Course Syllabus - Scroll to end for 2013-14 Calendar
Silver Lake Regional High School
Music Department
Select Choir Concert Men’s and Women’s Choirs Freshman Girls Choir
Ms. Kelley DePasqua, Department Chairperson of Fine and Practical Arts and Choir Director
Course Syllabus
The next two pages will outline my expectations of you. This syllabus will explain how you are evaluated, when you are expected to be present and what you will need to wear. It will also address proper classroom and concert behavior. At the end of this syllabus is included a Calendar of all Music and Drama related dates known at this point in time. Please share this information with your parents and plan accordingly. You should keep this syllabus in your folder for the duration of the year.
Dress Rehearsals and Concert Attendance:
There is one major concert per term. Please refer to the Music Department Calendar for dates. In the week prior to each performance there will be a mandatory after school rehearsal for all singers. Times and dates will be given at least two weeks in advance. These rehearsals and performances are the equivalent of homework and projects in other courses and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is a required component of this course. In this class a performance is considered your final project and will be weighted as such. Please see the Attendance Policy for excused absence procedures.
Proper Concert Dress is your responsibility. Please see me if there are any problems.
Concert Dress for Concert Choir:
Women: Gowns (must be tastefully appropriate for concert) – If you do not have a gown, wear your nicest dress! We also have begun to collect gowns from alumni, so speak with Ms. DePasqua if you need a gown (or have one to pass along!)
Men: Long Sleeved, Solid Colored, Button Down Dress Shirt, Dark Pants, TIE, Dark Socks and Dark Shoes (No Sneakers).
Concert Dress for Freshman Girls Choir:
School appropriate semi-formal attire appropriate to the season: Skirt/dress must be below the knee or longer OR dress pants. Tops must follow all school dress code guidelines. Strapless and spaghetti straps are not allowed.
Concert Dress for Select Choir:
Women: Same as Concert Women’s Choir
Men: Same as concert Men’s Choir PLUS Dark Suit Jackets
There will very likely be a different concert dress for the South Shore High School Choral Consortium. That info will be shared as soon as concert dress for that group is determined.
Assessment and Grading:
Assessment of student progress and acquisition of skill is an important component in all classes. Students are regularly assessed in music classes through formal and informal assessments. On performance assessments, students are evaluated ideographically, which is based on their own progress and acquisition of musical skill. Students are also asked to display their mastery of the subject through written classwork and exams. Percentages are approximate and may change slightly to accommodate the work of a specific term.
25% - Written exams, quizzes or classwork; this will include the study of music notation and music vocabulary and Oral/Aural Singing quizzes; this will include knowledge of concert music and improvement in sight-reading lessons.
25% - Rehearsal & Concert Attendance (See Attendance Policy)
50% - Participation and Behavior (See below); There is no reason why everybody should not receive an "A" in this category. A student’s participation in class is assessed every two weeks and will be updated in PowerSchool in a timely manner. Bi-weekly Participation Assessments are based on a point system…usually 10 points every two weeks. Negative classroom behaviors affect participation and therefore, this assessment.
Attendance:
All after-school rehearsals and concerts are mandatory. There will be no unexcused absences. Unexcused absences (meaning you didn't tell your director you were unable to attend said rehearsal at least two days prior to its occurrence and/or the director didn't approve it), will result in a deduction from your attendance grade. An unexcused absence from a performance will reduce your attendance grade to the point that your term grade is lowered by a letter grade. When prioritizing your activities a performance should fall at the top of your list. Every member of this choir is very important and one person's absence affects the balance of the whole group. An excused absence (a very important sports game, a Dr’s appt. that couldn’t be re-scheduled) must be approved at least two days before a scheduled rehearsal. Excused absences are at our discretion, but will not affect your grade. Excessive absence from class will also affect your attendance grade, for your participation and knowledge of the music is directly related to your daily attendance. Credit for excessive absence from class can be made up by seeking extra help after school and through the make-up assignment listed below.
Participation and Behavior:
Daily participation and respectful behavior are crucial to your success in this class. The first is pretty self explanatory. In order to be successful in chorus you must SING. Enough said. Student’s behavior and participation will be evaluated every two weeks.
As for classroom behavior, we have some concrete expectations. We promise you that class will be much more enjoyable for ALL of us if we do not have to waste time addressing inappropriate behaviors. OUR number one expectation for behavior in this room is that we all show RESPECT for one another and the classroom environment. Inappropriate behavior is defined as follows:
1. Talking when a) the teacher is talking.
b) another student is talking.
c) when you should be singing.
