Choir syllabus

Centennial Middle School

Welcome to choir at Centennial! In this class you will learn skills, literacies, and ethics related to
singing in a choir. This course will prepare you to sing in more advanced choirs at the middle school
and high school level. I look forward to a year of learning with you!

Please ​read ​this document, ​sign ​the attached form, and ​turn it in ​during your next class.

Learning expectations
Some of the main learning targets we will cover this year:

● I can identify symbols for rhythm, pitch, articulation, dynamics, tempo, and form.
● I perform contrasting pieces of music expressively and with correct interpretation of musical
elements.
● I demonstrate appropriate performance behavior and wear proper attire when I perform.
● I demonstrate appropriate etiquette when attending a performance of classical music.
● I can evaluate musical performances based on relevant criteria.
● I understand relationships between music and other arts, school subjects, and daily life.

Assessment of progress
You will be graded periodically on your progress in the categories below. These assessments will take
place during class and in required performances.

Musical skills – 35%

Posture, breathing technique, tone quality, intonation, rhythm, diction, vowel shape, and facial
expression are examples of musical skills that will be taught and assessed. You may also be tested
on knowing your part. The majority of this portion of the grade will take place in class.

Music literacy – 35%

Sight-singing, rhythmic dictation, knowledge of musical symbols, and ability to evaluate musical
performances are examples of music literacies that will be taught and assessed.

Students will need to submit a concert report each semester; the rubric will be given in class and
online. Mr. Speer will keep a list of pre-approved concerts that students can attend. You may request
approval for a concert that is not on the list, but it must be a ​choir​ concert and you should talk to Mr.
Speer ​before​ you go to the performance and write your report.
Music ethics – 30%
Performance behavior, audience etiquette, and rehearsal etiquette make up this portion of your grade.
Students will learn and demonstrate appropriate conduct and be “team players.”

Attending your choir’s performances is mandatory. You will be graded for arriving on time, wearing the
assigned attire, your behavior/etiquette and whether you demonstrate skills learned in class. To be
excused from a performance, speak with Mr. Speer as soon as possible, at least two weeks before
the event in non-emergencies. A make-up assignment will be required. Work will not be considered an
acceptable excuse for missing a performance.

Course Materials
● Three-ring binder. ​Must​ be black, have 1″ rings, and only be used for choir
● Pencil
● 20 sheets of lined paper (place in your binder)
● Optional: water bottle

Concert attire
Women:​ White long-sleeve blouse with a black ​knee-length​ skirt. Black tights (solid, no patterns) and
solid black shoes (no open toe or sandals). The day before the concert, pull out your concert attire
and make sure it is clean and ready for the concert. Hair pulled back out of your face, stud earrings
only. Not required, but nice if you want to do it: blush and light lip color.

Men:​ Solid black pants with a white, long-sleeve button-up shirt. Black dress shoes, black socks and a
black belt. Tie of any color (limit patterns, please). The day before the concert, pull out your concert
attire and make sure it is clean and ready for the concert. No wrinkled shirts! Style your hair to look
presentable and professional.

Classroom Procedures

Class expectations
● Students will treat teachers, other students, and class visitors with respect.
● No gum, food, or drink is allowed in the choir room (except water).
● Cell phones will be stored in students’ backpacks at the side of the room during class.
● Students will come prepared with course materials each day.

Class rules
● Absolutely no talking while the teacher is working.
● When the teacher gives the signal, all noise stops immediately.
● Always respect others as well as yourself.
Late work and extra credit
Late assignments are docked 10% for each day they are late. After five days, they can still be turned
in late for 50% credit until the Late Work Due Date for the term. Mr. Speer cannot accept late work
after the Late Work Due Date.

One additional concert report (per term) may be turned in for extra credit. It is due by the Late Work
Due Date or it cannot be accepted.

