Matthew Belliston
Matthew Belliston
Matthew Belliston
3137
Music

Matt started learning music by sitting next to his older siblings as they practiced accordion and piano.  He participated in band, choir and musical theatre in school.  He has earned a Bachelor's in Music Education from the University of Utah (2010), and a Master's in Music Education from Carnegie Mellon University (2016).  He has taught K-12 in many different schools and classes.  Whether it's playing music with his family at home, or directing a choir, music has always been a part of Matt's life.  Matt wants people of all walks of life, of all ages, in all career fields to be able to unwind and enjoy creating music and theatre on or off stage. 

Guitar

Guitar 
2026-27 
Mr. Belliston – Room 137 
Email: mbelliston@kimberly.edu 
Phone: 208-423-4170 ext. 3137 

Welcome to Guitar! In class we will create music and play along with old and new tunes while learning the basics of guitar. Students will need to provide their own guitar and will need to play and sing in class. There is no prerequisite. Guitarists of all skills levels are welcome to join this class. There will be opportunities for students to perform at the choir concerts, but they will not be required.  

Materials: 

  • Pencil(s)  

  • Guitar Books (provided) 

  • Guitar (there are some school guitars available first come, first served basis) 

  • Tuner or tuning app 

  • One-to-one device 

Grading (per semester): Please be flexible with the grading and the percentages here are approximate. 

Participation & Attendance 

50% 

Song Pass Offs (5-8 per semester) 

20% 

Written Assessments (4-6 per semester) 

15% 

Performances (2 per semester) 

15% 

 

Participation & Attendance  

  • Students will earn up 5 points per class.  

  • 3 points for showing up on time and participating well. 

  • 2 points for each class they are prepared with materials. 

  • Students will have 2 absences and 1 tardy per semester that will not count against them. Beyond the allowable absences (2) and tardy (1), make-up work for missed classes will only be given for emergency situations (i.e.: funeral, illness, hospitalization or other significant emergencies. Documentation will be required. Family vacation, lunch date with parent, doctor’s appointments, etc. will count as the two (2) allowable absences but will NOT count as emergency situations). After 6 absences, regardless of reason for absence, special determinations may need to be made since participation, attendance, and performances could be adversely affected by missing so many classes. 

  • Students will arrive with a guitar, pencil, paper, and computer for every class. If a student comes to class unprepared, participation points will be docked.   

  • Students may only use electronic devices with permission of the teacher. If a cell phone is used without permission, the teacher will ask the student to take it to the office and participation points will be docked. Laptops and other devices will be left on the teacher’s desk until the end of class. 

  • Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to class. Other food or drink, including gum, is not allowed in class.  Participation points may be docked if students make a mess of the music room or other spaces we may use to rehearse. 

  • Students will engage in class and participate fully. Participation is the largest measure of success. 

  • Students are expected to follow student handbook behavior and dress guidelines.  

  • Students are expected to be honest, respectful, and kind to everyone, both in and out of class. Any disrespectful behavior (bullying, lack of participation, poor effort, etc.) can result in points deducted in participation and administrative discipline. 

Song Pass Offs, Written Assessments & Performances 

  • Students will be expected to pass off 5-8 songs each semester that will demonstrate their knowledge of technique, chords, and music theory.  

  • Students will play alone or with the group while singing. 

  • Written work will include quizzes on music theory and chords/notes on the guitar. 

  • Students will perform alone or with a group two (2) pieces of music in class or posted on canvas. The piece must be approved by the teacher at least one (1) week in advance. All lyrics and themes should be appropriate or edited for an educational setting. 

Syllabus

Concert Choir

Concert Choir 
2026-27 
Mr. Belliston – Room 137 
Email: mbelliston@kimberly.edu 
Phone: 208-423-4170 ext. 3137 

Welcome to Concert Choir! In this performance-centered class, students will learn vocal technique, music theory and sight-reading skills necessary to perform a varied repertoire of music. There will be at least one performance per semester and repertoire will be taken from large choral works, madrigals, contemporary music, spirituals, and more. There are no prerequisites and it can be taken as a semester or complete year. 

