CHORUS SYLLABUS 
Course Description
Students continue to acquire vocal skills in music reading and performance techniques. A variety of literature from various historical periods is performed with emphasis placed on standard choral repertoire, independence and confidence in performance situations, and understanding of the theoretical and historical basis for the music performed. Students also explore the composition of choral music. Students are expected to participate in all concerts and rehearsals outside the normal school day.
Textbooks
Will be provided for in class rehearsal and continuation of vocal skill building.
Grading Scale, Assessment and Course Requirements
A = 90 – 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 74 –79 D = 70 – 73 F = <70
10% - Projects/Written Tests | A projects focusing on music history, theory, composition, or careers will be assigned throughout the year and written tests will be given as periodically. |
10% - Daily Grade – Preparation & Participation | Be prepared for class. If you do not sing for ANY reason on a given day (except a medical reason accompanied by a doctor’s note) 5 points will be deducted from this portion of your grade. This same rule applies if you are UNPREPARED for ANY reason (no pencil, no music, etc.). Three “free” days will be given to cover emergencies (days requiring vocal rest). If there is a “long term” problem (flu, congestion type illness, etc), the “Project” percentage will be increased to 30%, and a revised project will be assigned. The director will consider exceptions on an individual basis. |
30% - Pass-offs/Playing Tests | Pass-off excerpts consisting of scales, rhythms, and singing exercises from method books or concert selections will be required each semester. More information below. |
30% - Performances/Rehearsals | See the Absence Policy below. |
20% - EOST | Semester test covering all material for semester |
Pass-off Information
Rhythms, scales, and excerpts from students’ classroom method books and music will be chosen and announced in a timely fashion to prepare. A small amount of class time will be dedicated toward focusing on these, but students will need to practice at home to successfully pass-off an excerpt. Pass-offs are ALL or NOTHING. Either the example is passed-off or not. Just “getting through” a required excerpt with multiple mistakes will not be sufficient. To pass-off a required example, you must achieve a high level of performance as indicated by rubrics given by the teacher.
Rehearsal/Performance Absence Policy
All after school rehearsals and concerts are class requirements for the GSMST Chorus and are graded activities. If an absence is necessary, WRITTEN NOTICE FROM A PARENT/GUARDIAN IS REQUIRED (at least one week). If the conflicting activity is a school-sponsored event, advanced notice is still required. The director will work with the sponsor of that activity to coordinate arrangements so both activities can be attended. An Excused Absence includes:
- Illness/Medical accompanied by a doctor’s note after the visit
- Governement Order/GA Page with written verification
- Religious Holiday
- Hazardous Conditions
- Death/Serious Family Illness
Just because you inform the director of a conflict does not mean it will be excused unless it is for one of the reasons listed above. If the conflicting event is not above and a rehearsal or performance is missed (regardless of whether the director has been informed of the conflict) the absence WILL NOT be excused.
If advanced notification is not possible (family emergency, unexpected car trouble, etc.) you should call the music office immediately (678.542.2392) for the absence to be considered as excused. If no one is available to take the call, you should leave a message with the exact date and time of call. If an attempt to contact the director is not made, the absence will be considered unexcused unless documentation of the emergency situation can be produced.
An unexcused absence from a rehearsal will result in 10 points being deducted from the Performance/Rehearsal portion of a student's grade. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a "0" for the Performance/Rehearsal portion of a student's grade. Should you with to make up an unexcused absence, an assignment equal to the weight of the absence may be given (usually a large research paper for missed performances and essays for rehearsals).
Every effort will be made to inform students and parents of important dates as early as possible. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM PARENTS OF SUCH DATES AND ARRANGE FOR TRANSPORTATION IF NECESSARY.
Please don’t assume, “It’s not gonna matter if I’m not there!”
Just like a baseball team can’t succeed if they were missing their pitcher, shortstop or catcher, we can’t succeed if we’re missing any singer. Every effort should be made to schedule doctor’s appointments, private lessons, sports practices, and other activities at times that do not overlap with rehearsal and performance times. If your voice isn't top-notch but you're still at school, you need to be at rehearsa. If your illness is severe enough to cause you to miss school, then it is not necessary to attend after school rehearsals.
Honors Ensembles
Students wishing to audition for the Georgia Music Educators All-State Chorus or GHSA State Literary Solo/Ensemble Competitions should speak with the director to find out more information. The deadline for All-State Chorus is September 7, 2009. Let the director know IMMEDIATELY if you are interested in GHSA.
Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism is the act of stealing, using, and passing off another person’s ideas or words as your own writing or ideas. Properly document the sources of information used for your research paper and essays so that you will not be guilty of plagiarism.
Honor Code violations of Research Papers and Essays
- copying phrases, sentences, or paragraphs without using quotation marks and without giving proper documentation of the source.
- paraphrasing or summarizing ideas without giving proper documentation of the source.
- asking someone or paying someone to write a research paper for you
- selling or giving an assignment to students who submit it as their own.
- downloading from the Internet a research paper or article in its entirety or in part to submit as your own
- submitting another student’s research paper as your own work
Gwinnett County Excused Absence Policy:
Students who are granted Excused Absent status for days missed will be subject to the following:
- All pre-assigned work will be due on the day of a student’s return from an absence.
- For assignments which did not have a pre-assigned due date during the time of the student’s absence, students will be given five days to arrange for make up work or follow other arrangements granted by the teacher. All incomplete work carried over into a new marking period should be completed no later than the tenth day of the following period.
Make-up work is not allowed for an unexcused absence, and zeros may be given for missed work.
Upon returning to school, it is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements Within 5 days to make up work.
Please see the Orchestra Handbook for a detailed description of the Attendance Policy for Performances and After School Rehearsals.
Classroom Rules and Expectations
RICHARDSON’S ONE RULE – RESPECT!
- Respect others: Showing rudeness is disrespectful! Don’t interfere with someone else’s learning through conversations, disrupting class, etc. Appreciate ALL differences in ALL people no matter how different they are! Be kind to each other.
- Respect yourself: Have enough self pride to try your hardest! You’re smart! USE YOUR BRAIN! You can do anything you want with your life if you want it bad enough!!
- Respect your teacher: Follow instructions, pay attention, and learn something from this person who has been around a little longer than you have ;-) I’m trying to help you!! It’s not some form of medieval torture.
- Respect your surroundings/equipment: Gum, food, and drinks cause a mess and are therefore restricted. Graffiti of any kind is disrespectful. Take care of your supplies. They’re expensive!!
NO PHONE ZONE! It’s disrespectful to use a cell phone during instructional time. If your cell phone, mp3 player, videogame, or other electronic media device can be SEEN or HEARD during any instructional time (before or after school), it will result in an automatic referral to an administrator. Don’t assume it’s ok to use it… ask first.
Displays of disrespect will generally receive one warning, depending on the severity of the offense. Disciplinary steps appropriate to the offense will be taken afterward. See below for more details.
Teacher Consequences for Minor ClassRoom Disruptions and Expectations |
1st | Penalty assigned at teacher’s discretion – Parent Contact |
2nd | 30 minute teacher detention and parent contact |
3rd | 2 – 30 minute teacher detentions and parent contact |
4th | Administrative Referral |
All policies outlined in the Gwinnett county student discipline Handbook and the GSMST student handbook will be followed in this classroom.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF ELECTRONIC MEDIA FOR STUDENTS (GCPS)
Failure to follow the guidelines established in school policy and the Gwinnett County Public Schools Student Conduct Behavior Code will result in disciplinary action that may include restricted or denied access to school computers and other instructional technology tools.
Electronic Media Policy & Procedure information is provided in the Student Parent Handbook (GCPS), and Student Planner Agenda Book.
LAPTOP CONTRACT FOR STUDENTS (GSMST)
All GSMST students will be provided a computer laptop. Parents and students must sign a computer laptop contract in order to obtain the GSMST computer laptop. Students must follow the electronic media policy and procedures that are provided in the Student Parent Handbook (GCPS). Failure to do so could result in a loss of student GSMST computer laptop privileges.
Laptop Usage Guidelines:
Students will NOT need the laptop most of the time in Chorus. Unless students are specifically guided to use the laptop, it should remain in its bag from the time students enter the rehearsal space. The laptop will be used periodically for composition projects, research projects, etc. and students will be given specific instructions for appropriate use focused on a specific classroom goal. Students wishing to show the teacher something on their laptop (related to instruction and prior to rehearsal) should ask permission to do so.
Students will need the following materials:
ALL students | - Electronic metronome (or www.metronomeonline.com)
- Pencil
- Notebook paper for occasional lectures.
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The teacher of this course reserves the right to make changes to this syllabus and curriculum calendar as necessary during the semester.