2. Shouting out answers or comments without being called upon.
3. Failure to bring music to class or to get your folder from the cabinet.
4. Excessive and unnecessary tardiness to class.
5. Bringing food into the Band/Choir Room (1706) or Music Lab (1701)
Exception: You may have bottled water only.
6. Chewing gum during rehearsals.
7. There is to be no use of cell phones or headphones during instructional time.
Please see the policy in the student handbook.
8. Any other behaviors that cause distractions and take attention away from the music.
The goal of these guidelines is twofold. The first is to maximize the amount of time spent singing. The second is to create an atmosphere based not on discipline, but on mutual respect. We must uphold the strength of this program by committing ourselves to our best effort every day.
Folders and Music
We will use three ring binders and music is to be stored in the assigned cabinet at the back of the room. YOU MUST PUT YOUR FOLDER AWAY EVERY CLASS. You may certainly take your music home to practice, but must always have your music for class. Not having your music in class will affect your participation grade. We have purchased these in bulk and ask you to please buy your binder from us so they all match if we need to use them in a performance. Your HOMEWORK is to bring in $2.00 next Tuesday (Wed.) for your binder. (Some of you saved yours from last year. Also, I do have a few used binders for free if necessary.) All music will be numbered. You will be responsible for all music lent to you and you will be charged for any music not returned on your number. All singers must have a pencil in their binder!!!!
Make-up Assignment:
If you have an unavoidable excessive absence due to illness or other you can make up missed attendance credit by attending concerts or performances and writing a review. The criteria is as follows: Any concert (neighboring high school's choral concert, Broadway musicals, and even pop/rock concerts that include singing) is acceptable. You must write a one page typed review including a description of the artist or group and the concert program. You must include at least one thing the artist(s) did well and one thing that you think could have been better. (example - diction, dynamics, varied program choices, intonation, relationship with audience, etc...) To receive credit you must attach a program or ticket stub to your review.
Additional Performance Opportunities:
NEW SL ACAPPELLA – Bella and Fella Voce are on a one year hiatus. This year we will pilot two student acappella groups. Mrs. Bates will be the choreographer and Ms. DePasqua will direct. Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays from 2:15-3:30 – You MUST be able to attend this full hour every week. You may not miss rehearsal for sports. There will be an audition for the acappella groups again in January. The audition process will be two fold….ALL INTERESTED SINGERS (including beatboxers) Must come to an OPEN REHEARSAL on Tuesday, Sept 17 from 2:15-3:30 to learn the vocal and choreography (simple) audition material. Auditions for this year's group will be held on Tuesday, September 24th at 2:15-3:30 in room1706. 100% commitment is expected of all selected singers, so be sure you have worked out work, sports and transportation before you audition.
Drama Club – AUDITIONS NEXT WEEK for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF!!!!!! While this is not an offering of the Music Department, the Silver Stars Drama Club is a vibrant organization at SL and we strongly encourage those who love to perform to get involved (and also those who love to work behind the scenes!). Our musical this year will be Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock and the performance dates are November 21, 23 and Nov. 24. Audition packets will be available by Tuesday, September 3rd (I hope!) and an informational meeting and practice will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5th from 2:15 – 3:15. We will go over the audition songs and you can find scene partners. Auditions will be MONDAY, SEPT 9 from 2:20 – 5:00. Callbacks will be WEDNESDAY, SEPT 11th from 3:00-5:30. The cast list will be posted on Thursday morning and we will have a read-thru rehearsal for ALL CAST & CREW on Thursday. September 12th from 2:30-4:30.
Silver Lake Idol! – Start planning now – SL Idol 2012 is Oct 10th!! Spread the word! Information about auditions will be available by September 16th! Silver Lake Idol auditions will be held on Monday, September 23rd and the event will be held on Thursday, October 10th.
SLRHS Music and Drama Calendar 2013-14
This is the Music and Drama Calendar as known at the start of school. Please put all relevant dates in your individual and family calendars. Items involving ALL music ensembles are listed in BOLD!
All performances are in the SLRHS Auditorium unless otherwise noted.