Choir Concerts – please see detailed calendar under events in the BAND app for more details. The following dates are for graded choir performances. 

Monday, October 19 – 7pm 

Monday, December 7 – 7pm  

Friday, March 5 – 7pm (as part of Kimberly’s Got Talent)  

Monday, May 3 – 7pm 

Grading (per semester): Students will be held to a high standard of academic integrity. As we remain flexible, the following breakdown is to be determined as the semester goes. The percentages are approximate. 

 

Rehearsal Skills and Attendance 

50% 

Performances 

15% 

Written Work – Post-performance Evaluations & Music Theory  

15% 

Assessments – Theory, Sight-Singing & Memorization  

20% 

 

Rehearsal Skills and Participation 

  • Success in choir depends on active participation and consistent rehearsal habits. Students will earn up to 5 points per class. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills during every rehearsal: 
  • Remain On Task and Fully Engaged 
    Students are expected to actively participate in all rehearsal activities, follow directions promptly, listen attentively, and contribute positively to the learning environment. 
  • Maintain Proper Singing Posture 
    Students should sit or stand with appropriate alignment to support healthy breathing, vocal technique, and ensemble performance while we’re rehearsing. 
  • Be Prepared with Required Materials 
    Students are expected to have their music, pencil, folder, and other necessary materials ready at the beginning of each rehearsal. 
  • Mark Music Accurately 
    Students are responsible for musical markings and teacher instructions in their music. 
  • Students will have 2 absences and 1 tardy per semester that will not count against them. Beyond the allowable absences (2) and tardy (1), make-up work for missed classes will only be given for emergency situations (i.e.: funeral, illness, hospitalization or other significant emergencies. Family vacation, lunch date with parent, etc. will count as the two (2) allowable absences but will NOT count as emergency situations). After 6 absences, regardless of reason for absence, special determinations may need to be made since participation, attendance, and performances could be adversely affected by missing so many classes. 
  • Students may only use electronic devices with permission of the teacher. If a cell phone is used without permission, the student will take it to the office. Please review the school cell phone policy. If another electronic device is used, without permission, the student will leave it on the teacher's desk until the end of class. 
  • Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to class. Other food or drink, including gum, is not allowed in class or rehearsal spaces. Students may leave food on the shelf at the sink to pick up after class. Students who do not leave it on the shelf will lose up to 2 points. 
  • Students are expected to follow student handbook behavior and dress guidelines.  
  • Students are part of a team, which requires trust and vulnerability. For the students to succeed, members are expected to be honest, respectful, and kind to everyone, both in and out of class. Any behavior that pulls away from the team (bullying, lack of participation, poor effort, etc.) can result in points deducted in participation or the role/responsibility given to another student. 
  • In addition to losing participation points for not following directions, behaviors will be logged on edHub and administration will follow through with discipline. 

Performances & Concert Attire  

  • Students need to attend scheduled performances. Each student will arrive by the designated call time, in proper concert attire, with proper hygiene and grooming, focused and ready to work. Students who arrive after call time, or who arrive at call time without meeting the other expectations will lose points for performance. Any conflict with a performance must be communicated with the teacher via email before the event to receive any make-up work.  
  • Make-up work will be given on a case-by-case basis. Students can earn up to 90% depending on the circumstances. The ensemble relies on everyone attending.  
  • Concert attire will be concert black. Black shirts, pants, dress, skirts, dress shoes, black socks or nylons/tights. Students who would like to order clothing through the catalog I use for Honor Choir can do so before September 9th. Shirts - $21, Pants - $25, Skirt - $30-45 (depending on style), Blouse - $20-45. You can check styles and sizes here: Concert, Show Choir & Band Attire | SE Performance Apparel 
  • Students should maintain proper hygiene for concerts. Please don’t come sweaty after sports practice. Please be clean and use deodorant. Body sprays and perfumes should not be used. They can irritate those with allergies or respiratory problems making it difficult for them to perform. 

