Sixth Grade General Music Syllabus
(2011/2012)
This class is a general music
appreciation course. I want each student
to leave with an understanding of how music works and how music has progressed
through history. I believe these are the
fundamental backgrounds that are needed for a true appreciation of all music
(rock, country, jazz, blues, etc.) The
main goal of this class is for each student to learn some basic music theory
and history. First semester we will be
focusing on Music Theory. Second semester
will be split between our Broadway musical and music history.
Things we will learn this semester:
Beat vs. Rhythm
Note and Rest Values
Time Signatures
Reading Music on a staff
Musicality
Expansion Lessions
Dynamics
Tempo Markings
Key Signatures
Slurrs/Ties
Points/Countdown:
Each day you can earn points for
being ready to start class, being prepared, participating and not disrupting
class. Each class period will begin as I count
down from 5 on my fingers. If the
class is silent and ready to go when I finish the first time, 1 point is given.
If I have to start another
countdown, NO point is given
If I have to start a third
countdown, 1 point is taken away.
Points can be earned throughout a
class period for exceptional behavior and being on-task.
Points can be TAKEN AWAY
throughout a class period for outbursts, disruptive behavior, time-wasting,
etc.
Earning Games
I have games planned along the way
to help everyone learn quickly and in a fun way. You will have the chance to earn game play
most class periods. You will receive
points on the board for good behavior and points will be removed for poor
behavior. If you have three points at
the end of the lesson you have earned a game.
Some days there is not time for a game, those days you are working for a
longer game time the next period. The
games are a priviledge, not a requirement. There are always more worksheets and
expansion lessons that can be taught.
Rules:
1.
RESPECT
The Teacher - And her property
Your Classmates - And their
property
The school’s property
2.
NO TALKING while the teacher is talking, or while a classmate “has the
floor”.
(Think Respect.)
3.
Be Ready to Go
- Have all supplies needed for the day (pencil,
paper, handouts)
- Watch for the countdown
4.
Stay on Task
- Always know what you are supposed to be doing
(and do it). If you don’t
know,
please ask.
5. NO FOOD or DRINK on the
choir room.
Grading:
Daily - 5 pts
- Each student has 5 points a day. Points are taken away for disruptive behavior,
tardies
(without a pass), purposely missed answers, rude behavior, not respecting
(teacher,
students, property), and not having necessary materials for class.
(basically
not following the rules)
Tests - 20 pts
- There will be one or two test each
quarter. Each test contains written and
verbal/oral
components on the material we have worked on in class. Nothing will
be
a surprise.
Concerts – 25 pts
- There will be two concerts in a
semester. Each concert is worth 25
points.
Points can be made up if you are ill, or have
a pre-excused conflict.
Concert Attire:
Sixth
graders will generally need to dress up for concerts. No
Tennis Shoes, jeans or t-shirts. There
may be some concerts where special dress is requested.
2011/2012
Middle School Vocal Music Schedule
Oct
10 - Fall Choir Concert – 7:00 p.m. FAC
Oct
18 – Fall Band Concert
Dec
12 – Middle School Winter Concert – 6:30 p.m. FAC
Dec
19 – High School Winter Concert
March
1 – All Band Concert
March
8 – Night on Broadway 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
April
14 – Solo/Small Ensemble
May
4 – Large Group
May
15 – 6-12 Spring Concert and Awards Banquet
Sixth Grade Choir
Please take time to read through this
handbook with your student. Pay special
attention to performance dates and concert attire requirements. If you have any questions feel free to
contact Mrs. Chrisman at schrisman@springville.k12.ia.us, or 854-6196 ext.
1198. Student and Parent must sign this
for credit prior to August 27, 2010
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I acknowledge that I have read the
material in the Vocal Music Handbook and I understand that I have the right to
discuss any situation or rule with Mrs. Chrisman or the administration.
________________________________
Parent
Signature
I acknowledge that I have read the
material in the Vocal Music Handbook and I understand that I have the right to
discuss any situation or rule with Mrs. Chrisman or the administration.
_________________________________
Student
Signature
A syllabus should set up the class for successful classroom
management. According to Wong, a
well-ordered environment is key for an effective classroom. A syllabus is the
first communication to parents and students describing how this well-ordered
environment will be established and maintained (Wong 2009, pg. 10). The
syllabus should be clear and organized, including information on your class,
grading, rules, etc.
A good general music syllabus includes the following:
·
Dates for all the required concerts for the year
and an outline of optional activities
·
The behavior plan and consequences for
violations
·
Grading procedures
·
Concert attire
·
The importance of music education
·
The importance of participation
·
A form for parents and students to sign and
return, stating they have read the information in the syllabus
(Haugland 2007, p. 15)
This syllabus clearly outlines the above components, thus
establishing an excellent foundation for classroom management in a music
classroom.
References:
Haugland,
S. L. (2007). Crowd control: classroom management and effective
teaching for chorus, band, and orchestra. Lanham, Md.: Rowman &
Littlefield Education
Wong, H.K. and Wong, R.T.
(2009). The First Days of School: How to be an Effective Teacher. Mountain
View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.