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Syllabus/Choir Handbook

Introduction

The goal of the CTMS Middle School Choral Department is to help each student attain their full potential as a singer, musician, performer and lifelong learner.  Through their participation in one of the performing choirs at Chisholm, students can experience the benefits of cooperation and leadership while building a positive posture to carry them out into the community.  This handbook outlines the guidelines and opportunities currently available in the choral department at CTMS.

All Choir students will represent CTMS in the local community through the scheduled concerts and performances.  Students should attend all concerts because a grade is given for attendance.  Please understand that choir is a performing group, and performances are an extremely important part of the learning process in music.  Performance dates are posted on the website.  If a conflict should arise, please notify the director as soon as possible before the concert date.  In the event a student cannot attend the required concert, an alternative assignment will be given for a grade.

 

Performance Opportunities

Varsity Girls Choir

Comprised of 7th & 8th grade girls, this auditioned group competes at the Varsity Level.  The members are held to the highest standard of behavior and performance.  Members of this choir are strongly encouraged to participate in All-Region auditions, as well as the NISD District Solo/Ensemble competition, and all will compete in the UIL and American Classics contests as a choir.

Varsity Boys Choir

Comprised of 7th & 8th grade boys, this auditioned group competes at the Varsity Level.  The members are held to the highest standard of behavior and performance.  Members of this choir are strongly encouraged to participate in All-Region auditions, as well as the NISD District Solo/Ensemble competition, and all will compete in the UIL and American Classics contests as a choir.

Concert Girls Choir

Comprised of 6th Grade Treble Choir, this choir competes at the Non-Varsity level.  Members of this choir are strongly encouraged to participate in All-Region auditions, as well as the NISD District Solo/Ensemble competition, and all will compete in the UIL and Hurricane Harbor contests as a choir.

Concert Boys Choir

Comprised of 6th Grade Tenor Choir, this choir competes at the Non-Varsity level.  Members of this choir are strongly encouraged to participate in All-Region auditions, as well as the NISD District Solo/Ensemble competition, and all will compete in the Hurricane Harbor contests as a choir.

6th Grade Girls Choir

This group is comprised of 6th grade girls.  All choir members are encouraged to participate in the NISD District Solo & Ensemble competition, and all will compete in the Hurricane Harbor contest as a choir.

6th Grade Boys Choir

This group is comprised of 6th grade boys.  All choir members are encouraged to participate in the NISD District Solo & Ensemble competition, and all will compete in the Hurrican Harbor contest as a choir.
 

Solo Performance

Another goal of the choral program is to help each student become a successful soloist if they choose to do so.  This helps the group as a whole, as each singer builds his confidence in performing.  Students may perform solos during a concert or at the NISD Solo/Ensemble Contest.
 

All-Region Choir

Auditions for the Texas Music Educator Association sponsored event will be in November with auditions in October and are open to any 7th or 8th grade choir student.  Students compete with other area students for placement in select district choirs.  Students who are serious about singing can benefit greatly through this audition process.
 

Fundraising

The choirs at CTMS will be participating in ONE fundraising activity during the school year.  Participation is not required.  The money will be used to help with choir trip transportation or items needed that are not provided in the school budget.
 

Eligibility

Texas state law is very clear about when students can and cannot participate in choir activities.  It is important for students to follow these guidelines.  Eligibility applies to six weeks grading periods.  So, it is possible for a student to pass a certain class for a semester and still be ineligible due to a grade of below 70 on the six weeks grade.  If a student becomes ineligible, he or she cannot participate in contest or performances outside the school day, with the exception of an on campus performance that are specifically required for a grade.
 

Grading

Grades will be based on three categories:

  1. Participation
  2. Test/Quizzes
  3. Performances

Oral and written assessments will be based on the skill being studied at that time.  Students will also be graded on their daily performance during class time.  Students begin with a grade of 100 each week.  Students who do not follow proper rehearsal procedures will have points deducted from their weekly grade.
 

Classroom Routine

Every class will begin with vocal warm-ups that relate to the days rehearsal.  Every student must have their music binder and be in their assigned seats by the time the bell rings.  During the rehearsal, there may be times when the director must work with a specific section other than their own.  During this time, all students are expected to review their music or music theory discussed in class.
 

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to follow classroom rules and guidelines set by the director for a successful daily rehearsal.  Please review the following to techniques and procedures below.

  1. Students will have binder with music, pencil and highlighter everyday in class.
  2. Students will be in their assigned seat when the tardy bell rings.
  3. Students are not allowed to touch any sound equipment, computers or other musical instruments in the choir room.
  4. Students will use correct singing posture in sitting and singing as demonstrated by the director.
  5. There will be no talking during a rehearsal.
  6. No gum chewing or eating is allowed in the choir room.  This includes during a music rehearsal.
  7. Students are expected to participate everyday unless a doctors note is provided for not participating.
  8. Students are expected to be responsible for their actions and not to disturb the learning environment in the choir classroom.
  9. Students are encouraged to bring ear phones, ear buds, or head phones for use with their netbooks in class.