the class, as well as the quality of their work.

An unexcused tardy will result in a one (1) point classroom Participation grade reduction and may not be made up. Excused tardies (pass from a teacher) are exempt from classroom participation grade reduction.

Folder Check-Out

The purchasing of sheet music for the choral organizations each year is a major budget expenditure. Care in handling music at school or at home is imperative of all participating music students.

One folder will be assigned to every two students of each choral organization. This folder may not be taken home except by special permission from the Director.