Booker T. Washington Magnet High School

Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Choral Department 632 S. Union St Montgomery, Alabama 36104

Choral Music Syllabus

Instructor Instructor- Milton Williams Room- Choral Room, 603/606 E Phone- 334-269-3617, 334-625-8458 (cell) E-mail- [email protected]

Goals and Objectives -To provide students with a high quality performance choir. -To perform the best of choral literature. -To provide an environment for vocal development, both as an individual and as an ensemble. -To provide opportunities to learn about music; its development, construction and expression. -To create awareness about different styles of music, with emphasis on the various historical and cultural styles within Western traditions. -To increase awareness of how music is unique in its expressive and communicative nature, particularly non-verbal aspects. -To provide a place of belonging, a sense of unity, and a source of fellowship for students. -To engage artistic culture at the highest levels of complexity and competence. -The ensemble contributes to the campus and general communities through artistic and spiritual expression.

Textbook There is no required text for this course; however, additional materials may be needed as deemed necessary and financial responsibility will fall on the parent/guardian or student (i.e., theory books).

Commitment You have auditioned and were selected to be in the choral program at BTW—that is your reason for being here! You must possess a positive attitude and truly want to be in the BTW Choral Music program, to contribute all that is necessary, and to receive all that is possible from your experience. If you are not willing to make sacrifices this program is not for you.

Time and dedication are required from each student in this area and students chosen for BTW Choral Music must make a full school year commitment to BTW and to the group. There are NO scheduling changes at the end of the first semester.

BTW students should place BTW activities (specifically choral activities) first in their schedule of performances, rehearsals, or other activities that may or may not involve BTW students. (Outside jobs are permitted as long as they do not interfere in any way with BTW choral activities.)

Each student who is accepted into the BTW Choral Music Program is automatically a member of “Schola Cantorum” Concert Choir and is expected to attend any and all additional rehearsals and performances. Similarly, all women are members of Southern Tones and all men are members of Taliaferro’s Men. Rehearsals After school rehearsals are required for successful programs. Advance notice will be given; however, if other events interfere, you will be expected arrange your schedule to attend rehearsal. After school rehearsals are for the purpose of learning, working new material, and timing, marking positions, setting microphones and finalizing plans for a performance that cannot be handled in the classroom. Since the success of a performance is determined by the success of the rehearsal, the BTW choral director and principal reserve the right to cancel a performance and/or the participation of any student who is late for a rehearsal(s) or who fails to attend the rehearsal(s). Performances are a part of the BTW Choral Music curriculum, and therefore, will be viewed as required, graded assignments. There are no makeup grades for missed rehearsals. Students will have choral rehearsals after school at least twice a month on Wednesdays. These dates are listed on the choral calendar.

Performances Each student will be expected to put forth 100% effort. Quality will be demanded with no room for compromise. Each student represents self, family, and school. Appropriate, positive behavior and appropriate dress are expected from each student before, during, and after all performances and at any function he/she attends on behalf of BTW.

Not all students will be involved in performances, but those selected to perform will be expected to be present and on time for performances. Fairness will be shown to all students, but performers will be selected at the discretion of the choral director, including soloists.

At performances, all personal items, including jewelry, will be worn at the discretion of the director. Appropriate hairstyles and make-up are required for all performers, and any student who fails to follow directions about dress and attire will be excused from performance at the discretion of the director. A grade of zero (0) will be given.

Students who consistently miss performances will not be allowed to return to the choral program at BTW.

Classroom The classroom is a place to learn and the environment must be friendly and disciplined. Any disruption will be considered a breach of policy and regarded as a serious matter. The classroom also functions as an experimental lab stage where students can practice performing. Any discourtesy or disturbance to the process will result in a parent/teacher conference, office referral, or dismissal from future performances.

Financial Lack of funds should not discourage any student from participation in the choral program. Any student with a genuine financial need should refer to the appropriate section of the BTW Student Handbook and bring this matter to the instructor in writing. All such requests will be kept confidential.

Students in BTW Choral Music have a commitment to appear in performances and competitions locally, in-state, and out-of-state as recommended by the instructor. These appearances represent the culmination of the learning experience and will be counted as a part of the student’s grade. Students are required to pay entry fees for competitions. Also, students are responsible for the cost of any trip taken. Fund-raising opportunities and/or payment plans will be implemented by the instructor, but the burden of raising money is the student’s responsibility. Students are responsible for the purchase of shoes, appropriate clothes, sheet music, and supplies, as needed and as specified by the instructor. Additionally, students are required to purchase their own costumes/uniforms. Advanced notice will be given if additional purchases are required.

Per BTW policy, all funds turned in to a teacher for payment of fees, trips, etc., must be paid in cash, money order, or cashier’s check. No personal checks will be accepted. If you have any concerns about payments, please contact the school’s bookkeeper, Ms. Jessica Burt, at 334-269-3617 for assistance in this matter.

