October Lesson Plans

Middle School Choir Lesson Plans

Grade 7/8 Choir
Focus: Sight Reading, Region Tryouts, Christmas Preparation

Week 1-2: Sight Reading – Key of C and F 

• TEKS Alignment: 117.225. (Music): (A) Perform rhythmic and melodic patterns with accuracy.
• Activities:
  • Introduce sight reading exercises focusing on the key signatures of C and F.
  • Practice quarter notes, rests, half notes, half rests, whole notes, and eighth notes by step.
  • Use sight-reading sheets with varying patterns.
  • Perform in small groups and provide feedback.

Week 3-4: All-Region Tryouts Preparation & Song Practice 

• TEKS Alignment: 117.225. (B) Sing music with expressive tone and appropriate diction.
• Activities:
  • Practice songs: Girls Ad Astra, Cool Moon, Bring Me Back to My Heart, I Think My Love So Fair, Black Ridders from the Sea.
  • Focus on tone production and diction.
  • Mock tryouts with peer feedback.

Week 5-6: Christmas Song Preparation 

• TEKS Alignment: 117.225. (C) Demonstrate proper vocal techniques.
• Activities:
  • Introduce and rehearse Do You Hear What I Hear?
  • Teach performance techniques and dynamics.

Week 7: All Choirs – Peace on Earth 

• TEKS Alignment: 117.225. (D) Perform with musical expression.
• Activities:
  • Group rehearsals and harmonization practice.

Sixth Grade Lesson Plans

Focus: Ledger Lines, Rhythmic Values, Time Signatures, Christmas Songs

Week 1-2: 

• Ledger Lines and Rhythmic Values
  • TEKS Alignment: 117.226. (A) Read and perform rhythmic patterns.
  • Activities:
    • Introduce ledger lines and practice reading notes on ledger lines.
    • Practice dotted half notes, repeat signs, and various time signatures (2/4, 3/4).
    • Clapping and conducting exercises.

Week 3: 

• Christmas Songs
  • Songs: Santa Tell Me, The 12 Groovy Days of Christmas, Cold Snap.
  • Activities:
    • Sing and learn melodies, focus on rhythm and phrasing.

Varsity Choir Lesson Plans

Focus: Contest Prep, Sightreading, Christmas Repertoire

Weeks 8-10: 

• TEKS Alignment: 117.227. (A) Sightreading, (B) Vocal Technique, (C) Performance Skills.
• Activities:
  • Sightreading practice from “90 Days to Sightreading Success”.
  • Warm-ups focusing on technique.
  • Rehearse selected contest pieces: The Fire Dance of Luna, Stabat Mater, The First Noel, Veni Veni, The Lord Bless You and Keep You.
  • Emphasize musical expression, dynamic contrast, and diction.