Schedule & Homework

Class Period 1, Mixed Chorus & Class Period 2 Men's Chorus 
            Chorus, Vocal Techniques and Vocal Ensemble classes are all performing ensembles.  Classes are scheduled every day for 50 minutes.  Students are expected to remain in the ensemble for the entire school year.  Students learn to read music and demonstrate the fundamentals of healthy vocal production.  Quality vocal literature across the ages is used to accomplish these goals.  Each day, singers learn musicianship skills, culminating in a public performance which will demonstrate what they have learned.  Performances are scheduled throughout the school year to showcase the progress of the ensemble and provide a public service to the Venice community.
            Each member of the ensemble plays a vital role in the quality of each performance.  Performances are most often scheduled beyond the school day and are a reflection of what is learned in the classroom each day.  It is expected that all students will attend each performance to assure the success of their ensemble.  There may be occasions when a student is unable to attend a performance due to illness.  An alternative assignment may be provided for any student with an excused absence.  

            Homework is rarely assigned to students in chorus.  Students who have a desire to improve their musicianship skills will work outside the classroom on their own.  In class, we work together as an ensemble.  Any individual practice outside the classroom will yield benefits to that student and, in turn, will strengthen the ensemble of which s/he is a member.  The amount of outside practice by an individual singer is usually proportional to the desire for self improvement and the needs of the ensemble.
            Private lessons are not required of chorus students at Venice High School.  They are extremely beneficial to individual students who have a desire to excel in vocal performance.  VHS chorus classes are designed to teach the fundamentals of healthy vocal production, literacy in music notation, and performance practice using quality choral repertoire.  Students are taught as a group with little one-to-one vocal tutoring.  Private study consists of one teacher totally focused on one student and provides the opportunity for the accelerated growth of the individual singer.
            Concert attire for all concerts, with the exception of the Yultide Madrigal Feaste, is formal black.  We order the attire for students to assure a uniform and pleasing appearance of each ensemble in performance.  Girls wear a long black dress with short sleeves.  Boys wear black dress pants, a white tux shirt with black studs, a black bow tie and a black vest.  The yearly order is placed in September for new students.  Students with financial obstacles are assisted by the parent booster group.

            Each student in chorus maintains a notebook.  The notebook remains in the classroom and is collected and graded at regular intervals throughout the school year.  The content of the notebook is as follows:
1.    Personal plan for improvement
2.    Evaluation record
                    A.    Self evaluation by student
                    B.   Teacher evaluation of student
                    C.   Ensemble evaluation by student
                    D.   Notebook evaluation by teacher
                    E.   Sight-reading evaluation
3.    Responsibilities of each student   
4.    Repertoire of the ensemble including composer and date accomplished
5.    Class work assignments
6.    Writing assignments

            Written tests are given periodically in chorus class.  These are most often tests on music literacy, music history, performance practice, and/or the fundamentals of singing.  The ultimate tests are, of course, the performances.  Each performance is recorded and evaluated by the students of the ensemble to identify areas that need improvement.

Class Period 3     Teacher Planning


Class Period 4   Music Theory II,III, & AP  and    
          Music Theory is a course that explores the analysis of music as defined by the harmonic traditions of the past.  Students also learn composition and arranging skills to express their musical ideas in written form.  Music Theory 1, 2, 3, and Advanced Placement Music Theory are offered at Venice High School.  Often, multiple levels are scheduled in the same class to meet minimum class size limits.  In advanced classes textbooks are provided by the school, and students are encouraged to purchase workbooks to master the skills needed for success.
            Teaching methods include large group, small group, and individualized instruction to address the benchmarks of each level of the curricula.  All students participate in listening activities, sight-singing, and aural skills.  This includes lecture, guided inquiry, and authentic assessment imbedded in the lessons.  Students are required to complete individual assignments in their textbooks and workbooks and use individualized software at computer stations.  These offer sequential, self-paced instruction with tests that allow students to assess their own performances.  Students maintain portfolios with all assignments, evaluations, compositions, and self analysis for periodic teacher/student review.
        All students have access to a variety of instructional materials.  Each is expected to work at his/her own speed through the instructional materials when I am working with other students.  In order for this strategy to be successful, students must develop the discipline needed for self-directed learning.  Many students struggle with remaining on task and completing assignments.  However, I monitor progress regularly, and most students develop the needed skills and discipline quickly.  Another important instructional strategy is peer mentoring.  Students who need assistance are encouraged to collaborate with other students.  This strategy requires daily reminders and flexibility.  Students with a strong desire to learn are motivated to help the class remain focused.  When the entire class moves efficiently and steadily, all students benefit and better meet their individual goals.  Each student is expected to maintain a portfolio (notebook).  The portfolio will be graded at regular intervals.  The contents are listed below.
1.   Class work
2.   Home work
3.   Tests
4.   Evaluation record
                    A.   Self evaluation completed by student
                    B.    Evaluation of student by teacher
                    C.    Self tests
                    D.    Sight reading
5.    Compositions and arrangements

