Course Syllabus

Millersburg Area High School Choir
Room: Auditorium Stage Period: 6

Instructor: Mr. Kenneth Campbell (717) 692-2108 Ext. 2152
Email: campbellk@mlbgsd.k12.pa.us

Course Materials:
Students are expected to have their assigned music folder at every rehearsal. Music should be stored in
the music folder cabinet at the conclusion of rehearsal. One student will be assigned to each choir
folder.

Students will be issued a pencil for their folder to mark the music when necessary. This pencil should
not be removed for other purposes in other classes.

Performance Attire:
Dress for concerts is formal. All students will be required to wear BLACK bottoms and WHITE tops.
JEANS AND SNEAKERS OF ANY SORT ARE NOT PERMITTED!! If students do not wear appropriate
attire at concerts, appropriate outfits will be provided for you. It is at the discretion of the director to
decide if an outfit is not appropriate. All dress must follow the Millersburg Area High School Dress
Code.

Any variation on the assigned wardrobe will result in loss of points towards the student’s grade and
possible removal from that particular performance. If there are difficulties attaining the assigned
garments for performances, please speak with Mr. Campbell immediately so other arrangements can be
made.

Vocal Range Testing:
Students will be “tested” for their vocal range so that they are placed in the proper singing section for
their voice. This is done for two main reasons; to protect the health of each singer’s voice and to ensure
proper balance throughout the ensemble. Please realize that if you are moved to a different voice part
than what you once sang, it is NOT because you are considered a poor singer, it is simply because that
voice part is where your vocal range lies.

Rehearsals:
Rehearsals will be held during the school day on days 2, 4, and 6 during 6th period on the stage of the
auditorium. All rehearsals are mandatory. An absence due to an illness are acceptable as long as the
student has a doctor’s excuse, or was dismissed from school by the nurse pursuant to school policy
found in the student handbook.

Additional rehearsals may be added closer to concert time in order to ensure proper preparation for
the performance. If this is necessary, this rehearsal will be announced well in advance in order to
facilitate the changing or altering of work schedules. Students are expected to be at rehearsal on time
with the appropriate rehearsal materials. The ability to do so will be reflected in the student’s
attitude/participation section of their grade.

Performances:
The choir performs in two major concerts at the high school every year; one in the Winter and one in
the Spring.
The 2017 Winter Concert will be held on Sunday, December 10th at 3:00 pm.
The 2018 Spring Concert will be held on Sunday, April 22nd at 7:00 pm.

Attendance at scheduled concerts is mandatory. Part-time job and athletic conflicts are not
permitted over concerts. Concert participation counts towards a major part of the student’s grade.

Please put these important dates on your calendars now!

Classroom Procedures:
The following procedures have been designed to ensure a smooth flowing rehearsal and to enhance the
music education you have chosen receive by enrolling in this course.
1. Enter the room on time and place all bags, purses, and books along the side wall. DO NOT bring
anything other than your folder, and pencil to the rehearsal.
2. Leave all gum, food and drinks outside the rehearsal area.
3. Retrieve your rehearsal folder and music from the storage cabinet.
4. Stand in your assigned spot on the risers.
5. Warm-ups/Stretches
6. Music rehearsal.
7. End of rehearsal announcements.
8. Mr. Campbell will dismiss you with time to return your folder and retrieve your belongings.

Consequences for inability to follow instructions:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Consultation time with Mr. Campbell
3. Phone call placed to your parents
4. Detention
5. Visit with the principal

Festival Participation:
Annually, the Dauphin County Music Education Association and the Pennsylvania Music Education
Association sponsor choral festivals in neighboring school districts. Participation in these festivals is
open to any sophomore, junior or senior choral student. Selection is based upon a prepared audition.
Registration for auditions at PMEA District 7 Chorus takes place in September. Please see Mr. Campbell
if you are interested in auditioning so that you can get the appropriate materials so that you are
prepared. All expenses for participating in DCMEA and PMEA events are covered by the school district
and at no cost to the student. Participation in PMEA events is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. This
opportunity is a chance to go above and beyond what is done in the school setting.

Fundraising:
One extra benefit of singing in choir is the ensemble has an opportunity to travel. Travel usually will
occur once every other year. In order to attend these events and defray the costs of the trip
(tickets/housing/busing/meals), students will be asked to participate in fundraising ventures
developed by the director and the Millersburg Area Music Association. Fundraising that is done will
place a percentage of the profits directly into the student’s individual account within the booster
accounts to be used towards the upcoming trip. Any funds remaining in the student’s account upon
their graduation from high school, will transfer to a younger sibling. In the event that there is no
sibling, the money will be placed in the MAMA general fund.

Assessment & Evaluation:
Students will receive a letter grade for choir. The following criteria based upon a predetermined rubric
will be utilized to establish the grade for each individual student:
Rehearsal attendance (timeliness)
Rehearsal etiquette (willingness to listen and have all appropriate class materials)
Participation (Attitude and willingness to sing)
Concert Attendance (being at the concert on time, wearing appropriate concert clothing)

DIRECTOR’S NOTES:
To all students and parents,
I welcome you to the choral family of Millersburg Area High School. Congratulations on accepting the
challenge of becoming one of the finest choral ensembles in this area. I look forwarding to maintaining
the high quality of musicianship and expanding upon it with the help and enthusiasm of the choir itself.
If you have any questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to contact me in my office
(717) 692-2108 Ext. 2152. My door is always open. Together, I know that we will have much fun, and
the quality of our music will surely enhance the human soul. I encourage all parents to attend our
monthly Music Association meetings held in the band room every first Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The music
boosters work to benefit all music programs in the middle and high school. I look forward to working
with you all in the near future. Best wishes!