CHORUS CLASS SYLLABUS |
Instructor: Mr. Wrightson
(630) 543-6310 EXT. 821
Email: music@driscollcatholic.com
Note from the director:
-As the director of the D.C.H.S. music department my intention and number
one goal with this program is to allow my students to simply have fun making
music together as a solidified team. However, music does require some discipline,
and there are certain minimal guidelines that must be followed.
SUPPLIES:
-Students will be required to bring a pencil, eraser, and plenty of paper
to class each day.
-Students must also purchase a BLACK three-ring binder (with folder pockets
inside), and a supply of plastic sheet protectors (AVERY brand is recommended
for both). These will be used to collect and store your music through the
year.
IN GENERAL:
-Students in this class, as in any other class must always be respectful towards
their teacher(s) and their peers. We are in a Catholic environment, and it
is of utmost importance to always keep in mind and treat others the way you
yourself would want to be treated.
-STUDENT GRADES in this class are based on performance, written tests/performance
quiz, attitude, and individual improvement.
1. PERFORMANCE:
A. Attendance at each and every calendar performance is absolutely required.
(In order for this chorus to succeed, we need each and every one of you to
be there to contribute your individual voice part to the whole. When you choose
not to show up for an event and are unexcused, not only have you automatically
dropped your grade down by one whole letter, but you have also let down your
team. The missing person is a missing part, and a missing chance to have been
just that much better of a performance, and an overall great sounding ensemble.
B. There are no acceptable excuses for missing a performance other than the
following:
-A death in the family
-A serious illness (confirmed by a doctor’s note).
-Participation in another school sponsored event with written notice from
a coach/moderator (if you are a part of another team on the school campus,
I view that with the same importance as being a part of this team. I only
hope that you will try your best to contribute your full effort to both teams,
and make compromises to one or the other whenever possible.)
C. Employment is NOT an acceptable excuse for missing a performance.
D. Understand that I will drop your grade one whole letter as a result of
any unexcused performances. I take attendance very seriously.
E. Rehearsals…attendance at rehearsals is also mandatory. It is your job to inform the director if and when a conflict occurs preventing you from attending a rehearsal. It will be left to the director’s discretion whether or not to penalize you or have you complete an alternate assignment. Participation in an important athletic game/meet or school-sponsored event (not just a practice) may take priority over a scheduled rehearsal.
2. TESTS/QUIZZES/PRESENTATIONS/HOMEWORK (ASSIGNED
TASKS)
- The school curriculum requires me to give this class written tests/quizzes.
As the director, I vow to try my best to sufficiently prepare you for them.
- Presentations and homework will also be assigned (info will be given at
a later date).
- Each chorus member will also be assigned an office position at the term’s beginning and will be responsible for the duties entailed in that position. (Examples: Choir Publicist, Multimedia Rep, Recruiting Rep, Librarian or Fundraising Rep). The appointed choir president and director will consult on position assignments.
3. ATTITUDE
A. My approach as your director in this class is to treat you as mature young
adults. I expect nothing less from you than active cooperation, participation,
and attention at all times. Any disrespectful behavior towards myself or another
one of your classmates WILL NOT be tolerated. Punishment will be dealt with
on an individual basis as circumstance provides.
B. Students must be in their assigned sections and ready to sing when the
bell rings.
C. Students must wait for the director to dismiss them before leaving class.
E. The care you give to your sheet music will also be used to evaluate your
attitude. Take good care of it! (I will charge you $1.00 a page for any missing
or damaged sheet music.)
F. There is absolutely no gum, pop, candy, or food allowed in the band/choir
room or auditorium at any time whatsoever (breaking this rule will show me
that your desire is to disrespect myself and my class room(s).
4. INDIVIDUAL IMPROVEMENT
A. Students are advised to practice at least 30 minutes daily. But please
keep in mind that practice does not make perfect. PERFECT PRACTICE makes PERFECT.
Make certain you understand what it is you are trying to practice before you
attempt to. Research your rhythm first if you don’t understand it, and
play your pitch on the piano if you’re not certain how it supposed to
sound.
B. Any student needing extra help on a vocal part should by all means arrange
time outside of class with myself as the director or an appointed student
leader.
*GRADES
"A" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a great positive attitude, performed
extraordinarily well on assigned tasks, improved on their vocal capability,
and demonstrated superior leadership ability.
"B" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a good attitude, performed average
on assigned tasks, improved somewhat on their vocal capability, and demonstrated
potential for a leadership position.
"C" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a mediocre attitude, did not perform
well on assigned tasks, did not improve all that much on their vocal capability,
and demonstrated minimal leadership capability.
"D" GRADE:
Student attended ALL performances, had a poor attitude and/or disruptive class
behavior, did not care to improve on their vocal capability, and demonstrated
poor leadership capability.
"F" GRADE
Student had at least one unexcused absence from a performance, poor attitude
and/or disruptive class behavior, did not care to improve on their vocal capability
or assigned tasks, and demonstrated no potential for improvement.