Handbook Information
Grading
Grades in choir classes are based on three major components: concert attendance, in-class participation, and daily grades such as short assignments and quizzes. Participation grades in choir are earned by being present, being on time to class, and by joining in class activities without disruptions or distractions. Points may be deducted if a student is tardy, chewing gum, talking out of turn, or simply not participating. These points are entered as weekly grades (20 points per day = 100 points for a typical week) in the gradebook, and will show up as part of the overall class grade. A student who is absent will not receive his/her daily points, but may ask for make-up work, which will replace those points. Due to the large number of points accumulated throughout a nine week period, this make-up work is usually only necessary if there have been numerous absences, and work will not be given unless the student (or parent) requests it.
Concert Attendance
Choir is considered a performance class, and grades are based on performance both in and out of class. Concerts will be graded as tests. Full credit for the concert will be given if the student is there for the entire concert, sings with his/her group, demonstrates proper stage and audience behavior, and is dressed appropriately. Students not in attendance at concerts will receive no credit. If the absence is unavoidable (illness or family emergency) the grade may be excused, but please make sure to notify me prior to the concert.
Music
Songs for concerts and contests are chosen weeks in advance, and cover a wide variety of themes that may include holiday and sacred texts. If you have questions about the content of any songs please contact me early so that I may discuss this with you. If you choose not to allow your child to sing a particular song, an alternative written assignment will be given so that your child will have work to do during rehearsal time. Please let me know as soon as possible if this is an issue so that your child does not spend time working on a song that he or she will not be able to perform with us.
Uniforms
The uniform for the 6th grade choir will be blue jeans and a choir t-shirt (see attached order form). This will be worn for the Festival rehearsal and for the spring performance. The dress for the 6th grade Festival, which is an evening performance, is dressy (think picture day or Sunday dress).
Seventh and eighth graders are welcome to also purchase the shirts, but it is not required. Dress for the spring concert will be black dress pants/skirts with white or black dress shirts/blouses. Dresses and skirts should be longer than knee length, due to modesty issues with sitting and standing on risers up on a stage.