OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this class is for students to learn choral techniques that will focus on proper breathing, posture, intonation, diction, blend, balance, dynamics and expression in order to perform well as an ensemble.
When and Where?
All Academy Juniors will be enrolled in Chorus; however, Academy Juniors will be rehearse during the elective/study hall hour each Tuesday allowing us to rehearse during the school day. Additional rehearsals will be held on alternating Friday mornings from 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM. These morning rehearsals are listed on the rehearsal schedule and will be critical to our success. A few additional rehearsals have been scheduled outside of these times to make sure we are fully prepared for each concert. I expect Academy Juniors to come to me outside of class for any additional help learning their parts.
Academy Juniors are expected to learn and retain music for Chorus as quickly as possible in order to be leaders in Chorus. You will also be expected to set the example in terms of following teacher policies and procedures in both Chorus rehearsal and Academy Junior rehearsal.
Leaders
As an Academy Junior, you are expected to learn and retain music for Chorus as quickly as possible in order to be exceptional leaders. You will also be expected to set the example in terms of following teacher policies and procedures in both Chorus rehearsal and Academy Junior rehearsal.
Performance Opportunities
Academy Juniors will perform at both the Christmas and Spring chorus concerts. Additionally, the entire group, or soloists from the group, may be asked to perform at other school events throughout the year such as Admission Day, Chapel, 8th Grade Celebration, or various athletic events. Advanced notice will be given for all performance dates.
Attendance Policy
Absences: The expectation for this group is that you will strive to NEVER be absent. Rehearsal time is precious! One person missing even a small part of a rehearsal jeopardizes the progress of the entire group. In any performance oriented goal, singers must be present in order to learn the skills necessary for success. Singers can not “make-up” a group choral experience, therefore, please make every effort to schedule appointments after school and not during this class time. If you are required to miss due to a school related activity, please inform me PRIOR to your absence.
Tardies: Academy Juniors are expected to be on time (or early) to all rehearsals or it will result in a reduction of the daily grade.
Class Website
The primary source of communication for this class may be found at www.AcademyJuniors.net. This site contains all class documents, assignments, recording and performance dates, rehearsal tracks, warm-up exercises and more. Please check the website frequently for the most recent class updates.
When and Where?
All Academy Juniors will be enrolled in Chorus; however, Academy Juniors will be rehearse during the elective/study hall hour each Tuesday allowing us to rehearse during the school day. Additional rehearsals will be held on alternating Friday mornings from 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM. These morning rehearsals are listed on the rehearsal schedule and will be critical to our success. A few additional rehearsals have been scheduled outside of these times to make sure we are fully prepared for each concert. I expect Academy Juniors to come to me outside of class for any additional help learning their parts.
Academy Juniors are expected to learn and retain music for Chorus as quickly as possible in order to be leaders in Chorus. You will also be expected to set the example in terms of following teacher policies and procedures in both Chorus rehearsal and Academy Junior rehearsal.
Leaders
As an Academy Junior, you are expected to learn and retain music for Chorus as quickly as possible in order to be exceptional leaders. You will also be expected to set the example in terms of following teacher policies and procedures in both Chorus rehearsal and Academy Junior rehearsal.
Performance Opportunities
Academy Juniors will perform at both the Christmas and Spring chorus concerts. Additionally, the entire group, or soloists from the group, may be asked to perform at other school events throughout the year such as Admission Day, Chapel, 8th Grade Celebration, or various athletic events. Advanced notice will be given for all performance dates.
Attendance Policy
Absences: The expectation for this group is that you will strive to NEVER be absent. Rehearsal time is precious! One person missing even a small part of a rehearsal jeopardizes the progress of the entire group. In any performance oriented goal, singers must be present in order to learn the skills necessary for success. Singers can not “make-up” a group choral experience, therefore, please make every effort to schedule appointments after school and not during this class time. If you are required to miss due to a school related activity, please inform me PRIOR to your absence.
Tardies: Academy Juniors are expected to be on time (or early) to all rehearsals or it will result in a reduction of the daily grade.
Class Website
The primary source of communication for this class may be found at www.AcademyJuniors.net. This site contains all class documents, assignments, recording and performance dates, rehearsal tracks, warm-up exercises and more. Please check the website frequently for the most recent class updates.
PROCESS: The success of any good choral ensemble depends on efficient and effective rehearsal. It is our goal to make the best use of every precious second of rehearsal.
1) Vocal Warm-up
Each rehearsal will begin with vocal warm-ups, which will help strengthen your voice, expand your range and reinforce scale and arpeggio structure.
2) Sight-Reading
We will work to develop good music reading skills as an essential part of good choral musicianship.
3) Sectionals
There will be times when we will meet together as a large group and times when we will break into smaller group sectionals, as needed. If we hold a sectional on a Tuesday rehearsal, whoever is not required will go to Skills & Exploration with their Chorus class or go to study hall, depending on their A/B day schedule.