 

Evaluations, Music Theory & Assessments 

  • Students will do written evaluations of performances they participate in or others they may attend.  
  • The students will do music theory lessons and assessments throughout the semester. These will be on canvas and musictheory.net 
  • Students will be assessed on music terms and theory at the end of each semester. 
  • Students will perform their music memorized and will be asked to have periodic memorization tests in preparation for each performance. Students who fail to meet these memorization tests may be asked to sit out of the performance of that piece. Students are still expected to attend the performance in its entirety, regardless of whether they will perform every piece. These will be submitted on canvas, performed for the teacher, or performed in small groups for the class.  
  • Sight Reading Factory will be used again this year. Students will practice and be tested on their ability to sight-read music alone and with a group. Students will be expected to demonstrate proper vocal technique, pitch, rhythm, and solfege accuracy. 

 
Band App 
Image removed. 

  • Please add yourself to this class: https://band.us/n/a9afbaI1P0M6J 
  • This will be used for announcements and for parents/students to message me via my cell phone.  
  • You can always use my email but please do not use my personal cell phone number. 

The National Association for Music Education has released the following statement regarding music with a sacred text. 

  • “It is the position of the National Association for Music Education that the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. The omission of sacred music from the school curriculum would result in an incomplete educational experience.”  In my class, if a student has personal beliefs that do not permit him or her to perform or rehearse a certain piece of music, notice must be given within a week of it being introduced, so an alternate assignment may be given.  If notice is not given, no alternate assignment will be given and the student will lose points for lack of participation if he/she chooses not to rehearse/perform the piece. 
Syllabus

Honor Choir

Honor Choir 
2026-27 
Mr. Belliston – Room 137 
Email: mbelliston@kimberly.edu 
Phone: 208-423-4170 ext. 3137 

Welcome to Honor Choir! This is a fast-paced, advanced, performance-centered choir class for students who pass an audition. Students will continue their vocal, music theory and sight-reading skills as they learn a varied repertoire of music and present a high standard of quality for Kimberly High School in performance and citizenship. Students will participate in many performances with concert choir and musical theatre and in other settings at community and school events. Parent involvement is very encouraged to make performance and activities most enjoyable. Please return the slip on the best way for me and the parent organization to contact you. You can also add yourself and your kid to Remind so you can get text message alerts for events. To perform with the group, students must have a B in this class and have a C average in all their classes. 

Choir Concerts – please see detailed performing arts calendar below or events in the BAND app for more details. The following dates are for graded choir performances. 

  • Monday, October 19 – 7pm 

  • Monday, December 7 – 7pm  

  • Friday, March 5 – 7pm (as part of Kimberly’s Got Talent)  

  • Monday, May 3 – 7pm 

Grading (per semester): This is a rigorous course and the students will be held to a high standard. As we remain flexible, the following breakdown is to be determined as the semester goes. The percentages are approximate.  

 

Rehearsal Skills and Participation 

50% 

Performances 

15% 

Written Work – Post-performance Evaluations & Music Theory 

15% 

Assessments – Theory, Sight-Singing & Memorization 

20% 

 

Rehearsal Skills and Participation 

  • Success in choir depends on active participation and consistent rehearsal habits. Students will earn up to 5 points per class. Students are expected to demonstrate the following skills during every rehearsal: 
  • Remain On Task and Fully Engaged 
    Students are expected to actively participate in all rehearsal activities, follow directions promptly, listen attentively, and contribute positively to the learning environment. 
  • Maintain Proper Singing Posture 
    Students should sit or stand with appropriate alignment to support healthy breathing, vocal technique, and ensemble performance while we’re rehearsing. 
  • Be Prepared with Required Materials 
    Students are expected to have their music, pencil, folder, and other necessary materials ready at the beginning of each rehearsal. 
  • Mark Music Accurately 
    Students are responsible for musical markings and teacher instructions in their music. 
  • Students will have 2 absences and 1 tardy per semester that will not count against them. Beyond the allowable absences (2) and tardy (1), make-up work for missed classes will only be given for emergency situations (i.e.: funeral, illness, hospitalization or other significant emergencies. Family vacation, lunch date with parent, etc. will count as the two (2) allowable absences but will NOT count as emergency situations). After 6 absences, regardless of reason for absence, special determinations may need to be made since participation, attendance, and performances could be adversely affected by missing so many classes. 
  • Students may only use electronic devices with permission of the teacher. If a cell phone is used without permission, the student will take it to the office. Please review the school cell phone policy. If another electronic device is used, without permission, the student will leave it on the teacher's desk until the end of class. 
  • Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to class. Other food or drink, including gum, is not allowed in class or rehearsal spaces. Students may leave food on the shelf at the sink to pick up after class. Students who do not leave it on the shelf will lose up to 2 points. 
  • Students are expected to follow student handbook behavior and dress guidelines.  
  • Students are part of a team, which requires trust and vulnerability. For the students to succeed, members are expected to be honest, respectful, and kind to everyone, both in and out of class. Any behavior that pulls away from the team (bullying, lack of participation, poor effort, etc.) can result in points deducted in participation or the role/responsibility given to another student. 
  • In addition to losing participation points for not following directions, behaviors will be logged on edHub and administration will follow through with discipline. 

