JOPLIN NORTH MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR SYLLABUS

Director: Ms. Amanda Cole Room: 188 amandacole@joplinschools.org Important Dates: October 28, 6:30pm- Spooktacular Night of Music December 16, 6:30pm- Holiday Concert May 8, 6:30pm- Spring Concert

Greetings, Joplin North Choir students! Im looking forward to an exciting year as we expand and create enthusiasm about our choir program at Joplin North! In order for our choir to sound its best, each of us needs to contribute to the best of our ability. The goals, expectations, and procedures outlined below will allow us to reach our potential. Philosophy and Goals Every choir member will work to increase his/her individual music skills. Choir is a team effort--we will work together to achieve our goals. We will strive to give quality performances. We will work to develop healthy vocal habits for life-long voice use. We will work to become responsible and mature leaders within the Joplin community. Class Expectations Students need to be in class every day and on time: By the time the bell rings, students should be in place with their binder, highlighter, and pencil. At the beginning of class, students should begin choral warm-ups while attendance is being taken Students will bring to class daily a pencil, their planner, and, when necessary, their music binder (most of the time it will stay in the choir classroom). Students will master skills and concert music at the requested times, or seek additional help when needed to attain these goals. Students and parents will keep track of performance dates and come to all concerts at the appropriate time and in the appropriate uniform. Students will not be allowed to bring chewing gum, food or drink (water in a clear bottle with a lid is acceptable) to choir class. Students will maintain a positive attitude while showing respect for themselves, the director, and others at all times. Participate actively by showing interest in your work! Take pride in your personal accomplishments and show support for your peers. Required Materials Bring these items every time you come to rehearsal 1 inch three ring binder with inside pockets Pencil Highlighter A positive attitude

Class Objectives Through the rehearsal process, students will be able to: Distinguish and apply unison and part singing in an ensemble. Read, recognize, and use standard choral music . Recognize and apply proper vocal techniques (head/chest voice, tone quality, intonation, diction, phrasing, and care of the voice). Demonstrate awareness of and tolerance for the diversity of choral repertoire (we will explore various genres and styles including: Folksongs, Secular Concert, Sacred Concert, Multicultural Holiday, Spirituals, Music Theater, Vocal Jazz, Pop Music, Solo and Duet Repertoire, and Multicultural/World Music). Develop sensitivity toward musical text as it relates to meaning and emotional quality. Evaluate musical performances (recordings, live performances, or their own performances). Demonstrate appropriate stage presence, proper performance and audience etiquette, and correct microphone technique. Participate in a variety of public performances in varying performance styles. Use synchronized movement/choreography in conjunction with vocal performance when appropriate Policies This class will follow the policies and procedures listed in the school handbook. Grading Policies: A majority of your grade for Choir will be based on participation with a positive attitude. Students can earn up to: 20 points a day for rehearsal participation 150 points for dress rehearsal participation 200 points for choir performance Points vary for written work/quizzes/exams Performances There will be three choir/orchestra concerts that each student will be required to attend. Excused absences from a concert are rare and will be considered on an individual basis. We will also be participating in at least one choir contest in the spring. Contest date and performance attire is still pending.