Fall 2010 Grading Policy

Course Description:

Chamber Choir is an auditioned class offered to vocalists of all skill levels and experience.  The course encompasses singing repertoire chosen by the director, improving music theory and sight-singing skills, and understanding the historical and contextual aspects of selected pieces. The Chamber Choir presents two concerts a year (Winter and Spring) and performs throughout the school year at several festivals and events outside of the regular school day. Chamber Choir members participate in one out-of-town tour. Past tour destinations have included Disneyland, Chicago, New Orleans, Vancouver, and Washington D.C. 

Grading Criteria:

Category	Points Possible (400pts total)	Percentage of Total Grade
Performance-Group	200pts	50%
Performance- Individual	20pts	5%
Dedication	40pts	10%
Assignments (Theory, Sight-singing, Music History)	80pts	20%
Bingo Set-up	20pts	5%
Final (Repertoire, Theory, Sight-singing)	40pts	10%

Performance-Group

• Demonstrate memorization of repertoire prior to the concert (rep check)
• Participation and proper etiquette during performance
• Being on time
• Having proper uniform (all pieces)
• Required Performances: Back-to-School-Night, SSU Festival, Winter Concert

If a performance is missed, 0 points will be earned. An exception will be made for ill students who provide a doctor’s note. A 2,000-word research paper on an approved music topic may be written to receive partial credit for a missed concert. Mrs. Robertson must approve all paper topics. Successful completion will result in 30 points towards the missed performance.  Only 1 performance make-up is allowed each semester.

Performance- Individual
Students will perform individually or in a small group in one of the following ways:

• Perform for a small group of classmates
• Perform a solo with the ensemble
• Perform a special project at the Winter Concert

Students will be asked to select one song to perform during the year. Choices can include: (1) an Italian art song (required for Regional Honor Choir Audition), (2) perform a song of their choice from any genre (Mrs. Robertson must approve), or (3) learn and audition for a solo from the Chamber Choir repertoire. Students will sign-up during the first weeks of school. Those who choose to perform in the 2nd semester will receive automatic credit for the 1st semester and vice versa.

 

Dedication
Students will be required to volunteer their time to help the Chamber Choir 2 times this semester. Examples may include:

• Measure new students for uniforms
• Organize music
• Help set up or tear down at the Winter Concert
• Make or find decorations for the Winter Concert
• Fold programs
• Help a classmate learn his/her repertoire
• Participate in holiday caroling

Students will be informed about volunteer opportunities throughout the semester. Students may also suggest ways they can help. Students will lose dedication points if their behavior choices detract from their classmates’ performance or learning.

Assignments

• Music Theory
• Sight-Singing
• Music History

Periodic in-class assignments will be given. The amount of points will vary according to the length of the assignment. Missed assignments can be made up as homework.

Bingo Set-Up
Every student is required to set-up for Bingo once per school year.  Those not scheduled to set-up in the current semester will receive these points for free.  Students will sign-up for a night to work in the first weeks of school.  Students who do not sign-up will be assigned a day. Bingo set-up takes place every Saturday at 4:00 pm at Casa Grande High School’s Multi Purpose Room.  Set-up should last approximately ½ hour. 

Final
The final will include:

• Repertoire testing in octets
• Written (content TBA)
• Sight-singing

More information will be given as Finals approach.

 

Total points for Fall semester:400 pts

 

 

 

 

 

Extra Credit:
Students may earn 15 points extra credit by attending a local music performance and writing a 500-word reflection.