Choral HandbookThe choral handbook has everything in it you need to know in order to be successful in choir.
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Choral Handbook
Carrie VanDenburgh, Director
Welcome to the Choral Department of the Fine Arts Department. In order to continually improve the quality of our music program, it is essential that every member acquaint him/herself with this handbook by carefully reading the rules, regulations and expectations of the organization. This will help prepare you for the responsibilities you have accepted as a member of this organization. When a question arises, consult your handbook and if you need further assistance, consult the director.
Philosophy and Objectives
Music and the ability to produce music are precious gifts. Our primary mission is to use these gifts responsibly and professionally. An important secondary mission is to allow our students to begin and continue their involvement in the performing arts. The Music Department also seeks to:
1. To promote a wider appreciation for music through learning the rules, techniques, and styles that differentiates music of the past and present.
2. To provide each student with the means for a social and emotional outlet through worthwhile use of leisure time for your future.
3. To promote the training of the emotions through a musical experience that can be used in everyday living, or as a possible vocation. Some areas to be stressed are as follows: self discipline, good posture, fundamental physical skills, self-expression, and group dynamics.
4. To perform quality literature at the highest possible levels for school activities, educational events, and festivals.
5. To develop musical literacy and fluency in melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and tone color.
6. Appropriately and proudly represent Berrien Springs Schools and the community.
Course Descriptions
Berrien Springs Concert Choir
The Berrien Springs Concert Choir is open to all interested high school singers and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. The Berrien Springs Concert Choir performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. The Concert Choir will perform a variety of literature. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Berrien Springs Women’s Choir
The Women’s Chorus is open to all interested high school women and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. The Women’s Chorus performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. The Women’s Chorus will perform a variety of literature. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Bel Canto
The Berrien Springs Bel Canto is open to all women in the high school by audition only. Bel Canto performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. High expectations of commitment, responsibility, and dedication towards superior concert performances will be the focus of this organization.
Men's Ensemble
Men's Ensemble is open to all 8th grade men and all high school men. This choir meets after school on Wednesdays from 2:50-3:30. All those interested are welcome. The Men's Ensemble performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. High expectations of commitment, responsibility, and dedication towards superior concert performances will be the focus of this organization.
Berrien Springs 7th/8th Grade Choir
The Berrien Springs 7th/8th Grade Choir is open to all middle school students and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. The Berrien Springs 7th/8th Grade Choir performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. The 7th/8th Grade Choir will perform a variety of literature. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Berrien Springs 6th Grade Choir
The Berrien Springs 6th Grade Choir is open to all middle school students and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. Students in the 6th Grade Choir will perform in one concert during each nine-week marking period. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Policies
Membership
Every student in choir is expected to participate for the entire school year (except 6th Grade Choir and if possible).
Students interested in participating in the choirs must make an audition appointment with the director prior to or during the first week of school. Auditions are used to measure the student’s musical ability and to determine voicing placement.
Attendance
Every member of the choir is required to attend every rehearsal (regular or extra scheduled) and every public appearance of their organization. Personal illness, death in the immediate family, and discretion of the director will be accepted as legitimate excuses if the director is notified in ADVANCE by the parent/guardian. Only ADVANCE excuses will be acceptable. Night rehearsals will be held to a minimum. Please understand work and vacations are not valid excuses. Plan ahead and make prior arrangements. If a student misses a performance that is excused by the director they will need to give a director a note from a parent/guardian and write a three to four page paper (HS) or two-page (MS) typed paper. The director will choose the topic. If a student misses a performance and it is an unexcused absence they will receive a zero for that performance and may result in dismissal from the ensemble.
As a cooperative team, every member’s attendance is crucial for any ensemble’s success. The following attendance policy reflects this thought:
Officers will take roll at the bell. Students must be inside the rehearsal room at this time. Those coming in after the roll has been taken are considered tardy.
A tardy is excused only with a note from a teacher/supervisor at the time of occurrence.
Unexcused absences reduce the grade by one letter grade. Three unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.
Three unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence.
Unexcused absences from a performance may result in dismissal from the ensemble. Foreseeable conflicts with a performance date must be communicated to the director as soon as possible.
Classroom Expectations
Exhibit Positive and Effective Behavior in Class and On Stage
Respect:
• Take pride in respecting classmates, director, and property.
