CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL – HUTCHINSON, KS
Course:  Middle School & High School Choir
Instructor: Charlene Reynolds
Year:  2008- 2009
Grades:    MS: grades 6-8;   HS: grades 9-12
Credit:  .5 per semester (HS)

Text:  MS: varied repertoire             HS: Basics in Rhythm, Meredith Music Publications

Objective: 

Choir provides students the opportunity to increase their general knowledge of music, and to receive more specific instruction in the care and use of their voice for singing.  Most of the instruction will be focused on the students working together to create music, but students will also be encouraged to create music individually.

Elements of Instruction: 

Although Choir is often perceived to be a performance-oriented subject, the students will be challenged to meet the appropriate grade levels of achievement established by the National Standards for Music Education.  The general curriculum guide includes:

• Singing, alone or with others, a varied repertoire of music.
• Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
• Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
• Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
• Reading and notating music.
• Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
• Evaluating music and music performances.
• Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
• Understanding music in relation to history and culture. 

Christian Perspective: 

Johann Sebastian Bach said it best: “Music is a fair and glorious gift of God.”  Although not all students have a gift in music, all students are affected by music, since it is a basic form of communication in all cultures.  In the church body, music plays a major role in times of corporate worship.  It is important to realize the impact music can have in our lives, and to encourage students to use it in positive ways to bring honor and glory to our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Grading: 

Grades will be based on student participation, conduct, and assessment of musical knowledge and skill development by evaluations given during the grading period.  Students can earn extra points for participation in or attending other musical activities.  A list of “extra credit” options will be provided to each student.  Students desiring an “A” grade must do one extra credit activity each quarter. A calendar list of all known music performance events will be given at the beginning of the year. All students are expected to attend all CCS concert performances.

Homework:  

Students will be given some assignments for musical activities outside of class during each grading period, but not each day.  Parents may be asked to sign some assignments for verification purposes.

Class rules: 

The general “School Rules” listed on page 21 of the Student & Parent Handbook will be the basic rules in Choir, with one addition:

• LISTEN
  • to the music
  • to instruction
  • to your part in creating music

Supplies:  All music in the folder, small notebook, pencil with eraser, planner.

Contact Information:  E-mail: creynolds@centralchristianschool.net