West Salem High School
Choir Department
Course Information
Instructor Cole Haole-Valenzuela
E-mail haole-valenzuela_cole@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Phone 503-399-5533 x507615
Website: www.westsalemchoir.org
Welcome to the West Salem High School Choir Department! I am looking forward to this upcoming year. Please read this syllabus as it will answer most questions you have regarding this year in class. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me through email, phone, or in-person.
The website above includes calendar dates, information regarding our program, updates of additional opportunities outside of our program.. You can also find classroom resources on our Canvas (.pdf files of our music, recordings, and practice tracks).
Learning Outcomes
In this class students will learn choral literature from various periods of times and cultures, healthy vocal technique, diction appropriate to choral practice, solfege, sight-reading techniques, aural dictation, strong work ethic, and the importance of community and collaboration within an ensemble.
Grading Categories
Personal Management – Being on time to rehearsals with necessary materials.
Rehearsal Skills – Participating within rehearsals and following classroom routines.
Proficiencies – Musical assessments.
Performance #1: Musical Contribution – Performing with the ensemble to the best of your ability during concerts, festivals, assemblies, etc.
Performance #2: Professional Accountability – Following all the criteria of the Concert Attire guidelines (listed below) as well as being on time to call-times, having your music and folder if needed, and holding and helping others to reach this standard.
Performance #3: Etiquette – Being a positive role-model to other students; be polite, respectful, and courteous of all ensemble members and audience members. Staying in your assigned classroom or listening quietly backstage while practicing good concert etiquette.
Personal Management and Rehearsal Skills (10 points per week)
Personal Management – Following the 60-second grace period after the tardy bell has rung, each student will be in their assigned spots on the risers and prepared to begin warm-ups. There are 5 possible points per week. There will be 1 point earned each day and totaled over the week. You must be present, on time, with your music, and writing material (pencil, paper).
Rehearsal Skills – Students will be singing and participating throughout the rehearsal. There are 5 possible points per week. There will be 1 point earned each day and totaled over the week. Communicate with Mr. H. if you need to sit throughout or for a portion of the rehearsal. Follow all classroom routines set by Mr. H.
Sectionals are to be graded in the same manner.
Proficiency – Part Tests (25 points)
Part tests serve as a tool to individually assess students in order to self-reflect and evaluate for both ensemble member and director. Part tests will be held to determine accurately a student’s current understanding of music literature, where their abilities relative to proper pitch, rhythm, posture, breath management and phrasing, vowels, and diction will be carefully evaluated on a 5 point possible scale for each standard. Part tests can include singing in an octet, quartet, or individually.
Verbal or written feedback is given following the hearing to reinforce the more critical aspects of the hearing, including the highlights of your performance, which further reinforces the student’s perception for what is highly valued by Mr. H. for their particular development.
Non-participation in an individual hearing will be able to be made up after appropriate time for the student to catch up following illness or conflict. There will be no loss of points.
Proficiency – One on Ones/Group Assessments/Auditions (20 points)
At the end of each semester, there will be a singing and/or written assessment either done one on one with Mr. H. or within groups and are graded on a 20-point scale. These sessions will assess where you are individually as a musician and singer. These meetings will include the students singing warm-ups, a short excerpt of music, and sight-reading melodies and rhythms. Auditions for advanced ensembles will be done in the same fashion at the end of first and second semester. Auditions materials will be made available.
Alternative assessments are available, but do not take the place of an audition for advanced ensembles.
Concerts and Performances (100 points)
Concerts, assemblies, festivals, adjudications, and out-call performances all affect student’s grades. Musical contribution, professional accountability, and concert etiquette are what makes up a successful performance and are graded out of a total of 100 points. Non-participation in performances without a proper excuse will result in a loss of points. Scheduled concerts appearing on the school calendar are mandatory unless a family emergency or illness precludes participation in those scheduled events. Parents MUST contact Mr H. via email or phone in order to excuse a concert absence. An alternate assignment will be given to the student in order to make up concert points. Unexcused absence from any scheduled events will result in the loss of all points associated with that particular event. Work conflicts should be solved in advance – make your activities schedule a priority.
Expectations
At the beginning of every rehearsal, students are expected to be in their assigned spot with their music, pencil, and clear of any distractions (e.g. phones, food, drinks, etc.) Rehearsal time is for rehearsal. Sectionals are to be treated in the same manner. Rehearsal tasks will change day to day; be adaptable and flexible.
Socializing is a great way to build a community within an ensemble – make sure you pick the right time to do this. Talking when anybody is asking a question, sharing an observation, or giving feedback is not a good time to socialize. There will be times in rehearsal where we will take some much-needed mental breaks, but we must be able to bounce right back to work.
Give the ensemble, and most importantly yourself, your best effort every day; even if your 100% is different from day to day. If you have an emergency or situation that is keeping you from being focused in class, please let me know. I am happy to accommodate and help as much as I can.
Always keep in mind that you represent the choir and music program as well as the school. Lead by example and be a positive role-model for all ensembles and the student body. Always think “…Professionalism!”
Important Dates
Dates may be added or changed as the school year unfolds. Weekly newsletters and other communication will keep students and parents informed. If a student has a conflict with any concert date, please email haole-valenzuela_cole@salkeiz.k12.or.us as soon as possible to start problem solving.
Concert Attire
CHOIR OF THE TITANS
Choir robes (provided by the choir department)
Men: Black dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, t-shirt
Women: Black flats (no heels), black nylons, shorts, t-shirt
No tennis shoes, boots, or flip flops. No jewelry of any kind. A small pair of piercings are OK.
Hair must be out of face during performances
CHORALE – DISSONANCE CHOIR
Choir robes (provided by the choir department).
Men: Black dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, t-shirt.
Women: Black dress shoes (no heels), black nylons, shorts, t-shirt.
No tennis shoes, boots, or flip flops. No jewelry of any kind. A small pair of piercings are OK.
Hair must be out of face during performances
CHORUS 1 – Atlas
Black dress shoes, black socks, black slacks, black button up, tie (provided by the choir department)
No tennis shoes, boots, or flip flops. No jewelry of any kind. A small pair of piercings are OK.
Hair must be out of face during performances
**We may use school provided robes**
CHORUS 2 – Cantare
Black dress/black slacks/black dress shirt/black blouse/black nylons/black flats
No tennis shoes, boots, or flip flops. No jewelry of any kind. A small pair of piercings are OK.
Hair must be out of face during performances
**We may use school provided robes**
SOUNDSCAPE
TBD
Please return this portion of the sheet to Mr H by September 17th with the below information
I, _________________________, parent/guardian of ____________________________, have read the course syllabus and agree to help my child meet all expectations of class. I have read the choir event calendar and will keep the dates posted at home.
Parent Email_____________________________________________________________________
Signed,
___________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature & Date