• Develop a listening attitude in following class expectations
• Refrain from gum chewing, disruptive talking, and other negative behaviors.
Contributions:
• Work on the development of proper vocal skills
• Participate with a positive attitude
• Present an eagerness and willingness to learn
Leadership:
• Set examples of positive self-discipline
• Learn music quickly to help others with their parts
• Take initiative in all class activities
Consequences:
• First offense – Verbal Warning
• Second offense – Student must schedule a 5-minute conference to discuss behavior before or after school.
• Third offense – Students will receive detention or sent to the Principal’s office and phone call to the parents
Harassment:
• Music is understood as an art form that brings people of diverse backgrounds and opinions together.
• Harassment in the choral program is unacceptable. We expect you to do your best to resolve simple disagreements on your own.
• If it is impossible to resolve disagreements without assistance it should then be addressed to Mrs. VanDenburgh.
Choir Folders and Music:
• Each member will be given a choir folder. This folder will be used for the entire school year. You will be charged if the folder is lost or damaged. ($20)
• You will be issued music throughout the year. This music should be kept in your folder and be with you in class each and every day. You will be charged replacement cost for any lost or damaged music. ($1.50 - $8.00)
• You will be assigned an unsecured slot in the choir room for folder storage. If you choose to keep it in your slot, you are still responsible for the contents therein.
Rehearsal Procedures
Upon entering the room, the student’s should:
1. Pick up a folder from a designated closet. Each student is assigned a folder.
2. Sharpen pencil found in your folder as needed before rehearsal begins.
3. Put music in rehearsal order as listed on the board.
4. Students will not be allowed to use the bathroom or get a drink of water except in emergencies.
5. Keep personal items away at all times. This includes but is not limited to makeup, perfume/cologne, hair spray, electronics, cell phones, backpacks, purses, and other similar items.
6. Wait until teacher instructs you to put away your folder, pass in your music, or leave the classroom.
No talking other than designated discussion time/transition time is allowed since it disrupts other students and their learning process. Repeated offense will lower the daily participation grade. Questions should be directed to the director by raising a hand rather than to your neighbor to avoid confusion and disruption.
No food, no gum chewing, no sun glasses, no hats, no backpacks, no purses, no cell phones are allowed during rehearsals and performances. Please use the restroom before class and tend to filling up water bottles before class begins.
A respectful and positive attitude towards the director and your fellow students is expected. Failure to follow these expectations will result in losing participation points for that class period.
Uniforms
6th, 7th and 8th Grade Choir Supply List
6th grade (provided by the students)
Plain black dress pants
Plain black dress shoes
Plain black socks or nylons or tights
7th/8th Grade Choir (provided by the students)
Plain black dress shoes
Plain black socks or nylons or tights
Students who are unable to provide the above uniforms should inform the choir
teacher immediately so special arrangements can be made. Failure to inform in
this manner could result in a student not performing if they do not have the
proper attire, which will result in a failing grade for that performance. Uniforms
are required for each performance. The performance grade will be reduced for
students with incomplete uniforms.
Students should make every effort to look professional at all performances. Long
hair should be worn up, and away from the face. Shoulder length hair or shorter
may be worn down, but must be away from the face. Ladies: NO BOWS! Hair
clips and accessories should be nondescript and blend with hair color. No visible
jewelry, such as watches, necklaces, bracelets, and excessive rings. Post
earrings for girls, only.
Students in 6th grade will be given a choir shirt at the beginning of the year. They
will be charged $25 at the end of the year if the shirt is not returned.
Students in 7 th /8 th grade will be given a dress for girls and a tuxedo for boys at the
beginning of the year. Girls will be charged $55 and boys will be charged $80 at
the end of the year if the uniform is not returned.
Bel Canto
Plain blue dress
Pearl necklace
Plain black dress shoes (provided by student)
Plain black nylons or tights (provided by student)
Women’s Chorus (provided by the students)
Plain red dress
Jeweled necklace
Plain black dress shoes (provided by student)
Plain black nylons or tights (provided by student)
Concert Choir
Men: Plain black socks (provided by student)
Plain black shoes (provided by student)
Tuxedo (pants, shirt, tie, jacket, vest)
Women:
Plain black dress shoes (provided by student)
Plain black nylons or tights (provided by student)
Choir black dress
Students who are unable to provide the above uniforms should inform the choir teacher immediately so special arrangements can be made. Failure to inform in this manner could result in a student not performing if they do not have the proper attire, which will result in a failing grade for that performance. Uniforms are required for each performance. The performance grade will be reduced for students with incomplete uniforms.
