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Washington Middle School

7^th - 8^th Grade Choir

Mary Svenvold, Instructor

Course Description

In the seventh and eighth grade choir, students will learn about basic techniques of choral singing such as matching pitch, reading notation, following a part, independent singing, sight singing, proper breath management, appropriate posture, healthy sound, rehearsal etiquette, audience etiquette, and performance etiquette. They will perform increasingly difficult choral pieces.

Grades

Choir grades will be determined by the following areas:  performance attendance, attendance in class, written work, singing tests, participation in class, and self-evaluation.

Concerts

The concert dates for 2011- 2012 are as follows:

Thursday, October 13 Fall Concert

Thursday, December 15 Winter Concert

Saturday, February 4 Junior High Music Festival - Sidney

Tuesday, May 15 Spring Awards Concert

All concerts are held in the DCHS auditorium at 7:00 PM. Students need to arrive in the choir room there for warm up at 6:30 PM.  Students need to dress in their “Sunday Best” for concerts.  We expect that students stay for the entire concert to support the other groups who have worked just as hard to prepare for their performances. 

On occasion, the choirs are asked to sing at places such as the nursing home, vet’s home, or other special events. Notices of dates and times of special performances will be sent home with the students. If you would like the choirs to perform for an event, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Miscellaneous

I am a graduate of Eastern Montana College with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education with emphasis on voice and piano, and I hold a Master of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. I am also a member of the VoiceCare Network. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at the school.  I am at Washington in the morning (377-2356) and at the High School in the afternoons (377-5265).  I can also be reached by email: svenvoldm@glendiveschools.com

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Middle School Band

Band is open to any person who has previously played an instrument.

Band is a graded course. The students will be graded on:

• 1) Attitude
• 2) Attendance
• 3) Performance
• 4) Participation
• 5) Practice

All concerts are required.

Students need their instruments in class every day.

Students need a pencil with them every day.  Bonus points will be awarded throughout the year.

NO GUM ALLOWED!!

No leaving class without permission. Respect others rights and property.

Keep folders in their proper slots or lockers.

Reeds, oil and sticks are available through the band office at a reduced rate.

Practice charts must be turned in each week. A minimum of 2 hours a week is required.

Do not talk or play instruments when the director is talking.

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