Pandora-Gilboa Music Department

Vocal Music, Mrs. Ortiz

Welcome to Junior High choir! I am excited to begin a new school year with you. High School Choir should be a wonderful time for music making! My name is Mrs. Ortiz, and I will be your choir director this year. This syllabus has outlined some important information for you, so let’s get started:

Class Period: Monday and Wednesday, 9:30-10:20 am. (We will also have every other Friday, 9:30-10:20 am). Students who are in both choir and band will alternate these Friday’s between the band and choir rooms. Students who are in choir ONLY will report to the choir room for study hall on Band Friday’s.

My Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm.

Office extension: (419) 384-3225 ext. 166

Choir is an elective class, which means you have chosen to be here! Please also choose to follow the expectations set for you by myself, as well as the class. Below is the grading scale used by Pandora-Gilboa School District, so you can keep track of your grade in choir.

A= 92%-100%

B= 91%-85%

C= 84%-75%

D= 74%-65%

F= 64% and lower

House Rules

1.) RESPECT. Please respect Mrs. Ortiz, the other students in this class, and yourself. Please also respect the school property you will be using (music, folders, chairs, piano).

2.) Please be on time! Please be in your seat with your choir folder when the bell rings, so we may begin as quickly as possible.

3.) NO GUM or candy. Gum and candy take away from your ability to sing your best! Please deposit these items in the trash when you come to class.

4.) Always have a pencil in your choir folder. We may be marking certain things in our music from time to time, and it is important to have a pencil ready.

5.) Come to class with a positive attitude J

Each day choir will begin with announcements and warm-ups. We will do a variety of warm-ups including simple stretches, breathing, and vocalizes. It’s important to also understand why we do what we do! I’ll explain along the way, and ask that you retain as much as possible. Please participate as much as you can in these warm-ups! You will also receive a folder partner to share music with and an assigned folder number and slot. You are responsible for the folder and music you receive! Please keep it, (and a pencil) in the right place at all times.

Grading:

Each student will receive 10 points per day of attendance in choir (20 to 30 points possible per week). These points are easily earned: just follow the rules stated above, and participate as much as you can. 50 points will also be given for each concert we perform throughout the year, so it is extremely important that you attend all performances! **Please note: semester and final exams will be TBA.

Points will be taken away for the following offenses:

Gum: 3 points

Excessive talking (after warnings): 5 points

No pencil: 2 points

Misuse of classroom materials (ripping, vandalizing music, etc.): 5 points

Disrespectful behavior: 5 points after warning, detention after second offense.

Earning a detention will result in the loss of all 10 points for that day.

Performance Dates: Some of the dates listed are NOT concerts, but all students are welcome to participate as desired. They are noted below. However, the Christmas concert and Spring Choral Awards Concert are mandatory! Each performance will also give 50 points more to your grade each 9 weeks. Please come for the performance and stay for the entire concert. Excused absences are as follows: death in immediate family, birth in the immediate family, illness (please bring a doctor’s note when able). As performance dates are given below, work will not be excused.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007: Middle/High School Choral Christmas Concert, 7:30 pm

Tuesday, May 6^th, 2008: Middle/High School Spring Choral Awards Concert

**There is also opportunity to participate in Junior High Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Events. This event happens in March, and is open to any student who desires to participate (it is not mandatory). More information will be given later in the school year.

Bonus: HOORAY! Yes, there will be chances for bonus points this year:

1.) Bringing in a box of tissues will earn you 3 bonus points (limit: 3 boxes per nine weeks)

2.) Attending a concert outside of high school choir (such as an elementary program at PG, church cantata, or school musical at another school) will earn you 5 bonus points. When possible, please bring me a copy of the program or bulletin with your name on it. (limit: 2 per nine weeks)

3.) From time to time I may post a bonus worksheet in the classroom for you to complete if you like. These will generally be worth between 5 and 10 points.

***If you ever have questions or concerns, please feel free to ask!