General Info for Chorus

Materials needed for class:

·         3-ring binder with pockets

·         Zip-lock pencil case fitted for a 3-ring binder

·         Pencils and Eraser

·         Highlighter

·         3-hole punch note paper

Please have these materials in class no later than TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2007

Grading Policy:

Each student will receive a letter grade (A,B,C,D or F) at the end of each marking period.  Grades are given quarterly as with all other academic subjects.  Please note that all grades received by the student, including those received in music classes, will weigh evenly on the report card.  Therefore, a low grade in chorus will affect the outcome of the honor roll and may also have a negative impact on eligibility for extra curricular activities.

Students will be graded on the following:

·         Class Participation – 50%

·         Test/Quizzes – 25% (includes Computer Lab Project)

·         Concert Attendance, Attire and Performance – 25%   If a concert does not occur during a marking period, the two remaining areas will each be worth 50% toward the final grade for that marking period.

Grading Explanation:

Class Participation:  Each student begins the quarter with 100% of their class participation grade.  Points may be subtracted for the following reasons:

§         -3 points:  talking out of turn, unprepared for class or causing class disruption

§         -5 points:  not disposing of gum/candy, consistently unprepared for class or continuous class disruption

§         -10 points:  being dismissed from class or performance for any disciplinary reason

Tests/Quizzes:  Each student will be assessed on a regular basis in both full chorus and sectionals.  These assessments will include but are not limited to written and performance tests and quizzes.  In the event of an absence, for any reason, the student is required to make-up the quiz or test.  In the event that the student fails a test simply because they refused to review or seek extra help, a “make-up” test does not have to be issued. 

Concert attendance, attire and performance: 

Chorus is not just a class; it is also a performance ensemble.  This means that each student’s attendance and participation is essential for the success of the entire chorus.  Before, during, and after each performance, proper attire and appropriate behavior is expected.  In the event of a concert absence, the student is required to make-up their concert grade.  Those students will be issued a make-up assignment by their chorus director.

Extra Credit Opportunities: 

Each student is given the opportunity to earn up to 10 extra points on their class participation grade each quarter.  Students can acquire points by:

§         Attending community and/or professional concerts (ie:  performances at TEMS, any elementary school or SWHS).  Please note that rock, pop, country and rap concerts do not count toward extra credit.  The student will receive 5 points for each performance attended with a maximum of 2 performances per quarter.  The student must have a program, playbill or ticket from the performance and must write a short reflection to receive the credit.

§         Participating in additional performance ensembles at TEMS.  Each student will automatically have 5 points added to their class participation grade for every quarter they participate in an additional musical group (ie:  Jazz Band, small ensembles, Entertainers, Show Choir, etc.)  Please note: Students must notify their teacher of such participation.

Choraliers

All students involved in 7^th and 8^th Grade Chorus are eligible to audition for their grade level select chorus (Choraliers).  These ensembles meet twice weekly during their scheduled chorus class period.  The Choraleirs will learn a set of more challenging pieces and will have several performance opportunities, including Winter Caroling and The Main Event.  Audition dates will be announced.

TE Singers

All students involved in an in-school performance ensemble are eligible to audition for the TE Singers.  The TE Singers is an elite group of 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders who recently won Best Select Choir at the 2007 Nutmeg Choir Festival.  They sing a wide variety of repertoire including madrigals, jazz tunes, and pop numbers with choreography.  Rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 5:30 to 7:30.  Audition dates will be announced.

Performance dates:

The following is a detailed schedule for 2007-2008 Chorus performances.  Please mark your calendars with the appropriate dates for your grade level chorus.  (All dates are subject to change.  You will be notified in advance should any changes occur.)

6^th Grade Winter Concert, December 10, 2007    7:30 p.m.

7^th Grade Winter Concert, December 4, 2007      7:30 p.m.

8^th Grade Winter Concert, November 29, 2007    7:30 p.m.

6^th Grade Spring Concert, May 5, 2008                7:30 p.m.

7^th Grade Spring Concert, May 7, 2008                7:30 p.m.

8^th Grade Spring Concert, May 8, 2008                7:30 p.m.

Dress Code for concerts:

Girls:  long black skirt (without a high cut slit), or black dress pants (no Capri pants), white blouse (no sleeveless tops), dark socks/nylons and dress shoes

Boys:  black dress pants (no jeans), white collared dress shirt, tie, dark socks and dress shoes (no sneakers)