Course Syllabus

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Syllabus

SYLLABUS AND CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
JHS 74 – MAJOR CHORUS

Teacher: Mr. Auriemma
Room: 136
Website: www.engrade.com/MS74

CLASS DESCRIPTION

Chorus…a simple six-letter word. Some of us hear the term and immediately jump for joy. “I LOVE to sing!” Others will hear it and groan. “Nah, that’s not for me.” However, chorus can be a very uplifting and enriching experience if approached correctly. As a teacher of vocal music, my job is much more than teaching you how to sing…it is showing you how to have some fun in the process! I firmly believe in integrating present student experiences into the actual curriculum (special appearances may include Beyoncè, Justin Bieber, and Eminem).

For example – two years ago, some of the 8th Graders performed two Glee-inspired mash-ups: one combined The Fray’s “Over My Head” with Irene Cara’s “Fame”; the other combined Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” with Michael Jackson’s “Bad”. Their hard work and dedication ultimately led up to an “American Idol”-styled assembly program, with our Arts Department serving as our panel of judges. Last year, the 6th Grade Chorus received a Silver Medal for their participation in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival; a 7th Grade class did a mash-up of Rihanna’s “Love The Way You Lie” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”; and the 8th Grade chorus did a musical unit on the word ‘peace’.

This is the second year that I will be running a full-fledged chorus program, and will consist of two performances: one in the winter and one in the spring. The repertoire that we will be using for each will vary with regard to style, tempo, dynamic, time period, etc. in order to provide you with the most well-rounded experience possible.

Additionally, students will participate in a program called “Music Memory”, which is a nationally-recognized curriculum that is designed to give students the life-long gift of love for music of the Western tradition through an in-depth study of approximately sixteen selections per year. Music that students will hear the rest of their lives is carefully chosen for appropriateness from the five major historical periods - Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. Prominent composers of orchestral, vocal, chord, band, and keyboard pieces are featured. The curriculum is presented in an aural-visual format that enhances students’ success in recognizing the major themes and remembering the names and composers of the selections. Building on this initial learning, there are many opportunities for deepening students’ knowledge through extension activities.

GRADING

PARTICIPATION 30% CLASSWORK 30%
HOMEWORK 20% ASSESSMENTS 20%

RULES and REGULATIONS
1. Students are required to attend class regularly.
a. Excused absences: bring in a note from a teacher, parent, or doctor the day following the absence. You will be permitted to make-up an assessment and/or hand in a homework assigned on the day of your absence only if the note is brought on the subsequent day.
b. Unexcused absences: they will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If the absence is not accompanied with a note, it will result in a deduction of your participation grade.
c. There is no excuse for not having your homework or coming unprepared to class if you are absent. You are responsible for finding out the homework that was assigned, as well as what went on in class that day. All of this information is available to you 24/7 at the following website: www.engrade.com/MS74 . A handout describing how to use EnGrade will be described in detail separately.

2. Students are required to attend class on time.
a. Excused latenesses: notes must be brought to the classroom that period and signed by a teacher. There are no exceptions to this rule.
b. Unexcused latenesses: if the door is closed when you arrive, you are officially late. You are to sign the late book by my desk. Each of these latenesses will result in a deduction of your participation grade.

3. Students are required to come to class prepared and start working on the Do Now exercise immediately upon entering the classroom. DO NOT WAIT FOR THE BELL!
a. Materials: 2 Folders (preferably ones with ‘holes’ in it; exclusively used for music)
Pen (for taking notes with)
Pencil (for specific in-class assignments)
Looseleaf Paper (inserted in folder loosely or through holes)
b. One folder is to have your full name and GS code listed with the word PORTFOLIO prominently displayed; this folder is to be left at the school at all times. The other folder is meant for personal classroom use and is your own responsibility.
b. Missing materials (pens, pencils, etc.) will be made available to you should you forget to bring them in. You will be asked to sign out for them, as well as leave your photo ID, MetroCard, or electronic device. You will receive your personal belonging back once the borrowed item has been received. However, this will result in a deduction of your classwork grade PER ITEM.

