JUNIOR HIGH CHOIR SYLLABUS
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course is an elective vocal music course for junior high school students
desiring to perform. The goal of this course is to teach students to become better and
more confident singers and to develop an appreciation for vocal music.
The objectives for the year are for each student to:
1. Demonstrate proper singing posture.
2. Demonstrate expanded rib cage breathing.
3. Demonstrate breath support.
4. Sustain vocal phrases.
5. Demonstrate correct tone production.
6. Demonstrate vertical vowel formation.
7. Sing diphthongs correctly.
8. Demonstrate correct diction and articulation of consonants.
9. Sight sing musical excerpts of beginning difficulty.
10. Dictate musical excerpts of beginning difficulty.
11. Sing degrees of the scale using solfege syllables.
12. Blend and balance with the choir when singing.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of musical terms and symbols
14. Listen analytically to yourself and critique your performance.
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GRADING POLICIES
Grades will be determined each quarter through the following criteria:
1. Sight singing tests / dictation tests / portfolios / web-based software work / concert
performances / worksheets / written tests.
These periodical evaluations are 50% of your quarter grade. These evaluations
may or may not be announced by the director, so it is to your advantage to be prepared
musically for each rehearsal. All portions of this grade are weighted equally. All grades
are based on percentage.
2. Participation and Effort.
These all-important qualities comprise 50% of your quarter grade. The director
will determine this portion of the grade from an evaluation in the following areas:
a. attendance (absences/tardies from class meetings and rehearsals)
b. positive attitude/behavior/effort
c. class readiness (folder/music out, pencil checks, preparation)
PERFORMANCE ABSENCE POLICY: To be excused from a performance, the
director must have at least TWO weeks notice prior to the performance date (except in
the case of sudden illness or emergencies). Notification must be made in person by the
student’s parent. If you fail to notify the director two weeks before a performance
without just cause, it will result in 5 hours of detention, to be served at Mrs. Kelley’s
convenience. The director and principal reserve the right to grant or refuse excused
absences.
GRADE DROP POLICY:
A student may drop his/her lowest grade of the quarter by donating a large box of
Kleenex or a box of sandwich bags to our classroom. The donation must be made before
the end of the quarter in which the grade is to be dropped.
GRADING SCALE:
96 - 100 = A
90 - 95 = A87 - 89 = B+
84 - 86 = B
80 - 83 = B77 - 79 = C+
73 - 76 = C
70 - 72 = C67 - 69 = D+
63 - 66 = D
60 - 62 = D59 or less = F
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JR. HIGH CHOIR RULES
1. No cell phones or other personal electronic/digital devices are allowed in the
classroom. Rule of thumb: if it can text or connect to the internet, it is not allowed in the
classroom.
2. No gum, candy, or food is allowed in the classroom.
3. No backpacks, tote bags, purses, etc. are allowed in the classroom
4. Report any inability to sing, due to illness or injury, before class begins on that day.
Your participation level for that day will then be determined by the teacher.
5. If you have to leave class to go to retrieve items from your locker or use the restroom,
you will be charged a tardy. After three tardies, you will serve a 30 minute detention.
Take any necessary breaks at the restrooms or water fountains BEFORE class begins.
6. You may bring bottled water in to the classroom.
7. Keep a pencil in your choir folder for use in marking music.
8. Dictation tests must be completed in pencil or they will not be accepted.
9. Late homework is not accepted. You may not go out to your locker to get it.
10. Students who are dismissed from participation in the winter concert or spring concert
for any reason, will be given an alternative assignment to complete.
PERFORMANCE ATTIRE
1. Students are to wear khaki pants, a belt, brown or black closed to shoes, and the
school issued J.H. Choir shirts for the winter and spring concerts, as well as for J.H.
Contest. Regular school clothes may be worn for PineView performances.
2. Earrings must be smaller than a dime. No multi-piercings, facial, or tongue piercings
are allowed at performances.
3. Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring- no necklaces, no bracelets or
excessive rings.
4. Keep hair simple, not extravagant – no hair ribbons, bows, or gaudy accessories
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5. Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat. Any unusual hair style or hair
color that draws attention to an individual is detrimental to our total team effort and is not
acceptable for performance
6. Hair shall not cover any student’s eyes. It must be worn short or pulled back so that
facial features are clearly visible.
PRIMARY RESOURCE MATERIALS
"Essential Musicianship" Book 1
Comprehensive Choral Method
Emily Crocker & John Leavitt
1995, Hal Leonard Corporation
Emusictheory.com
JR. HIGH CHOIR ACTIVITIES & AWARDS
November 11, 2014: Veteran’s Day Program (REQUIRED)
December 8, 2014: Winter Concert (REQUIRED)
December ?, 2013:
Pine View Performance during school time
February 14, 2015:
Jr. High Solo/Ensemble Contest
May 11, 2015: Spring Concert (REQUIRED)
May ?, 2015: Pine View Performance during school time
Year end awards that may be available to junior high choir students include:
1. Contest certificates
2. Outstanding 7th Grade Student (based on G.P.A.)
3. Outstanding 8th Grade Student (based on G.P.A.)
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PARENT LETTER
Dear Parents,
The 2014-2015 school year is upon us and with its arrival has come another year
of exciting performances and opportunities for the Junior High Choir. To prepare us for
our tasks ahead, there are a few points that I would like to bring to your attention.
In the past few years, I have found it very beneficial to correspond with parents
via e-mail. I often send out reminders regarding upcoming events and personal notes to
parents. If you receive an e-mail from me don’t assume it is bad news! I may just be
reminding you or your student what time the bus leaves for an event or sending a contest
performance schedule. I do my best to be a quick responder to e-mails. Please feel free
to contact me in this fashion as it is often then easiest and quickest way to reach me. My
address is mkelley@sr2.k12.mo.us.
My webpage can be found at the school’s website or through the following
address: http://sr2.k12.mo.us/kelley/INDEX.HTM This site includes the Junior High
Choir syllabus, newsletter, special events, and other vocal music information. Please
read through the online syllabus with your student so that everyone understands the
expectations for this year. When you have finished reading the syllabus, please sign the
accompanying information sheet and return it to me by August 22nd.
I’m looking forward to another rewarding year with the Junior High Choir. The
reputation we have built together is founded upon a disciplined work ethic combined with
a great deal of laughter. With your support and a team effort, we can continue our
tradition of excellence.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Michele Kelley
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INFORMATION SHEET
Student Information
Name
Grade Level
Birth Date
Address
Home Phone
Cell Phone
Class Schedule
1st Hour
2nd Hour
3rd Hour
4th Hour
5th Hour
6th Hour
7th Hour
Parent Information
Parents’ Names
Cell Phone
Email
Through the signatures below, you acknowledge that you have read,
understand, and support the rules and policies set forth in the J.H. Choir
Syllabus.
Student Signature &
Date
Parent Signature & Date
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