             Home work will vary from student to student.  Much of the work required may be completed during class if the student has good attendance, is focused and uses his/her time efficiently.  Each student works at his/her own pace with some assignments common to all students.  Students are expected to meet the expectations of their course levels.  Work outside the classroom will be required at varying levels and will be directly related to their work in the classroom.  Students with a desire to achieve will spend time outside the classroom just as in any other serious course of study. 
            Tests will be given weekly.  Friday will be the preferred day for testing.  Compositions will be assigned each week, turned in on Friday, and be related to the written test of the week.  A mid-term, final exam, and final composition are required of students at each level.
            Students are encouraged to attend concerts of performing ensembles at Venice High School as well as community ensembles.  Extra credit will be awarded to students who write reviews of the concerts and relate the concerts to what we study in Music Theory class.


Class Period 5  Treble Chorus I  and
Class Period 7  Treble Chorus II
            Chorus, Vocal Techniques and Vocal Ensemble classes are all performing ensembles.  Classes are scheduled every day for 50 minutes.  Students are expected to remain in the ensemble for the entire school year.  Students learn to read music and demonstrate the fundamentals of healthy vocal production.  Quality vocal literature across the ages is used to accomplish these goals.  Each day, singers learn musicianship skills, culminating in a public performance which will demonstrate what they have learned.  Performances are scheduled throughout the school year to showcase the progress of the ensemble and provide a public service to the Venice community.
            Each member of the ensemble plays a vital role in the quality of each performance.  Performances are most often scheduled beyond the school day and are a reflection of what is learned in the classroom each day.  It is expected that all students will attend each performance to assure the success of their ensemble.  There may be occasions when a student is unable to attend a performance due to illness.  An alternative assignment may be provided for any student with an excused absence. 
Homework is rarely assigned to students in chorus.  Students who have a desire to improve their musicianship skills will work outside the classroom on their own.  In class, we work together as an ensemble.  Any individual practice outside the classroom will yield benefits to that student and, in turn, will strengthen the ensemble of which s/he is a member.  The amount of outside practice by an individual singer is usually proportional to the desire for self improvement and the needs of the ensemble.
            Private lessons are not required of chorus students at Venice High School.  They are extremely beneficial to individual students who have a desire to excel in vocal performance.  VHS chorus classes are designed to teach the fundamentals of healthy vocal production, literacy in music notation, and performance practice using quality choral repertoire.  Students are taught as a group with little one-to-one vocal tutoring.  Private study consists of one teacher totally focused on one student and provides the opportunity for the accelerated growth of the individual singer.
            Concert attire for all concerts, with the exception of the Yultide Madrigal Feaste, is formal black.  We order the attire for students to assure a uniform and pleasing appearance of each ensemble in performance.  Girls wear a long black dress with short sleeves.  Boys wear black dress pants, a white tux shirt with black studs, a black bow tie and a black vest.  The yearly order is placed in September for new students.  Students with financial obstacles are assisted by the parent booster group.

            Each student in chorus maintains a notebook.  The notebook remains in the classroom and is collected and graded at regular intervals throughout the school year.  The content of the notebook is as follows:
1.    Personal plan for improvement
2.    Evaluation record
                    A.    Self evaluation by student
                    B.   Teacher evaluation of student
                    C.   Ensemble evaluation by student
                    D.   Notebook evaluation by teacher
                    E.   Sight-reading evaluation
3.    Responsibilities of each student   
4.    Repertoire of the ensemble including composer and date accomplished
5.    Class work assignments
6.    Writing assignments

            Written tests are given periodically in chorus class.  These are most often tests on music literacy, music history, performance practice, and/or the fundamentals of singing.  The ultimate tests are, of course, the performances.  Each performance is recorded and evaluated by the students to identify areas that need improvement. 

After School Rehearsals

Monday and Wednesday  2:15 to 3:45 P.M.  Chamber Chorus            
Le Voci de Venezia (The Voices of Venice) is a Chamber chorus that meets beyond the school day each Monday and Wednesday from 2:15 to 3:45 P.M.  To audition for this ensemble, students must be members of a vocal class that meets during the school day.  The performance schedule for the group is much more extensive than other ensembles at VHS.  The group performs throughout the community on week nights and weekends up to 20 times per school year.  Students in this group have a desire to perform challenging music, have a strong work ethic and excellent attendance.  Auditions for the group take place in August.  Additional auditions are scheduled for unusual situations that may develop during the school year.

Tuesday and Friday    2:15 to 3:45 P.M.  Small Ensemble and individual tutoring