6

th
Grade Music Elective Mrs. Laurie Plate 2014/2015


Course Description
6
th
grade music class is part of the elective rotation at Cornerstone. We will meet 5 days
per week for 9 weeks. In music, we will focus on developing the singing voice using good
breathing, posture, and diction techniques, and work toward singing on pitch, both in
unison and in two parts. We will also strive to develop musicianship and performance
skills through singing, sight-reading, and vocal warm-ups. We will study music theory,
beginning note reading, the musical staff, and we will apply the elements of music
learned in lower school to the middle school choral setting. We may have opportunities
for performance throughout the rotation.

Class Scripture
I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108:1

Contact Information
lplate@cornerstonecougars.net
770.441.9222
Email is the best way to contact me. I check email several times during the day and will
share information regarding upcoming events and other important news. I will only
share INFORMATION regarding events, performances, dates, etc. If you have a concern
about your CHILD, a phone call or conference is preferred. Please call the school office
(770.441.9222) and I will return your call as soon as I possibly can.

Weebly Address
http://lplate.weebly.com/

Grading/Renweb
Because 6
th
grade music is an elective class, attendance, participation, effort, and
attitude are of vital importance and will determine the majority of the class grade.
Students will receive a weekly participation grade. They will also receive a grade for any
performances based on attendance, preparedness, and concert etiquette. Additional
grades from any other written work or class work will also be given.


Category Weights
Class Participation/Effort 50%
Performance/ Rehearsal Attendance 20%
Classwork 30%


Grading Scale
90-100 A
80-89 B
74-79 C
70-73 D
Below 70 F
Incomplete I

Homework
No homework is given in 6
th
grade music. However, weekly grades based on
participation and effort in class will be posted in Renweb. Additional grades will be
given for attendance to performances/rehearsals and any class work that may be given.
Ample time will be given to complete classwork; however, if classwork is not finished
during instruction time, students may be asked to complete work at home.
Honor Pledge
At Cornerstone, students are expected to honor their word. Every student writes an
honor pledge on each assignment to authenticate his/her work: I pledge that I did not
give or receive any unauthorized help in any part of this assessment.

Class Resources
All music and a binder to keep music in will be provided by Cornerstone. Students
should bring a pencil and their music binder and their agenda to each class. Students
are expected to return the music and binder in good condition at the end of the rotation.
School accounts will be charged for any music that is not returned or is damaged.

Expectations
Dispose of gum, candy, or food before entering the room
Be on time for class. Enter the room quickly and quietly, get your folder ready,
and be seated.
Take care of folders and all music in your possession. Only mark in pencil.
Be loyal to your team members; always speak kindly to and positively about
fellow choristers in and out of class.
Honor the good names of your family and Cornerstone. The way you represent
yourself reflects on us all.
Follow rules stated in handbook.

Class Discipline
While we are in Middle School now, we still want to recall the great HOPE plan of the
Lower School by having respect for self, others and property, obeying school rules,
pleasing God with words and actions and exercising self-control. However, if stated
handbook policies and classroom rules are not followed, the following is our class
discipline plan:
1st warning - reminder with grace
2nd warning - name on board
3rd warning - check by name and phone call to parents
4th warning - detention
For subsequent consequences regarding repeated detentions, etc., please see the
family handbook.
In an elective class, we are exploring subjects that some students are not necessarily
skilled or talented in, while others will have gifts and talents above and beyond the
expectation. That is OK. The expectation is that we all respect one anothers abilities
and differences, and celebrate individual accomplishments. It is not expected that every
student be a gifted singer; instead, my hope is that they will learn and new skill or refine
a learned skill, and that we can work together to create a sense of community in which
we can praise God and support one another in our efforts.

Concert Attendance/Performance

The 6
th
grade music class may have opportunities to perform throughout the rotation.
The number of performances will vary based on which quarter your rotation is. Dates
will be announced well ahead of time. The performances may include, but are not
limited to the Veterans Day Celebration, Thanksgiving Program, Christmas program,
and Caroling at the Forum. It is important that all students commit to being present,
prompt, dressed, and prepared to sing. Students should also exhibit appropriate
behavior during performances, both as performers and audience members. For any
excused absence other than sudden illness or family emergency, please notify me by
email at least one week prior to the performance. Unexcused absences from
performances will be reflected in the final grade.