Date Time Event Ensemble(s)
September 5 (Thurs) 2:10-3:15 PM Fiddler on the Roof Info Meeting & Practice
September 11 (Tues) 2:10-5:30 PM Fiddler on the Roof Auditions
September 12 (Wed) 3:00-5:30 PM Fiddler on the Roof Callbacks
September 17 (Tue) 2:15-3:30 PM ACAPPELLA AUDITIONS – Learn piece
September 24 (Tue) 2:15-3:30 PM ACAPPELLA AUDITIONS (re-audition in January)
September 23 (Mon) 2:15-4:00 PM Silver Lake Idol Auditions
September 29 (Sat) 1:00 game Homecoming Game Select Choir/MB
*All music students encouraged to attend to support Silver Lake Marching Band*
October 10 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Silver Lake Idol
October 29 (Tue) 7:00 PM Fall Concert All Choirs
***This is a week later than in the agenda! More info will be coming*
November 21 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Fiddler on the Roof
November 23 (Sat) TBA Senior District Auditions, King Phillip HS
November 23 (Fri) 7:00 PM Fiddler on the Roof
November 24 (Sat) 2:00 PM Fiddler on the Roof
December 7 (Sat) TBA Junior District Auditions, Furnace Brook MS
December 19 (Thurs)* 7:00 PM Winter Concert ALL Music Ensembles
January 10, 11 (Fri, Sat) All day Senior District Festival, SILVER LAKE (I think!)
January 25 (Sat)* TBA All-State Auditions
February 1 (Sat) TBA Jr. and Sr. SEMSBA Auditions (I think)
March 7, 8 (F,S) All day Junior District Music Festival
March 20, 21, 22 (T,F,S) All day All-State Music Festival, Seaport Hotel, Boston
March 11 (Tues) 7:00 PM Solo and Ensemble Concert
Auditioned soloists and All HS Choirs, MS Honors Choirs
March 13 (Thurs) 7:00 PM District Wide Instrumental Concert (Gr. 6-12)
March 29 (Sat) evening South Shore High School Choral Consortium with The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra (Select Ch.)
April 4, 5 (F,S) All day Senior SEMSBA Music Festival (I think?)
May 1 & 3 (Th, S) 7:00 PM Spring Play – Animal Farm
May 3, 4 (F, S) All day Junior SEMSBA Music Festival, tbd
May 6 (Tue) 6:00 PM Music Department Awards Night
May 15 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Spring Concert ALL Music Ensembles
May 31 (Sat) TBA Graduation Select Choir/All Band
Music Department
Select Choir Concert Men’s and Women’s Choirs Freshman Girls Choir
Ms. Kelley DePasqua, Department Chairperson of Fine and Practical Arts and Choir Director
Course Syllabus
The next two pages will outline my expectations of you. This syllabus will explain how you are evaluated, when you are expected to be present and what you will need to wear. It will also address proper classroom and concert behavior. At the end of this syllabus is included a Calendar of all Music and Drama related dates known at this point in time. Please share this information with your parents and plan accordingly. You should keep this syllabus in your folder for the duration of the year.
Dress Rehearsals and Concert Attendance:
There is one major concert per term. Please refer to the Music Department Calendar for dates. In the week prior to each performance there will be a mandatory after school rehearsal for all singers. Times and dates will be given at least two weeks in advance. These rehearsals and performances are the equivalent of homework and projects in other courses and attendance at all rehearsals and performances is a required component of this course. In this class a performance is considered your final project and will be weighted as such. Please see the Attendance Policy for excused absence procedures.
Proper Concert Dress is your responsibility. Please see me if there are any problems.
Concert Dress for Concert Choir:
Women: Gowns (must be tastefully appropriate for concert) – If you do not have a gown, wear your nicest dress! We also have begun to collect gowns from alumni, so speak with Ms. DePasqua if you need a gown (or have one to pass along!)
Men: Long Sleeved, Solid Colored, Button Down Dress Shirt, Dark Pants, TIE, Dark Socks and Dark Shoes (No Sneakers).
Concert Dress for Freshman Girls Choir:
School appropriate semi-formal attire appropriate to the season: Skirt/dress must be below the knee or longer OR dress pants. Tops must follow all school dress code guidelines. Strapless and spaghetti straps are not allowed.
Concert Dress for Select Choir:
Women: Same as Concert Women’s Choir
Men: Same as concert Men’s Choir PLUS Dark Suit Jackets
There will very likely be a different concert dress for the South Shore High School Choral Consortium. That info will be shared as soon as concert dress for that group is determined.
Assessment and Grading:
Assessment of student progress and acquisition of skill is an important component in all classes. Students are regularly assessed in music classes through formal and informal assessments. On performance assessments, students are evaluated ideographically, which is based on their own progress and acquisition of musical skill. Students are also asked to display their mastery of the subject through written classwork and exams. Percentages are approximate and may change slightly to accommodate the work of a specific term.
