North High School Beginning Choir

Nicholas Drew Gray

Course Syllabus 2016-2017 nicholas.gray@evsc.k12.in.us
(270) 869-5258
Course Information
All choral ensembles at North HS will exemplify the quality of the outstanding
choral music to be utilized in the classroom. It will be the foundation for an
admirable choral program devoted to the community of Evansville and to
carry excellence within every location of its students academic careers.
This is a performance-oriented class geared to expose students to a wide
variety of choral literature, ranging from the various historical/contemporary
styles and genres by way of rehearsals and performances. Students will
refine proper vocal/choral techniques, breathing skills, sight-reading skills,
diction, and basic musicianship. Performances will take place throughout the
school year and students will be given opportunities to participate
individually, as well as in the larger choral ensemble.
Choir members have been previously selected by auditions, other situations
will be decided by vocal/musical skill evaluations and placed correspondingly
in respective classes according to skill level. This next years ensembles will
be auditioned in the spring of each year.
Grading
Student grades result from four separate areas of demonstration including:
Daily Participation exhibiting cooperation, enthusiasm, preparedness,
good vocal technique, and effort. This will be measured by student
attendance, punctuality, ability to stay on task, and teacher assessment of
skills learned and practiced within the classroom. Any major issues with this
portion of the grade will be expressed within the week.
Performances and Performance-Type Assessments these will be
measured by attendance on the scheduled date, displayed acceptable
performance etiquette, displayed acceptable social interaction, and
preparedness during performance. (Some grading periods have more
performances than others.)
Musical Skills Tests, In-class Assessments and Written Work
including, but not limited to, written quizzes/tests, singing quizzes, rhythm
quizzes, and various assessments. Skills tests are an important way to
individually assess each students competency of skills and style in the
repertoire performed. These grades will be regularly posted to the
appropriate system to be viewed at home and grave deficiencies will be
discussed in a timely manner.
Writing Project will be required and will count as a test grade. It will consist
of an electronic journal requiring several entries in the form of terminology
definition discussions, critiques, critical thoughts and impressions about

musically related subjects, readings, and performance recordings. Some

class time will be allotted for these projects, but some may demand work
outside of school and turned in by email to Mr. Gray via
nicholas.gray@evsck12.com. This will provide each student with a
performance report of their progress and thought process each semester
throughout the duration of their musical education in the North High School
Choral Department.
A
B
C
D
F

100-92%
91-82%
81-70%
69-60%
59.99below

Grading Scale:
Any student caught cheating on any
assignment, quiz or test will be
given a 0 for the affected
assignment, quiz or test, and may be
subject to dismissal from the class.

*Any offerings of Extra Credit are solely arranged at the discretion of Mr.
Gray and are expected in the case of an excused absence at a performance.
*Excused Absences for Concerts are only allowed in case of emergency
(requiring documentation) and other school related functions that must be
worked out with Mr. Gray and any other school party prior to the
performance.
Beginning Choir Performance Attire [Please Read Carefully]
Issues with obtaining the items listed below should promptly be brought to
the attention of Mr. Gray or the NHS guidance counselors. There are many
ways to meet the needs of our students pertaining to their coursework and
extra curricular activities.
Ladies Solid black dress or solid black skirt w/ solid black dress blouse.
o Dresses and skirts MUST BE ankle or floor length
o Have long-sleeves (a solid black sweater may be worn atop as
sleeves)
o Backside and cleavage should remain covered
Solid black dress shoes (NOT tennis shoes, sandals or flip flops)
Hose (optional)
Makeup should be tasteful and classy
Genientlemen Solid black
Solid black
Solid black
Solid black

dress pants (NOT jeans, cargo or ragged pants)

oxford dress shirt (collared, long-sleeve, button-down)
dress socks (NOT WHITE SOCKS)
dress shoes (NOT Tennis shoes or Sandals)

Uniform Tie Provided

A few more things concerning ALL students

Keep jewelry sleek, small, and elegant.
Remember to exercise basic hygiene before concerts (shower,
deodorant)
Do not use perfumes or colognes to protect others allergies.
Everyone must wear underwear!

Goals for the Year

1. Improve rhythmic skills using rhythm as a foundation for performance.
Recognize rhythmic patterns and understand how rhythm propels
music. Rehearse music with count-singing.
2. Improve music literacy skills and sight-reading. Make significant
progress in the understanding of the structure of music.
3. Rehearse music with solfege syllables. Improve the understanding of
each voice parts function in choral literature.
4. Rehearse at the highest level.
5. Give performances of the highest caliber.
6. Through the study and performance of choral repertoire of a variety of
styles, genres, languages, and periods of music, students will be able
to interpret and reach logical conclusions concerning performance,
style, and character of that repertoire.
Materials Needed
1. Black Three Ring Binder
2. Lead Pencil
3. Spiral Notebook (optional)
Students are to provide a black three ring binder as their Music Folder and a
pencil every day in rehearsal. This binder may be kept in a designated slot
in the choir room. Students are responsible for the music in their folders and
keeping track of their folder throughout the school year. Lost or damaged
music will result in the student being charged to replace those items in the
North Choral Library.
Students may opt to have a spiral notebook dedicated to the Written Project
(Journal) but will be necessary if electronic entries are impossible. The
notebook is to be kept in the students folder slot in the choir room unless it
is taken home for completion. Unbound, individual entries will not be
accepted.
______________________________________________________________________________

Please Read Syllabus, Discuss, Sign, and Return by Wednesday, Aug.

17
I _________________________ (Print Student Name) have read this North High School Choir
Syllabus with my
Parent/Guardian, _______________________________ (Print Parent/Guardian Name) we have read
all of the statements pertaining to expectations regarding the coursework, subject matter,
grading, and equipment/attire needed throughout the school year. Any concerns we had
regarding the syllabus have been reported to Mr. Gray and resolved. We submit our
compliance with the guidelines outlined here by our signed commitment.
_______________________________________
Student Signature
_______________________________________
Parent Signature

___________________
Date