Student and Parent Guide
General Music/Chorus
Wasatch Jr. High
Marion Smith � Vocal music and general music
Marion.Smith@granite.k12.ut.us
Course Overview:
This course will cover the basics of music including note reading,
composition, music appreciation, concert attendance and etiquette, music
history, identifying different instruments and sounds, & vocal production.
Materials Needed:
Pencil, paper, any assignments due, student planner in class everyday.
*Class Grading*
Concert Participation -
Each student should attend 1(one) MUSIC concert first quarter (please note
that a dance concert does not count) and complete a concert report. This may
be a school concert. Please make sure that the ticket stub and/or the
program is attached to the concert report. The concert must be classical,
folk, jazz, choral or musicals.
Second term students will perform in a concert. This will be manditory - all
students are expected to participate. If something arised that prevents them
from attending the teacher must be notified in writing by a parent two weeks
before the concert. A reason for not attending must be stated.
Being a courteous audience member includes:
� Remain quiet during a piece.-
Obviously, this should be done to allow your fellow concertgoers to enjoy the
performance (and to allow the musicians to concentrate) without extraneous
conversations, candy wrappers, baby outbursts, watch alarms, or cell phones.
This also includes whispering and/or disciplining other children.
� Turn off pagers, cell phones, and watch alarms.
While many phones and pagers now have very symphonic-like rings, they don�t
always fit into the musical score, nor do they provide pleasant sounds for
your neighbors. This also includes text messaging.
� Do not leave until the concert is over.
Please do not leave after your child has performed. All of the students
deserve a full audience for their performances. Remember, the next time your
or your child�s song could be last!
� Applaud at appropriate times.
Some music has several sections. Remember, it�s not over until all of the
sections have been performed.
� Do not leave the auditorium during the music.
Wait for a break in the concert to visit the restroom, unless you are
carrying a screaming child, in which case you should leave quietly and
quickly, PLEASE!
� Go to the concert expecting the best.
You just might be surprised how good your student sounds when the other
students join in!
Students who fail to observe these courtesies at school concerts will not
have the concert counted.
Class Participation
This is a major part of your grade because of the nature of the class. This
includes:
1. Following class rules
2. Actively participate in classroom discussions
3. Being on time and prepared each day when class starts.
Assignments and Tests
There will be assignments and tests given throughout the semester. If a
student is absent they may turn in late work. They must turn it in two days
(the next class period) after the absence for full credit. Any late work
will be given half credit for the first week it is late and no credit after
that time.
Extra Credit
You may earn extra credit for doing extra projects during the quarter. It
will not be possible to earn any extra credit unless you have turned in your
concert report for the term. You may not make up the points you lose for
being disruptive in class. You may use a project from the following list for
extra credit or you may have one approved by the teacher. Extra credit is
due before the end of the term but can be turned in any time.
(Acceptable extra credit activities)
� Attend a classical music concert/recital or musical (with typed
review and attached ticket/program): up to 100 points
� Music Timeline: up to 200 points
� Composer Report: up to 200 points
� Volunteer before school to work in the music library: up to 200
points per day
� Participate in an outside music organization (with note from
conductor): 100 points
� Compose/arrange a musical piece: up to 200 points
� Private vocal/instrumental lessons (with note from teacher): 100
points
� Other projects as approved by the teacher
Academic and Citizenship Grading
You will be graded on the same system used by the entire school. Also the
citizenship policy will be adhered to. They are found in your planner.
Classroom Behavior Expectations
Each student is responsible for his/her own behavior. Each student should
enter the classroom in a calm manner and follow the instructions given for
the day. If a student is not in their seat 5 sec. after the tardy bell rings
with folder and/or materials needed for the day, they will be marked tardy.
This does not mean that they can come into the classroom after the bell
rings. This will also result in a student being marked tardy. Each day a
student is in class participating they will receive 10 points. Please note
the policy on cell phones and headphones. If either is seen in the hallways
or classrooms at ANY TIME during the school day (including lunch) they will
be taken to the front office.
Rules and expectations
Students are expected to adhere to all school rules and these classroom rules:
1. Please leave all food, gum, candy, and drink outside the room.
2. Always be courteous to the teacher, students, and yourselves. Put-
downs, name calling, sarcasm, and other inappropriate language is not
allowed. Please raise your hand before speaking and do not interrupt whoever
has permission to speak.
3. Respect the equipment and materials in the room. Other classes will
be using the room so do not touch anything in the room unless you have
permission
4. Come on time and be ready to �Participate
Failure to adhere to the rules will result in loss of participation points,
low citizenship grade, or (in more serious situations) a call to parents
and/or detention.
The students in this class will be performing on our Spring Concert on
May 6, 2009 AT 7:00PM HERE AT THE SCHOOL. THE CONCERT IS REQUIRED AND
IS PART OF THEIR GRADE. FAILURE TO ATTEND COULD RESULT IN A LOW OR FAILING
GRADE.
Students
I have read and understand the expectations required of me for participating
in general music at Wasatch Jr. High. Please initial when you understand
each bullet.
� I commit to following the standards discussed by myself, my
classmates, and my teacher.
_______________
� I understand what is required for the concert report
_______________
� I understand what I can do for extra credit
_______________
� I understand school and classroom policy on cell phones, calculators,
headphones, and other electronic equipment as well as any �toy� I bring in to
class. _______________
.
Student Signature _________________________________Date____________
Parents name(s) ___________________________________
Parents� e-mail ____________________________________________
Home phone #_____________________
Parents can be reached best during the day at (work/cell
phone):_______________________________
Parents
I have read and understand the expectations for my son/daughter to be
involved in general music at Wasatch Jr. High. I have reviewed with my
student what was discussed in class. I also give permission for my student
to play in class and receive a grade for what they play or sing. Please
initial beside each bullet if you have reviewed the specific section
mentioned.
� I am verifying that I know what the concert report is all about and
if not I will contact you personally through e-mail for further
clarification. I understand that only one of these concerts can be my
favorite rock group from the 60's, 70's or 80's and understand what is meant
by folk, jazz or classical music. I further understand what behavior is
expected of me and my student at concerts ______________
� I have read the classroom rules and expectation and will encourage my
students to follow them and give the teacher permission to grade or
discipline according to what is outlined in this disclosure.
� I understand that this will be my child�s favorite class and I will
brainwash them every night by telling them so. (I�m just testing to see if
you actually read this!) ________________
Parent Signature ________________________________Date______________
