Course Syllabus

Forest Hills High School Choral Department

Summer Parks, Director

704-233-4001 ex. 1669 ᐧ summer.parks@ucps.k12.nc.us

2019-2020 Handbook - Fall Semester

 

Required Materials

Solid black three-ring binder (1 inch or ½ inch are acceptable)

Pencils

Lined loose-leaf paper

Concert attire

 

Mandatory Performance/Rehearsal Dates:

Fall: Concert Rehearsal: 12/18/19 3:30pm - 5 pm

Winter Concert: 12/19/13 6:15pm (call time-students), concert at 7pm

 

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

  1. Follow teacher directions promptly
  2. Speak only when it is your turn
  3. Remain in your assigned space unless given further direction
  4. Show respect to people and property

 

Grading

Daily Activities 40% 

Performance and Dress Rehearsal 30%

Assessments and Projects 30%

 

Daily Activities (40%): Students earn 5 points each day by exhibiting appropriate rehearsal skills and etiquette. Rehearsal skills include but are not limited to the following: being in your seat with all materials before the tardy bell, using appropriate body alignment while singing, and refraining from disruptive behavior (talking, eating/drinking, disrespectful behavior, inappropriate language use, cell phone use, etc.). Points will be deducted from the daily grade for any infraction mentioned above and/or failure to abide by classroom rules.

 

An unexcused absence will result in a 0 for the day. Students can earn these points back by practicing the skills missed that day (tasks provided by teacher). If said task requires vocal activities, students must provide an .mp3 audio recording of their work. Such recordings can be made via Vocaroo.com or through recording programs on smartphones/computers. 

 

Performance and Dress Rehearsal(30%): Chorus is a co-curricular performance-based class that requires active participation outside of regular school hours; therefore, all concerts and after school rehearsals are mandatory. You must arrive early in appropriate attire and stay for the duration of the allotted time. Drivers Ed, work schedules, extra-curricular affairs, and other such activities are not excused absences; performance dates have been provided in advance to accommodate busy schedules. 

 

10 points will be earned for each performance/rehearsal. An unexcused absence will result in earning 0 points. 1 point will be deducted for occurrences of tardiness, inappropriate/incomplete attire, inappropriate behavior, or lack of musical focus.

 

If an emergency arises, communication is key. Please contact me as soon as possible so we can come to a solution together.

 

Assessments and Projects (30%)

(15%) Frequent formative assessments may include literacy quizzes (visual and aural skills), compositions, reflections, performance opportunities (as soloists or small groups), etc.

(15%) Formal summative assessments may include group projects, literacy tests (visual and aural skills) and more demanding performance opportunities. 

Students are permitted to retake formative assessments in order to improve their mastery.

 

Concerts/Performances: As previously mentioned, all concerts and after school rehearsals are mandatory.

 

Concert Attire: All students must wear all black clothing that abides by Forest Hills dress code.

 

Appropriate choices:

Pants: Floor-length, solid black dress, skirt, or pants 

Tops: Long sleeved, solid black button-up, blouse, and/or cardigan

Shoes: Black, closed toe dress shoes (dress shoes with black socks, flats, heels under 2’’)

Requirements:

  1. No perfume/cologne/body spray/scented lotion
  2. Minimal jewelry
  3. Hair pulled away from face (eyes are fully visible and hair does not require maintenance during performance)
  4. No visible shoulders, elbows, legs

Students are invited to choose a combination of the above that best suits their individual needs. Please remember that while there is choice in your attire, the uniform dress black exemplifies our wholeness as an ensemble. We will simultaneously exhibit professionalism, diversity, and unity.

 

Bathroom Policy

  1. Students are allotted two passes per six weeks. 
  2. Students cannot leave the classroom during the first or last 20 minutes of class. 
  3. When going to the restroom, students must place their cellular device in the basket at the front to be retrieved when they return. 
  4. Students must sign out on the dry erase board by the door when leaving during class time including their name and destination. Only one student at a time may be excused to the restroom.

Cell Phone/Chromebook Policy: Phones and chromebooks should be out of sight once the tardy bell rings. Consequences for violation of this policy will adhere to school policy as displayed in the classroom.

 

Food: Absolutely no food or drink except water is permitted in the chorus room. Gum is also prohibited because students cannot sing properly and healthfully while chewing gum. 

 

Care for music: Students will each be provided individual scores of music throughout the semester. Music must be stored in your black binder. Only pencil should be used when marking in the score. You will be financially responsible for loss or damage to your music.

 

Additional Performance Opportunities: Students are encouraged to audition for and participate in additional choral and performance opportunities this fall. These ensembles include but are not limited to:

UCPS All-County Chorus will be hosted at Marvin Ridge HS this fall. This choir of students consists of singers from each high school in the county and is directed by a new clinician each year. Singers are required to participate in an after school rehearsal on Oct. 18th and an all day rehearsal on Oct. 19th (during school); dinner will be provided before the concert the same evening on the 19th. 

 

Musical Auditions for the FHHS production of Mamma Mia will occur on Dec. 4-6. This is a demanding yet rewarding opportunity for students. More details are forthcoming. 

 

Course Summary:

Date Details Due