Performances & Concert Attire 

  • Students need to attend scheduled performances. Each student will arrive by the designated call time, in proper concert attire, with proper hygiene and grooming, focused and ready to work. Students who arrive after call time, or who arrive at call time without meeting the other expectations will lose points for performance. Any conflict with a performance must be communicated via email before the event to receive any make-up work.  
  • Make-up work will be given on a case-by-case basis. Students can earn up to 90% depending on the circumstances. The ensemble relies on everyone attending. 
  • Concert attire will be updated and information will go out the first week of September. The program will cover the cost of them. Anything lost, stolen or damaged will be fined: $80 for dress and sash, $35 for vest, $10 for bow tie. 
  • Students must provide their own black dress shoes and socks/nylons. No bare legs should be seen. Please wear long black socks, knee highs or nylons/tights.  
  • Tenors and Basses should provide their own black long-sleeved dress shirt and black dress pants. I can order some from the same company as the dresses at your expense of Shirts - $21, Pants - $25. Please let me know by September 9th  if you’d like to order. If you ask after that, shipping will cost extra. 
  • Students should maintain proper hygiene for concerts. Please don’t come sweaty after sports practice. Please be clean and use deodorant. Body sprays and perfumes should not be used. They can irritate those with allergies or respiratory problems making it difficult for them to perform. 

 

Evaluations, Music Theory & Assessments 

  • Students will do written evaluations of performances they participate in or others they may attend.  
  • The students will do music theory lessons and assessments throughout the semester. These will be on canvas and musictheory.net 
  • Students will be assessed on music terms and theory at the end of each semester. 
  • Students will perform their music memorized and will be asked to have periodic memorization tests in preparation for each performance. Students who fail to meet these memorization tests may be asked to sit out of the performance of that piece. Students are still expected to attend the performance in its entirety, regardless of whether they will perform every piece. These will be submitted on canvas, performed for the teacher, or performed in small groups for the class.  
  • Sight Reading Factory will be used again this year. Students will practice and be tested on their ability to sight-read music alone and with a group. Students will be expected to demonstrate proper vocal technique, pitch, rhythm, and solfege accuracy. 

 

 
Band App 

Image removed. 

  • Please add yourself to this class: https://band.us/n/a9a0b6B1D996n 
  • This will be used for announcements and for parents/students to message me via my cell phone. 
  • You can always use my email but please do not use my personal cell phone number. 

 

The National Association for Music Education has released the following statement regarding music with a sacred text. 

“It is the position of the National Association for Music Education that the study and performance of religious music within an educational context is a vital and appropriate part of a comprehensive music education. The omission of sacred music from the school curriculum would result in an incomplete educational experience.”  In my class, if a student has personal beliefs that do not permit him or her to perform or rehearse a certain piece of music, notice must be given within a week of it being introduced, so an alternate assignment may be given.  If notice is not given, no alternate assignment will be given and the student will lose points for lack of participation if he/she chooses not to rehearse/perform the piece. 

