Email:
seilermelissa@bcchs.org
Mrs. Melissa Seiler, Director
Mrs.
Karen Weber, Accompanist
The
Musicians Prayer
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:
- I
will help to create a safe environment where each person and
thing is treated with respect and dignity, and each person’s
worth is valued and honored
- I
will participate willingly and actively in the learning
process, contributing my part to the success of the whole
group
- I
will respect the property of others and not touch the
instruments, including the piano, and I will return the music
in the same condition I received it.
- I
will remember to bring my materials, including a pencil,
notebook, and paper to every rehearsal as well as an open mind
- I
will not talk disruptively during rehearsals nor make
inappropriate remarks to any student or adult.
- I
will work to improve my knowledge of music and my skills of
vocal production, music theory and music history.
- I
will attend all rehearsals and performances (unless excused),
and understand that a portion of my grade will be based on
participation
Goals:
- Increase
the BCCHS community participation at liturgy through music.
- Acquire
a working knowledge of basic music theory concepts.
- Gain
a greater appreciation of music through music history.
- To
allow students tips to better sight singing skills
- Allow
students to participate in a broad range of musical styles,
composition periods
and vocal techniques.
Materials:
Failure to bring the following materials to
class with is considered “not prepared for class.”
The consequence for which is a demerit.
- Each
student is responsible for bringing a sharpened pencil to
class each day. Having
a pencil is a vital tool for a musician.
- Each
student is responsible for purchasing a black, 1” 3-ring
binder, that is to be with them in class each day
- Each
binder should contain notebook paper for note taking.
- Sight
singing books
Grading: (School Grade Scale located in agenda book)
15% Participation
50% Performances
15% Homework
20% Tests
Participation: (15%)
Participation
points are given periodically.
If a student should not meet all expectations as listed
above they will not receive their points for the day points are
given. If a student is
absent on a day when participation points are given 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 (illness or emergency) 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, therefore I will work
individually with the student.
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 4; 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 cannot 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/performance.
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. (For any
participation, rehearsal, or concert grades) If the student does
not contact me within 3 days after their return to school
they will receive a “0.”
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,
sight-singing tests will occur once a week, or as the instructor
deems necessary 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 2 outside performances a semester, or one a quarter.
Performances must be of high school, college or
professional level. Students
will then be required to write a reflection on the performance
that is three
to four pages, typed
with 12 pt Times New Roman font, and double spaced.
Each paper will be graded based upon the rubric attached to
this syllabus. A copy
of the program must be submitted with each reflection or points
will not be given. The
due dates for the papers are as follows:
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
#1
Friday, October 10
#1 Friday, March 6
#2
Friday, December 12
#2 Friday, May 8
“Performances”
include but are not limited to…
BCCHS Drama
Performances
BCCHS
Band competitions
Any WSU, Newman,
Friends or college level
Choir, Band, Orchestra, or Theatre
Any High School
level
Choir, Band, Orchestra, or Theatre
Any MTYP or Music
Theatre of Wichita
Any performance
approved by the instructor ahead of time.
Any
event attend this summer will also be accepted for the first
paper,
but
a program must be submitted!
Tests: (20%)
There will be two
written tests given throughout the semesters.
These will consist of music theory, music history, musical
terms and a short reflection.
All the material that will be on the test will be given in
class discussions. These
tests are tools to help me; as well as each student recognize
their personal development, and to see where there needs to be
improvement.
Concert Dates and Attire:
Please mark the
following concert dates on your calendar and agenda book.
Other performance opportunities may arise throughout the
year, in which case you will be given notice well in advance.
Fall
Concert: Monday,
October 6th at 7:00 PM BCCHS Auditorium
Christmas Concert: Sunday,
December 7th
at 3:00 PM (Location TBA)
Golden
Review: March 27-29 (time TBA) BCCHS Auditorium
Regional
Festival: Saturday, April 4
State
Festival: Saturday, April 25
Spring
Concert: Wednesday, April 29th at 7:00 PM
(Location TBA)
Music Banquet: Saturday,
May 9th at 6:00 PM BCCHS Commons
Madrigals:
Ladies:
Madrigal dress
Nude hose
Black character shoes
Vocal music polo
Men:
Black tux
White tux shirt
Black vest with black bowtie
Black dress shoes and socks
Vocal music polo
Chantrelles:
Chanterelle dress
Nude hose
Black character shoes
Vocal music polo
Concert Choir & Carrolleers:
Ladies:
Black dress pants (no
jeans)
Black soft-soled shoes
Vocal music polo
Men:
White oxford shirt with dark tie
Black dress pants
Black dress shoes
and socks
Vocal music polo
Fund Raising:
Fund raising is a
great aid to the development of the music program.
Opportunities will arise through the year to assist in
raising funds for the department.
Each student is expected to participate in helping grow the
music program. This year
we are selling Entertainment books as our fundraiser.
Each student is asked to sell 5 books. Please take the time
now to ask friends and family if they would be interested in
supporting the BCCHS choir.
Parental Involvement:
As with any activity
here at Bishop Carroll parental involvement is crucial to the
success of the program. Throughout
the year, parents will be asked to help with post concert
receptions, selling tickets the evenings of our Golden Review, and
helping with the end of the year banquet.
I would like to that you all in advance for your support and
enthusiasm in the vocal program.
STUDENT INFORMATION FORM (please print)
NAME__________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ____________________________________________________________
street
___________________________________________________________
city
st
zip
PHONE (______)____________________________________________________
EMAIL ____________________________________________________________
FATHER’S NAME
______________________________________________________
MOTHER’S NAME
______________________________________________________
PARENT EMAIL ______________________________________________________
PARENT CONTACT
INFORMATION ______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
JUNIOR HIGH
ATTENDED
______________________________________________________
I,
_____________________________, have read and understand the
expectation put upon me to take part in the vocal music department
at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School.
I will do my best to follow the guidelines listed in the
syllabus.
____________________________
______________________
Student signature
Parent Signature
This portion should be
returned no later than August 22, 2008 for full credit
20 points extra credit will be given
to any student who brings either a box of tissues or a package of 8½
x 11 copy paper.
GENERAL RELEASE
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS:
I the undersigned, for the purpose of enabling
____________________________ a minor, to participate in the
following school function: ALL
BISHOP CARROLL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL BAND ACTIVITIES AND TRIPS DURING
THE 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR, do hereby release and authorize the
Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Wichita, its employees,
representatives, or agents as follows:
1.
You are hereby released of any and all liability or
claims present or future, known or unknown, of every kin, character
or description, that may be created by or arising out of, either
directly or indirectly, said school function.
2.
In the event of accident, injury, or illness
necessitating medical attention, you are specifically authorized and
given sole discretion to obtain such medical attention at such place
and from such person or persons, as your sole judgment shall
determine necessary.
3.
You are further authorized and given sole discretion
to administer such disciplinary action as you may determine
necessary, including but not limited to your authority to return
said student home at any time during the duration of the trip.
I have read this release and understand its
terms. I execute
voluntarily with full knowledge of its significance, and with the
intention of binding myself.
Dated
this________ day of _____________________
20____
Father
____________________________________________
Mother
___________________________________________
Guardian
_________________________________________
