Grading

Students will be graded in lessons and rehearsals based on the following scale:

Musicality Skills (including, but not limited to):
Pitch
Rhythm
Breathing
Dynamics
Articulation
Musical Knowledge

Work Habit Skills (including, but not limited to):
Proper alignment (posture)
Body Language
Attitude
Willingness to Try
Timeliness
Effort
Preparedness (ex: bringing your music)

5 - student demonstrates skills at all times
4 - student demonstrates skills most of the time
3 - student demonstrates skill some of the time
2 - student rarely demonstrates skills
1 - student never demonstrates skills

Five points will be possible for musicality skills, and five points possible for work habit skills, for a total of 10 points.

BEGINNING LETTER TO CHOIR (with grading guidelines)

Students and Parents:

HAPPY INFO

I absolutely love music and I love teaching choir.  There is no greater joy than getting a struggling musician to start matching pitches, or working with the top auditioned choir with 8-part independent music.  Our school year is absolutely packed with performances and opportunities for students to explore the world of music.  No, not everyone will be allowed to sing solos or be in small performance groups throughout the year, but you will receive small group lesson instruction time on a weekly/bi-weekly basis.

Being a part of a music ensemble is one of the greatest joys I have known, and I hope you learn to love and appreciate it, as well.  Just keep in mind: you only get out of life what you put into it.  So, give it your all!

NITTY-GRITTY INFO

Choir is not an extra-curricular activity.  It is a class like any other. 

Yes, your choir grade will affect your GPA.  No, you are not guaranteed an ‘A’ grade if you simply sing.  Having a naturally beautiful voice does not guarantee an ‘A’ grade.  Conversely, the inability to match every pitch is not a precursor for a failing grade.  Standing with correct posture, correct vocal technique, being attentive, performing physical movements during class, listening during class, having your music with you for the entire period, and facial expressions (among many other aspects) are all graded components of this class.  Check your grade on PowerSchool.  Do not wait until the end of a grading term to check your grade.  Check it often to know where you stand with your choir grade.

You are responsible for all the information in the daily announcements.  If you were not at school, you can check the Mid-Prairie blog at: mpchoralnotes.blogspot.com.  Click on the “Daily Announcements” link and you can see what we reviewed that day.

Every day is a literal group project in choir.  If you are making a positive contribution to the group, your rehearsal grade will reflect as such.  If you are not contributing, or if you are a detriment to the group project, your grade will also reflect as such.

We will have graded quizzes which are based on what we do in class.  Students, it is to your benefit to pay attention in class.  If you are gone from class that day and therefore miss the quiz question, you will receive a 0 for that quiz, along with a notation that the grade is ‘missing.’  It is then up to you to come in before school, during seminar, or after school to make up that grade.  You will have one week to make up the quiz; after that point it will be a permanent 0.  You may not make up the quiz during our large group rehearsals.  I will not track you down to have you make up the quiz; it is your responsibility.  

Lessons are graded on a rubric consisting of work habit scores and musicality scores.  Lesson groups range in size from two students, to approximately 12 students.  There may be times in which students voluntarily have solo lessons, especially during Cocoa & Carols season, Pops & Pie season, and solo state contest season.  If you are missing lessons, you are responsible for scheduling a make-up lesson.  These are offered before school, during seminar, and after school.  You can also have make-up lessons with other scheduled lesson groups, if you have prior permission.

Rehearsal grades are based on your actions during large group rehearsals.  Again, every day is a group project.  We cover an amazing variety of material during large group rehearsals, and yes, you will be tested on that material.  With the large number of students in Mixed Choir and Ladies’ Lyrica, it is imperative that you remain silent (except when you’re singing!) during rehearsals.  If you are a tenor and I am working with the sopranos, listen to what they are doing.  Not only does it help you musically, but tomorrow’s quiz may be based on what I worked with for another voice group.

Choir concerts are graded with the following criteria in mind: showing up by the predetermined time, facial expressions, proper posture & singing technique, and putting away your robe correctly.  You are also graded on wearing the correct uniform under your robe.  For girls this means black, closed toe shoes.  You may not wear flip-flops or sandals.  Do not wear heels, or shoes with “bling” on them.  For gentlemen, this means black dress pants, black dress shoes, and black socks.  If you do not have one of these items, you may be able to borrow items from the choir/drama department.  It is up to you to tell me at least one day in advance if you will need to borrow part of your uniform.  

If you are ineligible for performances due to academic reasons or a violation of the Good Conduct Policy, you will be given extra assignments to make-up for those missed performances.

Parents, if your child is receiving a grade which you feel is inadequate, your child needs to contact me first, either in person or by email.  If you email me before your child comes to me, I will simply reply “Have ___________ see me tomorrow before school.”  Once your child comes to talk to me, I will then reply to your email. 

I firmly believe that choir is an academic course.  Learning the intricacies of music is akin to learning another language.  If you do not spend any time outside of the choir room studying music, you will not improve, nor will the choir improve.  We will work on music literacy daily in class.  Knowing how to read music is a skill that you can benefit from for your entire life, so take advantage of all the opportunities given to you now.  Enjoy our time together!