Janis Paulson

Class on Stage, office Rupert 201

phone: 301-475-2814 x492 (preferred method of contact is e-mail)

office hours: Mondays 3:00-4:00, other times by appointment

Class Description: This class is designed to give the student a structured vocal performance opportunity. The course will cover singing warm-ups, breathing, and proper vocal production. We will learn about and perform a variety of music in many styles…classical, sacred, and popular. We will use our voices to worship the Lord and share our talents with each other, the St. Mary’s Ryken High School community, and the community in which we live.

Dates: The following dates are already on the calendar. Additional dates will be added and appropriate notice will be given. All performances are required. Any student who misses a performance due to illness must have a parent or doctor’s note when they return to school or the absence will be considered unexcused and the student will receive a zero for the performance.

Sept. 11 in school mass

November 30 x hour performance, AND Christmas concert 7:00 P.M.

Student Attire: Concert attire is long black dress or a long black skirt and black blouse for women, and tuxedo or black pants and white dress shirt with black bow tie for the men.

Participation: This course relies heavily on class participation. All students will respect the opinions and efforts of their fellow students and teacher at all times, and will conduct themselves in manners appropriate to a safe and effective learning environment. All students are required to sing in class whenever asked by the teacher, and students are encouraged to volunteer for additional singing opportunities outside of class.

Grading: Assessments are given regularly and will incorporate several different learning styles so that all students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their level of acquisition of the subject matter. In most cases, students will be given access to specific scoring rubrics. Grades are NOT based on talent level or singing experience; they are based on effort and improvement at the individual level.

30% in class participation: Students will be given a score from 1-5 for each class period. If a student is to receive anything lower than a 5 for a given day, he/she will be given a slip for their records indicating the deduction and reason. Deductions will automatically be taken if students do not bring the required materials to class. (Students must always bring their music and a pencil. Other materials will be requested as needed.)

30% performances: As stated previously, all performances are REQUIRED! Ample notice will be given for upcoming engagements. Students are NOT graded on extra-curricular activities like all-county or solo and ensemble, but they are encouraged to participate for their own growth and development. Any student missing a scheduled performance without an excused medical absence will receive a zero, which will significantly lower their final grade.

20% tests and quizzes: Students will have several tests throughout the quarter including a mid-term and final. The mid-term and final exams will be given the same weight as all other tests throughout the term. Students will be given study sheets to prepare for assessments, and many of the materials they will need will be on the Chorus webpage.

20% homework: Students will primarily have private practice assigned as homework. However, there will occasionally be research, reading, or written homework. Students will also be required to attend a live performance. See details below.

Performance Attendance: All students are required to attend one live artistic performance of their choice outside of school each semester (music, dance, drama or other performance art with permission.) Guidelines for the connected assignment will be posted online. If a student is unable to attend a performance because of transportation, a parent note is to be turned in NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2007. Any student with a signed parent note will be given an alternative assignment to review a performance on video.

Make-up work: If a student has an excused absence, he/she will be allowed to receive make-up work from the teacher (check the website for materials.) Any assignments that were due on the missed day are due the day the student returns to school unless a parent’s or doctor’s note is turned in with extenuating circumstances. (NOTE: Items are still due even if the student does not have Chorus on the day they return to school.) NO LATE WORK will be accepted for unexcused absences and no make-up work will be given.

Other late assignments: NO LATE WORK will be accepted unless a student has an excused absence.

Academic dishonesty: Any student caught cheating or plagiarizing will receive an automotive zero for the assignment or test, and may receive additional disciplinary actions as deemed appropriate by the school. Please see the student handbook for school policy. NOTE: Papers or written assignments may be run through anti-plagiarism software.

Class Materials: All students are required to have a dedicated folder for music, and a place to take notes and keep other assignments. Students must ALWAYS bring their music AND a pencil to every class. Students will NOT be permitted to go to their lockers during class to retrieve music or other items.

Class Procedures: Students are to enter class on time, in uniform, and they should have all the above class materials with them every time or participation grades may be affected. Students should look at the board for instructions upon entering the stage, and get the appropriate materials ready. A bin will be provided for any assignments that are due. Students are NEVER to leave anything in the classroom or on the teacher’s desk without specific permission. The quiet bell means that all noise and talking should cease immediately so the teacher can give further instructions. Anyone continuing to talk or make noise after the quiet bell has been rung will have one point deducted from their class participation grade for the day. Restrooms should be used between classes, but if a student has an immediate need to leave the room, they do not need to ask permission. The student should take the bathroom pass by the door and go to the nearest restroom. They should return as soon as possible. If a medical need arises, the student must return to the classroom to get a pass to go to the office to call home. DO NOT JUST LEAVE WITHOUT INFORMING THE TEACHER. (Only one student may be out at a time. Students are NOT allowed to leave class during a test.) Cell phones are prohibited in class; they should be left in the student’s locker or car during school hours. If the teacher sees a cell phone during class, the student will receive an automatic 5 demerits and Saturday detention as per the school policy. Any cell phones in the room during testing will be considered automatic academic dishonesty whether or not they were being used at the time.

Student Responsibilities: Students should ALWAYS keep their assignments in case any discrepancies occur in grades. Every effort will be made to ensure accurate grades, but occasionally a mathematical error occurs or there is a problem with the grading program. Students should bring any problems to the teacher’s attention as soon as the discrepancy is noted. Students are to open their mind’s to new experiences and information, and they will allow other student’s to do the same without fear of retribution or harassment of any kind from other students.

Teacher’s Responsibility: The teacher is to give appropriate notice for all assignments and performances. She is to make expectations clear and give every student the opportunity to succeed. She is to grade responsibly and fairly by use of a rubric or other predetermined factors.

HAVE A WONDERFUL SEMESTER! YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS CLASS!