FRANCIS HOWELL HIGH SCHOOL

CONCERT CHOIR

Mrs. Karey Fitzpatrick, Director (636-851-4735)

Karey.fitzpatrick@fhsdschools.org

Conference Hour 12:35-1:25

Credit:  1 unit Fine Art or Elective

Prerequisites:    Director’s recommendation or audition

Supplies Needed:  PENCILS, concert attire (see requirements)

Textbook:  None; students will be responsible for returning issued music (financially responsible for replacing damaged or lost music, folders, robes, and stoles)

Concert Choir is a performance-based class participating in several concerts, festivals, and competitions throughout the school year.  Students will further develop vocal and choral technique, independent voice part singing, tone production, and music reading skills. Music selections will represent a wide variety of styles and periods and include pieces which are a cappella and/or in a foreign language.  Students will be evaluated on singing ability, active class participation, written work, tests, and performances. Class enrollment must maintain proper vocal balance at the discretion of the director. Students will need to complete additional requirements for honors credit(see Honors Band/Choir.)

Homework:  Students are expected to rehearse outside the regular school day. A cd will be provided by the director to help facilitate this extra rehearsal.

The FHSD grading scale will be used as follows:

            A         90-100%                                  First Quarter    40%

            B         80-90%                                                Second Quarter   40%

            C         70-80%                                                Semester Final 20%**

            D         60-70%

            F          Below 60%

** The semester final will be half written assessment and half performance assessment, as this is a performance-based class.

            Extra credit can be earned by attending outside concerts and writing a brief paragraph of description. The director must approve the concert in advance and the student will need to bring the program to show the director.

            Performance attendance is required; any student that has an unexcused absence from a performance will lower their grade by one letter grade.  A performance absence that falls under the FHSD attendance policy can be made up by writing a research paper designated by the teacher (see contract for more detailed information).