Choir Karate

As choir directors, we are constantly challenged to find ways to balance fun with music performance and theory. Assessment is an essential part of what we do. This program was created for students who used to get nervous when it was time to do testing, particularly sight-reading tests. Based on principles from learning karate, this program makes a game out of testing, utilizing short tests with immediate rewards that lead students to take ownership of their own progress toward becoming independent musicians. The concepts for middle school singers are divided into seven sections with progressively more challenging material at different "belt" levels. The program contains a study guide for each level as well as a student tracking form for each year in choir, written theory tests, and oral sight-reading and rhythm-reading tests. There are printable certificates and reward passes for completing the various levels. A great tool for district alignment and common assessments before students move on to their high school choral programs!