CHS Choral Department

Although assignments, content and points per assignment of overall grade will 
vary for each class, grading will be based on the following categories:

Homework/Quizzes (12.5%) - Both written and aural homework assignments and 
music “part checks” occur throughout the year. 

Bi-Monthly Journal Checks (20%) - Journal entries are made each day at the 
start of each class.  You will be graded on content. Students are given 15 
minutes to complete them. If you arrive late, then you will have to make it 
up on your own time. Journals will be checked at the 
end of each week that your student has class on a Friday. Students who are 
absent will be given ONE additional week to make up any missed entries.

Daily Participation (20%)- Participating fully, being on time, having pencil 
and materials needed for class each day, being dressed-out appropriately for 
choreography days (Musical Theater), using good singing habits (this includes 
no gum/food/drink) and having appropriate rehearsal behavior each day in 
class. Students who miss class time for absences, activities or any reason 
excused or not are responsible for music and choreography missed. It is the 
student’s responsibility to see a dance captain, section leader or the 
director for missed work.

Concert Attendance (40%) - Concert attendance is mandatory in a participation 
based class. Full points are earned for being punctual for your 
scheduled “call time” and attending scheduled concerts with all appropriate 
costumes and attire. Students who are tardy (if you are called at 6:00, 6:01 
is considered tardy) or not dressed appropriately will lose points.  Students 
in Musical Theater and Choir 1 and 2 have approximately 6 concerts per year. 
Concert Choir being the top “auditioned” performance group at CHS has 
approximately 10 required performances per year. 

Semester Project (5%) - An in depth look at a topic of your choice discussed 
in your class that semester. Choir students create a written analysis paper 
of a song or concept learned, musical theater students write a paper, but in 
addition present a "project" of your choice (poster, costume, song, etc.) to 
present to class on a particular Broadway musical of choice.

Final Exam (7.5%) - A written, comprehensive final exam that will cover 
sightreading, music history, music theory, composers, vocabulary or 
performance concepts and techniques covered in the semester.

**Students with a PRE-APPROVED, DOCUMENTED, EXCUSED absence (work schedules 
DO NOT COUNT as excused) from a concert performance will be given an 
alternative assignment to make up points missed. An EXCUSED absence means: A 
school related activity (leadership, drama, athletics) where conflicts that 
cannot be resolved (through directors/coaches discretion). Games and 
performances ALWAYS take priority over rehearsals and practices. A case of 
serious illness requiring student to miss school or see a physician (with a 
Dr.'s note).  A documented religious holidays or other unresolvable and 
reasonable circumstance that is pre-arranged with and approved by the 
director. Ms. Benefield reserves the right to approve or not approve absences 
as excused outside the above listed reasons at her discretion. Students who 
miss a concert performance with an UNEXCUSED absence will not be allowed to 
make up those points.


I have read and understand the grading requirements of the choir and musical 
theater classes at Carson High School. 

Signed ____________________________________________________

Please print and sign a copy for your assignment due to Ms. Benefield.
Grading
