Academy of Tucson High School Choir Syllabus

Instructor: Mr. Caleb Nihira Email: cnihira@aoths.net Contact: 733.0096 Required Materials: Folder with music (To be distributed) Pencils Instruments Learning Objectives: Students will Improve musicianship Improve performance skills individually and as an ensemble Learn basic music theory Read music Gain an overall deeper appreciation for the art of music and the impact it can have on our lives Improve listening skills Assessment: Students will Bring their folders and pencils to class everyday Learn to critique their own, as well as their classmates, performance Participate in quarterly concert performances Take notes and mark music as required Attend 2 concerts per year and write reflection paper Grading Policy: The following categories comprise the students final grade: Class Participation/Effort In-Class/Public Performance Directors notes written in score Concerts: Being that this is a performance ensemble, concert performances are a crucial component of this class. All students are expected and required to be present at and on time to every performance whether informal or formal. Part of being a respectable musician is the understanding that musicians work on a different timetable than the rest of the world. If a performance starts at a particular time, it is expected that the musicians are there at least an hour early to prepare. A good rule of thumb is: To be on time is to be late. To be EARLY is to be on time! Special Considerations: The requirements for this class go beyond the classroom meeting time. In the event that there is a conflict with a performance date, each situation will be handled on an individual basis

assuming ample notification was given- usually 24 hours. If a student must miss a performance, it is expected that the student will complete a special project chosen by the teacher. Sheet Music: Students are responsible for the music and folder that they are assigned. Lost or damaged music may result in fines.

*Participation/Attendance: Eighty percent of success is showing up. Woody Allen Students receive 2 points each school day (1 for being present, 1 for being actively engaged in rehearsal.) If it is obvious that the student is not attentive and participating, they can expect to lose their participation points for that day. Participation also includes respect of peers, respect of teacher, and willingness to respond to instruction. *Written assignments: Students are expected to attend a local music concert at least once per semester and write a 1-2 page response to the event. Refer to the Concert Report Guidelines handout for specific information on what to include. These papers are worth 150 points and will be graded as if they were an assignment for an English class (grammar, punctuation, etc.) Academy plagiarism policy applies. Acceptable performances: -Local high school band/choir/orchestra concerts -Any performance by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra/Chorus or other professional/semi-professional performing ensemble in Tucson. -Any nationally touring college band/choir/orchestra -Performances by the All-Regional/All-State band/choir/orchestra -Any performance that would be considered classical in nature: symphonies, operas, musical theatre, jazz, etc. Unacceptable performances: Pop/Rock/Hip-hop concerts