 

Calendar will be updated on BAND (subject to change) We are still working on locations to allow students to perform in auditoriums, concert halls and churches for better acoustics. Please leave the full day open for the students to rehearse, set-up and perform. If involved in another activity, please let Mr. Belliston know. 

Below is the performing arts calendar for the school at this point.  

 

Football, Volleyball, Basketball Home Game Anthems 

 

Pep 

KHS 

National Anthem 

No date Yet 

Football Game 

KHS Honor Choir 

All-State Auditions Due  

Fri Oct 9 

Friday, October 9 ($10 per student to audition) 

KHS Band, Choir & Orchestra 

Choir Concert 

Oct 19 

Monday, October 19 

KHS & KMS Choirs 

HS District Honor Clinic  

Nov 4-5 

November 4-5 (Twin Falls High School. ONLY for those invited) 

KHS Band,  

Choirs,   

Orchestra 

Miss Kimberly 

Nov 14 

November 14 (Rehearsals Nov 9-14 

Miss Kimberly 

School Musical  

Nov 19-21 

 

KHS Musical Theatre 

Choir Concert 

Dec 7 

Monday, December 7 

KHS & KMS Choirs 

Instr. Music Concert 

Dec 14 Bands 

Dec 15 Orchestras 

Monday December 14th Bands Concert 

Tuesday December 15th Orchestra/Strings Concert 

KMS/KHS Bands 

MS/HS Strg Club 

National Anthem 

No Date Yet 

Basketball Game 

KHS Honor Choir 

MS Choir Honor Clinic 

Jan 27 

Burley – King Fine Arts Center. Only for those who are selected by directors.  

KMS Bands, Choirs & Orchestra 

All-State IMEA  

Feb 3-6 

Feb 3-6 (ISU Pocatello. ONLY for those who audition and make it.)  Conference for teachers. 

KHS Band, Choirs, Orchestra 

District Solo and Ensemble   

March 2 

March 2 ($20 to cover pianist and registration. CSI. All day. Band, Choir or Orchestra students interested in preparing a solo or small ensemble. 

KHS  

Kimberly’s Got Talent  

March 5 

Rehearsal: Wednesday, March 3 
Performance: Friday, March 5 

KHS Tri-M 

National ACDA Honor Choir 

March 6-10 

(Minneapolis. Only for those who qualify) 

KHS Choirs 

Instr. Pops Concert 

March 15 

KMS & KHS Instrumental Pops Concert 

KMS & KHS Bands & Strings 

Choir Spring Trip 

April 5-6 

Boise area  

KHS Choirs 

District Large Group Choir Assessment  

April 13-14 

April 13-14 (Burley. We will only attend one of those days) 

KHS Choirs 

District Large Group Assessment Band 

April 21 

April 21 Burley HS, Band only 

KHS Band 

District Large Group Assessment Orchestra 

April 28 

April 28 Minco HS, Orchestra only 

KHS Orchestra 

State Solo and Ensemble  

April 30-May 1 

Ensembles April 30, Solos May 1 (Boise area. ONLY for those who qualify.) 

KHS Band, Choirs & Orchestra 

Choir Concert  

May 3rd  

Monday, May 3 

KHS & KMS Choirs 

End of Year Concerts Band 

 

May 4th  

Tuesday, May 4th Bands concert 

KMS & KHS Bands 

End of Year Concert Strings 

May 10th  

Monday, May 10th Strings & Orch Concert 

KMS & KHS Strings & Strg Club 

KHS School Graduation  

May 27 

Thursday, May 27 

KHS Honor Choir 

Syllabus

Music Appreciation

Music Appreciation 
Kimberly High School 2025-26 
CSI Dual Credit: MUSI 100, Spring 2026, 3 credits 
Mr. Belliston – Room 137 
Email: mbelliston@kimberly.edu 
Phone: 208-423-4170 ext. 3137  

Welcome to Music Appreciation! In this class, students will receive both high school and college credit through CSI as we create music and play along with old and new tunes while learning the basics of music theory, music history, and study of and experience with basic instruments. I strongly encourage students to wait until their Junior year to take this course so they have a strong background in writing. Musicians of all skill levels will learn and grow in this class. There will be no performance opportunities in this course, but you will be required to attend or view online at least 4 concerts outside of class. Email is the best way to contact me. I will answer all emails within 2 school days. If you post a question after 3:00 p.m. on Friday, I may not answer it until Monday.  

