Beginning Vocal Technique Disclosure

Mr. Keith Goodrich Keithgoods@gmail.com COURSE OBJECTIVES Beginning Vocal Technique is an introductory class for students wishing to broaden their understanding of the singing voice and improve singing abilities. This class will also help prepare students who wish to audition for other choral ensembles. Students will learn basic music theory, note reading, rhythm, correct vocal technique and proper performance etiquette. Students will learn to correctly sing in several singing styles. Students will perform regularly for the class and learn how to critique each other in a way that lends to improvement and growth. Although this class is not a choir students will learn to sing with other singers as well as with instrumental accompaniment. Students will demonstrate skill in interval identification, key signature recognition, time signatures, and learn to read sheet music. Beginning Vocal Techniques provides students with a safe area to develop necessary musical skills for vocal success and achievement. CLASS PARTICIPATION Class participation is essential to student success. Students will learn to be comfortable singing alone in front of their peers and instructors. Participation in class discussions and lectures will also be factored into students grade. It will also affect how much the student learns in this class. The instructor may at times call upon students to share thoughts and insights as well as read out loud before the class. If the students has a problem with being called on in this manner they need to speak with the instructor before class. GRADING PROCEDURES The student will acquire points for daily participation in classroom activities, performances, concert attendance reports, and tests involving writing and singing. The students will also acquire points through proper demonstration of techniques learned in class. A. A participation grade will be awarded to each student based on the demonstration of the following skills: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. B. Having music and materials to every class. Correct sitting and standing singing posture. Appropriate class demeanor. Being to class on time. Demonstrating a positive attitude toward learning.

Tests and reports will be added at the teachers discretion.

Grading Scale Breakdown: Grades will be given on a total points system. Grading Scale: The grading scale will be based on the accumulated points in the quarter. 94-100% = A 90-93% = A86-89% = B+ 83-85% = B 80-82% = B76-79% = C+ 73-75% = C 70-72% = C65-69% = D+ 60-64% = D 55-59% = D-

Note: A student who has not made up the work for three or more excused absences cannot receive an A letter grade. A student with two or more un-excused absences cannot receive an A letter grade. If a student is failing the course, failing notices will be sent to parents at mid-term, and every second week thereafter, until the grade has improved. Grades will be updated regularly and posted online with the Skyward system. SCHOOL RULES (yaa!!! School rules!!!!) 1. Use electronic devices only when appropriate (See district cell phone policy) A. Cell phones, iPads, iPods or similar devices are to be used only when it is necessary for a class assignment. They will be confiscated without warning when used inappropriately and may be retrieved at the end of the day in the attendance office. Dress to encourage learning. Follow the Jordan School District dress code. Use positive actions and statements toward others. Respect generates respect. Please show a friendly and positive attitude toward fellow classmates. A Off color language and behavior will not be tolerated. Arrive to class on time, prepared, and stay in class the entire time. A. Hall-pass use is discouraged and will be limited. B. The new school attendance policy will be strictly enforced. An NG (no grade) in any class will be considered an F grade and will be cause for suspension and dismissal from the choral program. Use all school materials and equipment properly. A. Students will be heavily fined for destruction of music and books. B. Any vandalism (even vandalism done playfully) will result in the students dismissal from the class. C. The choir-room piano is not to be played without permission. Practice rooms are available for students in the music department.

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CLASS RULES 1. Follow directions the first time. 2. No talking out of turn. 3. No food, gum, or drinks.

4. Be in seat when the bell rings with materials in hand. 5. Only one person talks at a time unless the class is working in groups REWARDS 1. Positive learning atmosphere. 2. Praise and accomplishment. CONSEQUENCES 1. Warning - loss of ten points. 2. Loss of twenty points. 3. Parent called. 4. Assistant Principals involved. 5. Student permanently removed from class.

DRESS CODE: DISTRICT POLICY AA 419 Condensed: No likenesses of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs on clothing or gear. No crude, vulgar, profane, violent, or sexually suggestive clothing or gear. No immodest clothing: no bare midriffs, halter-tops, spaghetti straps, tank tops, short shorts, miniskirts. Clothing shall cover the midriff, underwear, backs, and cleavage at all times. Skirts, dresses, and shorts must be at least mid-thigh length or longer when seated. No gang-related clothing, colors, or paraphernalia. Clothing should be worn appropriately--no sagging pants. No hats. Shoes shall be worn at all times. Any student who comes to class not following the dress code may be sent to his/her Assistant Principal to remedy the violation.

CELL PHONES, PAGERS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES: DISTRICT POLICY AA 419 Condensed: Students may possess cell phones and pagers while at school. The Choral Department is NOT responsible for theft, loss, or damage of cell phones, pagers, or other electronic devices. Cell phones and pagers must be turned off and put away during class--NO EXCEPTIONS! Any student in violation of this policy may have their cell phone confiscated and taken to the Assistant Principal. Students can pick up confiscated phones, pagers, and other devices at the end of the day.

ABSENTEEISM All absences must be excused within two days. Un-excused absences may not be made up. Any student caught sloughing this class will be docked one full letter grade. Excused

absences must be made up with the choral teacher within one week of the absence. School Excused absences (SBO, cheer, Peer Leadership, field trips, etc.) will not count against attendance, but students will not be given their daily points. They can be made up. Those involved in school excused activities are asked to notify the teacher one school day in advance. TARDY SCHOOL Extra work in the choir department and attendance at extra curricular choral activities can be used to make up tardiness or absences that occur in a choral class. These extra activities cannot be used for make-up work for other classes (i.e. English or Math). Tardy school slips must still be paid for in the main office before Mr. Goodrich will sign them for credit. Mandatory concerts and activities will not fulfill tardy school requirements. TARDINESS Tardiness will not be tolerated in these classes. Students who are late lose valuable warm-up time and information besides being disruptive to other students. The student is tardy if he/she is not in their seat with materials in hand when the bell rings and the warm-ups have started. If you have more than three un-excused tardies in one quarter, you will be expected to drop the class at the semester. Un-excused tardies can be made up by coming to the choir room at 7am the next school day to work for hour on music independently. MAKE-UP WORK Missed work must be made up within two weeks, provided the absences are excused. The student may make up absences in the following ways: 1. Working in the choral department after school (1 hour for each day missed). 2. Preparing and singing an approved solo in class. CONCERT ATTENDANCE REPORTS Students are required to attend one concert per quarter and write a report on what they observe. THIS PAPER IS NOT A SUMMARY OF THE CONCERT. Students are to write about how the concert made them feel, critique the performers in a respectful and professional way, address aspects of the concert such as tech, sound, costuming, venue choice and music selection. This does not have to be a choir concert. Appropriate concerts include but are not limited to high school, college and professional choirs, recitals, solo concert series, professional musicians, etc. several songs must be sung. If a student is unsure about an even he/she should ask the instructor, who will then determine the appropriateness of the concert for this assignment. Papers should be typed and at least two pages in length. Grades will be given on content. Although this is not an English class proper formatting, punctuation and spelling will also factor in to grade. Students who need help in class may turn in additional papers for points to rectify any loss of points sustained. The students are also encouraged to attend as many vocal performance events as possible and discuss them in class.

Please return this page only.

_________________________________ _______________________________ Printed student name Student Signature I have read and do understand this document, and I know that any non-compliance may result in possible suspension or dismissal from this class.

_________________________________ Parents/Guardians signature I have read and do understand this document, and I know that any non-compliance by my student may result in his or her possible suspension or dismissal from this class.

DATE ______/ ______/ ______

___________________________ Administrator

___________________________ Instructor