Transportation For performances outside of school hours, it is necessary that students provide their own transportation to and from the designated location. Exceptions occur when school buses, charter buses, or other means are communicated to the parents. When parents provide transportation for students, they need to be aware that punctuality is essential. Points will be deducted for tardiness to such an occasion, regardless of the reason. The rationale is that as a performer, one is expected to be ready to begin a performance on time, especially when compensation is expected much like working a job. Per the BTW Student Handbook, if a parent is repeatedly tardy for dropping off or collecting a student, the student may not perform until the situation is satisfactorily rectified. Students are to be picked up on time from ALL rehearsals, performances, and school functions.

Required Materials/Fees All choral students are to purchase and/or pay for the following materials:  No. 2 pencils  A black, 3-ring binder or folder for keeping notes  Choral fee ($20 per semester; $40 for entire year)  1 ream of white copy paper  BTW Event Fee ($50 for year)  Choral t-shirt ($13)  Peanut Festival ($2 student fee, $7 admission ticket, $20 for wristband if you so choose)  Alabama National Fair ($5, $20 wristband if you so choose)  Tux (men) $90; Dress (women) $90 (new students only)

Total fees for new students- $207 (not including wristband for either fair) Total fees for returning students- $117 (not including wristband for either fair)

Please bring exact amounts by cash, money order, or cashier’s check.

Optional (Wish list) Items  1 box of Kleenex  Hand sanitizer

Students have until Thursday, September 29, 2016 to pay choral fees and October 28, 2016 to pay BTW Event fee. If this will pose a problem for you, please notify me in writing as soon as possible.

Grading Students will be graded based on (1) class participation, (2) theory, (3) performances/tests. Performances/tests make up 65% of the total grade, theory 25%, and daily grades/homework 10%. Remember, students must maintain at least a B average in their magnet and C average in academics to remain in the program. There will be plenty of opportunities for students to earn those grades in choral. Any assignment given out is expected to be turned in completed by Friday of that week unless otherwise stated. Late work will receive an 11 point deduction for each day late. Missed tests need to be made up the following day. Missed performances will require a doctor’s excuse or legitimate documentation to be made up. No exceptions!

Scheduled Performances POPS Concert- 9/29/16 - 10/1/16 7pm Alabama National Fair- 10/31/16 Dothan Cultural Arts Choral Festival- 11/9/16 Choral Holiday Concert- 12/8/16 7pm MPS Holiday Choral Concert- 12/13/16 7pm Showcase rehearsals and performances- 1/10/17 – 1/14/17 District Performance Assessments and Solo/Ensemble- 3/16/17 True Divine-High School Joy Night- 3/16/17 Spring Choral Concert- 5/2/17 Mayfest/FLIMP- 5/6/17 Baccalaureate- 5/14/17, First Baptist Church

**Please refer to your calendar for rehearsal dates!**

Extra- At your discretion to participate in (note that there are additional fees for this activity): All-State Auditions- 11/3-4/16 Solo/Ensemble- 3/16/17 All-State- 3/2-4/17 All-State Auditions fees (including music and rehearsal tracks) SATB- $28.00 SSA- $27.00 Please bring exact amounts!!! TTBB- $23.00 Show Choir- $50.00---this includes medal and t-shirt through AVA

Please be aware that this calendar is subject to change. You will be informed in advance of those changes. Also, note that there are other performances that can and will occur during the year not yet listed that students will need to be flexible in attending. Check the BTW choral webpage for a current list of calendar events or your child’s choral calendar for updates. All rehearsals and performances to date are available there for your convenience, but they are subject to change.

Fieldtrips From time to time, students will take part in fieldtrips that are meant to enhance the learning experiences of class and study. Students are not required to attend these trips, but are encouraged to as an extension of learning. Students will be given forms in advance and any late forms will result in students not participating. Please remember that by choosing to go on a fieldtrip, you are acknowledging that your grades are acceptable in your courses and that any missed work will be made up. The teacher will advise accordingly based on BTW’s Return Policy with any student(s) that is (are) at risk of failing courses, but the choice to go will rest solely on the student and parent releasing the teacher and school from liability in the event of course failure.

Recital Attendance Each student in the CPAC Choral program is required to attend performances each semester which count as a major grade. Mr. Williams will designate which performances students must attend. There will be written assessments for each performance given by Mr. Williams for students to complete to earn credit. Cell Phones Per MPS policy, students may have cell phones in the classroom for learning purposes only. Students may not use their phones in choral music. If there is a time when needed, the instructor will advise accordingly. Any student found using a cell phone or other device during class time will have the item(s) confiscated and turned in to the office.

Please feel free to contact me if you need me. I am here for your child and I want him/her to succeed as much as you do. My school email and number are listed at the top of this document. Please do not hesitate to call. I am available for conferences upon request only. This syllabus was created for the BTW Choral Program, but is also a supplement to the MPS Code of Student Behavior as well as BTW Student Handbook and Policies and any other MPS policies and procedures.

I look forward to this being a productive and successful school year and that we keep up the work needed to promote our motto, “Excellence In All Things” and make it a reality.

Milton E. Williams 8/8/16 Choral Syllabus Receipt

Please sign, date, and return to Mr. Williams by August 12, 2016.

I have read, understand, and will abide by the requirements listed in the syllabus for Booker T. Washington Magnet High School Choral program during the 2016-2017 school year.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Date

______Student Signature Date

For office use only.

Received ______

By ______