Course Syllabus

Chorus

Philosophy and Objectives

                I believe that the choral music education program at Central Kitsap Junior High should be available to all students who desire to participate. I further believe music should be considered an essential and integral part of the school program. Choral groups should strive to perform at the highest possible artistic level consistent with the experience and maturity of the group. Also, the music education program should provide a fundamental and basic musical experience. – Charles Platten

The objectives of the music program is as follows;

·          To develop in the student an understanding and appreciation of the various types of music that can be beneficial during an entire lifetime.

·          To develop better citizenship. Music participation emphasizes the ability to work with others as a member of a team. Participation in a music class teaches the importance of a cooperative effort, acceptance of leadership and the need for discipline and maturity.

·          To help achieve self-realization through participation in the music program. Some results can be artistic experience, emotional development, creative attitudes, skill and knowledge, physical and mental health, mental stimulation, self-expression and personality development.

·          To contribute to, and help broaden, the cultural life of the students and the community.

·          To follow the essential learnings as provided for by the State of Washington.

Grading Procedure

                Motivation for the choirs at CKJH should not revolve around letter grades, rather the desire to be the best musician one can be: to participate in the rewarding experience of creating music and the gratification of excellence in performance. Nonetheless, your student will receive a grade for chorus and that letter grade will be based on a percentage of the following:

1.        Participation and Conduct  (30-40%) - Attendance, daily effort, positive attitude, willingness to learn and take on new challenges and behaviour.

2.        Concerts (30-40% worth 5 letter grades) - Concerts are required. Unexcused absences will lower an overall grade by at least two letter grades (Excused absences are illness or death in the family.) If there is a problem with concert attendance, please contact the teacher as soon as possible before the concert.

3.        Assignments and Tests (20-30%) - Music Theory, Music Literature, Sight-singing and other daily work.

4.        Extra Credit (1-5%) - Extra credit will be given for any musical experience in which students participate outside of chorus class at CKJH. Musical experiences will need to meet the teacher’s approval. Approved experiences will be formal concerts, music recitals, lectures, classes, dance recitals, live musicals (including theatre) as well as any concerts performed by other schools’ musical groups.

Other opportunities for grades include before and after school activities (i.e. choreography), Solo and Ensemble competition and District Choral competition.  

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Students are asked to abide by the Central Kitsap School District Student Rights and Responsibilities code which is provided for each student at the beginning of the year. There are some rules however that pertain to your child’s chorus class.

                1.                No Gum.

                2.                If you have a question, raise your hand.

                3.                Listen to instructions.

                4.                Practice and perform to the best of your ability.

Concert Dress

    The uniform for the Cub Choir will be: Cub Choir T-shirt (cost - $8.50– Checks made to “CKJH”), mostly blue jeans and tennis shoes.

    The uniform for Treble Choir and Centralites will be: plain, white, long-sleeve button-down, collar dress shirt, black pants, black stockings or socks and black shoes. Tie and Cummerbund will be issued to each student. If the tie and cummerbund are not returned at the end of the year, fines will be issued.

Selection of Music

The Central Kitsap School District strives to provide students with a challenging and balanced music curriculum aligned to the State and District standards and Board policies. Because of music’s varied genres and its rich and global heritage, music in our program can come from many backgrounds including Multi-Cultural, Secular, Sacred, Patriotic, music in Native Languages, and Popular music throughout history. Factors in selecting this music can include but are not limited to:

·          Examination of the musical concepts (Essential Learnings) that can be taught through rehearsing and performing the particular piece.

·          The musical range (how high or low) of the piece for the students presently in the singing group.

·          The balance with the other selections currently rehearsed from a style, tempo and text consideration.

·          Contributions of various cultural, ethnic and religious groups.

·          Historical significance on music and/or composer.

·          The number of singing parts involved (2-part, 2-part, 4-part, etc…).

·          Student familiarity and joy in rehearsing/singing the song.

·          Particular units of time periods regular classroom teachers are studying.

·          Seasonal considerations (holidays, festivals, celebrations, etc…).

·          Sometimes groups perform and are evaluated at contests and festivals.

·          Styles or time periods for particular festivals or contests.

Students and families who attend our schools have diverse values on many issues. We both recognize and accommodate family values. If you prefer that your child not participate in dance, the performance of religious songs, or the performance of patriotic songs, please advice me of the parameters of participation for your son/daughter. Upon parental request, teachers and principals will work with you and your son/daughter for an appropriate accommodation.

Materials

Students will need;