Aptos High School

Home of the Mariners

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

NAME OF COURSE:                       MADRIGAL CHOIR

NAME OF TEACHER:                    Meri Pezzoni

E-Mail ADDRESS:                           mpezzoni@aptoshs.pv.k12.ca.us

VOICE MAIL#          688-6565 #53              ROOM #        F200                PREP PER. 6

 

I.                    COURSE DESCRIPTION/Outline (reflects needed skills)

 

This is the advanced auditioned choral ensemble at Aptos High. It satisfies the Fine Arts requirement for graduation and also fulfills the “a-f” requirement for college entrance. Emphasis is put on strong vocal skills, musical leadership and independence, stage presence, and membership in Honor Choirs at the local, regional, and state levels. Instructional methods are the same as the other choir syllabi, but with a higher level of  expected musical mastery. Out of this ensemble a select group of 24 singers also perform as The Aptos Chamber Singers. Both these groups have consistently received top awards for their performances at festivals and competitions. They also perform for many community and church events. Many students continue to major in Music in college.

 

II.                 MATERIAL REQUIRED

(a $20.00 material fee is requested)

 

1.      Music Folder/Music

2.      Theory Workbook

3.      Pencil/Highlighter

4.      T-shirt/Outfit

 

III.               GOALS (knowledge to be acquired, technical skills, etc. ESLR’s and standards must be referenced. Most goals encompass all of the ESLR’s in some way, but specific ones a mentioned here.

 

The purpose of the class is to produce advanced choral students with a strong base of choral literature and performance standards to enable them to continue musical pursuits at either a professional or lifelong enjoyment level.

 

Students will be expected to:

·        Sing 3-8 part music from all centuries and in all languages. (ESLR A,B,C,D)

·        Sing solos (ESLR B)

·        Have a strong grasp of theory and sight singing.(ESLR A,C)

·        Participate in Honor groups (ESLR D)

·        Demonstrate good vocal production (ESLR B,E)

·        Use vocabulary (ESLR A,B,C)

·        Attain a high level of professionalism, both musically and etiquette (ESLR C)

·        Fundraise for trips (ESLR D)

·        Student conductors (ESLR A,C)

·        Demonstrate a proficiency for music notation (ESLR A,C)

 

IV.              UNITS OF STUDY

 

  1. Vocal production
  2. Choral Literature
  3. Historical timelines/musical context to repetoire
  4. Vocabulary
  5. Theory
  6. Fundraising
  7. Sectionals
  8. Music notation
  9. Concert critiques
  10. Class discussions
  11. Listening examples
  12. Music lab
  13. Vowels and consonants
  14. Physical anatomy in a singer’s context

 

V.                 METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

 

  1. Instructor’s aural evaluation
  2. Students evaluation both individually and as a group
  3. Singing by oneself
  4. Tests and quizzes
  5. Assignments
  6. Classwork
  7. Concerts/performances
  8. Adjudicators (festivals)
  9. Participation
  10. Qtr.Final theory exams

 

VI.              GRADING POLICY

Grading will be based on the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VII       CLASS PROCEDURES (missed assignments, make-up work, etc.)

The Aptos High school policy is in effect and is followed. In addition:

 

Missed performances cannot be made up. In the case of sickness or family emergency, a parent message stating reason for absence is necessary. Excused absences do not count against grade, but unexcused do, and cannot be made up. Attendance is crucial in any performing class, and every effort should be made by the student to attend class daily and on time.

 

VIII      BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

 

  1. No gum chewing!
  2. No food or drink. Water ok.
  3. No obscenities, horseplay or disrespectful behavior.
  4. Respect property and musical instruments.
  5. Do not disturb the teaching process.
  6. Be on time, in your seat with music, ready for vocal warm-ups by last bell. (My “5”)

 

1st offense = verbal warning

2nd offense = “Munch with Meri” lunch detention

3rd offense = parent phone call/behavior contact with office

4th offense = performance probation