Northwestern Middle School Chorus
2011-12
Mary Busman, Director
busman@fultonschools.org
http://northwesternsings.blogspot.com
Welcome to the exciting experience of choral music! As a member of the NMS chorus, and according to the Georgia Performance Standards and the MENC National Standards in music, students will sing, play, listen, improvise, compose, and reflect on music that is varied, exciting, and age appropriate. We will also strive to perform professionally and musically.
The following was prepared to help you become the outstanding musician that represents the Northwestern Middle School Chorus!
REHEARSALS
Try to keep the following in mind as we sing together. Serious choral students should;
1. Be in their seats or places before the rehearsal begins.
2. Have all required materials, including personal folder and music folder.
3. Have a sharpened pencil.
4. Remember that for safety and good vocal development, gum and candy are not allowed. Bottled water will be allowed, however no juices or canned beverages are allowed during the rehearsal.
5. Cease talking when the director begins vocal warm ups.
6. Attend all additional before or after school rehearsals. Prior written explanation, signed by a parent or guardian, will be accepted as a legitimate excuse. Make up work may be assigned.
Performances
Performances are the equivalent of unit tests in other classes. They are also a lot of fun! Various performances will be presented throughout the year. Every effort is made to keep them musically stimulating, within a comfortable timeframe, and to represent the repertoire, elements, and skills taught in the choral classroom. Please refer to the NMS Chorus activity calendar for scheduled performances. Careful attention to this calendar will help singers and their families anticipate upcoming dates.
1. Attendance is expected at all performances.
2. When an absence is necessary, students must present the director with a written excuse prior to the concert.
3. Because performances are an integral part of chorus, make-up work will be offered to students unable to attend. Make-up work may include the following:
a. Student sings his/her respective voice part from the missed performance. It may be recorded or sung live to the choral director.
b. Student writes a report on another fine arts concert that is available in the community or on television. Concerts must be approved by the choral director.
c. Student completes assignment which reflects the repertoire or literary material of the missed concert.
4. Student behavior at all concerts represents the chorus and the school. Appropriate behavior is mandatory.
Northwestern Middle School Chorus
Course Syllabus 2011-12
Teacher; Mary Busman
busman@fultonschools.org
http://northwesternsings.blogspot.com
COURSE INFORMATION
1. Skills and techniques of singing; proper breathing and posture, appropriate diction, knowledge of vocal anatomy, development of aural skills, identification of voice change, expressive performance, and responsiveness to conductor gesture.
2. Performing on instruments using percussion and melodic instruments to demonstrate basic music knowledge.
3. Music literacy; the development of musical reading and writing skills, understanding of expressive musical markings, and notation of melodies.
4. Critical analysis and investigation of music; listening, analyzing, and describing music.
5. Critical analysis and investigation of music: evaluating music and music performances.
6. Music performance skills; improvising melodies, rhythms, and accompaniments.
7. Composing and arranging using existing song material, poems, and original musical works.
8. Analyze the relationship between music, other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Analyze music in relation to history and culture.
GRADING POLICY
1. Classwork 15% (20 points given daily)Work done in class includes both written and performance based activities. Students should be aware of the following expectations for success in this area;
a. Pencil; sharpened and ready for use
b. Materials; black music folder (provided in class), paper pocket folder (student responsibility), and additional supplementary materials
c. Posture; proper body alignment for healthy singing
d. Active cognitive and physical participation
e. Position; appropriately standing, sitting, or moving within the chorus in assigned area
Please provide a parental written excuse for sore throats or any related health concerns. When a student has frequent absences, an alternative form of assessment may be used according to the discretion of the teacher.
2. Quizzes and tests 25%
a. Written assessment
b. Performance assessment reflecting knowledge of material
3. Demonstration of skill mastery
a. Informal performance evaluation demonstrated in class by;
Singing alone and with others, playing instruments, and
movement. 35%
c. Formal performance evaluation demonstrated through formal concert or performance. 25%
Provision for improving grade and late assignments is available and at the request of the student.
ENRICHMENT
UNIFORM
¬¬¬
FUNDRAISER
This year’s fundraiser will be the evening of Friday, September 23, 2011. Chorus, band, drama, and orchestra members from all grade levels will participate in a Performing Arts Rock-a-thon. More information will follow describing this event. It is rumored that directors and administration take a pie in the face for this worthwhile cause, so mark your calendars for a fun evening and start warming up that rocking chair!
COMMUNICATION
The chorus has a blog site where information is posted duplicating the information that is sent home. To keep up with information regarding the chorus, please check on http://northwesternsings.blogspot.com
On this blog site is a link to prescribe to future postings.
You are encouraged to contact Mrs. Busman whenever a question arises.
Parent Volunteers
Northwestern is proud to have many students involved in the choral program. Parental assistance for an assortment of tasks such as chaperoning, serving and supplying food, sizing outfits, making props, running equipment, directing sectionals and imputing email addresses, is very helpful in running a smooth program. Please take a moment to carefully copy and fill out the parent volunteer sheet. If you do not receive a call and wish to volunteer, please make your enthusiasm known!
Parent Name_____________________________________________
Student Name____________________________________ Grade_____
Phone Number______________________Email____________________
I would like to assist with the following:
_____ Publicity
_____ Uniforms
_____ Helping students with uniforms prior to concerts
_____ Refreshments for morning rehearsals
_____ Refreshments for after school activities and rehearsals
_____ Rock-a-thon
_____ Concert etiquette
_____ Phone calls
_____ Take pictures of students at concerts with digital camera
_____ Chaperoning field trips
_____ Other (You may have a fabulous talent that would be a great contribution to the chorus. Please
feel free to offer. The students love enrichment in the curriculum.)
PLEASE RETURN THE FOLLOWING PAGE TO MRS. BUSMAN
by August 26, 2011.
As a student and a member of the Northwestern Middle School Chorus, I have read the handbook and understand the grading policy and requirements. I have entered the dates of concerts into my agenda and have handed the NMS CHORUS CALENDAR page to my parent or guardian. As a member of this chorus, I will do my best to accomplish the course objectives and follow the class rules.
_________________________________________________________
student’s name date
As a parent of this student, I understand the requirements and procedures my child is expected to follow as a member of the NMS Chorus. I have retained a copy of the NMS CHORUS CALENDAR for the 2011-12 school year.
Due to the performance nature of the class, the sound and pictures of performance groups may be posted on the chorus blog site. By signing below you indicate permission for your student to be included. Please specify any exception. ____________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
parent/guardian signature date
_________________________________________________________
Phone e-mail
___________ My student will need to purchase a new outfit.
___________ My student has an outfit (that fits!) for this school year.
___________ My student would like to exchange his/her outfit for a different size.
