7th Grade Chorus Syllabus
Irene Smith 770-928-5546 ext. 458
Sings with correct tone production and intonation:
• Proper breath support
• Correct posture
• Purity of vowels
• Clarity of consonants
Develops music reading skills:
• Match pitch and sing melodic patterns with good intonation
• Sing major, minor and chromatic scales
• Develop beginning sight-reading skills by singing melodic intervals and rhythmic patterns from written notation
Demonstrate proper musical interpretation:
• Knowledge of tempo, dynamics and symbols found in music
• Knowledge of various musical styles and cultures
• Singing expressively through musical phrasing
Develop good ensemble awareness:
• Singing a vocal part correctly, both individually and in a group
• Demonstrate good habits of self-discipline which includes giving attention to the director, responsible use of materials, and being courteous to other students during rehearsals
Grading Profile:
Students will be expected to master different parts of the music each week. There will be occasional spot checks (individual/small groups) on their progress as well as daily teacher observations. Students will be required to keep a notebook filled with paper for daily notes and theory assignments. This notebook stays in the classroom. It is your child’s responsibility to put it in the bin. Bring pencils to class daily.
30% singing, music reading tests, theory tests, written notes
50% written/oral participation, effort in class, self responsibility
and a positive attitude in class
10% Concert attendance or written report done while group is rehearsing on stage
(If your child has an emergency death in the family or illness I am to get a
written note from you prior to or immediately following the concert explaining
the absence.)
10% Notebook, pencil and paper in class each day for class theory notes
Concert Etiquette
Students will be extremely self-disciplined before, during and after all concerts. They will treat the director and all parent chaperones with respect. No whistling or hollering during a choral concert or festival performance. It has been requested by the administration that two chaperones from each group be available to help monitor students in their seats during the concerts. These adult volunteers need to be visible and walk around the group’s area in the theater. (You will be seated during your child’s performance.) Please call me if you can monitor. I could use a choral mom chair to help me with phone calls as needed this year.

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Classroom Expectations
1. Be on time with notebook, paper and pencil
2. Be in proper seat at the start of class with necessary materials
3. Respect school property (music, folders, chairs, instruments) and others
4. Give attention to the director with no unnecessary talking during rehearsals or performances.
5. No eating gum or candy while singing in the chorus room or in a performance.
6. Handle your music with care and use a pencil only for marking musical reminders. You will be charged for music you deface or lose.
7. Attendance at all performances and rehearsals is necessary for the success of our chorus.

Behavior Grades:
Conduct cuts will be given for any disruption in class or infraction of the above expectations. Your behavior grade will be determined by these cuts. Progress reports will go home at the four and a half week point, along with phone calls, if behavior changes drastically. Progress reports must be signed and returned. You will have a chance to bring up your conduct grade with improved behavior for the remaining four and a half weeks. For your child to participate in away trips, festivals, or take a major role in a musical he/she must not get more than 4 conduct cuts for the year. Students cannot attend away events with an OSS.
Conduct Cuts: 0-1 cuts per 9 wks= “S” 2-3= “N”
4 or more = “U” and placed on a behavior contract and cannot go to away events.

7th Grade Concert Attire:
Boys: Black dress pants; white dress shirt; black socks and shoes
(Vests/Bowties will be provided)
Girls: Long (ankle length) black skirt; ¾ or long sleeved black blouse; black
hose and shoes. Please purchase these items prior to the first concert.

Your child will receive a concert calendar at the start of school. Dates are subject to change with plenty of notice. I will let you know as soon as possible. Please mark your home calendars early so that conflicts can be avoided. Any SPORTS, DANCE OR PRIVATE LESSONS that conflict with the performances need to be worked out with coaches or teachers early. (They usually understand being that it is only one concert per season. I can give you a letter if needed.)

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