6th/7th/8th Grade Choir Course Content
Vocal Music G. Cacy
COURSE CONTENT
Vocal Music is designed for the student who is interested in vocal performance. The chorus
will perform a variety of music: pop, novelty, foreign language, secular, sacred,
and festival (concert-style). All chorus students will meet three times a week with two days of
PE. Some after school practices may be required.
CLASS EXPECTATIONS
Respect others and yourself
Always try to do your best
Enjoy the moment
SLANT (Sit up, Listen, Ask questions, Nod, Track the speaker)
SCHOOL RULES
At all times, be respectful to your teachers and fellow students.
Be in your seat and ready to learn.
String bags and water bottles must be kept under your desk at all times.
Do not eat food or chew gum in class or in the hallways.
Take a direct route to your classes without stopping to talk or going to another location.
Use transition times between classes for water and restroom breaks.
iPads must remain OFF while in homeroom, the hallways, and the restrooms.
When you arrive to class, place your iPad on your desk, screen side down, and wait for
directions.
When not in use, keep the iPad screen side down on your desk.
Use the iPad for school use as instructed by your teacher only. This includes using the
internet, apps, airdrop, email, taking photos or videos, audio recordings, and using
head phones or ear buds.
Never allow another student to use or borrow your iPad.
DISCIPLINE (SCHOOL-WIDE PLAN)
Step 1: Student receives warning, which is documented in Discipline Log.
Step 2: Student will confer with teacher. Parent contact is made
Step 3: Repeat Step 2. Includes a formal detention warning.
Step 4: Detention assigned. Conduct grade for the quarter cannot be higher than “S”.
Step 5: Repeat Step 4. Parent conference required.
Conduct grade for the quarter cannot be higher than “N”.
Step 6: Disciplinary referral to office.
* Students assigned to in-school suspension will be assigned an “N” in conduct for the
class where the misconduct occurred.
*Students assigned to out-of-school suspension will be assigned a “N” in conduct for the
class where the misconduct occurred.
*Incidents of bullying, fighting, insubordination, cursing, or stealing, will be referred to
administration immediately.
* Failure to serve detention will result in assignment to Saturday School.
* Cell phones in the classroom are documented in the Discipline Log, confiscated, and
turned in to the grade level administrator by the end of the day.
* Students found cheating will receive an automatic detention from the teacher.
Subsequent offenses will result in a disciplinary referral. The assignment must be
made up without grade penalty.
* Tardies to class should be documented in the Discipline Log just as any other
student misconduct.
GRADING AND EVALUATION
Academic Achievement Conduct
A 90 - 100 E
B 80 - 89 S
C 70 - 79 N
D 65 - 69
F 0 – 64
Choir is a co-curricular subject and involves time requirements both inside and outside normal school hours. The commitment level from each individual is the foundation of our choir program and is reflected in outstanding performances. Grades will be calculated using the following:
• Assessments - Students will have 2-3 assessment grades per nine weeks. These assessments will typically be recorded assignments submitted via Schoology. All assessments will be announced well in advance and will be reviewed thoroughly in class.
• Classwork - Classwork can include any written assignment or informal singing assessment used to check for understanding and comprehension. Some written classwork assignments may need to be completed at home, while some can be completed in class.
• Practice Logs - Students will be required to practice a minimum of 100 minutes per week. This equates to 20 minutes per day, five days per week. Please do not try and practice 100 minutes at once. Practice logs will be completed through Practopus.com, a free tracker just for choir.
Choir Apps
Over the course of the school year, the WCMS Choir will utilize several apps and websites in order to streamline both hybrid and in-class learning. Examples of these apps and websites would be Sight-Reading Factory, MusicTheory, etc. Some of these apps require parent approval for students under the age of 13. By signing the Course Agreement form, you acknowledge and give your student permission to use these apps and websites.
CONCERT PERFORMANCES
Concert attendance is mandatory and is a grade. All dates for concert performances
are announced at the beginning of the school year. Excused absences from concerts
will be granted on an individual basis and only in cases of genuine emergency only,
such as a serious illness of the student or death in the family. Call the school and
leave a message if such an emergency arises. Family trips, shopping, forgetfulness,
sports activities, etc., do not justify absences. An unexcused absence from any concert
will be dealt with on an individual basis.
EXTRA PERFORMANCES
There is always a possibility that additional performances, for special programs, will be
added during the year. You will be notified at least 2 weeks in advance, if possible, so
arrangements can be made for attendance at the performance. When there are extra
performances I would like to have 100% participation.
CONCERT ATTIRE FOR 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH GRADE CHOIRS
We will have standard concert attire for both concerts. The following is required for both
concerts.
- Chorus shirt (Shirt is paid for by choir fee and must be tucked in)
- Solid khaki colored pants or skirts (Skirts must comply with school dress code)
- Belt (If pants have loops)
SUPPLIES
Students will be assigned a folder to be kept in the chorus room. Each student should bring
with them their agenda book and a pencil every day.
CONCERT DATES (INCLUDING REHEARSALS)
- December 2, 2021
- WCMS auditorium, 7:00 PM (At 6:35, 6th grade report to the choir room, 7th & 8th grade
- May 12, 2022
- WCMS auditorium, 7:00 PM (At 6:35, 6th grade report to the choir room, 7th & 8th grade
EXTRA CHORAL OPPORTUNITIES
All-West Honor Choir – for 7th and 8th grade choral students (auditioned group)
- All Southwest Honor Choir Auditions
- October 30, 2021
- Location TBA
- All Southwest Honor Choir Rehearsals
- November 18 - 19, 2021
- Germantown Baptist Church
- All Southwest Honor Choir Concert
- November 20, 2021
- Germantown Baptist Church
WEB SITES
My web site will have important information that will be updated weekly. If you are ever in
question of class guidelines, dates, or times this web site is
very helpful. http://westcolliervillems.colliervilleschools.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=453220&type=u&pREC_ID=975937
The West TN Vocal Music Education Association’s web site is:
I have great expectations for the Choral Program at West Collierville Middle School and with
your help we can make this a great year of fun and learning. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me. I am looking forward to working with you this year.