- GRADING POLICY:
IF you turn in all work on time, and try your best in class and in concerts, it is not difficult to get an A in chorus. Grades will be based on: - Concert etiquette/attendance, except first quarter (25%)
- Classroom discussion, learning, and singing participation (20%) Grade is derived from Weekly Goals, attached.
- Homework, usually posted on on classroom.google.com, completed thoughtfully and in complete sentences. (15%)
- Written class work, including quizzes and concert evaluations (Band/Orchestra/Intervention students please note: You are responsible for keeping up with selected assignments when you are at another class. Some work may have to be completed at home or outside of class and must be turned in to Mrs. Johnson on time.) (20%)
- Adherence to classroom procedures and expectations, teamwork (20%)
- Part of the “teamwork” grade is the “Civic Contribution.” Every student is expected to do something to help the chorus each quarter. (usually only about 3% of the total grade)
- The rest of the grade is derived from Weekly Goals, attached.
- Any “singing tests” will act as extra credit only. (They will never lower your grade.)
- Late work will receive reduced credit: 10 points lower each school day late; after 5 days late, the maximum grade will be 50%.
- Plagiarism will not be tolerated, and plagiarized work will receive no credit.
- Extra credit projects will be available every quarter. Ask Mrs. Johnson if you are interested.
-
If the grading system changes in any way, you will be notified.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:
ALL Chorus rules are based on ADAMS CARES:
Cooperation, Attitude, Respect, Effort and Scholarship,
as well as on our mission statement:
Chorus is a Community that learns to perform vocal music by:
Respect, Focus, Listening
Cooperation, Intellectual Effort, and Participation
1. CONCERTS- Arrive at the time requested for all performances, dressed in concert dress. Remain EXTRA quiet and attentive both on stage and in the chorus room beforehand, and ESPECIALLY when seated in the audience when other groups are performing.
- Attendance at all concerts for your group is MANDATORY. Missing a concert because of work (babysitting, even at home, studying for a test, or finishing a big project), no ride, sport practice, music or dance lesson, or family plans IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. You are responsible for working out conflicts well ahead of time, since the concert schedule is planned for the year and sent out in September. However, if you are absent from school that day, you MAY NOT participate in the concert, even if you are feeling better.
- Concert dress is: Chorus polo shirt. Boys and Girls: Black pants, black socks and black shoes. Keynotes will need to buy and wear a red bow-tie (available from Mrs. Johnson). Boys' Ensemble will buy or borrow black suspenders.
2. MUSIC FOLDERS- Each student is assigned a folder with music to share. THESE ARE VERY FANCY AND NEW AND MAY NOT LEAVE THE CHORUS ROOM.
- Keep your music and your folder in PERFECT condition. DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ON YOUR FOLDER. Write only IN PENCIL in your music, and ONLY appropriate musical remarks.
- If your music is lost or stolen, or your music or folder defaced, you will need to pay for it.
- You also need a personal folder to keep photocopies and written work available. Please bring your own 2-pocket folder to stay in your cubby with your good folder.
- Get both of your folders out at the beginning of rehearsal immediately and put them away in the correct location at the end of class without being asked.
3. SMALL ENSEMBLES:- Keynotes rehearses Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:10 am to 7:55 am.
- Girls' Ensemble rehearses Mondays and Wednesdays, 7:10 am to 7:55 am.
- Baritunes rehearses Tuesdays and Fridays 2:45 pm to 3:30 pm.
- ATTENDANCE: You are only allowed TWO missed "overslept/forgot" unexcused rehearsals per concert cycle. Excused absences would be for the same reasons you are excused from school (illness, death in the family etc.) Only THREE unexcused tardies are allowed.
- Emergencies do happen. If you miss a rehearsal because of an emergency, YOU MUST SEND IN A NOTE OR EMAIL a.s.a.p. If you know you will miss a rehearsal (orthodontist appointment, travel, etc.) you must send in a note PRIOR to the absence.
- In case of a delayed opening, morning rehearsal that day is cancelled. In case of an early dismissal, afternoon rehearsal that day is cancelled.
- Because of the quantity and difficulty of music we sing, attendance at rehearsals with the above exceptions is mandatory, and poor attendance or behavior will result in being dropped from the group.
4. REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE:- Strive for good posture, listen to and follow directions, and work to improve your tone quality and music reading ability at every rehearsal.
- When you enter the chorus room, get your music, and sit in your assigned seat or area without being asked. You must be ready to sing no later than two minutes past the late bell.
- Bathroom visits must be made within the first ten minutes of class, signing out on the list. After 10 minutes, you must ask permission.
- Behavior and listening must be maintained at the highest standards. Excessive talking or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Respect others' ideas and space, and raise your hand to ask a question.
- Respect others' belongings, including folders, pianos and other instruments (do not touch!).
- If you must leave the rehearsal area during class, get a signed pass or teacher's permission.
- Only beverages are allowed in the chorus room, no food. Water is the preferred beverage for singers' health and the cleanliness of the chorus room. There is water available in the cooler in the room. Get your drink and return to your seat without chatting.
- Deposit gum in the trash when entering the room. (Gum is a choking hazard while singing and is NOT allowed anywhere at Adams Middle School.)
- You must get the director's permission at the beginning of class if you wish to "sit out" and listen due to vocal difficulties. The director may ask you to visit the nurse.
- Read the board daily and listen to announcements.
- BRING A PENCIL EVERY DAY. You will usually need it.