The RCMS Music Department has high expectations for all students. Our goals include:
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a quality music education
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performance of fine music
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development of each student's musical potential
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pursuit of excellence in performance.
It is also our goal to produce a choral program that students, parents, administrators
and the city of Morehead can be proud of. 
In order to accomplish these goals, students will be expected to:
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take choir seriously
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complete assignments on time
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practice at home
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take a positive attitude
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be courteous, cooperative and committed to the group.
It is essential the students understand the quality musical performance will demand
hard work, dedication, patience, and many hours of practice. The benefits that can be
derived include higher grades, quality organizations, pride, a sense of commitment, and
a work ethic that will carry over into a student's other scholastic efforts.
Students and parents are asked to please read all the enclosed material carefully.
Please refer to this material for future reference.
Expectations
In 6th and 7th grade choir you will:
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Perform in school concerts.
Expand the range and quality of your voice.
Be able to sing a scale using all of the solfege syllables (do, re, mi, etc.)
Learn the hand signs for each of the solfege syllables.
Be able to read basic rhythm patterns using number counting and solfege
patterns using solfege syllables.
Learn how to follow your part in a choral score.
Practice singing in at least two-part harmony.
Demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette.
Learn how to, and be given the means to practice your music
In 8th grade choir you will practice all of the above and also:
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Read more advanced rhythmic and solfege patterns.
Practice singing in at least three part harmony.
Sing in varying musical styles.
Learn how to, and be given the means to practice your music
All of those expectations are starting points in our class. If you are able to take them
farther, then we will definitely do so!
Rules
Besides the skills that you will learn in choir, there are some things I expect that you
already know and will do in class in order to make sure things run smoothly…
1. Be on time to class. You will be allowed two free tardies each grading
2.
3.
4.
5.
period. The third time, you will lose participation points, which will effect
your grade.
Be respectful of everyone in the classroom. This includes speaking while
others are speaking to the teacher, or while the teacher is speaking to you.
BRING A PENCIL TO CHOIR CLASS!!!
Please do not chew gum or eat food in the choir room. You may have
bottled water- I actually recommend that you do! 
Please use the restroom before coming in for choir. If you need to use the
restroom, you must ask permission, sign out, and take the HALL PASS.
There will be two passes that can be used. If there is no pass available,
you must wait for one to return.
Grades
Your grade in chorus is made up of three parts:
Participation (vocal) – this is how well you behave during class and how much you take part in what is
going on, as well as how you contribute to class. This will make up 1/3 of your grade.
Participation (class work) – a part of each class may involve learning and practicing musical concepts,
such as sight-singing, solfege syllables, and rhythmic practice. These concepts will help you to learn how
to read music. You may be quizzed or tested on these concepts in written form or by recording your voice.
Your participation in this “academic” part of the class will make up the 2 nd third of your grade.
Concert – every chorus student is required to participate in concert performances. If you sing to the best
of your ability and behave well at the concert, you will easily receive an A. But if you don’t come to the
concert, you can’t receive a grade for having been there, so you will have to make up for that grade,
which can happen one of two ways:
1) You can write an essay on a topic that Mrs. Wells will assign you, or 2) You can make an appointment
to sing the concert music that you would have performed. This makes up the final 1/3 of your grade.
*there is not a concert during every grading period. During those marking periods, the participation and
tests/quizzes portion will each be worth ½ of your grade.
Concert Attire
Concert attire for all performing groups will be:
GIRLS: BLACK SKIRT (AT LEAST KNEE LENGTH) or PANTS
WHITE DRESS SHIRT
BLACK DRESS SHOES
BOYS: BLACK DRESS PANTS
WHITE LONG-SLEEVED DRESS SHIRT
BLACK DRESS SHOES
GREEN TIE
Please contact me immediately if your family will experience a financial hardship providing the proper
uniform. We can contact the Family Resource Center to find appropriate clothing for our concerts.
The enclosed rules, regulations and procedures and grading policy will be in effect from the first day of
school until the last. All students who wish to be a member of the choir must agree to abide by these
guidelines. Parents can help by reviewing all the guidelines with their child to make sure they understand
them.
Sincerely,
Amanda L. Wells, RCSHS and RCMS Choral Director
amanda.wells@rowan.kyschools.us
RCSHS 784-8956
RCMS 784-8911