150-91 87th Road, Jamaica, NY 11432

Mala Panday, Principal

Jennifer Pineda, Assistant Principal
Music Teacher: Mr. Roff Contact: aroff@tywlsqueens.org 2016-17

Dear Students, Parents and Guardians,

I look forward to teaching you/your child this year. We will be creating many different and exciting music
performances. In order to be prepared for success in Music class this year, there is a short list of supplies below.
Please sign up for Pupil Path because I send out important notifications regarding due dates, homework, and other
information. We will also be using Edmodo this year in class. Students are expected to have Internet access and
access to a recording device (cellphone, computer, etc) to complete their projects. Lastly, note my email address is
above. This email is the best way to contact with me.

I look forward to seeing you at the Winter and Spring Arts Showcases as well as our newest event, the TYWLS
Queens Battle of the Bands. Please read all information below and class policies. The slip must be signed and
returned.

Sincerely,

Mr. Roff

The Young Womens Leadership School of Queens Fine Arts Department Marking Period Grading Policy:
Projects/Tests/Quizzes: 50%
Performance: 20%
Homework: 10%
Performance Ettiquite: 20%

Course Description:

This course is designed for students experiencing their first vocal/choral class. This level emphasizes fundamental
vocal development, music literacy, and ensemble skills. The four learning strands found throughout the curriculum
require performance, musical knowledge, creativity/improvisation, and musical connections at a fundamental level.
Opportunities are provided for students to explore ways in which the content of the various disciplines, within and
outside the arts are interrelated with those of music.

Rubric: Four areas of assesment for each assignment will be Vocal Growth, Pitch Mastery , Rhythm Mastery, and
Performance Ettiquite

Exhibition Requirements:

Note that students are expected to be in attendance for both Showcases; which will be component of their grade.
Students will be graded on preperation and performance at these events.

Winter Arts Showcase Dates Spring Arts Showcase Dates (more information to
come)

Student Preparation Days Student Preperation Days

High School: High School:
Thursday December 15th, 2016 2:30-3:30 pm Thursday May 25th, 2017 from 2:30-3:30 pm
8th Grade: 8th Grade:
Thursday December 8h, 2016 2:30-3:30 pm Tuesday May 23rd, 2017 from 2:30-3:30 pm
6th Grade: 6th Grade:
Tuesday December 13th, 2016 2:30-3:00 pm Wednesday, May 24th, 2017, from 2:30-3:30 pm
Showcase Date: Friday December 16th, 2016 at 3:30-5 Friday, June 2nd, 2017 at 3:30-5 pm and 6-7 pm.
pm and 6-7pm (open to all family members) at TYWLS Queens.
(open to all family members) at TYWLS Queens.

Materials needed for class:

No. 2 Pencil with working eraser A Black folder

Class Policies
Attendance: You must attend every class. Missing even one class can result in falling behind on projects. If you are
absent you are to make up any work you missed. You will not be exempt from classwork (being absent is not an
excuse for not having assignments completed). You are always welcome to ask to come make up work during
Tuesday tutoring time.

Lateness: You must have a pass from your last teacher, nurse, or office when you come late. If you are late without
a pass there is an automatic deduction from your performance ettiquite grade.

Project Deadlines: There will be due dates for every project. You are expected to hand in projects on time. If a
project is handed in late, there will be a deduction from your final gradeAll classes and projects have a designated
folder. You must put the school heading on the back and hand in self-assessment, or there will be deductions.
***Make-up work due to excused absences must be discussed with me. ABSOLUTELY, No late assignments will be
accepted after the marking period has come to a close.

Homework and Tests: There will be homework and tests. All quizzes, homework, and tests will be documented
on your student record sheet (see attatched).

Performance Ettiquite Grade: You will earn participation points daily by following common practice for ensemble
performing. Rehearsal ettiquite expecations can be found below.

Clean-up: Everyone is responsible for cleaning-up their music folders. There will be assigned monitors for class.
Teamwork gets the job done! Points will be deducted if you do not participate.

Food and Drinks: ABSOLUTELY NO Food and Drinks are permitted in the music classroom. It is unsanitary and
unsafe to consume food or drink during performances. Water is encouraged, however it must be in a sealed bottle.
Eating or drinking (beyond water) in class will deduct from your Participation Grade and will cause the disposal of
said food/drink.

