Chorus Handbook

Chorus

Dr. Lenae Rose

Contact information for your instructor:

E-Mail:lenae.rose@morgan.k12.ga.us

Course Description:

We will be singing and learning about music each and everyday in this classroom. Music appreciation, music history and music theory will be a part of our learning as well as vocal health and musicality in performing. Concerts will be the culmination of each unit in this course. Students are expected to be present and participate in the performances. These performances are the payoff for all the hard work! We will have fun!

Why should music be a part of every person’s life?

Music Brings People Together
Music Improves Your Health and Wellbeing
Music Can Improve Confidence and Resilience
Music Is A Creative Outlet
Music Is Fun

Curriculum:

The course is taught based on the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE), as prescribed by the Georgia Department of Education.

GSE are available for your consideration:

https://www.georgiastandards.org/Georgia-Standards/Documents/……..

Academic Objectives / Learning Targets :

-To develop and continue to master music reading and sight singing skills.

-To learn the basics of proper vowel technique, including posture, breathing, placement and blend.

-To perform quality literature from a variety of musical periods and styles.

-To learn about different musical genres through listening.

-To gain a fundamental knowledge of music theory and music terminology.

-To perform in concerts in front of live audiences

Instructional Materials & Content:

Students will be provided with a pencil and a notebook. They will need only to bring themselves and a wonderful attitude each day to class. All music and activities needing supplies will be provided for the students. Students will be required to purchase a uniform for formal performances.

Morgan County High School teachers are intentional in identifying engaging and differentiated learning and critical thinking opportunities to support course standards and learning goals. We respect a variety of diverse backgrounds in the classroom; accordingly, students can and should expect to participate in a sensitive, mutual exchange of ideas during informed classroom discussions, readings, and activities. Therefore, students may read and discuss course-specific or student-selected content in their academic courses that may contain mature or diverse opinions. Students will read and analyze works in a discrete and meaningful manner. Morgan County High School does not condone inappropriate or illicit behaviors. Rather, text selections are curated to promote an understanding of the world and the student’s ability to think critically about–and approach–the problems of humanity.

Grading Practices & Policies

Progressive Grades: 65%

-Vocal Technique: weekly grades

- Weekly practice Logs

-Sight Reading: Quarterly assessment

-Music Theory: Bi-weekly quizzes

-Musical Elements: Listening journals, concert evaluations, etc...

-History, Culture and Style: music history

- Summative Grades: 35%

-Performances

-Performance Techniques and Rehearsals: including concert rehearsals during

and after school.

- End of Semester Exams

***Final exam will count 20% of final grade for this course ***

Final Exam & Exemption Policy

Final exams are required for all courses, even those with EOC assessments. The EOC assessment will be given the week of December 12 in selected courses, and final exams will be administered December 19 & 20. The final exam will be considered and calculated as a test grade in EOC classes, since the EOC will count 20% of the final grade.

Students have an opportunity to exempt the final exam.

The number of absences for exemption consideration includes all absences, both excused and unexcused. While we understand that there are events that may warrant absences above the number for exemption status, we must maintain a consistent approach to the expectation for absences allowed in order to be fair to all students. Know, too, that the final exam is an opportunity for students to sit for a comprehensive exam and familiarize themselves with this experience prior to post-secondary experiences.

Students may have no more than 5 absences in the course in order to qualify for exemption.

Students must be passing the course in order to qualify for exemption.

Students must have no more than 3 tardies in the class in order to qualify for exemption.

Students may not have any missing grades in the gradebook in order to qualify for exemption.

Students may have no outstanding debts, fees, or materials owed in order to qualify for exemption.

Students may have no more than 3 change reports in order to qualify for exemption.

Daily Classroom Procedures

-Be in the classroom when the bell rings.

-Drop all bags/purses in the back of the room when you enter.

-Place phone in bag (turned off or on silent) or in numbered wall caddy (turned off or on silent). ***Phones are not allowed on your person during class. Feel free to use the charging station at the front of the room.

-Find your assigned seat with all materials needed for class within 2 minutes after the bell.

Please note that no gum, food or candy is allowed in the chorus room at any time.
Students may bring water in a sealable container to class only.

School Cell Phone Policy

Students should NOT have their cell phone out during class at all for any reason.

The school is also NOT responsible for the safety or security of any personal electronic device.

1st Offense: Warning and teacher confiscates phone/device for the remainder of the class period. Change Report.

2nd Offense: Phone confiscated and handed over to the front office staff to be picked up at the end of the day by parent. Change Report.

3rd Offense: Phone confiscated and turned over to front office staff to be picked up at the end of the day. ISS Assigned. Discipline Referral.

If students refuse to hand phone/device over to teacher, this automatically escalates the situation to an administrator and disciplinary consequences will be applied.

Chorus Uniforms

Choral Uniform Requirements (click here to see the dress)

Vest here (but black) Tie and Dress shirt

Girls: Black Concert Dress (we will order the dresses at the end of August) Cost of Dress is $60.

Boys: Black, button down, long-sleeved dress shirt with a collar.

Black dress pants.

Red Tie and black vest and dress shirt (we will order these at the end of August) Cost of these are $25 vest, $15 tie, and $20 shirt. (Pay only for what you need)

Black socks/ Tights

Black Dress shoes (not tennis shoes)

Students may wear earrings that do not hang below their ear lobes. No other jewelry is allowed for performances except pearl necklaces.

Chorus Fee:

There is a $50 chorus fee/year. This chorus fee includes each student's chorus shirt, music, and materials used in class on a daily basis along with many other needs. This fee is due no later than the end of August, and payments may be made with check, money order or cash.

Families may also pay on the school website for uniform fees and/or class fees, here: Online CC Payments

Academic Honesty

Students are expected to complete and submit assignments that represent their own work. If any student has a question about expectations for submission of group work or research, please ask me! I will provide answers and make sure you understand what is acceptable.

…… Academic Honesty..

Important Dates to Put On Your Calendar for Fall 2023

September 19th Fall Concert 7:00pm MCHS Theatre

November 4th All State Chorus Auditions Time and Location TBA

December 14th Holiday Concert 7:00PM MCHS Theatre

Additional links or QR codes:

Google Classroom Code: mmioq7k

Dr. Rose’s Phone Number (470) 219-8361

Website Chorus and Theatre Website

Click Here for Student/Parent Contract for MCHS Chorus

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lenae Rose