Westmoor High School Chorus 2014-15

Director - Mr. Kristopher Cruz

Chorus - Grades 9-12
Students will develop vocal technique including proper care of voice, breathing, beginning
music theory, and ear training and sight singing. The students will sing in large and small
ensembles for concerts and music festivals. Music may include, but is not limited to, popular,
classical, holiday, folk music, secular and sacred works, and music in different languages.
Quality literature is the goal. I will be asking my students to know and understand what the
lyrics are trying to express, but not necessarily to agree with the message. College
Preparatory.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS

Respect each other and the teacher

Respect the school rules and the classroom you are in
Respect the property and belongings of others
Be prepared at the beginning of each class
Always stay actively participating
Stay positive
HAVE FUN!

GRADING
Grades will be based on attendance in-class and at rehearsals and performances, homework
assignments, effort, participation and cooperation during class. Being a member of this
program is a commitment to a group of people. If you are ready and willing to dedicate time
and effort to class, performances, and any written assignments, then you will succeed in the
Westmoor Music Program.
Weekly Journals 15%
A question regarding an aspect of music will be given on Monday. Answers must be turned in
by Friday. Papers must be in this format: 1 page in length, double-spaced, 12-pt font, with 1-in.
margins. You MUST include the question. Papers not in this format will automatically be
rejected.
Participation 35%
Active participation requires students to be focused and attentive every day. Each day is
worth 10 points. Points will be deducted when students are not engaged, are causing
disruption, and are told to stop.
Rehearsals 20%
Rehearsals
cannot be missed. Dates will be given at the beginning of the semester, and
posters with dates will be put up so that students will be reminded. Parents should add all
dates to their calendars, as orthodontist, and other appointments, will NOT be excused.

th
Chorus Spring Sing Project 15%
DUE Wednesday, February 25
, 2014
In the spring semester, students will choose groups to work with to prepare a song. They
will perform for the rest of the class. Students will check in with me occasionally to ensure
success of their projects. Successful projects will be invited to perform for the Spring Concert,
but is not required. More details will be given out.
nd
Concert Reviews 15%
DUE Friday, May 22
, 2014
Each student must attend a live musical performance before each semester is over. It should
be in the same style as the class that they are taking (instrumental for band and vocal for
chorus). This can be a free concert from an elementary, middle, high school, or college in the
surrounding area or other performances approved by Mr. Cruz. Students must write up a
short critique using the outline and questionnaire provided by Mr. Cruz, as well as a program
or ticket stub.

Grading Breakdown
Weekly Journals
Participation
Rehearsals
Spring Project
Spring Concert Review
Total:

15%
35%
20%
15%
15%
100%

100 90%
89 80%
79 70%
69 60%
59 50%

A
B
C
D
F

CONCERT ATTIRE
Students will be required to have appropriate concert attire for all performances. Anyone
who does not wear the appropriate attire will not be able to perform, resulting in a lower
grade.
Boys
: Black slacks, black dress shoes and BLACK socks, white, long-sleeve, button-down
dress shirt and tie.
Girls:
MUST wear the chorus dress provided, with ALL-BLACK, close-toed shoes.

HOMEWORK POLICY
All homework, projects, and extra credit must be turned in by the due date. Late work will still
be accepted, but will have points deducted for each day it is late. If homework is still not
turned in a week after its due date, it will be considered a ZERO.

REHEARSAL/CONCERT ATTENDANCE POLICY

Everyone must attend each and every rehearsal. Dates will be given at the beginning of the
semester, so mark your calendars with these dates. Please avoid scheduling appointments on
rehearsal days. If rehearsal must be missed, I need to be informed at minimum
a week before
.
Anything else will be unexcused and will result in a lowered grade.
Unexcused absences = -5% off semester grade for each rehearsal missed.

STUDENTS WILL AUTOMATICALLY FAIL IF THEY MISS THE

FINAL DRESS REHEARSAL BEFORE A CONCERT OR THE
CONCERT ITSELF.

EXPENSES
Because of our success through annual fundraising there are minimal expenses for chorus
members. We thank all of you for your support of our fundraising efforts.
$30-$40 - All Girls must pay to have your dress professionally hemmed
All the rest are optional:
Anaheim Trip Estimated $600 or less (details will follow)
Music Leadership Shirts - $40 max. (Council members only)
Band/Chorus hoodies - $25
Band/Chorus Jackets - $70 approx.
Music Yearbook - $20
Music Program Banquet / Music Program Day Trip more information to follow
If the music groups need to travel by bus for any reason this year, a transportation fee will
be charged at the time of the trip, based on the number of students using the bus.

CHORUS CALENDAR
January
th
Jan 14
, Wednesday 9th Grade Orientation

February
th
Feb 6
, Friday - First Chorus Rehearsal
th
Feb 25, Wednesday Chorus Projects Due
th
th
Feb 27
- Feb 28
, Friday/Saturday Miss Saigon

March
th th
March 6
- 7, Friday/Saturday - Miss Saigon
th
March 9, Monday - Womens Sectional
th
March 10
, Tuesday - Mens Sectional
th
March 16, Monday Chorus Rehearsal
th
th
March 19
-20
, Thursday/Friday - Westmoors Got Talent Auditions
rd
March 23, Monday Womens Sectional
rd
March 25
, Wednesday Mens Sectional
th
March 30, Monday Chorus Rehearsal

April
th
April 14
-16th, Tuesday/Thursday Dress Rehearsal For CMEA
th
April 17, Friday Westmoors Got Talent Showcase
th
April 18
, Saturday CMEA
th
April 20, Monday Dress Rehearsal Anaheim
nd
th
April 22
26
Anaheim Heritage Music Festival
th
April 29- Spring Concert Small Ensemble Auditions

May
th
May 6
, Wednesday - Full Chorus Dress Rehearsal
th
May 7, Thursday - Full Concert Rehearsal
th
May 8
, Friday Spring Concert
May 20th, Wednesday - Chorus Graduation Rehearsal

nd
May 22
, Friday Concert Review Due
th
May 28, Thursday Graduation