West Hancock Junior High School Chorus Syllabus
Instructor and contact info:
Alex Verburg: averburg@whancock.k12.ia.us
Welcome to the West Hancock Jr. High choral program! It is great to have all of you in choir this year. When you choose this program, you chose to become part of a choral tradition dating back more than 50 years. This is an ensemble which pursues the goal of musical excellence and tradition; and I am excited to become part of that tradition. I have no doubt this will be a fantastic year, full of many exciting opportunities and experiences. I know that together we can continue the tradition of choral excellence.
Objectives:
In this class you will:
• Sing a variety of music featuring different musical styles
• Improve sight-reading and ear training skills
• Be able to identify various musical markings in scores
• Perform in a variety of concerts
• Be able to evaluate performances of this chorus and other musical groups
• Learn to work as a team to create music
Procedures:
Attendance is taken at the beginning of every class. If you are not in your seat by the time class starts you will be marked tardy. At the beginning of each class every person is expected to set up their own chair in their designated section and get their own folder. If you need to miss class for any reason, you must first check with Mr. Verburg for approval. If you do not check-in, you will be marked absent. You must have a pass/note if you are late to class or you will be marked tardy.
Every chorus member is expected to keep their folder current with the music being rehearsed. Folders may be checked periodically to see if all the music is there. Missing music in your folder may result in a lower grade. *This year we will be sharing folders, so it is even more important that we take good care of our folder, and our music.*
Every chorus members is expected to keep a pencil in their own folders to mark their own scores and to take notes when needed.
Every chorus member is expected to participate to their fullest ability. If you are sick, or cannot sing for some reason, please let Mr. Verburg know before class begins.
Grading:
Each student is graded weekly by a rehearsal rubric. Students are give 3 points for the week and the extra 7 are earned through meeting the criteria on the rubric.
Yearly Grading:
Students will be assessed throughout the year through various means. Informal assessments will not count toward a grade. Formal assessments will count toward the grade as follows:
- Weekly grade 10%
- Concert and concert attendance 30%
- Formal Assessments 25%
- Semester Test 20%
- Voice lessons 15%
*It is easy to obtain an “A” grade for this course but it is also possible to receive something lower if items on the rehearsal rubric are not met.
Classroom Expectations:
- I allow students to remain in the classroom as long as they do not cause a problem for anyone else.
- If they cause a problem, I will ask them to fix it.
- If they can't or will not fix it, I will do something.
- What I do will depend on the unique situation.
West Hancock Junior High School Chorus Schedule
Thursday, Oct. 28 7-12 Music Concert, 7:00 p.m. Britt
Thursday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day Program, 10:00 Kanawha
Tuesday, December 21 HS Winter Concert (extra credit if attended) 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 9 MS Winter Concert, 7:00 p.m. Kanawha
Thursday, March 17 Coffee House Concert (extra credit if attended) 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 31 MS Spring Concert 7:00 p.m. Kanawha
Thursday, April 14 HS Spring Concert (extra credit if attended)
Monday, May 23 MS Pops Concert 7:00 p.m. Kanawha
*Extra credit can be earned by having the program signed by Mr. Verburg at the attended concert.
Concert Dress:
Plain white on top, black on bottom. Also clothing must adhere to the school dress code.
Lessons:
Voice lessons are available; you will be expected to attend at minimum 1 lesson per semester. Other than that, you may have up to 1 lesson per week.
In conclusion:
I am exited to get the year going, and hope that you are too. Keep this syllabus in your folder at all times as we will be referencing it throughout the year.
I welcome communication and believe that it is a very important part of a successful group. Please feel free to come to me or contact me with any questions you might have, and let’s have a great year!!