Grading

CHORUS CLASS    (60% of overall chorus grade per quarter)​

1. Cooperation and performance in rehearsal.
   1. Demonstrates respect, positive attitude, and attentiveness.
   2. Demonstrates a willingness to improve on their abilities.
      1. Doing all vocal exercises requested by the teacher
      2. Mouth open to work on enunciation
      3. Good posture:  sitting or standing up straight, arms unfolded, no hands in pockets, head up and relaxed.
      4. No gum chewing, no food or drink in the classroom
   3. Participation  (includes attendance for class and concerts)
      1. All concerts are mandatory for each student to attend
      2. 20 points will be deducted from the students’ grade for missing a concert during the quarter in which the concert occurred 
      3. Acceptable excuses are:  death in the family or illness of student 
         1. A note from either home or the doctor must be presented to the teacher describing the reason for the absence.  
         2. The teacher will have the discretion in regards to acceptance of the excuse.
   4. Appropriate Behavior & Preparation 
      1. No talking out-of-turn
      2. Appropriate language and gestures
      3. No physical contact such as pushing, hitting, poking, etc  
         
      4. Folders complete with each piece of music (any lost or damaged music will have to be reimbursed to the school by the student)
         
      5. Pencil in each folder and music marked appropriately
         
      6. Ready to sing at assigned section
         
      7. Be on time to class 

VOICE LESSONS    (25% of overall chorus grade per quarter)

1. Lesson attendance is mandatory for each student.  Each student will be individually evaluated and given a numerical grade.  The grade will be determined by using the same criteria used for chorus.  (The following criteria are subject to change once our new schedule is in place and operating).

• There will be 4 lessons each quarter for each student.
• A missed lesson MUST be made-up before the students’ next lesson.
• A grade of zero (0) will be given for each lesson missed.
• ALL lessons are to be attended or made-up.

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS    
(15% of overall chorus grade per quarter)

1. A minimum of one (1) homework/classwork assignment or test will be given to each student per quarter.
   1. A written “Concert Critique” will be done by each student after each concert as the students view a video of the concert.
   2. Assignments can be administered during chorus class or vocal lessons.
2. A “Midterm” will be administered at the end of the 2nd Quarter.  It will either be a written or singing exam.

FINAL EXAM  -  Singing and written    
(counts as 5th quarter – 20%)

1. Chorus students will be required to take a “Final Exam” at the end of the 4th quarter.
2. The “Final Exam” will be based upon:
   1. Singing a prepared, assigned solo for the appropriate level of difficulty.
   2. Written portion based on material learned throughout the year.
3. A student who participates in the solo festival in May will not be required to take the “singing” portion of the Final Exam, but will still need to take the “written” portion.

Attendance

CLASSROOM
Students will be in their seat, pencil and music in hand, by the time the tardy bell has rung. Class and rehearsals begin with the director's greeting of "Good Morning" or "Good Afternoon" etc. The classroom follows school policy for absences and tardies including the following:
Excused Absences:
•    Court
•    Illness
•    College Visits ( 12th Grade)
•    Religious Holiday
•    Medical Appointments
•    Death in Immediate Family

Unexcused Absences:
•    Cutting Class
•    Doing Errands
•    Shopping
•    Baby Sitting
•    Vacations
•    Over Sleeping

CONCERTS
Excused Absences for Concerts: 
Excused absences include severe illness, death of a family member or close friend, or an emergency. If you are having problems PLEASE see Ms. Boyd prior to the concert to form a solution for your situation. Excused absences will have to complete a make-up assignment
                 
Concert Make-Up Work:                    
Students who have an “excused” concert absence will need to complete a make-up assignment for their missed concert grade. Below is a brief description of the assignments. Remember: This will only be accepted if a signed written excuse is turned in prior to the concert. Directions will be given to the student following the concert.
                        
1. Write a three-page paper about one of the songs that the choir performed at the concert. Information to be discussed in the paper will include: biographical information on the composer and lyricist and an explanation of the message, mood and music theory of the piece.
                        
2. Video Record yourself on each of the pieces that were performed at the concert. Do this in front of an audience of your choice.

                    
Unexcused Absences for Concerts:
Attendance at all concerts is required. As concerts are assignments, students who do not attend a graded concert have no way to evaluate themselves or be evaluated, thus receiving a zero (a loss of 20 percent for the quarter) for this assignment. Students who do not have an “excused” absence will not have the ability to complete a make-up assignment for a missed concert. Students who do not turn in a written excuse signed by a parent are also not excused from a concert. Students who choose not to show up for a concert or fail to make appropriate plans to attend a concert are considered unexcused.  

Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
• Not having appropriate concert attire
• Not having a ride to school
• A cold or sore throat