6th Grade Choir Syllabus

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Welcome to the Teeland Middle School Choral Program! I hope your time in the choir deepens your love for singing, learning music, and being part of positive traditions.

Being in a music ensemble offers much more than just singing. It teaches essential life skills like building musical abilities, developing leadership, fostering responsibility, and forming lasting friendships. As we prepare for concerts, clinics, and festivals, we’ll stay engaged, busy, and continuously improving our skills.

As a member of the TMS Choir, you're expected to help uphold our reputation as a great choir. Our success depends on the dedication and commitment of each member.

This syllabus outlines your responsibilities as a choir member. Pay special attention to the sections in bold in the Table of Contents, as they’re crucial to understand from the start of the school year. 

I hope you enjoy your musical journey here. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

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CHOIR ROOM RULES

1. No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the band room at any time
2. When seated in a chair, keep all four legs touching the ground at all times
3. When you choose to leave your music at school, it must be kept in the choir room
4. Walking only is permitted in any part of the choir room at any time.
5. Students may be allowed in the music office only with the permission of the teacher.
6. As a choir student, you are expected to respect others by the speech you use, and the way you treat other's property.
7. Students will follow these rules for the purpose of having a more productive choir class this year.

BEHAVIOR

 Our primary responsibility in choir is to learn music. Any behavior that distracts or interferes with this will not be allowed.

The CHOIR ROOM RULES serve as guidelines for your BEHAVIOR. Quiet attention to the teacher, staying in your seat, and following directions are expected, just as in any other class. All Teeland School rules, as outlined in the Student Handbook, will be strictly enforced.

NORMAL REHEARSAL ROUTINE 

To maximize our rehearsal time, it's important to establish a consistent routine.

As soon as you enter the room, help set up chairs, grab your music from the rack, and return to your seat. You can then work on bell work, practice the assigned scale or rhythm, review supplemental material, or quietly socialize with your immediate neighbor.

Two minutes after the tardy bell or when everyone is seated and ready (whichever comes first), the conductor will begin class. At this point, stop all activities and listen for instructions. Students not in their seats by this time will be marked tardy. Daily participation points are earned by having your music, book, pencil, and a positive attitude.

With five minutes remaining, the rehearsal will end. Chairs should be quickly put away, and everyone should return to their seats for the day's closing.

Class will be dismissed by the director (not the bell) when:

1. The room is restored to order.
2. All students are seated quietly.
3. The director has made all necessary reminders and announcements.

MATERIAL GRADE

Each Student will need the following items in class every day:

• 1/2" 3 ring binder 
• Sharpened pencil (NO PENS)
• Music and Music Folder

You will be responsible for all items.  If you cannot afford any of these items, let the director know so that assistance can be arranged. 

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

        All Choir members must-have performance attire. 

They are:

Boys:                                                            

Black slacks,  Black button-up shirt,  Black shoes,  Black socks, and provided tie.  NO JEANS   Link to Black Shirt on Amazon: Amazon Link  

Girls:

Black skirt (knee length) or a Slack Pant,  Black blouse, or shirt.  Black shoes,  Natural or black stockings/socks(if wearing). If wearing leggings, you need to cover with a skirt  NO JEANS

 PERFORMANCE GRADES(CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED)

TMS will perform two concerts a year. When you receive the performance schedule, review it with your parents and add the dates to your family calendar to avoid conflicts. If an unavoidable conflict arises, notify the director at least ONE WEEK before the performance with a written note from a parent. The note must include a specific reason for your absence so the director can decide if you may be excused and allow time to redistribute parts. Requests to be excused less than a week before the performance or after the fact cannot be accepted.

Below are the criteria for PERFORMANCE GRADES:

A - You arrive on time for the warm-up, are dressed appropriately (see PERFORMANCE ATTIRE), behave appropriately in the warm-up, on stage, and in the audience, and stay with the band for the entire performance. 

C -  You fulfill all but one of the requirements for an "A"

D -  You fulfill all but two of the requirements for an "A"

F -   You fulfill all but three of the requirements for an "A"

EXTRA HELP

If you are having difficulty with any of the music we are working on in class, you should come in before or after school for individual EXTRA HELP.  However, you should always make an appointment with the director before coming in for help.  They will also be glad to help you with any special music or audition material on which you may be working on.                                          

EXTRA CREDIT   

Occasionally, you'll have the opportunity to earn extra credit by attending concerts or recitals. To receive credit, bring the program to band class the next school day with your name clearly printed and signed by a parent. Many of these concerts are free, and performances by any High School or Middle School will qualify for extra credit.

Be sure to check with the director beforehand if you plan to attend a performance for extra credit.