NAMPA SCHOOL DISTRICT #131

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

CONCERT CHOIR

DIRECTOR: MS. Carrie Doak REHEARSALS: 3A , 11:27-1:00 (FOLLOW 1
ST
LUNCH SCHEDULE)
CLASSROOM/OFFICE: C 102 PHONE: 208.498.0571, EXT. 6556 EMAIL: cdoak@nsd131.org
PREREQUISITE: none

REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Pencil(s),
1 plain-black, 3-ring binder,
notebook paper.
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:
CONCERT CHOIR is a mixed-voice vocal ensemble open to everyone. We will direct our focus to choral literature that
builds the following: healthy vocal production habits, music literacy, ensemble singing and listening skills, and
performance confidenceall through exploring musical expression in song. The rehearsal and performance
atmosphere will become a forum for the synthesis of interdisciplinary learning. This course will include the study and
performance of diverse musical expressions and vocal techniques that represent a variety of historical and cultural
perspectives.

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!)
o ONLY students with excused absences (pre-approved by Miss Doak) and other emergency
situations (like death of a family member or debilitating illness) will be allowed a makeup
assignment.
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.)



PERFORMANCE ATTIRE/RENTAL FEES:
CONCERT CHOIR owns choir robes that you will wear during your formal performances. You will need to wear
appropriate dress clothes underneath the robes, including dress shoes. Further information will be presented in
rehearsal. Due to the cost of maintaining and cleaning the robes, each singer will pay a $25 fee for the use of the
school performance attire during the academic year.

T-SHIRTS: You are also required to purchase a CONCERT CHOIR 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. All t-shirt money will be due on

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


COLUMBIA CHOIRS -- PERFORMANCE CALENDAR