TOTTENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Gina Battista, Principal

DEPARTMENT OF VISUAL, PERFORMING & CAREER ARTS
David LaMorte, Assistant Principal

Vocal Music Class Overview

Welcome to Vocal Music! While this will be my first year at Tottenville, it will be my 11th year teaching in NYC. This year we will be learning a variety of concepts,
skills, and songs. We will cover sight-reading from music notation, vocal technique, singing multi-part music, developing ensemble skills, musicianship skills, and
more! This class will be a journey, it will be a challenge, and with your help, it will be an enormous amount of fun!

Objectives
● Read and write using musical notation
● Develop a free and clear vocal tone
● Develop performance and audience etiquette
● Perform NYSSMA Ensemble Music
● Perform in the THS Winter, Spring Concert Series, and the NYSSMA Adjudication (Mixed and Concert Choirs)
Syllabus
Each unit of study is based upon class performance. The units that will be covered in Vocal Music are as follows:
● Elements of Music
● Vocal Production
● Perfect Singing Posture
● Notes and Rhythms
● Blend and Balance
● Ensemble Skills
● Phrasing
● Articulation
● Dynamics
Grading
Projects/Performance Tasks 25%
Daily Assignments/Participation 50%
Assessments 25%

Grading Policy for the Academic Year

Projects/Performance Tasks – 25%
● Projects and presentations will entail research, speaking and performing in and out of class
● Performance at all major concerts and NYSSMA adjudication assessment (Mixed and Concert Choirs) is expected. Dates and instructions will be given in ad-
vance.
● Homework will be assigned throughout the marking period and will include both written assignments and vocal practice.
Daily Assignments/Participation – 50%
Class participation includes, punctuality, participation during warm ups and rehearsal, written classwork, and daily effort.
● A daily participation grade will be given in class based on the following rubric:
5= Always attentive and actively engaged in all class activities, fully prepared for all portions of class
4= Attentive and prepared but may not be fully engaged in all class activities
3= Unprepared but actively engaged in all class activities
2= Unprepared and/or not fully engaged in all class activities
1= Unprepared and not engaging in class activities
ABS= Absent from class - All absences must be followed with proper documentation, as approved by the teacher.
CUT= Present in school, but not in class. Cannot make up unless student was with a dean, counselor, or school administration
● Binder/Folder must include all musical repertoire given out in class, including but not limited to:
o Pieces for rehearsal and performance
o loose leaf paper for class notes
o manuscript paper for written music (will be provided)
● All students will be required to come to class with a surgical mask.
Note: It is important that you always come to class prepared to learn and try your best at every rehearsal. Being in a choir makes you part of a team. Just as in sports,
when a single player is not pulling their weight, the team suffers. You can take pride in the fact that you are now a member of a community that works to sing and
make music together. Our success is dependent on your hard work and positive attitude.
Assessments – 25%
● Exams and quizzes will be given throughout each marking period.
● Exams will assess both performance and musical literacy.

Students in all ensembles are expected to perform in our Winter and Spring Concerts
Students in Mixed Choir and Concert Choir are expected to perform at our NYSSMA Adjudication

Your final grade for the marking period will be determined as follows:
Average Number of Percentage Points Earned = Marking Period Grade
Supplies
Pencil, Binder, Folder
***All Parents and students are requested to register at pupilpath.com so communication lines remain open and immediate***
***All Students will be required to register on google classroom to submit assignments throughout the semester***

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to see me before or after class. You can email me through PupilPath or call Mr. LaMorte at extension 41302.
Best wishes for a SUCCESSFUL semester.
Sincerely,
Mr. Pacilio
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