August 25th, 2023
Remind Link https://www.remind.com/join/fphschoirs
Course Code: @fphschoirs
Use the link above to join reminders for students and parents over the Summer and the school year for easy communication.
Contact Information for Mr. Zavaleta
Email: uzavaletaberdeja@fpschools.org
Office Phone: 253.298.3931
Concert Attire
Additionally, please plan on helping students find an all-black outfit for the year. This includes black dress shoes (or short heels), preferably not sneakers. I have used my own funds to purchase extra pairs of shoes for students to borrow if necessary. A black top and black bottoms as well. Think black button-up shirt or funeral attire for reference. We will use this outfit for performances that don’t call for use of our robes. (Choir tour/less formal field trips). If you have any random black clothing that has been gently used, our program will gladly take them so students may be able to wear them during performances.
Update on Franklin Pierce Performing Arts Center (PAC)
As of now, the PAC is on-track to be completed in August. We are being told that it will be available for us to use starting in October, inspections allowing. With that in mind, our Fall concert is currently scheduled for October 18th at 6:00 PM with a full dress-rehearsal on October 17th right after school.
Program Goal
Our goal in the FPHS Choir Program is to inspire a love of singing at any level. We want to accomplish this by providing a space where students can build community and lasting bonds with others in the school who enjoy singing. Students will be taught proper singing technique and learn the essentials to music literacy. Students in the program are expected to be ambassadors to the program wand represent some of the best that our school has to offer.
Classroom Rules
Follow our school’s adoption of the CHAMP protocol.
CORE 4 Academic Excellence, Campus Safety, Determination, Community
Additionally,
· Treat everyone with respect
· Be on time, have a tardy slip ready if you arrive late to class.
· Participate fully in all classroom activities.
· Follow any reasonable request.
· NO CELLPHONES ALLOWED IN CLASS!
· Have a pencil ready.
Violation of Classroom Rules/Poor Attendance
Students who are in violation of classroom rules will receive consequence determined by our school’s disciplinary plan. Repeated violations of these classroom rules will result in a probationary period in the choir program. Students who continue to not follow these expectations will be removed from the program and will be made to re-audition if necessary.
Students are required to be in class as often as possible. We do most of our learning and rehearsing during our class time. Our work is different than other subjects in school, you cannot “make-up” choir rehearsal on your own. Attendance is crucial for the success of everyone. Students with poor attendance will eventually be put on probation. Students who cannot meet the attendance expectations will be removed from the program and will be made to re-audition if necessary.
Concert Attendance
Concerts are required for every student in the choir program. These performances are the culmination of weeks and countless hours of work. Performances are the biggest standard that each student is assessed on, and it is very difficult to make up if a student does not attend their concert. Students who cannot meet the attendance expectations will be removed from the program and will be made to re-audition if necessary.
Excused Absences
If a student must miss a concert, they may for the following reasons:
· Family emergency
· Illness
· Unforeseen Circumstances i.e., Broken-down car, no transportation, etc.
All of these scenarios need to be preceded or followed with an email from the student and their parent or guardian.
Grading
A = 4.0
B+ = 3.3
C+ = 2.3
F = 0.0
A- = 3.7
B = 3.0
C = 2.0
INC = 0.0
B- = 2.7
C- = 1.7
P = PASS (a credit but not figured into GPA)
Franklin Pierce Schools utilizes Standards Based Grading, wherein students’ proficiency is assessed in course specific standards. Students may receive the following:
4 = Advanced, Above Standard
3 = Meeting Standard
2 = Approaching Standard
1 = Below Standard
INC = Not finished or Incomplete
MI = Not turned in at due date
0 = No work turned in
Checking Grades
Grades will be updated on a weekly basis. If you have a question about your grade, check TeacherEase before asking Mr. Z. Late work will take longer to get inputed.
Theory Assignments and Sight Reading
In class, we will work on developing music literacy skills. This means working on learning how to read sheet music. We will have assignments on identifying note names, key signatures, and rhythms. These assignments are to be turned-in to the turn-in box located next to the primary entrance. Additionally, we will be learning to sight-sing music using solfege. Sight-reading will be practiced daily.
Late, Missing, or Incomplete Work
All work should be able to be completed in-class daily. Anything that has not been finished should be taken home and completed as homework. Students will not be deducted for late assignments if the students communicate their need for extra work time. Students missing any work are responsible for asking Mr. Z for their work.
Juries
Each student will be expected to learn a classical solo piece on their own. This song will be performed as their Semester One final. Mr. Z will provide a wide variety of options to choose from along with the necessary materials to learn the song. Students will sign up for a timeslot over a three-day period and perform the song by themselves. This project will be summative and will cover several learning standards.
2023-2024 Performance Schedule Rough Draft
Please pay close attention to which students will participate in events, only some are required for all of these. All students are required to attend concerts for a performance grade.
· October 17th Choir Concert Dress Rehearsal from 3-5 PM, @PAC all students mandatory.
· October 18th Choir Concert, @PAC all students mandatory
· December 1st Figgy Pudding, in Seattle Concert Choir Only
· December 12th Choir Concert Dress Rehearsal from 3-5 PM, @PAC all students mandatory
· December 13th Choir Concert, @PAC all students mandatory
------------December 20th- January 2nd Winter Break------------
------------February 19th-23rd Mid-Winter Break------------
· March 2nd Vocal Solo and Ensemble Contest, location TBD select students only
· March 26th, Dress Rehearsal from 3-5 PM, @PAC all students mandatory
· March 27th Choir Concert, @PAC all students mandatory.
· April 4th -6th Concert Choir Portland Tour (tentative dates)
------------April 8th-12th Spring Break------------
· April 15th or the 17th, final date pending. After School Rehearsals all choirs joint Rehearsal from 3-5 PM
· April and 16th or 18th H.S. Choral Festival @Spanaway High School, All Day all choirs
· April 26th-27th Solo and Ensemble State Competition, CWU
· May 28th , Dress Rehearsal from 3-5 PM, @PAC all students mandatory
· May 29st Choir Concert 6:00PM, 4:30 call-time in Cafeteria, all students
· Graduation, time and date TBD, Concert Choir Only