Students should make every effort to look professional at all performances. Long hair should be worn up, and away from the face. Shoulder length hair or shorter may be worn down, but must be away from the face. Ladies: NO BOWS! Hair clips and accessories should be nondescript and blend with hair color. No visible jewelry, such as watches, necklaces, bracelets, and excessive rings. Post earrings for girls, only.
If school uniforms are returned with tears, stains, or not returned how they were given to them, the student will be charged for those repairs. If a student does not turn in the uniform ,or part of the uniform, or it is returned damaged they will be charged for that uniform, $80 for dresses and $150 for tuxedos.
Grading
Students will receive two points for attendance each class period. If student is tardy they will only receive one point for that class period. Unexcused absences will result in no points for that class period. If a student has 7 excused absences, on the eighth absence they will not receive points for excused absences or participation points.
Each class period students will receive 3 points for full participation. If for some reason the student does not oblige with the statements made in this handbook they can lose a point or points. This is part of their participation grade. If a student is absent excused or unexcused they will not receive participation points. Since choir is based upon full participation it is imperative that students are in class to receive participation points.
Performance exams will happen periodically during the year and happen during the rehearsal. The director will form quartets within the group and each group will perform a piece of music the choir has been working on. The grade is based in four areas: how well one knows the song, music marking, tone quality, and overall improvement since the previous performance exam.
Students will also periodically have written assignments and quizzes throughout the school year.
Being tardy or absence to a performance will lower the student’s grade.
Grades will be based on the following areas in all ensembles:
Attendance and Daily Participation 50%
Performance Exams, Quizzes, and Written Assignments 15%
Performances 35%
93 – 100 A 73 – 76 C
90 – 92 A- 70 – 72 C-
87 – 89 B+ 67 – 69 D+
83 – 86 B 63 – 66 D
80 – 82 B- 60 – 62 D-
77 – 79 C+ 59 and below
Awards
Director’s Award (hs)
Awarded to the most outstanding member in the ensemble based on musicianship, leadership qualities, attendance, service to the school, and attitude. Usually given to a senior.
Most Outstanding 9, 10, 11, & 12 Member (hs)
Awarded to the most outstanding member in each grade based on musicianship, leadership qualities, attendance, service to the school, and attitude.
Most Improved Member (hs)
Awarded to the most improved member in the ensemble who has shown improvement throughout the year.
First Year Recognition (certificate – hs and ms)
Awarded to students who completed one entire school year of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Second Year Recognition (choir pin – hs and ms)
Awarded to students who completed two entire school years of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Third Year Recognition (choir letter - hs)
Awarded to students who completed three entire school years of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Fourth Year Recognition (engraved keychain - hs)
Awarded to students who completed four entire school years of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Officers (hs only)
The officers listed below form a council for the ensemble, which meets on a monthly basis with the director to discuss various aspects of the organization such as tour planning, fund raising, artistic improvement, social activities, concert PR, and recruitment.
Brief job descriptions for each office are as follows:
President:
1. In charge of conducting monthly meetings and consultations with the director.
2. Communicating and consulting with other officers and other members.
3. Leads the other officers in publicity and planning.
4. Takes attendance and rehearsals and concerts.
Social Vice-President:
1. Assists the president and will preside over the meetings when the president is absent.
2. Plans social activities for the school year.
Secretary:
1. Responsible for all council correspondence and minutes.
2. Gathers articles for newsletter and yearbook.
3. Keeps calendar, student directory, and information sheets current.
4. Responsible for thank-you notes after performances, etc.
Librarian:
1. Oversees issuing, distributing, collecting, and repairing music and folders.
2. Processes new music and maintains an orderly library and folder storage area.
Section Leaders:
1. Represents their section and serves as a bridge between the members-at-large and the council.
2. Responsible for musical improvement of their section as assigned by the director.
Communication
Director:
Communication between the director and the students/families is crucial. I welcome parents and students questions about chorus activities. Please utilize the choir web site, add yourself to the choir mailing list using the form in this packet, and ask your child for letters for updates.
