th

Grade
Chorus

2012-2013
Mrs. Heather Lovelace
Vocal/Classroom Music
hlovelace@depew.wnyric.org
686 5045 ext. 3203 or ext. 4173
http://www.depewschools.org/webpages/HLovelace

We depend on the US in chorus !

This means that every member of the choir is needed to create the best possible
performance. A chorus works just like a sports team, with each position playing a
critical role. This is why active participation and concert attendance are the main
focus of the grading policy.

Our performances are the culmination of hours of practice and much like a
test, soccer game, or dance recital; they are essential to the learning
experience. Please consider this when making your family schedule and make your
performance a special event on your calendar. While make-up assignments are
available for certain circumstances, they can never replace the experience of a
performance.

The following procedures have been established to help our team function. These
procedures will be key to the success of the individual musicians and the chorus as a
whole. Please review these policies carefully and feel free to contact Mrs. Lovelace
with any questions or concerns.

Classroom Procedures:

Students need to be in class. There is NO WAY to learn to sing choral music by
yourself. It would be the same as learning to play football alone in the yard. Trips to
the bathroom, drinking fountain, locker, etc. must be limited in order to get the most
out of rehearsal. Please plan ahead.

Students are responsible for their assigned folder and music. This material
serves as our textbook and should be treated as such. Missing or damaged music
may need to be replaced by the student.

Students need to be in their seat with their folder, a pencil, and a single
subject notebook by 1 minute after the bell. We have limited rehearsal time and
need to make the most of every minute. Being prompt and prepared is important
and will affect the students rehearsal grade. Students may keep materials in the
classroom in their assigned folder slot. More than 2 instances of tardiness will result
in a detention with Mrs. Lovelace.

For the safety of the students, no food or gum will be allowed during
rehearsal. Both present a choking hazard when singing. Water will be permitted.


**The policies outlined in this handbook are subject to change. Appropriate notice
will be given.

Grading:

50 points Rehearsal Responsibilities

Focused on preparation and attitude.
Both the student and the teacher will grade this section.
Both grades will count towards the overall marking period grade. See Rubric.


50 points Vocal Technique

Focused on developing skills rather than singing talent or ability.
Both the student and the teacher will grade this section.
Both grades will count towards the overall marking period grade. See Rubric.

100 points Concert Attendance, Dress, & Behavior

Concerts serve as our exams and are extremely important.
a. A note must be provided from a parent/guardian within a week of
missing a concert. Concerts missed due to family vacations should have a
note two weeks PRIOR to the concert.
b. Students who miss a concert and provide a valid excuse will be required
to complete a written assignment within an established timeframe. If a
concert is not made up it will heavily impact the students grade.
c. Excellent behavior is expected at all times during a concert. It begins in
the warm-up room, walking out to the risers, and includes being a
respectful audience member. Any issues during a concert could result in:
dismissal from a concert, a lower grade, administrative action, or removal
from chorus.
d. Students should be dress appropriately for concerts. See Concert Dress.

Varying points Musicianship

In order to grow into an independent musician, it is important to develop the
basic skills needed to read and understand a musical score. Each quarter
there will be various written assignments on the music we are studying, sight
singing skills, and basic music theory. These assignments will be minimal and
mainly completed in class.
These assignments may include:

Rehearsal reflections in notebook

Solfege practice/quizzes

Note name practice/quizzes

Sight Singing /Rhythmic Sight Reading

Any quizzes will be short and painless and will have a small impact on the
students overall grade in comparison to the other categories.

Extra Credit
Extra credit will be awarded for participation in extra ensembles such as
Show Choir and All-County Chorus. Students may also see Mrs. Lovelace if
they feel they may need to improve their grade to discuss other
opportunities.

Sample Grading Rubric

What the numbers mean

Rate yourself for each category then

add up your total.
Your score will be averaged with the
teachers score when determining
your marking period grade.

Outstanding
10-9

Excellent
8-7

Satisfactory
6-5

Needs Improvement 4-3

Unsatisfactory
2-1


S5 T5
S10 T10 S15 T15 S20
T20
Rehearsal Responsibilities Rate 10 (high) 1 (low)
On Time and Ready to








learn. (Gum Free)
Prepared with Folder,








Pencil, Notebook.
Talking only when it is








appropriate and helpful.
Willingness and








enthusiasm to contribute
to the ensemble.
Maintains eye contact with







director during rehearsal
and instruction
Vocal Technique Rate 10 (high) 1 (low)

Maintains good singers








posture when appropriate.
Applies techniques








learned in rehearsal.
Sings with tall vowels.








Sings at appropriate








volume.
Sings with energy and








enthusiasm
Total
Points

Concert Attendance (Answer Yes/No or leave blank for no concert)

Attended Concert







Appropriate Attire







Appropriate Behavior







Musicianship (Assignments vary Teacher only)

Written Work Completed






in class
Solfege Quiz



Sight Singing Quiz

Concert Dress:

Please dress for success and look your best!

Pull your hair out of your face so the audience can see your
expression of the music and you can see the conductor.

Please wear minimal jewelry.

The goal is to all look similar so the focus is on the wonderful
music you will be making!

Girls:
Black dress pants or gauchos
o Not leggings
o Not jeans
o Not jeggings
White blouse or shirt
o No writing, stripes, polka dots, etc.
o Appropriate neckline
o Must have some type of sleeves
Comfortable height black dress shoes no flip flops or high heels

PANTS ONLY PLEASE NO SKIRTS!

Boys:
Black dress pants
o Not jeans
o Not sweatpants/gym pants
o No stripes or patterns
White collared dress shirt
o No writing, stripes, or patterns
Tie color your choice
Black dress shoes
o Black sneakers will be allowed if they are in good condition

Please see Mrs. Lovelace if any of this is a problem, some assistance is

available.

2012 2013 6th Grade Important Dates

Thank you in advance for making these dates a special part of

your family calendar!

Required Performances

Arrive Performance
at school Start Time

Concert

Day/Date

Winter
Concert
In-School
Assembly
Concert
Winter
Concert
Snow Date

Tuesday
December 4, 2012
Thursday
December 13, 2012
**Concert Dress!!
ONLY IF NEEDED!!
Tuesday
December 18, 2012

7:00pm

7:30pm

Normal
day
schedule

During
school

7:00pm

7:30pm

Budget
Concert

Tuesday
May 21, 2013
(Cayuga Lawn)

TBA

TBA
(Sometime
between
3:30 7:30)

Spring
Concert

Wednesday
May 22, 2013

7:00pm

7:30pm

Other Opportunities (Optional)

Event

Who

Date

Show Choir Auditions

All-County Auditions
Show Choir Concert
All County Festival Rehearsals
All County Concert
Talent Show Auditions
Talent Show
Show Choir Concert

Interested Students
Interested Students
Selected Students
Selected Students
Selected Students
Interested Students
Selected Students
Selected Students

Late Sept./Early Oct.

Late Oct./Early Nov.
December 4, 2012
March 2, 6, & 8, 2013
March 9, 2013
February 2, 2013
April 12, 2013
May 16, 2013

Chorus 6
Detach this page, Sign and Return

Please sign below (and return) by Friday, September 14,
2012 to show that you have read and understand this grading
policy for 6th grade chorus. This is a graded assignment.

Your signature signifies your understanding of the
importance of participation, concert attendance,
appropriate concert dress and excellent concert behavior.

Your signature shows you have received the concert
schedule and understand that missed concerts must be
made up or will result in a failing grade.





______________________________________________________ Chorus day: Even / Odd (Circle one)
Print full student name



_______________________________________________ ______________________
Student Signature


Date



_______________________________________________ ______________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

Date