Standards Based Grading:
In choir class, our focus is on mastery of essential musical knowledge and vocal performance skills. Each quarter, students will be assessed on weekly skills checks, concert music, vocabulary knowledge, and concert performance skills. Students may retake any assessment that does not earn “Mastery” by planning with their choir director.
For performance skills, we use rubrics to assess each student’s work. Performance skills will be tested in class or a choir lesson. This rubric will apply to all standards taught in choir class. The four proficiency levels are:
4 – Excellent!
(Exceeds Mastery)
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3 – Got it
(Mastery)
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2 – ALMOST
(Near Mastery)
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1 - NOT YET
(Not Yet)
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Performed PERFECTLY/OUTSTANDING knowledge– no mistakes or hesitation.
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Can demonstrate the skill accurately and fluently on your own
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Inconsistent and/or needs help to demonstrate the skill fluently
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Lacking essential knowledge and/or Is unable to demonstrate the skill
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Standards Assessed:
MP2.P.17.m - Perform(Lessons, Rehearsals, Concerts, Sight Singing): Students will analyze, develop, and convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work. Rehearse, Demonstrate and Perform the ability to sing and/or play expressively, on pitch, and in rhythm, while using proper technique and maintaining a steady beat.
MP3.R.9.m - Respond (Music Literacy): Students will critically interpret intent and meaning in order to evaluate artistic work. Define and demonstrate an understanding of foundational musical elements in discussion and written reflections.
MP1.Cr.11.m - Create(Compose): Students will generate, develop, and refine artistic work. Compose short pieces using standard and/or alternative notation and technology within specified guidelines, demonstrating the use of the elements of music.
Mandatory Concert Dates:
December 16th & May 11th
6:30 5th & 6th Grade, 7:45 7th & 8th Grade
Concerts are a summative activity, and students are expected to be at all scheduled performances. If some highly unusual circumstance prevents a student from performing with the group, a written note or email needs to be sent at least two weeks before the performance. If a student is ill the day of the performance, please contact the choir director via phone or email as soon as possible. Performing with a group in a concert setting is an essential standard in choir class. Therefore, students who miss the concert for any reason MUST complete a performance-based makeup assignment.
Choir Students Concert Makeup Assignment is to perform the concert pieces in front of an audience (at least two adults, family members, nursing home, senior center, day care, youth group, your church, etc…) Videotape your performance and submit it to your director. The accompaniment tracks need to be picked up from your director ahead of time.
Concert Dress Code: A sense of pride and teamwork is essential for any successful choir, and performance dress plays a major role in helping to achieve this.
5th, 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Choirs: HMS red Band/Choir t-shirt, BLACK pants, BLACK socks, and dark shoes.
Voice Lessons
Attendance at every scheduled lesson is expected and is the student’s responsibility. Students are also expected to practice before they come into their lesson. Students can practice at home, or in the choir room during their free time (with permission and a pass from Mrs. L) to practice on a music computer. Students who arrive at a lesson and have not practiced will need to reschedule the lesson. For the reasons stated above, the HMS/GMS Choral Department has adopted the following missed lesson policy absences for the following reasons are considered EXCUSED and will be allowed to be made-up without a grade penalty:
- Any excused absence from school (illness, doctor appointments, etc.)
- School-sponsored field trip/early dismissal for co-curricular activity
- Early release/school vacations/Etc.
- The director is absent.
- Any other reason which has been Pre-Approved by the instructor. (Class exams/class projects)
- Absences for any other reason will be considered UNEXCUSED.