School Phone: (269) 473 - 0564
Email: [email protected]
Ways Parents Can Help:
The choir programs need the support/participation of the parents. Help from the parents will make choir events easier for the adults and more fun for the students. Below are some ways parents can help.
1. Attend all performances
2. Chaperone Trips
3. Volunteer to help with fundraisers, measuring for uniforms, etc
4. Help students be on time for rehearsals/performances
5. Take pictures and send them to the director
6. Encourage/praise the efforts of each student
7. Be a good example of appropriate audience behavior.
8. Support chorus fundraisers.
9. Come to parent-teacher conferences.
Fundraising:
The choirs will participate in fundraising through the year. The money we raise will be used to pay for music, bus transportation, uniforms, accompanists, awards, hospitality, clinician fees, and much more. The director requests that each student does his or her part.
What is M.S.V.M.A.?
MSVMA is the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. This is the state school organization that we will participate with throughout the whole year. Festivals or large group activities include the following.
Honors Choir
MSVMA has established an honors choir program that, at the high school level, features SSAA, TTBB, and SATB Choirs every year, directed by in-state conductors. In addition, a High School All-State Choir will be presented at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May. Membership into all honors choirs is open by audition to students from schools holding a current MSVMA membership. Those auditioning must be members in good standing in their school’s vocal music program. Students interested in auditioning should talk to the instructor immediately. When you audition you sing in front of one adjudicator by singing a memorized piece a cappella and sight-singing a short exercise. Students are assigned a point score in the categories of tone, memorization, intonation, phrasing, diction and vocal technique. The top scoring students are selected for honors choir. There are three honor choirs that happen throughout the year and you have to audition for all of them sequentially, Regional Honors Choir, State Honors Choir, and All-State Honors Choir. Students are required to pay the entrance fee.
Solo and Ensemble
Solo and Ensemble is where students can perform for adjudicators as soloists or in smaller ensembles. As soloists students prepare 2 contrasting numbers and perform them for an adjudicator. There is no sight-reading at the district level, but there is at the State level. Soloists may elect for a rating or for comments only. Students are required to pay the entrance fee and make arrangements to practice outside of class. Ensembles can be formed, but students must be willing to put in extra time to practice outside of class. If you receive a I at districts than you can move on to State.
Choral Festival
All members in choir will participate in choral festival if they demonstrate good behavior at school. If members in choir receive ISS or OSS from the school between January and May they will not participate in festival. At Districts, in March, the choir will perform two pieces for three adjudicators and receive a rating. The choir will also sight-read for a rating. If the combination of the two scores equals a First Division score then the choir can choose to go to State in May. At State the choir will perform three pieces one being a cappella. There is no sight-reading at the State level.
Music with a Sacred Text:
1. Choral music educators recognize that choral music may fulfill diverse objectives. At one end of the spectrum are aesthetic education and artistic performance that can insure development of musicality and sensitivity. At the opposite end of the spectrum is pure entertainment. Between these two poles may be found opportunities to enhance knowledge and understanding through a growing awareness and perspective of history and art as reflected in great music. To achieve any selected educational objective, the quality of repertoire is of paramount importance.
2. An assessment of the quality of repertoire which can fulfill the highest objectives of aesthetic education necessitates careful examination of the relationship of text and musical setting. The wealth of choral literature which represents and reflects peoples, cultures, and traditions of all lands and compositional styles of all eras includes much music in which the composer has utilized a sacred text. The term "sacred" refers to all manner of religious belief and not only to the practices of the Judeo-Christian teachings. It is important that almost all of the significant choral music composed before the 17th century was associated with a sacred text.
3. To study and perform music in which the musical setting of a text is artistically accomplished is a highly commendable objective. While public school teaching objectives and criteria for repertoire selection should not include religious indoctrination, the selection of quality repertoire will invariably include within its broad scope music with a sacred text. To exclude from a public school curriculum all choral music which has religious meaning associated with the text is to severely limit the possibilities of teaching for artistic understanding and responsiveness. Such an exclusion has as its parallel the study of art without any paintings related to the various religions of the world, the study of literature without mention of the Bible, or the study of architecture without reference to the great temples and cathedrals of the world.
4. Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire representative of the choral medium and the history of music, it should have an important place in music education. Its study and artistic performance have nothing to do with the First Amendment to the Constitution and the doctrine which advocates separation of Church and State.
