Amici Syllabus

Amici Chorus 2008-2009
Mrs. Chalis Montgomery FA 106
cmontgomery@greateratlantachristian.org 770-243-2373

INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the GACS Amici Chorus! The choral department here at GACS has a long history of fine a cappella singing. The Amici Chorus is the beginning of that tradition, making it the foundation of singing skills. Being part of an ensemble means learning to get along with one another, and learning to depend on one another. I look forward to the effort we will share as we continue to forge a legacy that will last well beyond our time here.

STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
While we will be rehearsing some music that is secular in nature, the overriding principles governing the learning and performance of that music can be found in the parable of the talents.
Matthew 25:13-30
Therefore, it is our mandate to give back to God the talents that we have been given, enhanced by our efforts in rehearsal and enriched by the quality of our performance.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class is designed for any Junior High student who wants to learn to sing. Along the way we will learn about the human voice, various musical skills, and how to combine this newfound information to create an ensemble. Additionally, our repertoire will include music from various historical periods and cultures as it is deemed necessary to create the fullest educational experience possible.


GRADING
Grading will consist of quizzes, attendance at concerts, and the final exam. Quizzes measure the daily participation of each student by assessing basic knowledge of concepts covered during classes. Attendance at concerts is absolutely required. An unexcused absence from a concert performance may result in a failing grade for the semester. The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all quiz topics from the semester.

- Quizzes and assignments: 40 % of total grade
- Attendance at performances: 50 % of total grade
- Final Exam: 10 % of total grade


HELP SESSIONS
Help sessions will be provided on Monday mornings from 7:20 – 7:55 and on an individual, as-needed basis. To make an appointment for an additional help session, stop by or send me an email.


SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

- Keep a pencil in your music folder at all times.
- If your folder goes home for practice, it must return for every rehearsal. There are slots provided for storage in the choral room.
- You must be committed to learning your music. Outside practice may be necessary.
- You must purchase a tux/dress. Information about purchasing performance attire will be posted online.
- You must attend all performances.


CLASSROOM PROCEDURES/EXPECTATIONS

· Enter the room quickly and quietly. Take your folder out of its slot right away.
· Please stand without talking when the director enters the room.
· Please stand without talking when any school official enters the room.
· Please be ready to sing when the director takes the podium.
· Begin inhaling when the director’s hands are up.
· Get rid of any gum, candy, food or anything in your mouth.
· There is only one director. Please do not correct each other in class.
· Please use the box, the wiki or the blog for comments or suggestions that could wait until later.
· Always do your best.
· Be loyal to the team. Don’t insult your fellow choral members in or out of class.
· Take care of all music in your possession. Only mark in pencil.
· Do not pack up to leave until the director tells you to.
· Abide by the GACS Student Code of Conduct.

And . . . always remember: you are part of a team whether you are in my class or out in the world. How you choose to represent yourself is how you choose to represent the rest of us.
Do your best, and BE your best.


ATTENDANCE/TARDY POLICY
Attendance at all performances is MANDATORY. You may only be excused in the case of death of an immediate family member, extreme illness requiring medical care (in which case, a doctor’s note is required), or previously agreed upon exemptions due to other school functions, such as the final game in a tournament. Regular practices for athletics, dance, or other activities are not excused.

Missed regular rehearsals require a green slip from the office on the day of return.

A student is considered tardy if their entire being has not crossed the threshold of my classroom by the time the bell rings or by the call time listed for performance. After five tardies to class, a student will be given after-school detention.


PERFORMANCES/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
*Performance dates are subject to change, and dates may be added throughout the year with one month’s notice.

October 4, 8:30 A.M.
Frog Hollow performance

October 9
Tentative field trip and service project.

October 11
All-State Chorus auditions for those students who wish to participate.

October 16
Chapel performance for some of the acts that will perform during the Spartan Review. 7th graders are still gone on the class trip.

October 17 and 18, 6:00 P.M.
Spartan Review. Amici chorus version of Spartan Spectacular. The theme this year is the 70’s, “Gong Show.”

December 4
Junior High chapel performance with A Cappella

December 7, 1:00 P.M.
Lessons and carols service

December 11, 6:00 P.M.
Poinsettia concert. There will be a dinner before hand, and it is highly recommended that students save time in transportation and just stay after school.

December 19
Elementary chapel performance. Will be changed if there is a problem with exam times.

February 6 and 7
6th grade Honor Chorus for those who are selected.

March 12
Junior High chapel, selections from the musical.

March 13 and 14
Junior High musical, “Pirates of Penzance, Jr.” Sword play, costumes, much fun!
PLEASE NOTE! There will be additional after-school rehearsals beginning in late January on a schedule determined by the stage director. All chorus members will be the chorus for the musical, unless they are given a lead role. Musical rehearsals will take place during class, but you will need to learn staging after school. Absences from after school rehearsals for chorus members should be kept to a minimum, but are unavoidable. Please provide both directors with advance notice of your absences. No absences the week of performance, please!

Saturday April 18
Solo and ensemble festival.

May 10, 6:00 P.M.
Spring concert.

End of year party, additional chapel performances, TBA

Any performance listed without a time is either TBA or during school hours. Times listed are “call times,” not performance start times.

· “Call time” is the time choir members are expected to be in the room, ready to sing. Any student arriving past the call time will be considered tardy. For example, 6:00:01 on December 11 is late. Any student arriving more than 15 minutes past the call time will be considered unexcused.
· Performance attire should be properly pressed or steamed. We will sing the way we look!
· Gentlemen must have shirts tucked in, black socks and black shoes (no sneakers, sandals or flip-flops). Gentlemen are required to wear t-shirt style white undershirts beneath their concert shirts. Hair should be neatly combed out of the face.
· Ladies must wear tan stockings or knee-highs and black closed-toe heels or dress flats. Any undergarment other than hose must be the same color as the uniform. Hair must be secured away from the face in a bun or french twist and bangs must be back or to the side. Please do not wear a bow or any other type of hair ornament. Please purchase rose/pink lipstick for the purposes of concert performances only. Other than lips, it is requested that ladies wear minimal makeup.
No earrings other than studs or hoops smaller than a dime.

CONCLUSION
It is my pleasure to conduct such a fine bunch of young people. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to building the choir this year with you.