Materials: 

  • Pencil(s) or Pen(s) and notebook (you can also use a one-to-one device for notes) 
  • Textbook (provided in classroom – can check out), The World of Music by David Willoughby 7th Edition  
  • One-to-one device  

Description: 

A non-technical course designed to provide a basis for enjoyable listening through the discovery of stylistic differences between historical eras and the individual composers within the eras and through the awareness of the various performance media. 

Student Learning Outcomes (SLO) 

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 

1. Identify different genres of music and the instruments used in each 

2. Identify elements of the culture surrounding different genres of music 

3. Critically critique live and recorded music 

Grading (entire school year):  

 

Participation & Discussion 

25% 

Written work 

25% 

Concert Reviews (2 per semester) 

25% 

Tests/Assessments (including final) 

25% 

Based on the 100% total listed above, letter grades will be assigned as follows:  

A: 90 % or above B: 80 % to 89.9 % C: 70 % to 79.9 % 

D: 60 % to 69.9 % F: below 59.9 % I: incomplete 

Participation & Discussion  

  • Students will earn up to 5 points per class.  
  • 3 points for showing up on time and participating well in the discussion. 
  • Students may only use electronic devices with permission of the teacher.  
  • Students may bring a water bottle to class. Other food or drink is not allowed in class. 
  • Students will engage in class and participate fully. Participation includes commenting, adding to the discussion and sharing ideas. Participation is the largest measure of success. 
  • Students are expected to follow student handbook behavior and dress guidelines. 
  • Students are expected to be honest, respectful, and kind to everyone, both in and out of class. Any disrespectful behavior (bullying, lack of participation, poor effort, etc.) can result in points deducted in participation and administrative discipline. 

Written work, Concert Reviews, & Assessments 

  • Students will have written work/projects that will assist in student learning. Many of these assignments will be done online through canvas.  
  • Students are expected to attend or watch 2 concerts per semester outside of class. Only one of these concerts may be at the high school level, and none may be middle or elementary school level. Students will write a review that will discuss the musical elements discussed in class and a response to what they saw and heard. 
  • Students will be assessed through tests and quizzes. If a student is absent the day of a test, they will need to schedule a time to make it up within a week of returning to school.  

Dropping a Course and Withdrawal 

The drop period for full semester courses ends on the first Sunday following the beginning of the term. A dropped course is not reflected on the student’s transcript. The withdrawal period then begins and lasts through 75% of the course. Withdrawal means the student attempted the course but did not complete any credit; the grade of W will appear on the student’s transcript. Students are responsible for all tuition and fees associated with withdrawn courses. No course may be withdrawn from after 75% of the course has elapsed. Students will be issued a grade after this deadline. Drop and Withdraw deadlines for non-standard courses can be found on the student’s schedule in MyCSI. 

In order to withdraw from one or more courses, a completed Add/Drop/Withdraw form is required, which can be found in MyCSI or at the Office of the Registrar. Students withdrawing from all credited courses must receive a Financial Aid signature prior to submitting the form to the Office of the Registrar or any off-campus center. 

W grades can have a number of negative consequences, including negatively impacting students’ eligibility for Federal Financial Aid. Ws on transcripts can also raise questions by transfer institutions and even prospective employers. Students should carefully consider the consequences of Ws before withdrawing from courses. 

Attendance Verification for Financial Aid 

Attendance Verification is submitted each semester. Your Federal Student Aid is based on your academic attendance and participation in an academically-related activity, see csi.edu/financialaid. 

Fast Forward Money is available for dual credit. 

Syllabus

885 Center Street West | Kimberly, ID 83341 | (208) 423-4170 x 3146 | Fax: (208) 423-5181
Transportation x 3328 | Maintenance x 3300 | Food Service x 3341 | Driving Directions

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Kimberly School District #414