SYLLABUS 2019-2020

Vocal Music & Musical Theater 6-8

Torin Wright/​twright@[Link]
[Link]
Calendar will be updated on the website each Sunday

Our Goal:​ ​The primary purpose of our choral program is to provide students with an
educational experience in music. 6th grade choir students will focus on unison and 2-part
singing. 7th grade students will focus on 2 and 3 part singing. 8th graders will focus on 3 and 4
part singing. All grades will follow a progressive sight reading curriculum that will focus on
rhythmic and tonal reading exercises. Students will sing music from a variety of genres and
historical periods. They will evaluate various styles of music that will integrate with the Social
Studies and Language Arts curriculum. Students will also learn basic tenants of music
composition and improvisation. The Daily Musical Theater curriculum will follow the Vocal Arts
curriculum AND add a weekly component of individual solo and monologue requirement to the
course.

Our Courses: ​During the 2018-2019 school year our Vocal Department will offer Musical
Theater and Vocal Music (Chorus). Both courses will follow nearly the same curriculum and will
participate in the Winter and Spring Concerts. With the exception of the two seasonal concerts,
neither class will have an active after school component related to being enrolled. Students in
both classes will be able to audition for extra curricular singing and acting opportunities such as
Festival Choir and/or the spring musical, which will have an after-school rehearsal schedule.

Vocal Music (Chorus)​ ​is a great place for the student who enjoys singing in group settings.

Musical Theater​ ​will have components that require individual singing and acting. This is a
great class to prepare students for leading roles and/or auditions in theatrical performances. A
willingness to perform alone in front of peers will be a required aspect of this course.
​
The Spring Musical (Frozen Jr.)​ ​will be a club oriented after-school activity not to be
confused with the musical theater course offered during the school day. All students at West
Pine Middle will have an opportunity to participate in the spring musical whether or not they are
enrolled in one of the vocal department courses offered during the school day.

Vocal Department Course Expectations/Outline of Course: ​Performance is the ultimate goal

of all West Pine Middle School Choirs. It is the true test of our rehearsal skills and
musicianship, so it reflects your commitment to the ensemble, as well as your individual
musicianship. For this reason, our daily work will focus on our continued preparation for a
summative concert performance that will take place at the end of each semester.

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Attendance at Performances​:​Due to stage and auditorium seating space limitations
students will not be required to attend the Winter Concert. Interested students must stay actively
involved during daily lessons to be invited to perform in public with our choirs. Extra credit will be
awarded to each student who makes the commitment to perform in public.

Concert Dates:
December 12, 2019, 7:00 PM, Winter Concert, Sunrise Theater
May 19, 2020, 7:00 PM, Spring Concert, Owens Auditorium, Sandhills Community College

Several additional honors choir and local performance dates will also be made available on an
audition basis for the more serious singer​.

Class Fee:​ ​Students enrolled in Vocal Music and/or Musical Theater Encore Classes are
required to pay a $5 fee for each one of these classes that they are enrolled in. Monies
collected from this fee will go toward music, folders, guest musicians, piano maintenance,
drama supplies etc. Students who are enrolled in two semesters of vocal music are only
required to pay this vocal music fee once per year. All fees are due to Mr. Wright by
September 15, 2019. Fees can either be sent to school or paid online at
[Link]

How to Stay Informed:

Website:​ ​The calendar link on our website will be updated each Sunday evening with pertinent
announcements and/or reminders regarding upcoming concerts/assignments. Please visit our
website at [Link].

Google Classroom: ​All Classes will utilize Google Classroom, which is our online learning
management system connected to Power School. Students can plan on receiving assignments
and announcements via this site.

Grading Plan:​ ​Positive behavior and engaged participation is required. Students are graded on their
engagement throughout daily lessons. Written and performance assessments will be given on a bi-weekly
basis.

Daily In Class Expectations:

• By the time the bell rings, students should be seated with their music.
• Students will bring their chromebooks to class on a daily basis.
• Has all belongings placed in cubby promptly upon entering classroom

• Students will master skills and concert music at the requested times, or seek additional help when
needed to attain these goals.

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 • Students will not be allowed to bring chewing gum, food or drink (water in a clear bottle with a lid is
acceptable) to choir class.
• Students will be expected to stay in their assigned seats unless granted permission to move throughout
the room.
• Students will maintain a positive attitude while showing respect for themselves, the director, and other
at all times.
• Participate actively by ​showing interest​ in your work and staying engaged!
• Take pride in your personal accomplishments and show support for your peers positive efforts.

Technology:​ ​Students will be responsible to bring their chromebooks (already charged) to class each
day. It is a common misconception that students do not need chromebooks on a daily basis in vocal
music. In the event that a student does not bring his/her chromebook to class, point deductions will be
applied for not being prepared for class.

Statement for Academic Dishonesty: ​Academic honesty is expected in this class. Cheating will not
be tolerated. Consequences may include: reduction in grade on assignment, repeat assignment, no grade
on assignment or others as deemed appropriate. Academic dishonesty will be reported to a school
administrator and a parent will be notified.

SYLLABUS SIGNATURES

Please Sign and Return by September 6, 2019

Please Note: Mr. Wright’s Course Fees are due September 15, 2019

I have read and understand the rules for Mr. Wright’s Class.

Parent/Guardian Signature:_____________________________ Date:__________________

Parent/Guardian’s Email Address:_______________________ and/or _____________________

Student Signature:________________________________ Date:__________________