WMS 7TH GRADE CHOIR

2014-15

Instructor: Mrs. Zupancich

E-Mail: Courtney.Zupancich@winona.k12.mn.us
Phone: 507-494-1075 (WMS)

Course Description
This class is an exploration of the art of choral music. The majority of our exploring is done
through performing a wide variety of music. This includes literature ranging from the classics to
popular music, selections written by American composers as well as foreign composers, and
selections written in English as well as in foreign languages.

Goals
 Sing a variety of music from popular to classic choral literature
 Improve music theory skills
 Improve sight reading skills
 Improve singing techniques
 Improve tone quality
 Expand knowledge base of the history of music
 Learn to be a contributing member of a team
 Learn and develop responsibility and self-discipline
 Improve positive self-image, self-expression, and creativity
 Gain musical independence
 Develop a lifelong love of music and an appreciation for the arts

Expectations
 Participate to the best of your abilities.
 Attend all rehearsals on time with your
♫ choir folder with music
♫ log book
♫ pencil
 Be ready to listen immediately when the director stops in the middle of a song.
 Raise your hand to ask a question or share a comment.
 Avoid asking to leave the room during class if at all possible. Please plan to use the
restroom before or after choir class. If you find the need to use the restroom, you must have
your log book signed.
 Respect yourself, others, the classroom, materials and instruments.
NO gum, candy, food or beverage EXCEPT water bottles.
You may use the water fountain in the room as long as this privilege is not abused.
 Please refrain from using cell phones, IPods, MP3 players, or any other electronic devices
during class.
  The bell does not dismiss class, the director does. This will be done when the room is in
order and students have received all pertinent reminders and/or directions.

Consequences
When expectations are not fulfilled any of the following may result:
 A reminder
 Change of seat
 A student/teacher conference
 Phone call home
 Removal from class
 I.S.S. (In-School-Suspension)
 Detention
 Disciplinary Referral
 Cell phones, IPods, MP3 player or any other electronic device will be confiscated
following school policy if used during class unless permission to use them are given
under special circumstances.

Assessment
The purpose of grades is to reflect the knowledge and skills students have acquired over the
quarter, the effort students have put into their individual learning and progress, and the effort they
have put into the growth and progress of the choir as a whole.

 Academic Achievement (75%)

1. In-Class Work (rehearsal skills)
2. Skill Assessments (performance checks in lessons or in class)
3. Public Performances (concerts, festivals, etc.)
4. Written Tests or Projects

 Academic Practice (25%)

1. Lessons
 Lessons are a vital part of your development in improving music literacy,
musicianship, and performance skills.
 Students will receive a lesson pass excusing them from their class for one
weekly 15 minute small group lesson. A new lesson schedule will be created
after the Winter Concert. Students will receive new lesson passes at that time.
 Excused lessons do not need to me made up. These include school assemblies,
field trips, MCA & NWEA tests, school cancellations, and teacher absences.
 Students receive two “free” missed lessons (missed lessons that will not affect
your grade) per semester. This allows some room for class conflicts during
your lesson time such as tests or projects that cannot be made up outside of
class time. It also allows room for absences from school due to illness or
doctor’s appointments.
  Students may sign up for a make-up lesson or attend another lesson time on
the schedule to make up a missed lesson. A pass needs to be filled out and
signed by either Mrs. Zupancich or Ms. Jirele to attend a lesson other than the
one assigned to the student for the semester.
 Students may only attend one make-up lesson per week.
2. Assignments

 Extra Credit
1. Students may write a one-page, double-spaced, 12 point font review of a newspaper
or journal article related to music. A copy of the article must be submitted with the
review.
2. Students may write a one-page, double-spaced, 12 point font reflection on a musical
topic of their choice. The topic must be approved by Mrs. Zupancich ahead of time.
3. Students may bring in a program from a choir concert, voice recital, or musical they
attended during the quarter and verbally share some highlights/reactions they had
from the performance.

Materials
 Choir folder with all music (stays in the choir room)
 Student log book
 Pencil

Concerts
 Concert attendance is required. They are viewed as a final step in the music learning
process. Concerts are the culmination of all the hard work that happens day after day in
rehearsals and in lessons. They provide the opportunity to show the public what students
have accomplished. If students do not have transportation, families are asked to arrange a
carpool ride (in advance) if necessary. A student may only be excused from a concert due to
illness or family emergency. (Please note that extra-curricular activities are not excused.)
 Concert attire for the WMS 7th Grade Choir includes black pants or skirts, nylons (optional)
or black socks, black dress shoes, and white shirts with sleeves. Skirts must be knee length
or longer. Field trip attire is based on the nature of the event.

Storage
Choir folders must be stored in the assigned slots. Students may also choose to obtain their
own class folder to store assignments, projects, announcements, letter, and the course syllabus.
WMS 7th GRADE CHOIR PERFORMANCES/EVENTS

September 22 – October 3 7-8 STATE HONORS CHOIR AUDITIONS

October 15 – 28 WMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER

(Magazine Sale)

Tuesday, November 11 VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY *

WMS North Gym

Tuesday, January 13 WINTER CONCERT *

6:00 p.m. – Warm up (dressed & ready to sing)
7:00 p.m. – Concert @ WMS Auditorium

Winter/Early Spring CHOIR FESTIVAL*

(Date T.B.A.) La Crescent MS/HS Fine Arts Center

March 19, 20, 21 WMS MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

(Auditions are in December.)

Friday, May 8 SPRING CONCERT *

6:00 p.m. – Warm up (dressed & ready to sing)
7:00 p.m. – Concert @ WMS Auditorium

April WMS TALENT SHOW

(Date T.B.A.)

Friday, May 21 TRILLS & THRILLS MUSIC FESTIVAL

(all day trip to the Twin Cities)

* denotes required event

 Choir 7 Student Expectation Contract
1. I will be in class on time and in my assigned seat with materials at the class start
time.
2. I will attend my assigned choir lessons and arrive on time.
3. I will take good care of my assigned folder and its contents. I will return it to its
proper slot each day. If my music or folder is damaged or lost, I will be charged for
replacement of these items.
4. I will not bring food, gum or beverage into the room, other than bottled water.
5. I will use good singer’s posture so that I can use my voice optimally, hold my
folder/music, and can see the conductor at the same time.
6. I will be respectful and kind to my classmates, the instructor, and others’ property.
7. I will not disrupt other students’ learning and music making experiences.
8. I will use my pencil for score marking daily.

As a member of the WMS 7th Grade Choir, I accept responsibility for reading, understanding,
and abiding by all of the information contained in this syllabus. This includes concert
information and attendance expectations. I will also refer to choir syllabus, announcements,
links, and documents on the choir website throughout the year.

___________________________________ _________________________________
(student signature) (parent signature)

___________________________________ _________________________________
(parent cell/work phone) (parent home phone)

_________________________________
(parent email address)
____________________________________________________________________________________

Parents: If you are interested in volunteering for anything below, please check the box and
be sure to let me know how to contact you above. Thank you!

_____ Chaperoning for field trips _____ Passing out concert programs

_____ Decorating for concerts _____ Taking photos of the choirs during
concerts/festivals
_____ Driving students to/from concerts/trips _____ Other Ideas
who don’t have a ride (carpool)

Please return the signed contract portion only by Wednesday, September 10th, 2014.