BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE
**This syllabus is subject to change**
Course Name: Chorus
Grade: 5
1.) Course Description:
Fifth grade elementary chorus is designed to satisfy the human need to respond to life 
experiences through singing, listening, moving and/or playing an instrument in an aural art form.  The
curriculum includes duration/rhythm, tone color, tempo, pitch, dynamics/intensity, texture/form, style/
genre, harmony and composition to perform and create works of music.  The curriculum stresses
an interdisciplinary approach.  In fifth grade elementary chorus class, students will be expected 
to listen, sing, play instruments, create movement, relate to emotions in a variety of historic styles,
ethnic compositions and grade appropriate materials using correct vocabulary, notation, formal and
free rhythm, and melodic direction as well as experience public performance.
2.) Learning Standards:
9.1 Production, Performance, and Exhibition of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
3.) Student Objectives:
9.1.5     Production, Performance and Exhibition of Dance, Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts
v  Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts
and humanities.
v  Recognize, know, use, and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and 
principles to produce, review, and revise original works in the arts.
v  Know and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the arts forms.
v  Describe and use knowledge of a specific style within each art form through a performance
or exhibition of unique work.
v  Know and demonstrate how arts can communicate experiences, stories or emotions
through the production of works in the arts.
v  Identify the function and benefits of rehearsal and practice sessions.
v  Use and maintain materials, equipment and tools safety at work and performance spaces.
v  Describe arts events that take place in schools and in communities.
v  Apply traditional and contemporary technologies for producing, performing and 
exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.
v  Apply traditional and contemporary technology in furthering knowledge and understanding in
the humanities.
4.) Course Text:
v  Music and You, MacMillian Publishing, Straton, et al.
v  Various individual song titles and collections of title for each calendar year.
5.) Major Units or Themes:  (Include the following)
v     Unit 1   Pitch Matching
v     Unit 2   Proper Singing Techniques
v     Unit 3   Warm-Ups
v     Unit 4   Patriotic Music
v     Unit 5   Fall and Winter Music
v     Unit 6   Spring Music
v     Unit 7   Singing with Piano Accompaniment
v     Unit 8   Singing with Recorded Accompaniment
v     Unit 9   Matching Singing Style to Style of Song
v     Unit 10  Techniques to Extend Range, Duration
v     Unit 11  Soprano, Alto, and Baritone Voices
v     Unit 12  Rounds, Two-Part Songs, Three-Part Songs, Unison Songs
Music objectives are continually developed throughout each unit.  Student's skills are matured through
practice and performance that enables them to complete each unit successfully to prepare them for the
next level of musical strategy.  Music concepts are a building and developing process spanning all ten
music units.
6.) Teaching Methods:
v     Cooperative Learning v     Simulation v     Lecture/Discussion
v     Demonstration v     Role Play v     Facilitated Inquiry
v     Guided Practice v     Performances v     Rehearsal Techniques
v     Self-Evaluation and Planned Revision
7.) Assessment:
The following areas represent ways in which the students will interface with the curriculum in this 
subject area.  This is a listing of activities students may experience throughout the year.
v     Tests/Daily Quizzes           v     Visual Representation
v     Daily Homework   v     Performance Vocally and Instrumentally
v     Aural Presentation v     Movement to Music to Demonstrate Concepts
v     Student Projects