Welcome to the Creekside High School Choral Music Department
Syllabus: 2016 – 2017
Keith J. Hall, Director
The Choral Department
The Choral Department at CHS has a longstanding tradition of excellence. This program continues to produce, the past four years, knowledgeable musicians, many of which can go on to contribute to the musical world. Through the performance of music that covers a variety of genres and the exploration of music literacy skills, students will gain an understanding and appreciation for the always changing yet ever constant world of choral music.
Performance Ensembles
The Creekside HS Choral Department features the following performance opportunities for the 2016-17 school year:
Concert Choir (Chorus I)
Offered in the Fall and Spring, this group consists of students in 9-12 grades. There is no audition required for this ensemble. During this class we focus on the basic principals of choral singing and music literacy skills through a variety of repertoire. This class prepares students for advanced ensembles. There may be some before and after school rehearsals and concerts are always performed in the evening. This group will travel and perform at the annual Music Performance Assessment in March. There will, at times, be before or after school rehearsals to better prepare sections or ensembles for performances.
Women’s Choir
This advanced women’s ensemble is offered both semesters and is comprised of students in 10-12 grades. Ladies in this ensemble develop and improve their choral music skills through intense work on the wide range of music composed for women’s voices. A high level of maturity and dedication is expected from the members of this choir. There may be before and after school rehearsals and concerts are performed in the evening. This group will travel to and perform at the Music Performance assessment in March.
Vocal Ensemble
This auditioned group of mixed voices is selected for their dedication and ability to blend and work well in a small group. The members of this ensemble are expected to work diligently as they are challenged with a heavy load of advanced repertoire. Commitment is demanded as they are often asked to perform at various community events in addition to our own concerts and performances. Before and after school rehearsals take place with plenty of notice and it is expected that all members attend all rehearsals, concerts and assessments (to include State level assessments).
Extra Curricular Ensembles
Chamber Choir – advanced small ensemble that is by audition only. This ensemble will perform advanced high school and collegiate choral literature. All rehearsals are in the morning (Day and Time TBA) and all members are expected to attend ALL rehearsals.
Show Choir (Voices of the Knight)- This choral ensemble is an auditioned group and all CHS students are allowed to audition (You do not need be a choral member). This ensemble will perform popular music from all eras of music. Rehearsals take place in the morning (time /date TBA) and all members are expected to attend ALL rehearsals.
What Do Students need for class?
All students will be required to have a 1 inch BLACK binder and pencils at every class.
All students are required to maintain a journal. This will be to take notes on rehearsals and writing down questions.
All students are required to work on music either at home or before/after school in rehearsal rooms. Mr. Hall is available to work with any student who wishes his assistance.
Policies and Procedures
1. Students should come to class prepared EVERY day. Students should have their folder with music, pencil, and any other necessary materials ready at the beginning of each class.
2. Students are expected to participate at all times. If a student is sick and feels as though they cannot sing, a note from a parent or guardian is expected. Students are still expected to participate in all other aspects of the class. This is not an opportunity to complete work for another subject or to take a nap! Failure to participate will result in the loss of daily rehearsal points or the removal from the class.
3. Attendance at performances is mandatory. We will present 1 major concerts each semester. These concerts are the result of weeks of hard work and serve as part of the assessment of a student’s learning in this class. Should a concert arise on short notice (2 weeks or less) I will accept an excuse, in writing, in advance. I will consider these on a case by case basis. If a student is to miss a major performance during the fall semester this will need to be discussed with me on an individual basis and should be no later than 2 weeks prior to the performance. I will not accept last minute absences unless there is a highly special circumstance.
4. I encourage students to take responsibility in their own education and future. I will make every effort to keep students informed about events, assignments, deadlines and due dates. It is in their control to see that it happens.
5. Restroom usage should be taken care of prior to class or after class time.
Grading
Each student’s grade is comprised of the following components:
Test: Concerts and Performances are considered tests, ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY!!!!
Assessments: Each Quarter their will be an assessment. This will either be a solo or singing with a group. All students are required to sing for all assessments!
Participation: This is a grade received each week for daily rehearsals. A productive rehearsal is the key to any ensemble’s success. Students are expected to contribute to an effective rehearsal by practicing appropriate rehearsal techniques. Failure to positively influence daily rehearsal will result in the deduction of this grade.
Performances: As previously mentioned, attendance at performances is mandatory. Failure to attend, tardiness, or disruption of a performance will result in a low performance grade.
Theory/Literacy Assignments: Students will receive grades based on their music literacy and theory work as well as other assignments given throughout the semester. If a student is absent on the day a grade is taken, they are expected to complete the assignment within 3 school days. Ten (10) points will be deducted for each day an assignment is late with a maximum of 50 points deducted. I do encourage students to turn in late assignments. After all, a “50” has a better impact on a student’s average than a “0”. Some assignments throughout the semester will need to be completed on Schoology. These have the same grading requirements as any other assignment. Please see the Remind 101/Schoology information page for more specifics on registering and using this website.
Assessments: A variety of assessment methods will be used throughout the semester. These include tests on music literacy and theory and performance based tests for sight reading and part knowledge. Advanced notice will be given for all assessments. If a student is absent, they are expected to make-up the assessment within 3 days during a time that does not cause them to miss anymore class rehearsal.
