MUHS Course Criteria/ Syllabus

Course Number/Title: Choir

Credit: Year Long Class, 1 Fine Arts Credit

Department:Music Department

Teacher: Elizabeth LeBeau

Prerequisites: None

Course Description:

Choir is open to any student who demonstrates an attitude of interest, self-control, and a willingness to cooperate to achieve a common purpose. Choir is a performing organization. This group performs in public concerts including a fall concert, spring concert, and numerous community concerts. In this class, students will become involved in the study of the fundamentals of proper singing techniques and reading and writing music. Students will work together to attain a good concept of choral sound and production.

Essential Questions:

1.    What skills will students need to work as an ensemble?

2.    What skills will students need to demonstrate music literacy?

3.    What are the proper techniques for healthy vocal production?

4.    How do styles of music differentiate between time periods?

Units of study (with corresponding Common Tasks, GEs, Power Standards and/or National Standards):

            The following skills will be taught throughout the year in a sequential manner.

      ●     Vocal Performance: Fundamental vocal techniques such as posture, breath control, tone resonance, diction, articulation,             intonation, and vocal range.

      ●     Ear Training/ Sight Singing: Students will begin basic music theory with daily ear training and sight reading exercises.

      ●     Music Appreciation: Students will work to develop critical listening skills related to structure, interpretation, and performance             quality.

      ●     Cultural Awareness: Understanding of cultural and historical perspective of the works being performed.

      ●     Social Responsibility: Choir members have an obligation, not only to themselves, but also to the entire organization.

Texts and/or materials:

            A varied repertoire of music will chosen every year to teach skills through

           performance.

Expectations:

      ●     Students are expected to arrive to class at 12:50 and be ready to rehearse. They should have their music in hand as well as a          pencil.

      ●     Student’s folders should be well maintained and functional.

      ●     Tests and quizzes will take place multiple times in a semester. 

      ●     All students should be actively participating in rehearsal.

      ○     Be prepared, commit to improvement, meet deadlines, demonstrate a positive attitude, follow rules and directions, have eye          contact with the conductor, singing when asked to, following along, maintain a good attitude, and work towards achieving a          common goal with peers.  

      ●     In order to have a successful performance group, all students must support one another and provide a safe learning environment             for all.

      ●     Students are required to attend concerts and public performances.

GEs, Power Standards and/or National Standards Addressed:

             1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

            3. Improvising melodies, variations and accompaniments.

            5. Reading and notating music.

            6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.

            7. Evaluating music and music performances.

            8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside of the arts.

            9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

GEs: APHS:5 ,  APHS:6,  APHA:13, APHS:14, APHS:15, APHS:17, APHS:16, APHS:18, APHS:19, APHS:20, APHS:21

PS: 6. The Arts: Use artistic concepts, knowledge, and skills to understand, explore, and create art as a way of expressing oneself.    

Course Assessments (including Common Tasks)/Grading Policy:

Students will be graded on in-class participation as well as attendance to performances. They will be tested periodically on material used in class.

Generally, grades are formed as follows:

Class Participation: 50%

Concerts: 30%

Tests and Quizzes: 20%

Throughout the year, there will be multiple opportunities for students to achieve a benchmark common task.

Choir, Sight Singing, and Rhythmic Dictation