The Gibbons Middle School Chorus
This page serves as the GMS Chorus Syllabus. Every student in Chorus is required to review this information with their parent(s)/guardian(s). Students must acknowledge their understanding of the material on this page by filling out and submitting the form at the bottom of this page by Tuesday, September 12th.
GMS Chorus Repertoire
The GMS Chorus studies repertoire from different time periods, styles and cultures, with varying accompaniments. Practice resources for current repertoire and past programs are available. Please click HERE.
Chorus Expectations and Materials
In order to create a positive atmosphere for great music making there are a few ground rules:
(1.) You need to first and foremost respect yourself
(2.) You are expected to respect everyone around you and your surroundings
(3.) Bring with you to class: Chorus folder, pencil with eraser, Chromebook
(3.) Class begins at 1:10pm - you need to be in your assigned seat by then
(4.) Enjoy yourself !!!
It is necessary for students to have their chorus folder and a pencil with an eraser everyday - the chorus folder contains music we are studying and the written reminders students put in their music, enabling them to sing more artfully. Students are responsible for the chorus folder and music assigned to them - lost or damaged music must be paid for at the end of the year. Students will be given 1, 3-ring binder for Chorus at the beginning of 7th Grade. This binder will be used for both years of GMS Chorus. If a student loses or damages their binder and are in need of another binder, it will be provided by the student.
(1.) You need to first and foremost respect yourself
(2.) You are expected to respect everyone around you and your surroundings
(3.) Bring with you to class: Chorus folder, pencil with eraser, Chromebook
(3.) Class begins at 1:10pm - you need to be in your assigned seat by then
(4.) Enjoy yourself !!!
It is necessary for students to have their chorus folder and a pencil with an eraser everyday - the chorus folder contains music we are studying and the written reminders students put in their music, enabling them to sing more artfully. Students are responsible for the chorus folder and music assigned to them - lost or damaged music must be paid for at the end of the year. Students will be given 1, 3-ring binder for Chorus at the beginning of 7th Grade. This binder will be used for both years of GMS Chorus. If a student loses or damages their binder and are in need of another binder, it will be provided by the student.
Chorus Leadership Opportunities
The GMS Chorus offers leadership opportunities for students that are interested. Student Section Leaders will be selected by the Chorus. These students will help other students by being role models within the group. Students who are interested in being a Section Leader should enjoy singing, demonstrate outstanding rehearsal etiquette and are interested in helping the Chorus achieve greatness! These students also often get to lead part (or all) of class during sectionals.
Students that are interested in being a Section Leader should let Mr. Stillitano know by Thursday, September 7th. These students will then prepare a short "speech" that they will share with the class - telling their peers: (1.) Who they are, what grade they're in and what team they're on, (2.) Why they would like to be a Section Leader, (3.) Why they think they would make a good Section Leader, and (4.) Why they love singing!
Student speeches and elections for Section Leaders will take place during class on Tuesday, September 12th.
Students that are interested in being a Section Leader should let Mr. Stillitano know by Thursday, September 7th. These students will then prepare a short "speech" that they will share with the class - telling their peers: (1.) Who they are, what grade they're in and what team they're on, (2.) Why they would like to be a Section Leader, (3.) Why they think they would make a good Section Leader, and (4.) Why they love singing!
Student speeches and elections for Section Leaders will take place during class on Tuesday, September 12th.
Assessment Program
Students earn a grade in Chorus every trimester. Each trimester has different assignments and repertoire studied; the grades earned are generated by the following formula of assignment types and weighting scale:
- 30% written work
- 35% performance
- 20% rehearsal etiquette
- 15% concert participation
- 30% written work
- 35% performance
- 20% rehearsal etiquette
- 15% concert participation
Performance Attendance / Concert Participation
Performance is a vital component of any performing arts program. Every student who is a member of a performing ensemble is an integral part of their group’s success as an organization. Please review your child’s performance schedule carefully and note these important events. Students who are not present affect the overall sound and quality of the group, and also detract from the musical experience for all the children involved.
Students are required to attend every performances of his or her performing group. If a child is absent from a performance, the student will be given an additional assignment relevant to the experience the child has missed to earn partial credit for the missed performance.
Students are required to attend every performances of his or her performing group. If a child is absent from a performance, the student will be given an additional assignment relevant to the experience the child has missed to earn partial credit for the missed performance.
Performance Attire
Professionalism is an important aspect of community performances. The GMS Chorus performs with a unified look.
Students will wear the following uniform for the Winter and Spring Concerts and the MICCA Festival:
Women - white 3/4 length sleeve (or longer) shirt, black pants, black socks, black shoes (high heels are discouraged)
Men - white long-sleeve button-down dress shirt, long red neck tie, black pants, black socks, black shoes
Students will wear the following uniform for the Choral Collage Concert and school assembly performances:
Everyone - jeans, sneakers, chorus t-shirts (t-shirt information to come in late September)
Students will wear the following uniform for the Winter and Spring Concerts and the MICCA Festival:
Women - white 3/4 length sleeve (or longer) shirt, black pants, black socks, black shoes (high heels are discouraged)
Men - white long-sleeve button-down dress shirt, long red neck tie, black pants, black socks, black shoes
Students will wear the following uniform for the Choral Collage Concert and school assembly performances:
Everyone - jeans, sneakers, chorus t-shirts (t-shirt information to come in late September)
Performance Calendar
All performances are listed on the calendar page. All performances are mandatory. School administration reserves the right to change any dates. All performances are in the GMS Auditorium unless otherwise noted. The calendar page is always up to date.
- Choral Collage Concert - Wednesday, October 25, 2017 @ 5:30pm & 7:00pm - WHS Auditorium
- Winter Concert - Wednesday, December 6, 2017 @ 7:00pm
- Winter Concert Assembly - Thursday, December 14, 2017 @ 1:10pm
- Winter Concert Snow Date - Tuesday, December 19, 2017 @ 7:00pm
- MICCA Festival - Friday, March 23, 2018 @ TBA (after school) OR Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ TBA (morning) - WHS Auditorium
- MICCA Gold Medal Showcase Concert - Sunday, April 8, 2018 @ TBA (morning time) - Mechanics Hall, Worcester
- Spring Concert - Thursday, May 10, 2018 @ 7:00pm
- Memorial Day Assembly - Friday, May 25, 2018 @ 1:10pm
- Choral Collage Concert - Wednesday, October 25, 2017 @ 5:30pm & 7:00pm - WHS Auditorium
- Winter Concert - Wednesday, December 6, 2017 @ 7:00pm
- Winter Concert Assembly - Thursday, December 14, 2017 @ 1:10pm
- Winter Concert Snow Date - Tuesday, December 19, 2017 @ 7:00pm
- MICCA Festival - Friday, March 23, 2018 @ TBA (after school) OR Saturday, March 24, 2018 @ TBA (morning) - WHS Auditorium
- MICCA Gold Medal Showcase Concert - Sunday, April 8, 2018 @ TBA (morning time) - Mechanics Hall, Worcester
- Spring Concert - Thursday, May 10, 2018 @ 7:00pm
- Memorial Day Assembly - Friday, May 25, 2018 @ 1:10pm
Please fill out and submit the 2017-18 Gibbons Middle School Chorus Agreement by September 12th for full credit on this first homework assignment.