4) Independent Study
Some of you have experience with sight-reading and exceptional tonal memory, so rehearsal within class time may be sufficient, however, most of you will require additional work outside of class time to perfect your part. You will have access to rehearsal tracks on the SONGS tab. Our ability to progress quickly and the overall quality of performance will determine whether we will pursue recording opportunities. Everyone will need to commit to mastering his/her part in order to move in this direction. If you have any difficulty perfecting your part, please schedule an appointment with me before or after school: [email protected].
1) Vocal Warm-up
Each rehearsal will begin with vocal warm-ups, which will help strengthen your voice, expand your range and reinforce scale and arpeggio structure.
2) Sight-Reading
We will work to develop good music reading skills as an essential part of good choral musicianship.
3) Sectionals
There will be times when we will meet together as a large group and times when we will break into smaller group sectionals, as needed. If we hold a sectional on a Tuesday rehearsal, whoever is not required will go to Skills & Exploration with their Chorus class or go to study hall, depending on their A/B day schedule.
4) Independent Study
Some of you have experience with sight-reading and exceptional tonal memory, so rehearsal within class time may be sufficient, however, most of you will require additional work outside of class time to perfect your part. You will have access to rehearsal tracks on the SONGS tab. Our ability to progress quickly and the overall quality of performance will determine whether we will pursue recording opportunities. Everyone will need to commit to mastering his/her part in order to move in this direction. If you have any difficulty perfecting your part, please schedule an appointment with me before or after school: [email protected].
EVALUATION
Class Rehearsal
Class Rehearsal (20 points): Grading procedures will complement the evaluation outlined for you for Chorus. On the days you are not in Chorus, I will supply your/participation grade, worth a possible three points for each rehearsal. Every minute of class time requires 100% of your energy and attention. Any distraction such as talking, students arriving late, or students searching for music impedes the quality of instruction. The daily grade will be an important part of your quarter grade. Daily expectations include:
Class Rehearsal
Class Rehearsal (20 points): Grading procedures will complement the evaluation outlined for you for Chorus. On the days you are not in Chorus, I will supply your/participation grade, worth a possible three points for each rehearsal. Every minute of class time requires 100% of your energy and attention. Any distraction such as talking, students arriving late, or students searching for music impedes the quality of instruction. The daily grade will be an important part of your quarter grade. Daily expectations include:
- being ready to begin when the bell rings
- maintaining proper posture
- 100% on-task behavior
- all eyes on the conductor
- having all required materials (music, folder, and pencil)
- handling musical scores in a respectful manner
- actively singing and listening, while being attentive and respectful
- participating in any kinesthetic warm-ups or exercises
- not talking during rehearsal
- taking good notes regarding diction, phrasing, dynamics and other musical elements
- maintaining a good attitude towards each other and the director :)
Communication:
All announcements or reminders will be sent via email to you and your parents and/or posted on the main page of the website at AcademyJuniors.net.
Emergency Evacuation:
In the event of an emergency evacuation during our class, follow the instructor to the senior parking lot in front of the fine arts building.
MANDATORY EVENTS
Please make a note of all required dates and events, and share them with your parents.
All announcements or reminders will be sent via email to you and your parents and/or posted on the main page of the website at AcademyJuniors.net.
Emergency Evacuation:
In the event of an emergency evacuation during our class, follow the instructor to the senior parking lot in front of the fine arts building.
MANDATORY EVENTS
Please make a note of all required dates and events, and share them with your parents.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The dress rehearsal will be Wednesday, December 1 after school (time TBD). The Christmas Concert will be on Friday, December 3 at 7:00 PM in the theatre. All Academy Juniors are required to attend the dress rehearsal prior to the performance and perform for school excerpts on a date TBD.
SPRING CONCERT
The dress rehearsal will be Monday, May 9 after school (time TBD). The Spring Concert will be on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 PM in the theatre. All Academy Juniors are required to attend the dress rehearsal prior to the performance and perform for school excerpts on a date TBD.
The dress rehearsal will be Wednesday, December 1 after school (time TBD). The Christmas Concert will be on Friday, December 3 at 7:00 PM in the theatre. All Academy Juniors are required to attend the dress rehearsal prior to the performance and perform for school excerpts on a date TBD.
SPRING CONCERT
The dress rehearsal will be Monday, May 9 after school (time TBD). The Spring Concert will be on Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 PM in the theatre. All Academy Juniors are required to attend the dress rehearsal prior to the performance and perform for school excerpts on a date TBD.
8th GRADE CELEBRATION
The 8th Grade Celebration will be on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 PM. Academy Juniors are expected to perform for this event. Rehearsal and call times will be posted when confirmed.
The 8th Grade Celebration will be on Tuesday, May 17 at 7 PM. Academy Juniors are expected to perform for this event. Rehearsal and call times will be posted when confirmed.