The National Board of Directors of the American Choral Directors Association has endorsed this statement.
Carrie VanDenburgh, Director
Welcome to the Choral Department of the Fine Arts Department. In order to continually improve the quality of our music program, it is essential that every member acquaint him/herself with this handbook by carefully reading the rules, regulations and expectations of the organization. This will help prepare you for the responsibilities you have accepted as a member of this organization. When a question arises, consult your handbook and if you need further assistance, consult the director.
Philosophy and Objectives
Music and the ability to produce music are precious gifts. Our primary mission is to use these gifts responsibly and professionally. An important secondary mission is to allow our students to begin and continue their involvement in the performing arts. The Music Department also seeks to:
1. To promote a wider appreciation for music through learning the rules, techniques, and styles that differentiates music of the past and present.
2. To provide each student with the means for a social and emotional outlet through worthwhile use of leisure time for your future.
3. To promote the training of the emotions through a musical experience that can be used in everyday living, or as a possible vocation. Some areas to be stressed are as follows: self discipline, good posture, fundamental physical skills, self-expression, and group dynamics.
4. To perform quality literature at the highest possible levels for school activities, educational events, and festivals.
5. To develop musical literacy and fluency in melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and tone color.
6. Appropriately and proudly represent Berrien Springs Schools and the community.
Course Descriptions
Berrien Springs Concert Choir
The Berrien Springs Concert Choir is open to all interested high school singers and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. The Berrien Springs Concert Choir performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. The Concert Choir will perform a variety of literature. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Berrien Springs Women’s Choir
The Women’s Chorus is open to all interested high school women and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. The Women’s Chorus performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. The Women’s Chorus will perform a variety of literature. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Bel Canto
The Berrien Springs Bel Canto is open to all women in the high school by audition only. Bel Canto performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. High expectations of commitment, responsibility, and dedication towards superior concert performances will be the focus of this organization.
Men's Ensemble
Men's Ensemble is open to all 8th grade men and all high school men. This choir meets after school on Wednesdays from 2:50-3:30. All those interested are welcome. The Men's Ensemble performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. High expectations of commitment, responsibility, and dedication towards superior concert performances will be the focus of this organization.
Berrien Springs 7th/8th Grade Choir
The Berrien Springs 7th/8th Grade Choir is open to all middle school students and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. The Berrien Springs 7th/8th Grade Choir performs in on-campus concerts and festivals and off-campus concerts and festivals. The 7th/8th Grade Choir will perform a variety of literature. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Berrien Springs 6th Grade Choir
The Berrien Springs 6th Grade Choir is open to all middle school students and an audition is required for voicing purposes only. Students in the 6th Grade Choir will perform in one concert during each nine-week marking period. A strong desire to sing and a positive attitude are the only requirements.
Policies
Membership
Every student in choir is expected to participate for the entire school year (except 6th Grade Choir and if possible).
Students interested in participating in the choirs must make an audition appointment with the director prior to or during the first week of school. Auditions are used to measure the student’s musical ability and to determine voicing placement.
Attendance
Every member of the choir is required to attend every rehearsal (regular or extra scheduled) and every public appearance of their organization. Personal illness, death in the immediate family, and discretion of the director will be accepted as legitimate excuses if the director is notified in ADVANCE by the parent/guardian. Only ADVANCE excuses will be acceptable. Night rehearsals will be held to a minimum. Please understand work and vacations are not valid excuses. Plan ahead and make prior arrangements. If a student misses a performance that is excused by the director they will need to give a director a note from a parent/guardian and write a three to four page paper (HS) or two-page (MS) typed paper. The director will choose the topic. If a student misses a performance and it is an unexcused absence they will receive a zero for that performance and may result in dismissal from the ensemble.
As a cooperative team, every member’s attendance is crucial for any ensemble’s success. The following attendance policy reflects this thought:
Officers will take roll at the bell. Students must be inside the rehearsal room at this time. Those coming in after the roll has been taken are considered tardy.
A tardy is excused only with a note from a teacher/supervisor at the time of occurrence.
Unexcused absences reduce the grade by one letter grade. Three unexcused absences will result in a failing grade.
Three unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence.
Unexcused absences from a performance may result in dismissal from the ensemble. Foreseeable conflicts with a performance date must be communicated to the director as soon as possible.
