Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
Rules and Guidelines:
§
Come prepared.
Do not ask to go to you locker. If
you do not have anything to study, please plan to bring a book to read.
2007-2008
Email:
seilermelissa@bcchs.org
Mrs.
Melissa Seiler, Director
Mrs.
Karen Weber, Accompanist
May
my life be like a finely tuned instrument upon
which
the Master Musician creates a melody
that brings His peace to all that may hear
Course Description:
Choir is a performance-based class in which the student will learn teamwork, and discipline through working with others. This class will touch on the basics of music theory, sight singing and music history to provide the students an opportunity to grow as musicians through various musical techniques and styles.
Expectations:
Goals:
Failure to bring the following materials to class with is considered “not prepared for class.” The consequence for which is a demerit and loss of participation points for the day.
15% Daily Participation
50% Performances
15% Homework
20% Tests
Participation: (15%)
Participation points are given each day class is in session. If a student should not meet all expectations as listed above they will not receive their points for the day. If a student is absent it is their responsibility to communicate with me on how to earn the points they missed. If the student does not contact me within 3 days of their return they will not receive points for their missing days.
Performances: (50%)
Choir is a performance-based class, and as such we will be having many concerts throughout the year, these concerts are mandatory. Every effort is made to ensure our concerts do not conflict with any other school-related activities. Only in extreme cases will missing a concert be permitted. Advanced notice should be given as soon as a conflict arises. In some cases, such as a death of a family member or illness, that would not be possible. All concert dates are listed below, please mark them on your calendar so you do not overlap any other function. Also, the ACT test is normally given on the same day as Regional Vocal Festival, April 12; please plan on NOT taking the test this date, as it is a required performance date.
Pre-Concert rehearsals will also receive a performance grade and are mandatory. Based on the length of the rehearsal and the amount of preparation the choir needs will determine the amount of points students receive they will range from 30-80 points per rehearsal. If a student can not attend a rehearsal for any reason I need two days notice in writing, unless there is an emergency. If the student is involved in athletics I ask that the student split their time between the activities. Coaches normally let students attend rehearsals as they only happen the week of a concert.
Being a member of Choir also involves leading the music for All School Mass. This is a great privilege and should be taken seriously. A performance grade will be given for early morning rehearsals the morning of Mass and for participation during the Mass itself. The grade given during Mass will be based upon total participation in singing as well as behavior in Mass. Points will be taken away if the student is talking or being disrespectful during Mass. Rehearsals for Mass are considered “pre-concert rehearsals” and will be graded as such. (Please see above paragraph for details.)
** If a student is absent it is their responsibility to communicate with me on how to earn the points they missed. If the student does not contact me within 3 days after their return to school they will receive a “0” for the performance grade.
Homework:
(15%)
NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED!
Throughout the semester, there
will be worksheets assigned in the areas of music theory and music history.
These worksheets will be designed to determine the knowledge of the
students’ musicianship. Likewise
the singing tests will occur when the instructor needs to dissect the choir
and determine where a problem exists. It
also will help determine the music growth of the student throughout the
semester.
Outside Concerts: All choir students are required to attend a minimum of 4 outside performances a semester, or two a quarter. Performances must be of High School, or Professional level. Students will then be required to write a reflection on the performance that is two pages, typed with 12 pt Times New Roman font, and double spaced. A copy of the program must be submitted with each reflection. The due dates for the papers are as follows:
Fall Semester:
#1 Friday, Sept. 14
#2 Friday, Oct. 12
#3 Friday, Nov. 15
#4 Friday, Dec. 14
Spring Semester
#1 Friday, Feb. 8
#2 Friday, March 7
#3 Friday, April 11
#4 Friday, May 9
Tests: (20%)
