General Music/Chorus September 2009
rdeglau@milforded.org
In 2001, students participating in music scored higher on the SAT’s than students with no participation. College Bound Seniors National Report, Profile of SAT Program Test Takers.
Princeton, NJ: The college Entrance Examination Board, 2001.
Music is an outburst of the soul. Frederick Delius
Welcome to my Website! You'll find information for all 6th, 7th and 8th grade General Music classes, as well as for the 6th and 7th grade chorus classes I teach.
General Music Syllabus
Welcome to music class!
This class is for creative thinkers who work as musicians work. You will be the music creator, performer, or responder. You will work alone, with a partner or in a group. You will be presented with musical problems and you will be given the tools to solve those problems in a creative way.
Suggested Supplies:
pencil or erasable pen
You will be provided with a folder that you may take home at the end of the year. It will contain work such as your class notes, compositions and reflections.
Class rules:
Respect EVERYONE in class.
Respect EVERYTHING in class.
Respect the MUSIC.
Grading:
Class Work 30%
Quizzes 20%
Music Projects/Tests 50%
About HMS Chorus
In chorus, students will learn and produce proper choral singing technique. Students will perform pieces in a variety of musical styles and languages, and will gain an understanding of music in relation to these various cultures and periods in history. Students will also read, recognize, and write music notation symbols. Finally, students will learn the importance of working as a member of a team, as the chorus prepares for a concert of which they can be proud.
Grading for Chorus
Expectations:
Students are expected to show respect for themselves and others at all times, participate in all class activities, be prepared and on time for class, and always give their best effort.
Grading Policy:
Participation in class, including behavior and effort (ten points possible per week): 50%
Written class work: 10%
Quizzes: 10%
Concert Grade (present, punctual, prepared, participating): 30%
Please note: The concert grade only applies to the second and third marking periods. During marking period one, students’ participation grade will count as 80% of their grade. Also, only those students who participate correctly in class (with good behavior and effort) will be included on Chorus field trips. If you plan to get on the bus, get to work in class!
About Evening Concerts
Students are required to participate in our two evening concerts during the year. These dates are set for Thursday, December 17th and Thursday, May 27th. Both concerts will be held at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium at the Parsons Complex, and will begin at 7pm. Please plan your family calendar accordingly! Dress for the concerts is black and white. Girls may wear black skirts or black dress pants, and a white shirt or blouse. Black nylons should be worn as well as black dress shoes. Boys will wear black pants, black socks, a white button-down shirt, a tie, and black dress shoes.
About Chorus Club
Chorus Club is for singers who are interested in auditioning for the CMEA Regional Chorus. The Regional Chorus is a group made up of middle school students from one quarter of the state of Connecticut, and you must audition to participate. Ms.Voss will teach you the song you need to sing for the audition, and help you prepare for singing the scale and the tonal memory. Every year, students from HMS are placed in this honor chorus--you may be next! Chorus Club will meet on Tuesdays beginning in October. More information is available in class--be sure to ask, if you are interested! The festival dates are:
Auditions: Saturday, November 7th (in Hamden)
Festival: Friday and Saturday, February 26th and 27th (in Higganum)