NAMPA SCHOOL DISTRICT #131

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SYLLABUS -- School Year 2014-15

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DIRECTOR: MS. Carrie Doak REHEARSALS: 2A , 09:17-10:49 (WEDNESDAYS ) 09:02-10:21
CLASSROOM/OFFICE: C 102 PHONE: 208.498.0571, EXT. 6556 EMAIL: cdoak@nsd131.org
PREREQUISITE: 10
th
12
th
grade, Treble Voice, and Audition

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Pencil(s),
1 plain-black, 3-ring binder,
notebook paper.

ALL MATERIALS DUE Tuesday Aug. 26
The Nampa School District and Columbia High School will furnish octavos (printed music) for your use. Please
note that this music is only on loan to you: loss or damage will result in your student account being charged for
the current replacement cost.

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES:
VOCE is an auditioned, female vocal ensemble that specializes in choral literature specifically composed for womens
choirs. The nature of the literature studied will challenge and strengthen individuals skills in vocal production, critical
listening, and application of stylistic musical techniques. Students will learn to read music notation and develop sight-
singing skills. This course will include the study and performance of diverse musical expressions and vocal techniques
that represent a variety of historical and cultural perspectives. And through all of this: to enjoy spending rehearsals
together making beautiful sound, friendships, and memories.

This course follows the curriculum established by the NSD and the Idaho state standards, as well as the National
Standards for Arts Education. Specifically, the National Standards for Music Education are:
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
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 the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

REQUIREMENTS:
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. --Aristotle (384 BC 322 BC)

ATTENDANCE:
The attendance and tardy policies for Columbia High School can be found in the NSD High School Student
Handbook. Specific requirements for choirs include:
Regular and punctual attendance for all rehearsals and performances (see Semester Calendar)
Attendance is mandatory for all dress rehearsals and performances in this ensemble. Mark your
calendars. Please note that work is not an acceptable excuseplease adjust your work schedule
accordingly. (Please see Ms. Doak IMMEDIATELY if you know of any pre-existing conflicts!)
In addition to being present in person, the rehearsal environment requires that each of you care and
invest in the choir through your sustained effortbeing present in mind and spirit as well.



PERSONAL STUDY/REHEARSAL DISCIPLINE:
Ms. Doak will provide extensive classroom instruction to help reinforce your ability to sing your assigned parts.
Practice rooms with pianos are also available in the Performing Arts Wing should you wish to get others from your
section together to practice outside of class. Part of your grade will come from demonstrating your ability to sing
your assigned part in octet singing (groups of 8) within the rehearsal process. Sectional rehearsals may be
declared mandatory if preparation levels deem it necessary. Music and lyrics are to be memorized by announced
dates. School-wide and Classroom rules are posted in the choir room and will be explained in class.
MUSICIANSHIP:
Each student will be assessed in areas of vocal production, pitch and tone quality, rhythmic accuracy, vowel and
consonant clarity, sight-reading growth, and musicality and expressiveness.

EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT:
Singers will be given a quarterly grade as follows:
100% - 90% = A 89% - 80% = B 79% - 70% = C 69% - 60% = D 59% - lower = F

40% Daily participation (includes having materials, attitude, participation, etc.)
30% Concert Attendance (**only excused absences will be allowed makeup assignment)
15% Exams (Singing ones voice part in an octet, sight singing, etc.)
15% Extra assignments (turning in forms on time, written homework, etc.)
Per quarter


PERFORMANCE ATTIRE/RENTAL FEES:
VOCE has school owned performance dresses for your use. You will pay a $25 cleaning/maintenance fee for the
use of performance attire for the academic year. (FEES DUE: TBA)

T-SHIRTS: You are also required to purchase a VOCE t-shirt (cost $10-20, depending on the style the group
selects) which will be worn for casual performances on/off-campus and on concert days. (FEES DUE: TBA)

Any loss or damage to school-owned attire will result in the student being fined for the current replacement cost.

Should you require special arrangements for paying fees, please contact Ms. Doak
as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements.


COLUMBIA CHOIRS -- PERFORMANCE CALENDAR

The Columbia choirs may be asked to perform for various events on and off campus. When we are asked to perform for an event,
the ensemble will discuss and vote on the performance. If the ensemble accepts the request, the performance will become a part
of the performance calendar and the attendance policy will apply.