Bag Policy: Students will not be permitted to have any bags or personal belongings on the risers. The only permitted
items on the risers are a sealed water bottle, student folders, and pencils. Any bags or personal belongings become
hazerdous to students health when walking on the risers. Student bags and personal belongings will have an alternate
place inside the classroom off the risers.

Cellphones and other Electronic Devices: No electronic device is allowed during the school day. Please refer to
school policy on electronic usage.

Bathroom and Leaving the Classroom: Bathroom: No one is permitted to come late and say they were in the
bathroom (this is a school wide policy). You must come ask me before you go or you will receive deductions from
your performance ettiquite grade. You must sign the bathroom log before you use the facility. You have a maximum
of 5 minutes in the bathroom, after that, there will be deductions on your daily participation grade; others need to be
able to use the bathroom too. If there is an issue that causes you to need more time for the facilities, please request a
pass to the nurse. Anytime you leave the classroom you MUST ask for my approval. You need to obtain separate
passes to Guidance, Nurses Office, and any other teacher.
 Music Class Agreement Slip

Must be signed and returned to Mr. Roff.

I, _______________________ understand my responsibilities and the rules of Mr. Roffs Music

classroom.

Students Name:_________________________ Signature: _________________Date: _____

Student Email:_________________________

Parent\Guardian Name:____________________Signature:_________________Date:______

Parent contact information e-mail:_____________________

Cell Number:_____________________ Work Number:_____________________

Home Number:_____________________

Language spoken at Home (if other than English):___________

 Example Marking Period Record Sheet

Name: Date:

Marking Period: Class/Period:

Assignment Points Points Points Points Points Total

Points

Homework /2 /2 /2 /2 /2 /10

Quiz/Test /10 /10 /10 /10 /10 /50

Performance /4 /4 /4 /4 /4 /20
Etiquette

Performance Exam /10 /10 /20

Extra Credit +

Final Grade Total /100

Points=

No extra credit will be considered unless all homework, quizzes/tests, performance exams are
completed.

Student Signature: Date:

Midterm Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:

Final Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:

Parent/Student Comments/Questions:

Teacher Comments:
 Rehearsal Etiquette
To perform well, a choir needs complete cooperation from everyone during rehearsals. An outstanding
choir is one whose members adhere to the following:
1. Arrive as early as possible to rehearsal. Being early=on time, being on time=late,
and being late=unacceptable.
2. Enter and leave the room quickly and quietly.
3. Stay in your designated area Do not come up and ask the director a question in
the middle of a song, ask to go to the bathroom or ask for extra copies of the music.
4. Go to the bathroom and get a drink before coming to choir. We are a team, and
need every player in the rehearsal at all times.
5. Make sure you have all the proper materials at the beginning of class i.e..your
folder, music and a pencil.
6. Leave running, yelling, horseplay, food and beverages (except for water) and
gum at home. Do not have coffee, caffeine or energy drinks before a concert or rehearsal.

7. Leave your electronic devices in your pocket, purse or backpack. You may not
use any electronic devices of any sort during rehearsals or rehearsal breaks.
8. Listen carefully at all times to whoever is directing rehearsal.
9. Do not talk during rehearsals. Please raise your hand when the music stops if you
have a question.
10. Do not yell at anyone if they mistake...including the director..we are all
human
11. Do not try to be distracting or try to be funny during rehearsal. No talking out of
turn?
12. Treat each other with respect, courtesy and kindness. You are a choir family.
13. Be a good team player and do not try and out-sing your neighbors.
14. Maintain good choir posture.
15. Have a positive attitude and try to do your best every day.
16. Be considerate to keep the choir room clean. Check your area before you leave.

17. If in any case you cannot attend a performing event, you must notify the Choir
Director and bring a note from home. If you do not, you will receive a 0 for the
performance.
18. Check out the Edmodo page, practice at home and arrive having learned the new
songs.

Choir is a group experience. Everyone needs to cooperate. There are consequences for poor decision
making skills. I will not allow the actions of one person to adversely affect the entire organization.