Course Syllabus
Syllabus Beginning Chorus
Fall 2020
Teacher Mr. Drake
“All in, All one”
Class Overview: In Chorus you will learn how to sing in a group and on your own, while learning about music theory, music literacy, music history.
Classroom expectations:
- Be respectful in everything you do
- Follow all schoolwide rules
- Follow Covid 19 recommendations
- Wear mask
- Social distancing
- Regularly wash/sanitize hands
- The expectation is for students to attend class via Microsoft Teams during their scheduled class time. If extenuating circumstances occur the stream will be posted on the Canvas page for students to obtain the information they missed.
Grading
A – 100-90
B – 89-80
C – 79-70
D – 69-60
F – 59-0
Grading Procedure:
Students grades will come for the following factors
Tests/Performances 60%
Classwork/Homework 40%
Performance information
At this time we are not going to have our typical performances. When performances become safe for us to do again we will have them, we will still be learning music in class for us to perform either virtually or in a concert format, whether that is a live stream performance or it may be a virtual choir format. At this time I am not going to require you to buy the performance attire but, when things get back to normal, this requirement will return (possibly next semester). If we are able to have a performance this semester we will discuss what you should wear for that event specifically when that time comes. We have tentative dates for performances. If they are able to happen the dates are 10/6 and 12/10.
What to expect in class:
- Singing - We will be singing everyday, this will be a shorter amount of time during social distancing rules. While you are at home you will mute your microphone on microsoft teams, but should still sing and participate in those singing activities. We will be singing choral songs and solo repertoire to improve your individual music ability.
- Reading music - we will continue learning to read music and sight singing rhythmic and melodic examples. We will be using solfeg and takadimi practices to read melodies and rhythms. All I ask is that you keep striving to get better every day.
- Vocal Pedagogy - We will be learning how the voice works and how to sing correctly and efficiently. You will learn some common flaws while singing and learn how to fix them. You will also learn how to critique other singers, solo and group, to correct those singing flaws, while also applying those to your own voice recordings. There will be some private singing lessons happening one on one to keep singing safely while you are at school. If you are on plan D or are completely virtual, you will have a private lesson on Fridays during your class time, where we will sing chorus songs and possibly solo songs as well.
- Music theory - we will be learning some basic music theory to help you read and understand the markings in music easier and more efficiently.
- Music history - we will be studying some music history to learn the origins of music and how it became what it is today.
Final Exam - The final exam will have 3 equal parts (33.3% each), a performance, a sight singing, and a written portion. We will be practicing these things all semester long so they can be ready.
Canvas: The majority of assignments not completed on paper will be submitted on our learning platform, Canvas. Assignments can be submitted a variety of ways including, uploading files, typing into text boxes, and sharing Google documents/presentations. Students will be shown how to submit assignments on Canvas as needed. Individual assignments will indicate which method of submission on Canvas is expected. If students need a refresher or have questions, they can access the Canvas Student Guide for specific instructions. It is the student's responsibility to ensure assignments are submitted on time and to contact the instructor if there is a problem. Please note that student activity is logged while in Canvas so instructors will be able to see if the student opened the assignment, if there was any activity including a log of student activities during online tests and quizzes. Students are not allowed to leave the testing window during assessments. Doing so is considered cheating and will be handled as set forth in the Porter Ridge HS handbook. NOTICE: Although many assignments are submitted and graded in our learning platform, Canvas, the "final" grades shown may not be properly weighted and do not contain assignments that were not graded in Canvas. For the student's official grades, please continue to access the parent portal through Powerschool. Login information is usually sent home with the students at the beginning of the year, and should be the same as last year. If you need assistance accessing the parent portal, please contact the school.
Tutoring: Tutoring will be offered when needed to students, most likely on virtual Fridays or by specific appointment after school on the days a student is at school.
Supplies
Daily needs - Chromebook, Pencil, Paper
Most students also need tissues, it becomes a large distraction for students to have to leave class to get a tissue to blow their nose from the bathroom. 1 box per family would be amazing.
Resources
https://www.ucps.k12.nc.us/domain/2917
Canvas Page
https://files.nc.gov/dpi/documents/curriculum/artsed/scos/new-standards/arts/music/9-12.pdf
If there are any questions please email me. dakota.drake@ucps.k12.nc.us