Course Syllabus

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WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL DEPARTMENT

KEVIN J. MCDONALD, CHORAL DIRECTOR

CELL PHONE: 413-219-2598

EMAIL: mcdonaldk@wellesleyps.org

OFFICE HOURS:  Monday. 2:30-3:15pm

 

OBJECTIVES:        

In this course, students will:

 

1. Experience singing as a source of self-expression.
2. Demonstrate and describe techniques used in choral/vocal music.
3. Improve skills in aural/oral activity.
4. Learn to appreciate and evaluate music through aesthetic perception.
5. Learn musical elements through active participation in music activities.
6. Exercise skills in creativity and improvisation.
7. Demonstrate skills and attitudes beneficial to individual and ensemble development.
8. Experience personal growth through participation in music.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY:

 

Students are required to be present at all rehearsals and performances scheduled in and out of regular school hours.

 

If a student is unable to meet this requirement for rehearsals and performances that take place outside of regular school hours, the following procedures should be carried out by the student.

 

1. The STUDENT should make all attempts to resolve the conflict BEFORE speaking with the teacher. Provide coaches with conflicting dates at the beginning of the sports season.

 

 

2. If the conflict can’t be resolved, the instructor should be notified via email at least one week in advance.

 

3. If the conflict is one dealing with severe medical or family emergency, the student may be allowed to complete additional assignments to make up missed grades.

 

4. If a student is absent from a performance or dress rehearsal without informing the instructor as stated above, complete loss of credit will occur.

 

5. If a student is absent on a day that a written assignment is due, the assignment should be passed in the next class meeting.

 

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:

 

Each student has a responsibility to themselves and the ensemble as a whole to put their best effort into every class.  Significant learning and achievement of ensemble objectives will take place if this effort is present.  The following procedures define the effort that is expected from the students on a daily basis.

 

1. Be punctual! Students must be on time to class.  Try to go to the bathroom before class starts.  Bring a water bottle to class to eliminate the need for leaving the room in the middle of class. 

 

2. Be prepared! Students should have their music and a pencil at every rehearsal. It is also recommended that students have a three ring binder with paper for note-taking. There will be worksheets and other pieces of information passed out to students in class and the three ring binder will provide a way to keep all materials organized through the year.

 

3. Be courteous!  Show respect to one another and the teacher at all times.  Limit talking to musical issues. Use proper language.  Take care of the rehearsal space!

 

4. Be ambitious! Participate and cooperate actively in class.  Take notes on the lesson.  Listen to other sections when not actively engaged.  Put effort into the vocal warm-up. If the instructor is not present, start rehearsal on your own.

 

5. Practice!!!!!! Improvement comes from hard work and disciplined practice habits.  Thirty minutes of practice per day is suggested.

 

6. No food or drink is allowed in rehearsal! Please leave all beverages except for water bottles outside of the rehearsal space.  Candy and gum are not allowed. 

 

7. Students are required to complete all class assignments.

 

8. STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS!

 

WELLESLEY HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL DEPARTMENT GRADING POLICY

 

Concerts, Dress Rehearsals, and Sectionals                          50%

 

• Attend all required concerts and dress rehearsals
• Participate in sectionals each quarter organized by the choral intensives.

 

            QTR 1:          

a. Minimum of 3 sectionals

b. Afterschool rehearsal TBD  (This is short- 2:35pm-2:50pm)

c. Acatober Concert

 

QTR 2:          

a.         Winter Concert Dress Rehearsals

b.         Winter Concert

c.         Minimum of 3 sectionals

 

QTR 3:          

a.         POPS Dress Rehearsal

b.         POPS Concert

c.         Minimum of 3 sectionals

 

QTR 4:          

a.         Minimum of 3 sectionals

c.          Spring Concert Dress Rehearsals

d.         Spring Concert- Thursday

 

Class Attendance and Participation                                                                   25%

 

• Students should participate in rehearsal on a daily basis as described under the policies and procedures.
• If a student is unable to sing due to health reasons, it is expected that the student is active in class, by looking at the music and taking notes on the lesson.
• If a student is unable to sing 3 out of seven class meetings, the student will be sent to the nurse for an evaluation.
• If a student is unable to sing in four lessons over a two week period, it is recommended that the student see a doctor for consultation.
• Students are expected to bring their music and a pencil with them each class meeting and rehearsal. The music is our textbook and is necessary for effective choral rehearsals and group learning

Written and Singing Assessments                                          25%

 

• Students should complete all assessments as assigned.
• These assessments may include, but are not limited to, part-checks, aural skill activities, performance reviews, listening assignments, written assignments, and singing tests.

 

Senior Projects and Choral Participation

 

Senior projects are a unique opportunity for independent study in an area of personal or career interest during the fourth quarter.  The choral department is supportive of seniors taking advantage of this opportunity.  However, senior projects require a teacher’s signature indicating that all class requirements for the year have been completed.  The final requirement for the school year is our final concert, which takes place during the fourth quarter.  Therefore, students are expected to stay in the choral classes until the concert has been completed.  This leaves seniors with the option of doing a partial senior project allowing them to stay in the choral classes during the fourth quarter or participating in class until the final concert date at which time they will be excused for the remainder of the fourth quarter.

 

Students in Keynote Singers and Rice Street Singers must remain in the course until all performances and special projects are completed including CD projects, outside gigs, and graduation preparation.   After the final concert, seniors are expected to attend rehearsals as needed in order to prepare the National Anthem, Choral Selection, and Senior Song for the graduation ceremony.

 

Seniors not taking advantage of the Senior Project are expected to remain in class until the end of the fourth quarter.