4. Students are to come with their homework and projects when they are due.
a. Homework: Some homework will be checked to see that it was completed. Some homework will be collected and graded for accuracy. Some homework may not be checked immediately after if was assigned. No matter what the case, always come prepared with the homework and keep it in your folder. Each missing homework will be calculated as a 0% in your homework average. Late homework will be accepted, but will only receive half credit. PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE; NO EXCEPTIONS!
c. Technology is wonderful, but things do happen - if you are experiencing serious computer or printer problems, you must notify me of this BEFORE you are to bring your assignment to school, accompanied by a signed note.
5. Students are to be respectful towards the teacher and their peers. This includes but is not limited to the following: treat others as you expect to be treated; raise your hand if you have a question or a response; do not speak out of turn; when you are asked to listen to a musical example, do so; turn off any electronic devices and keep them out of sight; refrain from passing notes; no gum chewing or eating in class be nice to your teacher and peers; etc. The breaking of these rules will be subject to a deduction of your participation grade.

PERFORMANCE ABSENCE POLICY
PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN OPTION; IT IS A REQUIREMENT! To be excused from a performance, the director must have at least TWO weeks notice prior to the performance date (except in the case of sudden illness or emergencies). Notification must be made in person by the student’s parent in order to receive an alternate assignment. If you fail to notify the director two weeks before a performance without just cause, it will result in disciplinary action. This may include but is not limited to detention, a significant drop in the student’s grade, failure for the semester and possibly for the entire school year.

“CAN I GO TO THE BATHROOM?” / “CAN I GET A DRINK OF WATER?”
The allotment for each student if they wish to use the bathroom or get a drink of water is three times a semester. If you need to use the facilities or get a drink of water, sign the book by my desk, and continue to your destination so as not to disrupt my class. You are required to sign with your FULL name, GS code, and date. Excessive or abusive use of the pass will result in a deduction of your participation grade. Please note that students may NEVER use the pass during a listening example or while singing a choral piece.

CLASSWORK
However you wish to take your notes is completely up to you. The most important part is that you are taking them in your folder that is brought to class each and every day. On days in which you have forgotten it and are using a sheet of looseleaf, please ensure that you do not lose it and that it is placed in your folder immediately, as it must be accounted for later. Folders, along with other materials, will be checked on at random. Failure to produce notes or essential materials will result in a deduction of your classwork grade.

Each student will be given a CHORUS FOLDER; inside will contain sheet music and manuscript paper. THESE FOLDERS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL and should be treated as such. Just like a damaged or missing textbook, items that are not returned in the same condition that they were received in will result in a monetary penalty.

EXTRA-CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES
Extra credit opportunities will allow students to boost their grade in the event that they are not satisfied with their performance in class. Depending on the opportunity, a student will receive a pre-designated number of points that will be added to one of the grading areas that points have been lost on. Deductions that have been mentioned throughout the syllabus are points that cannot be regained through extra credit.

Additionally, RED TICKETS will be distributed weekly to students and classes who can demonstrate desirable behaviors in class. They can be revoked at the teacher’s discretion. These tickets serve as a reward system that will be implemented throughout the year.
GRADE DROP POLICY
A student may drop his/her lowest grade of the semester by donating any one of the following items to our classroom: a large box of tissues; a large bottle of Germ-X (or other comparable hand sanitizer), or a stack of 8 ½ X 11 white copy paper. The donation must be made before the end of the semester in which the grade is to be dropped.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS
A parent or guardian will be contacted to share good news concerning their student’s educational growth or to discuss behaviors or work habits that might cause the student difficulty in class. Students are to meet outside of class time with the teacher to discuss questions or concerns related to class. If this contact does not resolve the issue, students are to contact the principal. Parents are encouraged to use the e-mail address on the first page of the syllabus to contact me if there are any problems or concerns.

We are going to have an excellent second-half of the semester in Music at JHS 74! I look forward to working from each and every one of you, and hope that you will enjoy Chorus!

Mr. Auriemma
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have reviewed the course syllabus and classroom procedures with Mr. Auriemma.

__________________________________________________
(student signature)

__________________________________________________
(print the first and last name of student, along with their official class and GS code)

__________________________________________________
(student e-mail address, if applicable)

I have reviewed the course syllabus and classroom procedures with my child.