Classroom Expectations
Exhibit Positive and Effective Behavior in Class and On Stage
Respect:
• Take pride in respecting classmates, director, and property.
• Develop a listening attitude in following class expectations
• Refrain from gum chewing, disruptive talking, and other negative behaviors.
Contributions:
• Work on the development of proper vocal skills
• Participate with a positive attitude
• Present an eagerness and willingness to learn
Leadership:
• Set examples of positive self-discipline
• Learn music quickly to help others with their parts
• Take initiative in all class activities
Consequences:
• First offense – Verbal Warning
• Second offense – Student must schedule a 5-minute conference to discuss behavior before or after school.
• Third offense – Students will receive detention or sent to the Principal’s office and phone call to the parents
Harassment:
• Music is understood as an art form that brings people of diverse backgrounds and opinions together.
• Harassment in the choral program is unacceptable. We expect you to do your best to resolve simple disagreements on your own.
• If it is impossible to resolve disagreements without assistance it should then be addressed to Mrs. VanDenburgh.
Choir Folders and Music:
• Each member will be given a choir folder. This folder will be used for the entire school year. You will be charged if the folder is lost or damaged. ($20)
• You will be issued music throughout the year. This music should be kept in your folder and be with you in class each and every day. You will be charged replacement cost for any lost or damaged music. ($1.50 - $8.00)
• You will be assigned an unsecured slot in the choir room for folder storage. If you choose to keep it in your slot, you are still responsible for the contents therein.
Rehearsal Procedures
Upon entering the room, the student’s should:
1. Pick up a folder from a designated closet. Each student is assigned a folder.
2. Sharpen pencil found in your folder as needed before rehearsal begins.
3. Put music in rehearsal order as listed on the board.
4. Students will not be allowed to use the bathroom or get a drink of water except in emergencies.
5. Keep personal items away at all times. This includes but is not limited to makeup, perfume/cologne, hair spray, electronics, cell phones, backpacks, purses, and other similar items.
6. Wait until teacher instructs you to put away your folder, pass in your music, or leave the classroom.
No talking other than designated discussion time/transition time is allowed since it disrupts other students and their learning process. Repeated offense will lower the daily participation grade. Questions should be directed to the director by raising a hand rather than to your neighbor to avoid confusion and disruption.
No food, no gum chewing, no sun glasses, no hats, no backpacks, no purses, no cell phones are allowed during rehearsals and performances. Please use the restroom before class and tend to filling up water bottles before class begins.
A respectful and positive attitude towards the director and your fellow students is expected. Failure to follow these expectations will result in losing participation points for that class period.
Uniforms
6th, 7th and 8th Grade Choir Supply List
6th grade (provided by the students)
Plain black dress pants
Plain black dress shoes
Plain black socks or nylons or tights
7th/8th Grade Choir (provided by the students)
Plain black dress shoes
Plain black socks or nylons or tights
Students who are unable to provide the above uniforms should inform the choir
teacher immediately so special arrangements can be made. Failure to inform in
this manner could result in a student not performing if they do not have the
proper attire, which will result in a failing grade for that performance. Uniforms
are required for each performance. The performance grade will be reduced for
students with incomplete uniforms.
Students should make every effort to look professional at all performances. Long
hair should be worn up, and away from the face. Shoulder length hair or shorter
may be worn down, but must be away from the face. Ladies: NO BOWS! Hair
clips and accessories should be nondescript and blend with hair color. No visible
jewelry, such as watches, necklaces, bracelets, and excessive rings. Post
earrings for girls, only.
Students in 6th grade will be given a choir shirt at the beginning of the year. They
will be charged $25 at the end of the year if the shirt is not returned.
Students in 7 th /8 th grade will be given a dress for girls and a tuxedo for boys at the
beginning of the year. Girls will be charged $55 and boys will be charged $80 at
the end of the year if the uniform is not returned.
Bel Canto
Plain blue dress
Pearl necklace
Plain black dress shoes (provided by student)
Plain black nylons or tights (provided by student)
Women’s Chorus (provided by the students)
Plain red dress
Jeweled necklace
Plain black dress shoes (provided by student)
Plain black nylons or tights (provided by student)
Concert Choir
Men: Plain black socks (provided by student)
Plain black shoes (provided by student)
Tuxedo (pants, shirt, tie, jacket, vest)
Women:
Plain black dress shoes (provided by student)
Plain black nylons or tights (provided by student)
Choir black dress
Students who are unable to provide the above uniforms should inform the choir teacher immediately so special arrangements can be made. Failure to inform in this manner could result in a student not performing if they do not have the proper attire, which will result in a failing grade for that performance. Uniforms are required for each performance. The performance grade will be reduced for students with incomplete uniforms.
