The Lovett School Choral Department
Scott L. Martin and Laura B. Martin, Instructors
smartin@lovett.org; lmartin@lovett.org
office: 404-262-3032 (x1379)
Middle School Course Syllabus
2010-2011
Class wiki: http://mschorus.wiki.lovett.org
Course Description:
Students in chorus will learn and perform music from various musical periods and styles.
In addition, students will learn and utilize the solfege sight-reading method, sing counting,
scales, and proper vocal warm ups. Students will perform both on and off campus.
Performance/Dress Rehearsal:
Students are expected to participate in all performances and dress rehearsals. Chorus is a
team effort and the absence of one person from a performance will change the way the group
sounds. You will be given a calendar for the entire year at the beginning of school. Please mark
these events on your personal calendar.
Students are not allowed to leave a concert early. Attending a concert in its entirety is a
part of the educational experience. Students who leave a concert early will receive a significant
deduction in points for that concert.
Materials For Class:
You will need a music folder (this will be provided to you) and pencil daily. The folio
cabinets in the chorus room are available for you to store your folder. Students will also need a
workbook entitled One Minute Theory for the Choral Classroom. Sixth grade students will use
book one. Seventh grade students will use book one and two. Eighth grade students will be
provided theory material in class.
Concert Attire:
The concert attire listed below will be required for all events – both on and off campus.
Failure to wear the following attire for performances will result in a deduction of the concert
grade.
Ladies:
- Gray Lovett skort
- White chapel shirt (must wear a white tank top underneath)
- Solid, black hose
- Solid, black flats (needs to have as minimal of a heel as possible)
- No jewelry
- Hair: If you choose to put something in your hair, please make sure it is a neutral
color (black, gray, etc.)
Gentlemen:
- Khaki pants
- Long sleeved, white button down shirt
- Lovett chapel tie
- Belt
- Dress shoes (no tennis shoes!!)
Grading for 6th grade:
Semester 1 and Semester 2: 700 points per semester
Concert attendance – 200 points
Sightreading checks – 50 points
Music theory quizzes – 150 points
Daily participation – 300 points
Grading for 7th grade:
Fall Semester: 700 points
Concert attendance – 200 points
Sightreading checks – 50 points
Music theory quizzes – 150 points
Daily participation – 300 points
Spring Semester: 800 points
Concert attendance – 300 points
Sightreading checks – 50 points
Music theory quizzes – 150 points
Daily participation – 300 points
Grading for 8th grade:
Semester 1: 900 points
Concert attendance – 400 points
Sightreading checks – 50 points
Music theory quizzes – 150 points
Daily participation – 300 points
Semester 2: 1125 points
Concert and rehearsal attendance – 700 points
Sightreading checks – 25 points
Music theory quizzes – 100 points
Daily participation - 300 points
-You must attend all concerts. The performances are the end result of the education you receive
in the classroom. Also, your peers are counting on you to be there for them during the concert.
The absence of one person will change the way the group sounds and will undermine the efforts
of the ensemble. If you do miss a concert for any reason, students will receive the grade of a
zero for that performance. Students will only be allowed to make up the grade at the discretion
of the director.
Fine Arts/Athletic Conflict Calendar:
Lovett Athletics and Fine Arts partner every year to create a Conflict Calendar to help clarify
what to do when a conflict exists for a student participating in both areas. Coaches and Fine Arts
instructors consult this calendar for guidance when conflicts between these two areas arise.
The student is responsible for communicating with coaches and instructors about his or her
athletics/fine arts involvements and conflicts. These conversations should take place prior to the
start of his or her commitment and continue as an ongoing dialog throughout the season and
school year.
As long as communication between the student and coach happens in a timely manner, students
will not be punished under any circumstance and in any way for following the Conflict Calendar.
Following the Conflict Calendar is mandatory for all student athletes and fine arts students
participating in these two excellent programs at Lovett.
To help you better understand the Conflict Calendar, here are some tenets that go into its
development:
• If a Fine Arts event is listed on the Conflict Calendar, coaches should release the
student from athletics according to the instructions on the calendar.
• If a Fine Arts event is not listed on the Conflict Calendar, it is assumed that the student
will report to athletics.
• During the times of year when Fine Arts events overlap with Area/Region, and State
level athletics playoffs, athletic competitions take priority.
• Some items on the calendar are listed as reference information for coaches and
instructors when making decisions about schedules and meetings.
To access the conflict calendar, visit www.lovett.org. Questions should be directed to Lara
Kauffman, Assistant Director of Athletics, or Jay Freer, Director of Fine Arts.
PLEASE RETURN TO MRS. MARTIN BY FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
________________________________________________________________________
I have received a copy of the Lovett Middle School chorus syllabus and calendar.
Student name: _______________________________________
Student signature: ________________________________________
Parent/guardian signature: __________________________________
Date: _______________________