__________________________________________________
(parent/guardian signature)

__________________________________________________
(print the first and last name of parent/guardian)

__________________________________________________
(primary phone number)

__________________________________________________
(parent e-mail address, if applicable)

SYLLABUS AND CLASSROOM PROCEDURES JHS 74 – MAJOR CHORUS Teacher: Mr. Auriemma Room: 136 Website: www.engrade.com/MS74 CLASS DESCRIPTION Chorus…a simple six-letter word. Some of us hear the term and immediately jump for joy. “I LOVE to sing!” Others will hear it and groan. “Nah, that’s not for me.” However, chorus can be a very uplifting and enriching experience if approached correctly. As a teacher of vocal music, my job is much more than teaching you how to sing…it is showing you how to have some fun in the process! I firmly believe in integrating present student experiences into the actual curriculum (special appearances may include Beyoncè, Justin Bieber, and Eminem). For example – two years ago, some of the 8th Graders performed two Glee-inspired mash-ups: one combined The Fray’s “Over My Head” with Irene Cara’s “Fame”; the other combined Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” with Michael Jackson’s “Bad”. Their hard work and dedication ultimately led up to an “American Idol”-styled assembly program, with our Arts Department serving as our panel of judges. Last year, the 6th Grade Chorus received a Silver Medal for their participation in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Festival; a 7th Grade class did a mash-up of Rihanna’s “Love The Way You Lie” and Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”; and the 8th Grade chorus did a musical unit on the word ‘peace’. This is the second year that I will be running a full-fledged chorus program, and will consist of two performances: one in the winter and one in the spring. The repertoire that we will be using for each will vary with regard to style, tempo, dynamic, time period, etc. in order to provide you with the most well-rounded experience possible. Additionally, students will participate in a program called “Music Memory”, which is a nationally-recognized curriculum that is designed to give students the life-long gift of love for music of the Western tradition through an in-depth study of approximately sixteen selections per year. Music that students will hear the rest of their lives is carefully chosen for appropriateness from the five major historical periods - Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary. Prominent composers of orchestral, vocal, chord, band, and keyboard pieces are featured. The curriculum is presented in an aural-visual format that enhances students’ success in recognizing the major themes and remembering the names and composers of the selections. Building on this initial learning, there are many opportunities for deepening students’ knowledge through extension activities. GRADING PARTICIPATION 30% CLASSWORK 30% HOMEWORK 20% ASSESSMENTS 20% RULES and REGULATIONS 1. Students are required to attend class regularly. a. Excused absences: bring in a note from a teacher, parent, or doctor the day following the absence. You will be permitted to make-up an assessment and/or hand in a homework assigned on the day of your absence only if the note is brought on the subsequent day. b. Unexcused absences: they will not be tolerated under any circumstances. If the absence is not accompanied with a note, it will result in a deduction of your participation grade. c. There is no excuse for not having your homework or coming unprepared to class if you are absent. You are responsible for finding out the homework that was assigned, as well as what went on in class that day. All of this information is available to you 24/7 at the following website: www.engrade.com/MS74 . A handout describing how to use EnGrade will be described in detail separately. 2. Students are required to attend class on time. a. Excused latenesses: notes must be brought to the classroom that period and signed by a teacher. There are no exceptions to this rule. b. Unexcused latenesses: if the door is closed when you arrive, you are officially late. You are to sign the late book by my desk. Each of these latenesses will result in a deduction of your participation grade. 3. Students are required to come to class prepared and start working on the Do Now exercise immediately upon entering the classroom. DO NOT WAIT FOR THE BELL! a. Materials: 2 Folders (preferably ones with ‘holes’ in it; exclusively used for music) Pen (for taking notes with) Pencil (for specific in-class assignments) Looseleaf Paper (inserted in folder loosely or through holes) b. One folder is to have your full name and GS code listed with the word PORTFOLIO prominently displayed; this folder is to be left at the school at all times. The other folder is meant for personal classroom use and is your own responsibility. b. Missing materials (pens, pencils, etc.) will be made available to you should you forget to bring them in. You will be asked to sign out for them, as well as leave your photo ID, MetroCard, or electronic device. You will receive your personal belonging back once the borrowed item has been received. However, this will result in a deduction of your classwork grade PER ITEM. 4. Students are to come with their homework and projects when they are due. a. Homework: Some homework will be checked to see that it was completed. Some homework will be collected and graded for accuracy. Some homework may not be checked immediately after if was assigned. No matter what the case, always come prepared with the homework and keep it in your folder. Each missing homework will be