Syllabus

Lyle General Music and Choir Student-Parent Handbook & Syllabus 2022-23

KINDER, GR 1, GR 2, MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL

stranchida@lyle.k12.mn.us

HS Google Classroom code: 64m4bxg

MS Google Classroom code: imcdvsw

Course Description and Vision

Lyle’s general and choral music program aims to empower students to understand and appreciate the value of music while developing the motivation for making positive and creative life choices. Students engaged in general and choral music will explore a variety of concepts that help the overall development of music performance, composition, improvisation, music history, and music theory. Through music education, students learn to appreciate and respect the ideas of others, and develop effective collaboration and communication skills. Lyle’s general music and choral music class offers the opportunity to build positive relationships that help students to develop a sense of social responsibility and intercultural understanding. The Lyle general and choral music program encourages students to participate effectively in a variety of contexts, understand the value of music, take positive risks, collaborate and communicate effectively, build positive relationships, demonstrate responsibility, and reflect on their learning experiences.

Character Development

Students of Lyle’s general and choral music program are encouraged to develop their character by being:

Inquirers They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning and in music. They actively enjoy learning music and this enjoyment will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable They explore concepts, ideas, skills, and activities in so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and competencies, and develop an understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines and contexts.

Thinkers They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded They understand and appreciate their own cultures, and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

Caring They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs, abilities and feelings of others.They act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought,and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. 

Balanced They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.

Curriculum Overview

Lyle’s general and choral music curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate Program, the National Core Arts Standards (creating, performing, responding, reflecting), and Minnesota State Standards.

Lower Elementary General Music will focus on beginner fundamental concepts including rhythm, simple melodies and improvisation through collaborative games, play, and songs. Students will practice communicating, working cooperatively, building confidence, and taking positive risks.

Middle School Choir will focus on strengthening fundamental concepts, and expanding on notation, improvisation, ear training, and music history through games, songs, performances, and choice-based projects.  Students will have the chance to practice collaboration, taking positive risks, learning commitment, and expressing their creativity.

High School Choir will have an emphasis on performance, with exposure to a variety of western, and world music from different eras. High school choir students will also strengthen fundamental concepts and expand on music theory, ear training, improvisation, composition & arrangement, and music history through individual and group choice-based projects. There will be an emphasis on collaboration, taking positive risks, working on independence, expressing creativity, commitment, and strengthening music-knowledge. 

Assessment Criteria/Grading

Elementary Grading Criteria

Students will pass or fail based on the following objectives: knowledge of musical foundations, creating music, presenting or performing music, responding to music, work habits and behavior skills.

Demonstration of skill development will be based on daily observations and student self-assessment based on what is developmentally appropriate for age and grade level. Students will also be encouraged to take positive risks. 

Middle and High School Grading Criteria

*percentages have been changed for Q2

Middle and high school students’ overall semester grade is broken down into the following criteria (subject to change)

40%: Weekly Grade

Student learning and success in music class is contingent upon students being present and participating in each lesson. Students will receive a weekly grade based on participation, effort, collaboration, and positive risk taking.

35%: Performances

Performances are an amazing way for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the semester. For each performance students will be graded on preparedness, punctuality, and professionalism. 

10%: Weekly Practice Logs

To get the most out of classroom instruction time, students should practice repertoire and vocal exercises at home. Middle schoolers should aim to practice 2-3 days per week for about 20 minutes, and high school students should aim to practice 3-4 days per week for about 25 minutes. Students are required to turn in 4 practice logs a quarter.

15% Projects, Individual Lessons and Assessments

Students will also be graded on individual and group projects, as well as assessments throughout the semester. 

Late Assignments: Work turned in late will be marked as a zero. Work missed from an unexcused absence can be turned in within 2 days of returning to school for 50% credit. Work missed from an excused absence can be turned in within 2 days of returning to school for full credit.

Additional High School and Middle School Information

Required Materials

Each student is expected to come to class with a pencil each day. A water bottle is also a benefit in the music classroom to keep the vocal cords hydrated while singing. A choir folder will be provided to students on the first day and it is the students’ responsibility to make sure to have it for rehearsal each day. In this binder it will be required to keep all music and materials provided to the students as well as a pencil to write in changes and stylistic ideas talked about in class. Students are required to come every day with headphones and their laptop/tablet to work on individual and group projects. 

Events

Conference Honor Choir: (optional) Students from each school in our conference gather in one location to work with a guest conductor on some vocal works. This is an all-day event. Date TBD.

Holiday Concert (required): Our holiday concert will feature performances by the Lyle junior high choir, high school choir, and the Lyle bands. This concert will be held on December 14th, 2022 for junior high and high school. The elementary holiday concert will be December 15th 2022.

Dorian Vocal Festival (optional): The Dorian Vocal Festival is composed of more than 1000 singers from across the Midwest. The Dorian Vocal Festival is a week-long camp in which you rehearse with the choral conductors of Luther College and present your hard work in a festival concert. Any junior or senior is eligible for this festival. Date TBD.

Disney World (optional): The high school choir and band will be going to Disney World to perform in March 2023. More details to come. 

Solo/Small Ensemble Contest (optional): This is not required but is open to students grades 9-12 who have an interest in preparing a solo or working with a small ensemble. Entries are then critiqued by judges on contest day. This will take place in March/April 2023.

Spring Concert (required): Our spring concert will feature performances by the Lyle junior high choir, high school choir, and the Lyle bands. This concert will be held on May 10th, 2023. The elementary spring concert will be May 11th, 2023.

Voice Lessons

Voice lessons will be required for all ensemble participants. This is a way to evaluate student ability and monitor progress throughout the year. Each student will be required to attend 4 lessons per semester. These lessons will focus on vocal technique, literature, and concert repertoire.

Performance Apparel

Performance apparel has yet to be determined and students are expected to handle and care for any article provided by the school. 

Lettering in Vocal Music

Students in the vocal music department have the opportunity, similar to athletics, to earn a letter award. A letter awarded will be given when a student accumulates 500 points. Points will be given for all events a student participates in, as well as other factors. After a student letters, each 500 points earned following that initial 500 will earn them a bar. 

College Scholarship Information

All scholarship information sent to Ms. Tranchida will be posted on the choral board inside the choir room. Specific dates and requirements for each institution can be found there as well. If you have any questions regarding auditions or an institution, feel free to talk to Ms. Tranchida.

Concert Etiquette

Parents and students, out of respect for our performers and other audience members, please read these rules and follow them when attending a performance of any kind.

  1. Always wait to leave a performance at an appropriate break such as an applause, scene changes etc. Never leave during a musical selection as it is distracting and disrespectful to the performers.
  2. Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and any other light emitting/noise making electronics.
  3. Always wait to clap/cheer until the end of a selection.

Dates to be Aware of

November 11 – Veterans Day Concert (K-12th grade)

December 14 Secondary Winter Concert (5-12th grade)

December 15- Elementary Winter Concert (PreK-4th grade)

May 10 Secondary Spring Concert (5-12th grade)

May 11- Elementary Spring Concert (PreK-4th grade)

Parent/Teacher Communication

If you have any questions concerning classroom instruction, course details, grades, and/or student discipline, please feel free to send me an email at stranchida@lyle.k12.mn.us or call the school at (507) 325-2201

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