Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Why does my child have to take 6th grade chorus?
- Is there any homework in Chorus?
- How do voice lessons work, and why are the necessary?
- What is a valid reason for missing a mandatory concert?
- What other opportunities are there for performing?
- How is a student graded in chorus?
- How do I join Drama Club?
- What if I want to be invovled with the play but don't want to act on stage?
- What if I want to be on stage, but I don't get a part?
- What is rehearsal participation, and how is it graded?
Why does my child have to take 6th grade chorus?
In 6th grade, students have to take either band or chorus to complete
their middle school music requirement. If the student finds that they really
do not like band or chorus they will not have to take it the next year. 6th
graders will not have to take Jr. High chorus, as they will already have
fullfilled their middle school music requirement in 6th grade chorus.
Is there any homework in Chorus?
There is no homework for either group, or tests, or labs. The grade for the
class is based on participation. The student has to make their voice
lessons, participate to the best of their abilities in the rehearsal, and
make both concerts in order to pass the class. Students will be working on
music theory in class. It is not homework but class work. If a student
fails to complete it in class they are more than welcome to take it home and
work on it there.
How do voice lessons work, and why are the necessary?
Voice lessons meet every 8 days during a different class period each
rotation. The student has a voice lesson group of about 7-10 students. If a
student does not owe work, or have a quiz, test or lab to do in their regular
class, they come down to my room to work on their chorus music, music theory,
and vocal techniques. Students who miss a voice lesson can make up their
voice lessons during lunch, during studyhall, or after school. The student
needs to check in with me and make an appointment so that I am free to work
with them. Voice lessons are necessary for students in that it allows me to
work with them on a more individual basis which is not possible in the chorus
rehearsal. Also, if students wish to participate in solo festival, All-
county, or any other extracurricular choral activities, this allows the
student the chance to work on the music for those events. Voice lessons are
worth 25% of a student's overall grade during the 3rd marking period.
What is a valid reason for missing a mandatory concert?
The concerts for all the groups are mandatory. They are like the midterms
and final tests that other classes have. If a student becomes very ill, or
there is a family emergency, then the student has every right to miss the
concert. A phone call or a note from a parent/gaurdian is needed to verify
the situation. If a student misses a concert for any of the above reasons,
then I assign a paper for the student to complete in a reasonable time in
order to receive the credit for the concert.
What other opportunities are there for performing?
Students who wish, may audition for any of the All-County Choruses, the Area-
All State Choruses, Cabaret, the Musical, Musical Desserts, and Solo
Festival. There are many opportunities for dedicated vocal students to
showcase their hardwork and talent to the community. Acceptance to any of
the above mentioned groups is based on hardwork and practice. All students
are welcome to audition for anything that is offered.
How is a student graded in chorus?
On the announcements page I have added the grading rubric that I use to grade
students in chorus. Check it out, if you have any further questions or
concerns please let me know.
How do I join Drama Club?
You do not have to officially join Drama Club. Listen to the announcements
for meeting times, and come to the next meeting. Joing Drama Club does not
mean that you will autmatically be a part of the musical/play. There will
still be auditions in November for parts in the musical.
What if I want to be invovled with the play but don't want to act on stage?
There are many different jobs for students who do not want to be on the stage
but want to help out with the play. We need students to help out with the
technical aspects of the play production. For example, we need people to run
the spot lights, pull the curtains, help with the costumes, help with the
props, and help move the sets around. There are many jobs you can do back
stage that are very important jobs.
What if I want to be on stage, but I don't get a part?
First, don't feel bad, there are only so many parts, and there have been more
and more students trying out every year. Coming to Drama Club will help as
we work on acting skills, but depending on how many parts there are, will
affect how many students make it in. Usually all the main roles go to Sr.
High students as they have the most experience. There are roles for Middle
school students and they are more than welcome to audition. If you don't get
a part at all you are more than welcome to help out with backstage.
What is rehearsal participation, and how is it graded?
Rehearsal participation is when a choral student has their music out, is
quite during the teaching of vocal parts, and sings to the best of his/her
ability at all times. This is graded by observation during the rehearsal
period. If a student is not sick and not excused from the rehearsal, I
expect the student to be participating as I have described above. If the
student is not, they will get one warning that they are in danger of losing a
point off of their participation grade. On the second offense, the student
will lose a point off of their grade. Students can work to get their points
back by participating as they should be. Rehearsal participation is worth
50% of a student's grade.