Choir
Tim Placher - tplacher@psd202.org
Curriculum
Treble Choir Period 9 is for sixth graders. This choir is for beginning singers. Goals are to develop their singing voice by using solfege skills and to learn fundamental vocal pedagogical techniques. These students participate in these choral performances: Winter Concert, February Assembly. Students can also volunteer for the Chicago Broadway field trip.
Mixed Choir Period 1 (7 th grade girls and boys). Students begin to develop fundamental vocal techniques. These students expand their knowledge of musical terms and symbols and explore choral music of different genres. Students sing in two and three parts. These students participate in all choral performances: Winter, and Contest Concerts and district contest. Students can also volunteer for the Chicago Broadway field trip.
Concert Choir Period 8 (8th grade girls and boys). Students expand on their knowledge of vocal pedagogy (a better understanding of the human voice). They also learn a vast variety of music and learn to sing with appropriate expression. Students also learn to change their singing voice to fit the style of music. Students sing in three and four parts soprano, alto tenor and baritone. These students participate in all choral performances: Winter, and Contest Concerts and district contest. Students can also volunteer for the Chicago Broadway field trip.
Expectations
Daily evidence of Dedication, Hard Work and A Positive Attitude is expected from all Choir Members.
Respect and consideration are expected for the teacher and other choir members.
Be quiet and in your assigned seat BEFORE THE BELL RINGS.
No talking out of turn.
No gum or food allowed.
Have two pencils, and a clasped folder or ½ inch three ring binder with paper. KEEP FOLDER IN THE CHOIR ROOM AT ALL TIMES, in your assigned slot.
Please note all school rules in the handbook will be enforced.
Consequences
The following is a list of sequential consequences that will occur if the student chooses to disregard the expectations on page 6. These consequences are at the discretion of the choir director.
- 1st Offense: Warning
- 2nd Offense: 2 nd Warning
- 3rd Offense: After School Detention (2:40 - 3:30 p.m.) Discussion with choir director and possible seat change.
- 4th Offense and All Other Defenses: Sent to Dean of Students. Parent Conference
Student and Parent Responsibilities
All students are expected to be at every rehearsal, concert, or singing event. If they do not have transportation, they are to ask other choir members for rides prior to that event. (In other words ask your parents if they can drive you to the singing event way in advance (3-4 weeks before). If they can't, ask someone in choir to give you a ride. Keep asking until you find someone who will drive you. At least a week before the event, notify Mrs. Tarrant if you still have problems finding a ride so we can find you one!
No excuses will be accepted for missing an assigned event except if a student is absent from school the day of the event, hospital or family emergencies, doctors' orders or deaths in the family. Concerts and performances are vital to the success of the group. We work as a team in preparation to the event; if one person misses the whole group suffers because we depend on each other to succeed.
No unexcused absences from daily rehearsals will be accepted. Students CANNOT MISS CHOIR FOR OTHER SCHOOL SUBJECTS . Choir is a class. You do not miss science class to make up math work; therefore, you cannot miss choir to make up work in other subjects. Exceptions will be made if a student has been recommended for learning lab.
Continual Tardiness will not be tolerated. As stated in the classroom expectations, students must BE QUIET, HAVE THEIR FOLDERS, AND BE IN THEIR ASSIGNED SEATS BEFORE THE BELL RINGS.
No disruptive behavior is accepted. Most choir students want to be successful. In order to do so, we need to all focus and work together to accomplish our goals. One individual who decides to challenge our focus will cause us to be less successful. The old adage applies: YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR WEAKEST MEMBER. In other words if one person is unfocused we are not as successful because of that one person. If every person does his or her part, we can all have fun and succeed at singing and music.
Hard work, pride and a positive attitude will make choir an exciting, educational and enjoyable experience. Each of you needs to keep that in mind every day when you walk through those choir doors. Leave all your "baggage" and bad feelings in the hall and remember choir is a fun and interesting place to be! Use your emotions to express the music not to get in the way of making it.
Grading Policy:
Every Quarter each student will be graded as follows:
Positive Classroom Participation 40%
Rehearsal and Performance Attendance 40%
Written Exams, Worksheets and/or Projects 20%
Positive Classroom Participation: Each student is expected to participate each day in a positive manner. Students will be graded on their effort and ability.
Rehearsal and Performance Attendance: Performance attendance is essential to our success. Included in this handbook is a calendar of events for the 2004-2005 school year. Please use this information when planning work schedules, family vacations and other outside commitments. Attendance at these performances is mandatory, unless otherwise noted. Absences from performances will only be excused if the student is absent from school the day of the performance, hospital or doctor noted illnesses, death in the family or family emergencies. A make up project (written report typed three pages on a choral genre, performer or composer) will ONLY be given for students who were absent from school the day of the performance. Family emergencies, doctor noted illnesses or deaths in family will be fully excused and no make up project will be expected. Absences will not be excused for parents' work, extra curricular activities or other conflicts. A signed doctor and/or parental note stating the reason for a student missing a performance are required for all excused absences. When possible, please notify the director well in advance. Unexcused absences from concerts will have a negative impact on a student's grade and/or future participation in the program.
Written Exams, Worksheets, Material Checks and/or Projects: Each quarter written exams, material checks, group singing exams, worksheets and/or projects will be given to assess the students on concepts and skills learned in class.
Concert Attire:
At every school performance, concert, or contest the following dress attire is required:
Choir ladies:
6th Grade: White blouse, black skirt (knee length), nude nylons and black dress shoes.
7th and 8th Grade: Robes wear nude nylons, skirt, and blouse or dress and black dress shoes.
Choir Gentleman:
White dress shirt, tie, black dress pants, black dress socks and black dress shoes.
Jazz Choir:
Black dress, nude nylons, black dress shoes.
All 7 th and 8 th grade students will be assigned robes and will need to wear them at performances. At the end of the year students will be expected to return the robe dry-cleaned. Please leave robe in plastic with sales ticket.
Important Dates
Watch this page for information about the upcoming events. We will update it as we acquire more information to times, dates, and locations.