LYNX CHOIR & CONCERT CHOIR SYLLABUS
Purpose
The purpose of choral music at BVHS is to help each individual develop lifelong personal and social skills by studying and singing music. As a performance-based organization, we strive to be the best we can be at all times and in all respects. A good singer is a proud singer, a motivated and productive citizen. Each contributing singer is vital to our program.
Course Content
Lynx Choir is designed to develop vocal skills in the younger or less experienced singer through group and individual instruction and performance. Students will be trained and tested in the use of musical elements (notation, note reading, meters and signatures, key signatures, terms and symbols, dynamics, rhythm, melody, harmony, and form) through a variety of choral repertoire.
Content Standards
1) Students will sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2) Students will read and notate music.
3) Students will listen to, analyze, describe and evaluate musical performances.
4) Students will understand relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
5) Students will understand music in relation to history and culture.
Grading Procedures
Your quarter grade will be based on the following:
20% Concert Participation & Dress
20% Choral Musicianship exercise book
10% Quizzes
50% Voice Evaluation and Rehearsal Conduct (see Voice Evaluation Rubric)
An excused concert absence can be made-up by singing alone, for the director, all the music from the missed concert. The only excused concert absences are: your illness, or an immediate family emergency, as determined by the director and/or BVHS admin. Absences for reasons of academic ineligibility or activities training violations are unexcused absences; no credit will be given.
Your semester grade will be based on the following:
40% --Qtr 1 (or 3)
40% --Qtr 2 (or 4)
20%. -- A written semester test (containing both objective questions and essay).
District Grading Scale
F D- D D+ C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A
0-64% 65-67 68-70 71-73 74-76 77-79 80-82 83-85 86-88 89-91 92-94 95-100%
Getting Started:
Leave books and bags on the shelves in the hall.
Bring your folder, music, pencil, and planner (NOTHING ELSE!) to your assigned seat.
Be ready to work, at your assigned seat, by the time the tardy bell rings.
During Rehearsal:
Keep your hands to yourself, and your feet on the floor.
Do not talk without permission.
Focus your attention on the music and the rehearsal (no “outside” distractions).
Respect your classmates and director, and we will trust you.
No gum, candy, food, juice, pop, etc. (water bottles OK).
Restroom and water fountain use is limited to emergencies—and only with the director’s permission.
Everyone participates in all warm-ups and rehearsal activities.
If you are having throat problems, please tell the director before class begins.
You are expected to follow the music and instructions, and rehearse silently.
If you are too ill to participate, you may be asked to go to the office.
Closing Rehearsal:
Remain at your seat until the teacher directs you to put away your folder.
No one leaves the room until the dismissal bell rings.
Consequences For Not Cooperating
You will be given a warning, then an office referral.
In extreme cases of disrespect or disruption, you will be sent to the office.
Robes & Folders
You are responsible for the replacement cost (current market value) if your robe, folder, or music is lost or damaged beyond repair. You will be assigned a robe to wear for performances. Handle, wear, and store your robe with care. Robes are stored in the choir room. Please obtain director’s permission before taking robe from the room for any reason other than a performance.
Concert Dress & Procedure
Beneath your robe, all singers wear school-appropriate T-shirt, and…
…GIRLS wear skirt or shorts, and SOLID black CLOSED-toe, flat or low-heel DRESS SHOES.
…BOYS wear black dress pants, black socks, and BLACK DRESS SHOES.
IF YOU COULD WEAR THEM TO THE BEACH, POOL , CONSTRUCTION SITE , OR GYM —
YOU DO NOT WEAR THEM FOR A CONCERT!!!
IF YOU ARE NOT PROPERLY DRESSED, YOU WILL NOT PERFORM ON STAGE--
--and your absence will be UNEXCUSED.
Please bathe and use deodorant—No cologne, perfume, hairspray, distracting jewelry, or “glitter” make-up. Style your hair off of your face.
Keep your hands at your sides, away from your face and head.
When worn outside the choir room, your robe is always fully zipped.
Any concert behavior less than excellent is immature, unprofessional…
…and disrespectful of your colleagues, your director, and your audience.
WE CAN DO TOGETHER WHAT NONE OF US CAN DO ALONE!
