BELLE VERNON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

GENERAL SYLLABUS OUTLINE

**This syllabus is subject to change**

Course Name:

Chorus

Grade:

6-8

1.)

Course Description:

Middle School 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.

9.1.8     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

Identify and use comprehensive vocabulary within each of the arts forms.

v

Demonstrate knowledge of at least two styles within each art form through performance

or exhibition of unique works.

v

Communicate a unifying theme or point of view through the production of works in the arts.

v

Explain works of others within each art form through performance or exhibition.

v

Explain the function and benefits of rehearsal and practice sessions.

v

Demonstrate and maintain materials, equipment and tools safely at work and performance

spaces.

v

Know where arts events, performances and exhibitions occur and how to gain admission.

v

Incorporate specific uses of traditional and contemporary technologies within the design

for producing, performing, and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.

v

Incorporate specific uses of traditional and contemporary technologies 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   Singing with and Playing a Variety of Rhythm Instruments

v     Unit 10  Matching Singing Style to Style of Song

v     Unit 11  Techniques to Extend Range, Duration

v     Unit 12  Soprano, Alto, Baritone, Tenor, and Bass Voices

v     Unit 13  Rounds (canons), 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

v     Student Evaluation

v     Self Evaluation

v     Audience Response