Choir
South Hills Middle School Choir Syllabus (2025–2026)
Covers expectations, curriculum, grading, and events for 6th–8th grade choir with Mrs. Pierre. It explains how the program fits into the IB MYP Arts framework, outlines learning objectives, and breaks down units of study for each grade.
Includes:
- Course policies: practice, homework, assessment methods, technology use
- Calendar of concerts & events (Premiere Concerts, Domination Tour, Motown Concert, Spring Sing, etc.)
- Uniform details & ordering info
- Standards-based grading approach and expectations for rehearsals, performances, and communication Essentially, it’s the complete guide for students and families to know how choir works at SHMS and what’s required throughout the year.
Course Description
6th Grade
Everyone can sing! Each choir student can explore and develop his or her abilities. Building on the foundation of the elementary music curriculum, emphasis is on fundamental music skills, basic theory/notation/sight-singing/singing on pitch, singing in unison, and two parts. Vocal skills and choral ensemble skills are high priorities. Students will develop an appreciation for the arts, gain and refine musical skills, and contribute positively to the musical team. Students will utilize technology for their MYP process journals to archive their learning.
7th Grade
Building on the foundation of the 6th-grade choir curriculum, the emphasis is on developing music skills, basic theory/notation/sight-singing/singing on pitch, and singing in 2 to 3 parts. Vocal skills and choral ensemble skills are high priorities. Students will develop an appreciation for the arts, gain and refine musical skills, and contribute positively to the musical team. Students will utilize technology to archive their learning and begin to compose music for the choral ensemble with specialized music apps. Seventh-grade choir students may have the opportunity to participate in the Solo and Ensemble festival, Large Group Festival, District Honor Choir, and travel performance opportunities.
8th Grade
Building on the skills of the 7th-grade music curriculum, the emphasis is on developing music skills, basic theory/notation/sight-singing/singing on pitch, and singing in 2 to 3 parts. Vocal skills and choral ensemble skills are high priorities. Students will develop an appreciation for the arts, gain and refine musical skills, and contribute positively to the musical team. Students will utilize technology to archive their learning and continue composing music for the choral ensemble with specialized music apps. Eighth-grade choir students may have the opportunity to participate in the Solo and Ensemble festival, Large Group Festival, District Honor Choir, and travel performance opportunities. The student experience will be different each semester.
