Novi Middle School Music Department

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIRS COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

WILDCATS 7

                 These seventh grades Boys choir will learn to develop vocal skills appropriate to their developmental level, practice teamwork, read basic music notation, recognize and improve pitch placement, and participate in a performing group.  A varied repertoire of music will be introduced  to help the boys succeed in singing 2 and perhaps 3-part harmonies. This choir will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year including school concerts, community concerts, District and State MSVMA Festival, and the Music in the Parks Competition in Ohio.

 

 

SEVENTH GRADE GIRLS CHOIR

                 The seventh grade Girls choir will learn to develop vocal skills appropriate to their developmental level, practice teamwork, read basic music notation, recognize and improve pitch placement, and participate in a performing group. They will focus on proper singing and breathing technique.. A varied repertoire of music will be introduced  to help the girls succeed in singing 2 and 3-part harmonies. This choir will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year including school concerts, community concerts, District and State MSVMA Festival, and the Music in the Parks Competition in Ohio.

 

WILDCATS 8

                 The eighth grade Boys choir will continue to develop vocal skills appropriate to their developmental level, practice teamwork, read more advanced music notation, improve pitch placement while many of their voices are changing, and participate in a more advanced performing group.  Wildcats 8 will perform more challenging TTB music within the framework of a variety of music styles. This choir will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year including school concerts, community concerts, District and State MSVMA Festival, MSVMA Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the Music in the Parks Competition in Ohio. The 8^th Grade Boys are also eligible to audition for the MSVMA State Honors Choir on an individual basis.

 

 

EIGHTH GRADE GIRLS CHOIR

                 The eighth grade Girls choir will continue to develop vocal skills appropriate to their developmental level, practice teamwork, read more advanced music notation, improve pitch placement, and participate in a more advanced performing group.  This choir will perform more challenging SSA music within the framework of a variety of music styles. They will have numerous opportunities to perform throughout the year including school concerts, community concerts, District and State MSVMA Festival, MSVMA Solo and Ensemble Festival, and the Music in the Parks Competition in Ohio. The 8^th Grade Girls are also eligible to audition for the MSVMA State Honors Choir on an individual basis.

 

NOVI MIDDLE SCHOOL

VOCAL MUSIC

Stacey Becker: sbecker@novi.k12.mi.us   Phone: 248-449-1600   x6602

 

Our mission is to integrate a positive musical experience into the

Novi Middle School curriculum.

                

The primary emphasis of Vocal Music at Novi Middle School is to provide a safe environment wherein music is used as a tool to help each student realize an increased awareness of self and others, aiming toward the development of positive self-esteem through successful experiences.  Utilizing classroom involvement, concert performances, and the music itself, we will strive for:

Respect – for self and others;

Teamwork – working together to accomplish a common goal;

Emotional outlet/self expression;

Self control;

Increased self-confidence;

Responsibility for self;

Compassion for others.

I. CURRICULUM:

Students of NMS Vocal Music, an entry level S.S.A./T.T.B. ensemble, will strive to perform a varied repertoire of music with technical and expressive accuracy.  Additionally, students will develop vocal technique appropriate to their developmental level.  Developing skills at the primary sight reading level will be emphasized.   Units of study include: the study of traditional and popular choral repertoire, quality tone production, primary music literacy and musicianship, concert / performance preparation, and participation in Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) Festival Performances.  In addition, students will learn responsibility, self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, and team work.

*Attendance at rehearsals and performances outside of the school day are required.

 

II. GRADING PROCEDURE

                 A.P.E…………………………….…                50%  (Attitude, Participation, Effort)      

                 Concert/rehearsal attendance…….               40%

                 Worksheets, tests, etc.……………..               10%

 

III. CONCERT ATTIRE  is provided, except for:

                 A. Girls - Black, closed-toe dress shoes (flats, pumps, etc.) are mandatory. No jewelry.

                 B. Boys - Black dress shoes, dark socks are mandatory.

                                  1.Students are responsible for hemming dress/pants. Directions will be sent home                  with the attire.

                                  2. All school-provided attire is required to be returned in the Spring, cleaned, and repaired.

                                  3. If missing or damaged, the student/parent is responsible for replacement cost.

 

                 C. Later in the year, the students will, hopefully, be purchasing a choir shirt ( $7-8) to wear for non-                                       performing choir events and the End-of -Year Finale.

 

Band and Orchestra Director: Michelle Rais

Choir Director: Stacey Becker

Band and General Music Director: Alec Cooper