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______________