BUCKHORN HIGH SCHOOL

CHORAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

COURSE SYLLABUS AND CONTRACT FOR BEGINNING CHOIR
Instructor: Meg Jones
The goal and purpose of this class is to enhance the students musicianship through choral music. The class
will focus on learning fine choral literature, proper vocal technique, musical theory concepts, and the history of
music. Students will learn to read music and sight-sing. Students will also evaluate vocal performance and practice
proper performance and audience behavior. Students will relate music to history and culture, to the arts, and to
other core disciplines. Throughout the semester, aspects of the Common Core Language Arts will be covered in
class.
Materials Needed
Pencils (pens are not allowed)
1-Inch Matte Black 3-Ring Binder
Loose Leaf Paper
Concert Attire (solid black outfit and shoes)
T-Shirt - $15
Class Dues
In lieu of fees, Ms. Jones strongly encourages a $20 donation to help offset the cost of music and other
materials we will need throughout the year.
Classroom Rules
BE RESPECTFUL: Behave appropriately towards your classmates and teacher (including substitute).
BE PREPARED: Bring the necessary materials (paper, pencils, etc) to class everyday.
Follow all school board and school rules.
Discipline Procedures for Off-Task Behavior
1st Minor Offense: Honor codes are assigned.
o If honor codes are not written, the number of codes will be doubled and Ms. Jones will call the
students parents.
o If honor codes are still not written, the student will be referred to the administration.
If a student refuses to follow teacher instructions after being warned and/or assigned honor codes, he or she
will be referred to administration.
Repeat offenses will result in loss of trip privileges and/or the ability to return to the Buckhorn
Choral Department.
Class Procedures and Expectations for all Choral Members
Failure to comply with the below procedures may lead to suspension from future choral activities and possible
dismissal from the Buckhorn Choral Department.
Students should respect fellow choral students as well as the director, including substitute teachers.
Disrespect will not be tolerated.
Students will raise their hands before speaking or asking to leave their seats.
Food, gum, and drinks (with the exception of water) are not allowed in the choral room. Honor codes will be
assigned if a student does not meet this expectation. Students will lose the privilege of having water bottles
if the bottles are continuously left in the room or under risers.
Also, any student who is caught texting inside of a purse or sweatshirt will have the cell phone confiscated.
Cell phones are to remain in lockers or in backpacks during school hours.

Students are not allowed in practice rooms or Ms. Joness office unless they are sent there by Ms.
Jones. This expectation will be strictly enforced. Students who are seen in these areas without permission
will be punished accordingly.
Students should be prepared everyday by having pencils to write in the music with, as well as an organized
notebook with syllabus, music, pencils, and paper.
Students are expected to actively participate in every class rehearsal. This includes, but is not limited to:
board work within the first 5-7 minutes of class, sight-reading, taking notes, warm-ups, and rehearsal of
choral literature. If the student is ill and unable to sing, he or she is still responsible for participating
and following along in the music without singing.
The Buckhorn policy is the no student is allowed out of class during instructional time. Students must visit
their locker and/or use the restroom during bathroom breaks assigned to the Freshmen Academy. Students
needing to use the restroom during class may opt to write 3 honor codes in exchange for a restroom
break.
It is the responsibility of the student to find out what information was missed in class due to an absence.
Students are expected to make up any missed assignments or tests the day the student returns to class. For
absences exceeding three days, Ms. Jones will make provisions for make-up work. Unexcused absences
will result in a daily grade of zero.
Each student will be assigned music. If this music is lost or damaged, the student will be responsible for
paying for the replacement of the music.

Uniforms
The uniform will consist of all-black clothing, including black shoes. Girls may wear knee-length dresses or
skirts. Shirts must have sleeves.
No jewelry is allowed to be worn during performances.
Concert Performances
We work very hard in class as a group and each person is essential to the makeup of this choir. The winter
and spring concerts make up 50% of the final exam grade.
If a student is absent from a performance with prior approval from the director, he or she may complete a
make-up assignment to recover the lost points. In the event of an unexcused absence from a concert, the
student will receive a zero.
Grading Policy
Quizzes: 60% of Nine Weeks Grade
o Quizzes may be written or vocal.
Daily Grades: 40% of Nine Weeks Grade
o Each student receives a 10 point daily grade in addition to any other daily grade assignments. To
earn all 10 points, the student must be present, prepared, and must participate fully. An
unexcused absence results in the loss of these points for that day.
Final Exam: 100 points, 20% of Semester Grade
o 50% of the final is participation in the end-of-year concert; the other 50% will be a written,
comprehensive exam.
Participation Grades
High school students are preparing to enter the working world and college. It is important that they have the
necessary skills to succeed. Students will be expected to incorporate basic life skills in the choral room.
They are to be prepared, be on time, and be respectful. These are all aspects that they must have to be
successful during and after high school.
Every two weeks, the students will have the opportunity to earn 50 participation points for doing exactly
what is expected of them in rehearsals. (10 points per day)