25% - Written exams, quizzes or classwork; this will include the study of music notation and music vocabulary and Oral/Aural Singing quizzes; this will include knowledge of concert music and improvement in sight-reading lessons.
25% - Rehearsal & Concert Attendance (See Attendance Policy)
50% - Participation and Behavior (See below); There is no reason why everybody should not receive an "A" in this category. A student’s participation in class is assessed every two weeks and will be updated in PowerSchool in a timely manner. Bi-weekly Participation Assessments are based on a point system…usually 10 points every two weeks. Negative classroom behaviors affect participation and therefore, this assessment.
Attendance:
All after-school rehearsals and concerts are mandatory. There will be no unexcused absences. Unexcused absences (meaning you didn't tell your director you were unable to attend said rehearsal at least two days prior to its occurrence and/or the director didn't approve it), will result in a deduction from your attendance grade. An unexcused absence from a performance will reduce your attendance grade to the point that your term grade is lowered by a letter grade. When prioritizing your activities a performance should fall at the top of your list. Every member of this choir is very important and one person's absence affects the balance of the whole group. An excused absence (a very important sports game, a Dr’s appt. that couldn’t be re-scheduled) must be approved at least two days before a scheduled rehearsal. Excused absences are at our discretion, but will not affect your grade. Excessive absence from class will also affect your attendance grade, for your participation and knowledge of the music is directly related to your daily attendance. Credit for excessive absence from class can be made up by seeking extra help after school and through the make-up assignment listed below.
Participation and Behavior:
Daily participation and respectful behavior are crucial to your success in this class. The first is pretty self explanatory. In order to be successful in chorus you must SING. Enough said. Student’s behavior and participation will be evaluated every two weeks.
As for classroom behavior, we have some concrete expectations. We promise you that class will be much more enjoyable for ALL of us if we do not have to waste time addressing inappropriate behaviors. OUR number one expectation for behavior in this room is that we all show RESPECT for one another and the classroom environment. Inappropriate behavior is defined as follows:
1. Talking when a) the teacher is talking.
b) another student is talking.
c) when you should be singing.
2. Shouting out answers or comments without being called upon.
3. Failure to bring music to class or to get your folder from the cabinet.
4. Excessive and unnecessary tardiness to class.
5. Bringing food into the Band/Choir Room (1706) or Music Lab (1701)
Exception: You may have bottled water only.
6. Chewing gum during rehearsals.
7. There is to be no use of cell phones or headphones during instructional time.
Please see the policy in the student handbook.
8. Any other behaviors that cause distractions and take attention away from the music.
The goal of these guidelines is twofold. The first is to maximize the amount of time spent singing. The second is to create an atmosphere based not on discipline, but on mutual respect. We must uphold the strength of this program by committing ourselves to our best effort every day.
Folders and Music
We will use three ring binders and music is to be stored in the assigned cabinet at the back of the room. YOU MUST PUT YOUR FOLDER AWAY EVERY CLASS. You may certainly take your music home to practice, but must always have your music for class. Not having your music in class will affect your participation grade. We have purchased these in bulk and ask you to please buy your binder from us so they all match if we need to use them in a performance. Your HOMEWORK is to bring in $2.00 next Tuesday (Wed.) for your binder. (Some of you saved yours from last year. Also, I do have a few used binders for free if necessary.) All music will be numbered. You will be responsible for all music lent to you and you will be charged for any music not returned on your number. All singers must have a pencil in their binder!!!!
Make-up Assignment:
If you have an unavoidable excessive absence due to illness or other you can make up missed attendance credit by attending concerts or performances and writing a review. The criteria is as follows: Any concert (neighboring high school's choral concert, Broadway musicals, and even pop/rock concerts that include singing) is acceptable. You must write a one page typed review including a description of the artist or group and the concert program. You must include at least one thing the artist(s) did well and one thing that you think could have been better. (example - diction, dynamics, varied program choices, intonation, relationship with audience, etc...) To receive credit you must attach a program or ticket stub to your review.
