Chorus
        ( also called "Chorale" )

        |    Ted Chamberlain   |   Calendar   |    Vocal  Jazz   |   Concert   Choir   |   

Prerequisite: Previous choral experience or permission of instructor. Students may
                       enroll at semester.

Fee: $20 requested

Repeat: This course is repeatable for additional credit.
Location: Meets 3rd period, daily in Room C - 2

Chorus is designed for students who wish to participate in group singing activities and have the ability to maintain pitch. The basic concepts of singing and music reading are taught. This is an advanced class for students with previous choral experience. No audition is required. Some public performances outside of the school day will be required.

Instruction Philosophy:

Music is a unique and powerful pathway through which we can learn to know about and interact with our world and with our fellow human beings. It is a biological part of humanity and is hard-wired into our very existence.

That is Why We Teach Music

Author Unknown ( but it speaks my philosophy quite eloquently.)

 - Not because we expect you to major in music
        - Not because we expect you to play or sing all your life
        - Not so you can relax
        - Not so you can have fun
BUT
        - so you will be human
        - so you will recognize beauty
        - so you will be sensitive
        - so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world
        - so you will have something to cling to
        - so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more good,
i       - in short - more life
Of what value will it be to make prosperous living unless you know how to live?

The nature of music demands that we, teacher and student, navigate the pathway together, learning together, performing together.

Effective rehearsals in which we discover what the "whole" or finished product is meant to be, combined with effective practice habits in which we work through our individual challenges, mistakes and frustrations, lead to the greatest growth.

Music provides a profound learning - ground which allows us to develop aesthetic awareness, human relationships, problem solving skills, critical thinking skills, analytical skills, self-discipline, self-discovery and more.

Major Course Goals:

- Develop independent musicianship and artistry.
- Develop healthy vocal habits which allow the student to pursue the widest possible   variety of vocal music styles...for a lifetime.
- Develop a love of music and artistic performance.
- Provide opportunities and guidance for students to pursue musical paths of their own   interest and passion.

Major Course Projects & Instructional Activities  (See Choir Calendar)

Concerts: Fall, Holiday, POPS, Vespers
Assemblies: Veterans' Day, Martin Luther King Jr.Day
Green River Music Education Association events: Vocal Solo/Ensemble contest, Large Group Choir contest
State Arts Assessment: Clasroom Based Performance Assessment
There may be additional performances that may be added during the year.

Course Assessment Plan:

- Performances
- Self-Assessments
- Vocal Assessments
- Post-Performance Reflections
- Solo and / or Ensemble Project
- Music Theory Exams

Classroom Expectations:

- Be on time and prepared
- Be fully engaged
- Be artistic and musical
- Support our efforts
- Be persistent with
             * Learning
             * Understanding
             * Skill Development
- Challenge yourself to take the next step

Supplies and Materials Needed:

- Sharpened pencils
- Music and music folder (This can be left in the choir folder storage area or taken   home)
- Concert/Performance Attire:
              * Boys wear black slacks, black shoes, black socks and a white tux shirt
              * Girls wear black knee-length skirt, black nylons, black shoes, (close-toed                  flats), white blouse
              * Choir Robes will be checked out to students and will typically be worn over                  the black/white uniform.

Grading Policy:

Progress Reports: Every effort will be made to update Skyward each week or two.

Extra Credit: There will be occasional opportunities for Extra Credit, but only for those with all other work completed. If you are missing work, that must be completed first.

Cheating: In the first instance of cheating, the student wil receive an "F" grade for the work involoved. Subsequent cheating will result in disciplinary action that may lead to suspension or expulsion and/or loss of credit for the class.
Please see the Academic Integrity Policy also included below.

Misc.: Any element that informs about the grading process.

Weight of the graded components:

- 40% Classroom participation, learning music and any additional homework
- 40% Concerts / Performances
- 20% Vocal and written assessments

Grading Scale:

A    100 - 93
A -    92 - 90
B +   89 - 87
B      86 - 83
B -    82 - 80
C +   79 - 77
C      76 - 73
C -    72 - 70
D+    69 - 67
D      66 - 63
D -    62 - 60
F      59 - 0

Extra Help:

- I am available during lunches and during 2nd period. By appointment.
- My basic daily teaching schedule is as follows:

        Period  0    -   6:35 - 7:30        KR Jazz Choir            Rm. A-20
        Period  1    -   7:35 - 8:30        KR Concert Choir       Rm. A-20
        Period  2    -   8:35 - 9:30        Planning                     C-2 or A-20
        Period  3    -   9:35 - 10:30      KR Chorus                  C-2
        Period  4    -   10:35 - 12:00    Lunch / travel
        Period  5    -   12:08 - 1:08      MM Choir                   Rm 57
        Period  6    -   1:14  -  2:05      MM Orchestra            Rm 57