Karrer Middle School
Vocal Music Handbook
2015-2016
Mr. Robert Gibson, Director
Email: gibson_robert@dublinschools.net
Voicemail: 760-4657
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to back to another school year! I look forward to this year at Karrer and
know that there are many exciting and enriching opportunities ahead of us. I am so happy
that you have chosen to take choir and you will continue to participate and grow in your
musical education. Music is an essential part of every student’s curriculum, and I know that
the students will achieve great success in their performances at Karrer this year.
Participation in choir is very comparable to any team sport. We work together in our
daily rehearsals to build excellent fundamentals of music so that we will have an
outstanding performance at our concerts. Every member of the choir is important, no
matter how talented or experienced. It is necessary that all students understand their value
to the group and always strive to make their best efforts in class.
I have enclosed information in this packet about the daily procedures and
expectations for choir and important dates for the first semester of the year. Please read
over the following pages and return the last sheet to me no later than the assigned date on
the sheet. Thank you for your cooperation and I look forward to getting to know each of
you this year.
Sincerely,
Mr. Robert Gibson
Choir Information
I ask that each choir student go to the following web-link to complete the Choir Information Form
within the first two weeks of school:
http://tinyurl.com/KMSChoirs
Remind
I ask that each choir student send the following text/email to sign up for Remind. This is an
app/weblink that will set up a reminder system from me to all members of the class. This is very
helpful when it comes to concerts, events or trips. Please do this within the first two weeks of
school. If you are already a member of Remind, you just need to join your group. If you are new
to Remind, either text or email (you don’t need to do both). If you are under 13, your parents will
need to assist you with this activity.
8th Grade:
Text - @kms8choir
7th Grade:
Text - @kms7ch
th
6 Grade:
Text - @kms6ch
Select Choir: Text - @kmsselect
to
to
to
to
81010
81010
81010
81010
Email – kms8choir@mail.remind.com
Email – kms7ch@mail.remind.com
Email – kms6ch@mail.remind.com
Email – kmsselect@mail.remind.com
Course Description
Students will explore the foundations of healthy choral singing through exercises that focus on breathing,
phonation, resonance, diction, musical literacy, expressiveness and musicality. Students will further
improve these skills through a diverse repertoire of music used for performance and instruction. Students
will expand musical knowledge of cultural and historical influences to music. Students should be prepared
to work on individual and group assignments as part of their daily participation grade.
Required Materials
*1 - 1” binder for class materials
*2 - #2 pencils (to stay in Choir Room)
*2 - Highlighters-any color (to stay in Choir Room)
*Concert attire (discussed on following page)
Elements for Success
I believe that every student has something to offer the choir, regardless of how much talent they
think they do or do not have. Although I aim for choir to be a “fun place” to be, it is first and
foremost a hard-working environment. Each student must contribute to the learning process. The
following elements will contribute to the success of our year:
Strong Levels of Participation from every child
Strong parental support
Students encouraging each other
Continually building musical literacy skills
A variety of performing experiences
Quality music literature and understanding its importance
Acceptance of all varieties of music as a way to earn a greater cultural literacy
Learning proper vocal technique
Having fun, while making music!
Fall/Winter Concert Dates
8th Grade Concert: Thursday, November 19, 2015 - 7:00 pm.
6th & 7th Grade Choirs: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 7:00 pm.
7th/8th Grade Choir performance at District Choir Festival: TBD
8th Grade Music Concert: Thursday, March 3, 2016 - 7:00 pm.
Spring Concert Dates
7th/8th Grade/Select Choir: “Spotlight the Arts @ Karrer”; Fri, May 13,2016–6 pm
7th/8th Grade/Select Choir: Sat, May 14, 2016 - Festival Trip (TBA).
Select, 7th & 8th Grade Choir: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 - 7:00 pm.
6th Grade Choir/Band Concert: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 - 6:30 pm.
CONCERT DRESS CODE
In order to achieve the most uniform, professional appearance on stage, the following has
been established as required concert dress:
Girls:
Knee length or mid-calf dress or skirt (no strapless or high slits)
Dress slacks
Blouse with conservative neckline
Dark dress shoes (no flip flops, high stilettos, or large platforms)
Boys:
Dress slacks
Collared shirt (dress or polo)
Conservative tie (optional, w/dress shirt)
Dark socks (no gym socks)
Dark dress shoes
Remember: “When in doubt, leave it out!”
*If you appear in inappropriate attire the night of our concert, you are subject to losing concert attendance
points or being denied the opportunity to perform altogether. Please adhere to guidelines. If you foresee
any concerns or problems with the required concert dress, please contact me prior to the concert date!
GRADING PROCEDURES
Each student’s grade is based on the following:
Grading Period without a concert:
50% daily participation
25% quizzes/worksheets/binder checks/blogs
25% singing test & musical skills test
Grading Period with a concert:
25% quizzes/worksheets/binder checks/blogs
25% concert attendance
50% daily participation
Written tests/quizzes/worksheets: These activities cover basic skills that we have learned
in class on a day-to-day basis.
Binder Checks: Students are expected to keep their music binders neat, and in the correct
assigned location. Students will be graded on marking their music appropriately and for
having their binder with them at every rehearsal.
Concert attendance: Student attendance at concerts is mandatory. As you can see above,
if you miss a concert, the best grade you may receive in choir for that grading period is a
75%, which is a C.
ELGG (Blogging): Students will be creating blogs and commenting on existing blogs.
Daily participation: This counts as the largest part of your grade, because it is essential to
your overall success in the class. The participation grade is based on the following: be on
time to class and get your folder from the shelves, bring a pencil, listen, show respect when
others are speaking and singing, and giving your absolute best effort while singing and
learning. As long as you practice these habits on a daily basis, you will succeed in this
class!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM
We have read the 2015-2016 Choral Program handbook and understand
what is required to be successful in this class. We are aware that concert
attendance is mandatory and counts as a significant portion of the class grade.
We agree to contact Mr. Gibson with any questions or concerns regarding any of
these policies.
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: ____________
Parent Signature: ______________________________ Date: ____________
THIS FORM IS DUE BACK TO MR. GIBSON NO LATER THAN:
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3rd FOR A DAY CHOIR MEMBERS
FRIDAY, SEPT. 4th FOR B DAY & 8th GRADE CHOIR MEMBERS