Due Dates
12 Oct. – Late work for first term
20 Dec. – Concert report for first semester
20 Dec. – Late work for second term
08 Mar. – Late work for third term
10 May – Concert report for second semester
10 May – Late work for fourth term

Please see the concert schedule on my website for concert dates. Concert dates may change; if they
do, students will have a grace period to notify Mr. Speer of any conflicts.

Progress Reports
Please check your grades on PowerSchool and email Mr. Speer with any questions.

Personal Statement
Choir is like any other school subject: there is much to learn and you will be evaluated on your ability
to demonstrate what you’ve learned in class. Remember to always give your best effort!

I’m so excited to be working with all of you. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sam Speer

Choir Director
Centennial Middle School
samuelsp@provo.edu
(801) 370-4621 ext. 1390

https://provocentennialchoir.weebly.com/
https://classroom.google.com/
 Centennial Middle School Choirs
2018–2019 Calendar

2018

10 Oct. (Wed.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Chamber, Concert, Aria

11 Oct. (Thu.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Men’s Ch., Girls Ens., A Cappella

11 Oct. (Thu.) Fall concert All choirs

11 Dec. (Tue.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Chamber, Concert, Aria

12 Dec. (Wed.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Men’s Ch., Girls Ens.

13 Dec. (Thu.) Christmas concert All choirs

20 Dec. (Thu.) Music assembly, during school Chamber

2019

9 Feb. (Sat.) PSD combined concert @ new Provo HS Chamber

1pm rehearsal, 4pm performance

4 Mar. (Mon.) Rehearsal, 1:45-4pm @ Timpview Chamber, Concert, Aria

5 Mar. (Tue.) Combined concert, 7pm @ Timpview Chamber, Concert, Aria

7 Mar. (Thu.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Chamber

7 Mar. (Thu.) Grand concert, 7:30pm Chamber

6 Mar. (Wed.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Men’s Ch., Girls Ens.

8 Mar. (Fri.) Spring concert, 7pm Men’s Ch., Girls Ens., A Cappella

21-23, 25 Mar. School musical FYI

26 Mar. (Tue.) District Festival @ Dixon MS Chamber, Concert, Aria

15 May (Wed.) A Cappella concert, 7pm A Cappella

20 May (Mon.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Chamber, Concert, Aria

21 May (Tue.) After-school rehearsal, 3-4pm Men’s Ch., Girls Ens.

21 May (Tue.) Summer concerts All choirs

6:30 - Men’s Ch., Girls Ens., A Cappella
7:30 - Chamber, Concert, Aria

Updated 16 January 2019.

 CHORAL CONTRACT

I have read the syllabus in its entirety and understand the policies outlined. I have also marked all
concert dates on a calendar and know of no conflicts at this time. I will protect these dates and keep
them free; If I cannot attend a concert because of a previously scheduled conflict, I will have my
parent or guardian inform Mr. Speer ​at least two weeks​ before the concert, and I will complete the
required make-up assignment. I understand that if I do not let Mr. Speer know, and I miss a concert,
there will be no make-up assignment (except for illness/emergencies).

________________________________ ________________________________
Student’s signature Student’s printed name

I have read and understand the choir syllabus and agree to support my child so that he/she may have
the best experience possible. I also understand that my child’s attendance is required at school
performances. I have noted below any conflicts that we are already aware of.

________________________________ ________________________________
Guardian’s signature Guardian’s printed name

Sacred music:​ The history of choral music is predominantly religious. In order to provide a
well-rounded choral education, Centennial choirs will often study and perform selections that are
sacred in nature. Whenever sacred music is used at Centennial, it will be for musical and historical
merit and not for worship or to promote a particular religious belief or practice.

Video clips:​ We may watch video clips in class to deepen our understanding of musical concepts or
to practice evaluating musical performances. These clips may include selections from: ​Singing in the
Rain, The Sound of Music, The Music Man, o ​ r ​Mary Poppins.​ If there are any objections to any of
these selections, please indicate in your notes below.

Parent name(s): _______________________________________

Parent email(s): _______________________________________

Parent phone(s): _______________________________________

Questions, comments, concert conflicts, etc: _____________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

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