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Welcome to the 2007-2008
Clarke Middle School Choral Program |
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| It is an honor and a privilege to work
with you this year. Many of you are aware of the fine music tradition
that exists here in Lexington. I am very pleased to be a part of this
program. It is an exciting experience for you, as students, as well
as for myself and the other music teachers throughout the district. |
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| It is better to try and fail than to fail to try .
. . Your grade in chorus is an earned one. It will be based upon the
contribution you make to the success of the ensemble. Also, please
remember that much of your grade will be based on your attitude, your
behavior, your attendance in class and at concerts, and how hard you
are willing to work for the excellence of our organization. It will
not be enough merely to say that you are interested in the group’s
success; you must demonstrate through your actions that you are dedicated
to that goal. |
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| Concert Choir Course Description |
| The Clarke Middle School concert choirs (6th grade
chorus and 7th/8th grade chorus) meet twice per week for the year
as graded, elective courses and are open to any sixth, seventh or
eighth grader who likes to sing and is willing to commit to a group
performance effort. During rehearsals, students are asked to concentrate
on greater refinement of previously acquired choral skills. These
skills include diction, articulation, dynamics, octavo reading and
producing a beautiful tone. Emphasis on part-singing and sight-reading
are also part of this class. A variety of literature in multiple languages
and styles will be chosen at the conductor's discretion, commensurate
with the group’s ability. |
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| Expectations and Grading |
| Your grade in chorus requires work on your part that
is based on your willingness to work to your potential. Each category
of your grade has a set percentage value. Each assignment given will
contribute toward that percentage. Each marking period, your grade
will be based on the following categories: participation, concert
attendance, in-class singing quizzes, and a written final exam. |
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| Participation Grade=25% |
| The following behaviors are expected at every rehearsal: |
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Being on time to rehearsals |
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2 In, 2 Out
Two minutes will be allowed at the beginning of each class to
allow students to get their folders, be in their assigned seats,
and be ready to start. Music director will also allow 2 minutes at the close of rehearsal for picking up and packing
up |
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On-Task Behavior
Using appropriate singing technique (posture, breathing, diction,
phrasing, etc); singing when time to sing; being attentive to
the music, being respectful to the materials distributed. |
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Classroom Etiquette
Talking is disruptive to our group effort. Talking and/or other
disruptive behavior in class will result in lowered percentage
points. Each infraction allows the potential of a loss of one
percentage point |
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Preparation |
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Having a pencil for the rehearsal |
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Having your folder for the rehearsal |
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At home practice time |
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| In-Class Singing Quizzes=10% |
| In-Class singing quizzes will be administered at least
once each quarter. These quizzes will happen in a small group (4-8
people) setting. Quizzes will be graded based on the following rubric: |
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2 points: |
Correct posture |
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4 points: |
Correct pitches |
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4 points: |
Correct words and rhythms |
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| Concert Attendance=35% |
| Concert attendance is MANDATORY. (This is a Lexington district policy.) If a concert is missed
due to an unavoidable situation you must have a note delivered to
the conductor at least two weeks ahead of time unless it is an emergency.
In that case, a note must be submitted by the next chorus rehearsal.
AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE IS LIKE A ZERO ON AN EXAM. The BEST grade you
will get for that quarter will be a “C”.
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| Written Tests/Quizzes=30% |
| The final exam and any other written work will determine this grade. |
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| Discipline |
| Performance classes, by nature, require strong self-discipline. On occasion, a student may find him/herself struggling with this issue. Should this occur with your child, I will seek your support, the support of team leaders, and the support of our administration in helping to correct the problem. |
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| Please Note |
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Homework, sports activities, dress
rehearsals for other shows, and last-moment obligations are
not considered valid reasons for being absent from a concert.
The concert is considered a major exam. |
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Students who are in school on the
day of the concert and on the day following the concert will
not be granted an excused absence for illness without a
doctor’s note. |
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Any anticipated concert absence due
to travel, etc., must be cleared with Mrs. Hughes, in writing, two
weeks prior to the concert. Travel plans must be consistent
with school policy. |
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An unexcused absence from a performance
will result in a lowered grade for
that quarter. If it is unexcused, it may not be higher than a "C". |
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Parents of students who anticipate
transportation issues affecting their child’s participation
in an upcoming concert should contact Mrs. Hughes at least two
weeks prior to the concert. The school will make every effort
to help facilitate your child's participation in each scheduled
concert event. |
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