Additional Performance Opportunities:
NEW SL ACAPPELLA – Bella and Fella Voce are on a one year hiatus. This year we will pilot two student acappella groups. Mrs. Bates will be the choreographer and Ms. DePasqua will direct. Rehearsals will be on Tuesdays from 2:15-3:30 – You MUST be able to attend this full hour every week. You may not miss rehearsal for sports. There will be an audition for the acappella groups again in January. The audition process will be two fold….ALL INTERESTED SINGERS (including beatboxers) Must come to an OPEN REHEARSAL on Tuesday, Sept 17 from 2:15-3:30 to learn the vocal and choreography (simple) audition material. Auditions for this year's group will be held on Tuesday, September 24th at 2:15-3:30 in room1706. 100% commitment is expected of all selected singers, so be sure you have worked out work, sports and transportation before you audition.
Drama Club – AUDITIONS NEXT WEEK for FIDDLER ON THE ROOF!!!!!! While this is not an offering of the Music Department, the Silver Stars Drama Club is a vibrant organization at SL and we strongly encourage those who love to perform to get involved (and also those who love to work behind the scenes!). Our musical this year will be Fiddler on the Roof by Joseph Stein, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock and the performance dates are November 21, 23 and Nov. 24. Audition packets will be available by Tuesday, September 3rd (I hope!) and an informational meeting and practice will be held on Thursday, Sept. 5th from 2:15 – 3:15. We will go over the audition songs and you can find scene partners. Auditions will be MONDAY, SEPT 9 from 2:20 – 5:00. Callbacks will be WEDNESDAY, SEPT 11th from 3:00-5:30. The cast list will be posted on Thursday morning and we will have a read-thru rehearsal for ALL CAST & CREW on Thursday. September 12th from 2:30-4:30.
Silver Lake Idol! – Start planning now – SL Idol 2012 is Oct 10th!! Spread the word! Information about auditions will be available by September 16th! Silver Lake Idol auditions will be held on Monday, September 23rd and the event will be held on Thursday, October 10th.
SLRHS Music and Drama Calendar 2013-14
This is the Music and Drama Calendar as known at the start of school. Please put all relevant dates in your individual and family calendars. Items involving ALL music ensembles are listed in BOLD!
All performances are in the SLRHS Auditorium unless otherwise noted.
Date Time Event Ensemble(s)
September 5 (Thurs) 2:10-3:15 PM Fiddler on the Roof Info Meeting & Practice
September 11 (Tues) 2:10-5:30 PM Fiddler on the Roof Auditions
September 12 (Wed) 3:00-5:30 PM Fiddler on the Roof Callbacks
September 17 (Tue) 2:15-3:30 PM ACAPPELLA AUDITIONS – Learn piece
September 24 (Tue) 2:15-3:30 PM ACAPPELLA AUDITIONS (re-audition in January)
September 23 (Mon) 2:15-4:00 PM Silver Lake Idol Auditions
September 29 (Sat) 1:00 game Homecoming Game Select Choir/MB
*All music students encouraged to attend to support Silver Lake Marching Band*
October 10 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Silver Lake Idol
October 29 (Tue) 7:00 PM Fall Concert All Choirs
***This is a week later than in the agenda! More info will be coming*
November 21 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Fiddler on the Roof
November 23 (Sat) TBA Senior District Auditions, King Phillip HS
November 23 (Fri) 7:00 PM Fiddler on the Roof
November 24 (Sat) 2:00 PM Fiddler on the Roof
December 7 (Sat) TBA Junior District Auditions, Furnace Brook MS
December 19 (Thurs)* 7:00 PM Winter Concert ALL Music Ensembles
January 10, 11 (Fri, Sat) All day Senior District Festival, SILVER LAKE (I think!)
January 25 (Sat)* TBA All-State Auditions
February 1 (Sat) TBA Jr. and Sr. SEMSBA Auditions (I think)
March 7, 8 (F,S) All day Junior District Music Festival
March 20, 21, 22 (T,F,S) All day All-State Music Festival, Seaport Hotel, Boston
March 11 (Tues) 7:00 PM Solo and Ensemble Concert
Auditioned soloists and All HS Choirs, MS Honors Choirs
March 13 (Thurs) 7:00 PM District Wide Instrumental Concert (Gr. 6-12)
March 29 (Sat) evening South Shore High School Choral Consortium with The Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra (Select Ch.)
April 4, 5 (F,S) All day Senior SEMSBA Music Festival (I think?)
May 1 & 3 (Th, S) 7:00 PM Spring Play – Animal Farm
May 3, 4 (F, S) All day Junior SEMSBA Music Festival, tbd
May 6 (Tue) 6:00 PM Music Department Awards Night
May 15 (Thurs) 7:00 PM Spring Concert ALL Music Ensembles
May 31 (Sat) TBA Graduation Select Choir/All Band