Concert Attire
Each performer is required to wear a uniform that Choral Boosters will order at the beginning of each semester.
Concert Choir:
Males – Black button down shirt, black pants, black socks and black shoes (NOT sneakers!)
These may be ordered through boosters!
Females – Concert Dress (ordered at beginning of the year along with character shoes
Women’s Choir:
Concert Dress to be ordered by Boosters and black character shoes
Chamber Choir:
Males – Tuxedo with black socks and black shoes (NO sneakers)
Females – Concert Dress and black character shoes
Tuxedos, Concert dress and character shoes will be ordered by Boosters.
Concert Dates
Please add these MANDATORY concerts to your calendar today!
TBA
Contact Me!
Mr. Keith J. Hall, Choral Director
Welcome to Chorus, Women’s Choir and Vocal Ensemble at Creekside High School! In this class you will learn how to read music, sight read, create music spontaneously, analyze music, sing in 3-8 parts simultaneously and above all, how to sing correctly no matter what style you pursue. Above all, you will learn how to work as a team and make lasting friendships. This class syllabus contains some of the information necessary for you to have the best possible learning experience in Choir. You and your parents need to carefully read the following policies, sign the signature sheet and return the attached form.
Course Introduction
Vocal Ensemble is the most advanced of the choral ensembles here at Creekside High School. It performs challenging literature and jazz pieces from all of the various musical eras written for small vocal ensembles. The class concentrates on learning the basics that are essential to all musicians. Concentration will also be on solo singing, singing in a small group, and emphasis on part balance. Vocal Ensemble will perform in school performances, and in extra-curricular activities. Although the Vocal Ensemble group is not a “core academic class, it is considered a fine arts elective.
Women’s Chorale is an experienced, advanced choral ensemble at Creekside High School. This group will sing all genres of music (Jazz, Classical, Pop, etc.) Concentration will also be on solo singing, sight singing, singing in a small group, and emphasis on part balance. Although the Women’s Chorale group is not a “core academic class, it is considered a fine arts elective.
Mixed Choir is a choral ensemble which provides an “easy-learning” atmosphere for those students who wish to improve their vocal skills. The class focuses on the instruction of basic vocal, sight-reading, and music theory skills. Repertoire from many choral styles is learned and performed. Chorus is considered a fine arts elective.
Being a member of the choral music department means the possibility of evening, weekend, and after school rehearsals or singing events. Examples – Concerts, Music Performance Assessments, Community Events.
Grading Policy
Rehearsal/Participation: Grades in this area are dependent on punctuality, preparation, active participation, effort, and continued improvement. Quizzes and testing will also be included in this area. 40% of grade.
Singing Assessment: Each ensemble member will sing prepared piece of music. Usually this piece will be part of the current repertoire. 20% of grade
Performance: Each performance is a test of the student’s acquired knowledge in the choral area. Therefore a missed performance is equivalent to achieving a zero on a major test. A unexcused miss performance is an automatic lowering by one letter grade. Active participation, punctuality, effort, and quality are also determiners of the performance/test grade. 20% of the grade.
Final Exam: At the end of the term, the students will be evaluated on specific repertoire and sight-singing exercises individually or in a performance. A written exam might also be included.20% of grade.
Student Responsibilities
All of the student responsibilities are listed and explained in the Choral Music Contract. This is to be read and signed by the student and his/her parents. Students may be dropped from the class or be barred from performance if one or more of these expectations are not met.
Materials
- Pencils
- Music Folder
Organization is the key to success in this class!
Pencils. You must always have a pencil in hand for marking.
Extra Credit
Students are encouraged to participate in other extra curricular performing activities that have to do with music as long as they do not coincide with PERFORMANCE DATES. Some wonderful examples of extra-curricular performing is with the Santa Clarita Master Chorale, the Canyon Theatre Guild, a dance company that performs frequently, or any music related performing venue. Music growth is well rounded in design and extremely important to the growth of an individual overall.
Performances (with name in program) or 5 viewed performances (2 page essay written with ticket stub) are equivalent to a “+” boost in the grade.
“A” changes to “A+.” “B+” changes to “A-,” etc.
Financial Obligations
1. Fair Share – this fee will cover concert attire, MPA registration, competitions and performance, music, etc
2. MUSIC: It is the responsibility of each student to maintain his/her music properly. Original Lost or damaged music will be billed at actual replacement cost.
Classroom Management
Courtesy and respect among students and teacher is required.
Take care of school equipment and facilities. Never touch equipment without previous permission.
Be in your seat, ready to work when the tardy bell rings. The school’s tardy policy will be enforced.
Absolutely NO food, drink (except bottled water) or gum is allowed in the classroom.
Any student causing a hazardous environment, especially during class, will be dismissed from the class. Your safety and the safety of those around you are of primary importance!
Follow all school-wide rules.
Missed Choral Graded Performances require absences to be reported within two weeks of the beginning of the Semester. A student who does not participate in a concert or dress rehearsal without approval will receive a one letter grade drop from their present standing.