calculated as a 0% in your homework average. Late homework will be accepted, but will only receive half credit. PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE; NO EXCEPTIONS! c. Technology is wonderful, but things do happen - if you are experiencing serious computer or printer problems, you must notify me of this BEFORE you are to bring your assignment to school, accompanied by a signed note. 5. Students are to be respectful towards the teacher and their peers. This includes but is not limited to the following: treat others as you expect to be treated; raise your hand if you have a question or a response; do not speak out of turn; when you are asked to listen to a musical example, do so; turn off any electronic devices and keep them out of sight; refrain from passing notes; no gum chewing or eating in class be nice to your teacher and peers; etc. The breaking of these rules will be subject to a deduction of your participation grade. PERFORMANCE ABSENCE POLICY PERFORMANCE IS NOT AN OPTION; IT IS A REQUIREMENT! To be excused from a performance, the director must have at least TWO weeks notice prior to the performance date (except in the case of sudden illness or emergencies). Notification must be made in person by the student’s parent in order to receive an alternate assignment. If you fail to notify the director two weeks before a performance without just cause, it will result in disciplinary action. This may include but is not limited to detention, a significant drop in the student’s grade, failure for the semester and possibly for the entire school year. “CAN I GO TO THE BATHROOM?” / “CAN I GET A DRINK OF WATER?” The allotment for each student if they wish to use the bathroom or get a drink of water is three times a semester. If you need to use the facilities or get a drink of water, sign the book by my desk, and continue to your destination so as not to disrupt my class. You are required to sign with your FULL name, GS code, and date. Excessive or abusive use of the pass will result in a deduction of your participation grade. Please note that students may NEVER use the pass during a listening example or while singing a choral piece. CLASSWORK However you wish to take your notes is completely up to you. The most important part is that you are taking them in your folder that is brought to class each and every day. On days in which you have forgotten it and are using a sheet of looseleaf, please ensure that you do not lose it and that it is placed in your folder immediately, as it must be accounted for later. Folders, along with other materials, will be checked on at random. Failure to produce notes or essential materials will result in a deduction of your classwork grade. Each student will be given a CHORUS FOLDER; inside will contain sheet music and manuscript paper. THESE FOLDERS ARE THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL and should be treated as such. Just like a damaged or missing textbook, items that are not returned in the same condition that they were received in will result in a monetary penalty. EXTRA-CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES Extra credit opportunities will allow students to boost their grade in the event that they are not satisfied with their performance in class. Depending on the opportunity, a student will receive a pre-designated number of points that will be added to one of the grading areas that points have been lost on. Deductions that have been mentioned throughout the syllabus are points that cannot be regained through extra credit. Additionally, RED TICKETS will be distributed weekly to students and classes who can demonstrate desirable behaviors in class. They can be revoked at the teacher’s discretion. These tickets serve as a reward system that will be implemented throughout the year. GRADE DROP POLICY A student may drop his/her lowest grade of the semester by donating any one of the following items to our classroom: a large box of tissues; a large bottle of Germ-X (or other comparable hand sanitizer), or a stack of 8 ½ X 11 white copy paper. The donation must be made before the end of the semester in which the grade is to be dropped. PARENTS/GUARDIANS A parent or guardian will be contacted to share good news concerning their student’s educational growth or to discuss behaviors or work habits that might cause the student difficulty in class. Students are to meet outside of class time with the teacher to discuss questions or concerns related to class. If this contact does not resolve the issue, students are to contact the principal. Parents are encouraged to use the e-mail address on the first page of the syllabus to contact me if there are any problems or concerns. We are going to have an excellent second-half of the semester in Music at JHS 74! I look forward to working from each and every one of you, and hope that you will enjoy Chorus! Mr. Auriemma --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have reviewed the course syllabus and classroom procedures with Mr. Auriemma. __________________________________________________ (student signature) __________________________________________________ (print the first and last name of student, along with their official class and GS code) __________________________________________________ (student e-mail address, if applicable) I have reviewed the course syllabus and classroom procedures with my child. __________________________________________________ (parent/guardian signature) __________________________________________________ (print the first and last name of parent/guardian) __________________________________________________ (primary phone number) __________________________________________________ (parent e-mail address, if applicable)