Students should make every effort to look professional at all performances. Long hair should be worn up, and away from the face. Shoulder length hair or shorter may be worn down, but must be away from the face. Ladies: NO BOWS! Hair clips and accessories should be nondescript and blend with hair color. No visible jewelry, such as watches, necklaces, bracelets, and excessive rings. Post earrings for girls, only.
If school uniforms are returned with tears, stains, or not returned how they were given to them, the student will be charged for those repairs. If a student does not turn in the uniform ,or part of the uniform, or it is returned damaged they will be charged for that uniform, $80 for dresses and $150 for tuxedos.
Grading
Students will receive two points for attendance each class period. If student is tardy they will only receive one point for that class period. Unexcused absences will result in no points for that class period. If a student has 7 excused absences, on the eighth absence they will not receive points for excused absences or participation points.
Each class period students will receive 3 points for full participation. If for some reason the student does not oblige with the statements made in this handbook they can lose a point or points. This is part of their participation grade. If a student is absent excused or unexcused they will not receive participation points. Since choir is based upon full participation it is imperative that students are in class to receive participation points.
Performance exams will happen periodically during the year and happen during the rehearsal. The director will form quartets within the group and each group will perform a piece of music the choir has been working on. The grade is based in four areas: how well one knows the song, music marking, tone quality, and overall improvement since the previous performance exam.
Students will also periodically have written assignments and quizzes throughout the school year.
Being tardy or absence to a performance will lower the student’s grade.
Grades will be based on the following areas in all ensembles:
Attendance and Daily Participation 50%
Performance Exams, Quizzes, and Written Assignments 15%
Performances 35%
93 – 100 A 73 – 76 C
90 – 92 A- 70 – 72 C-
87 – 89 B+ 67 – 69 D+
83 – 86 B 63 – 66 D
80 – 82 B- 60 – 62 D-
77 – 79 C+ 59 and below
Awards
Director’s Award (hs)
Awarded to the most outstanding member in the ensemble based on musicianship, leadership qualities, attendance, service to the school, and attitude. Usually given to a senior.
Most Outstanding 9, 10, 11, & 12 Member (hs)
Awarded to the most outstanding member in each grade based on musicianship, leadership qualities, attendance, service to the school, and attitude.
Most Improved Member (hs)
Awarded to the most improved member in the ensemble who has shown improvement throughout the year.
First Year Recognition (certificate – hs and ms)
Awarded to students who completed one entire school year of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Second Year Recognition (choir pin – hs and ms)
Awarded to students who completed two entire school years of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Third Year Recognition (choir letter - hs)
Awarded to students who completed three entire school years of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Fourth Year Recognition (engraved keychain - hs)
Awarded to students who completed four entire school years of choir and maintained at least 3.0 GPA in choir and showed effort and achievement throughout the year.
Officers (hs only)
The officers listed below form a council for the ensemble, which meets on a monthly basis with the director to discuss various aspects of the organization such as tour planning, fund raising, artistic improvement, social activities, concert PR, and recruitment.
Brief job descriptions for each office are as follows:
President:
1. In charge of conducting monthly meetings and consultations with the director.
2. Communicating and consulting with other officers and other members.
3. Leads the other officers in publicity and planning.
4. Takes attendance and rehearsals and concerts.
Social Vice-President:
1. Assists the president and will preside over the meetings when the president is absent.
2. Plans social activities for the school year.
Secretary:
1. Responsible for all council correspondence and minutes.
2. Gathers articles for newsletter and yearbook.
3. Keeps calendar, student directory, and information sheets current.
4. Responsible for thank-you notes after performances, etc.
Librarian:
1. Oversees issuing, distributing, collecting, and repairing music and folders.
2. Processes new music and maintains an orderly library and folder storage area.
Section Leaders:
1. Represents their section and serves as a bridge between the members-at-large and the council.
2. Responsible for musical improvement of their section as assigned by the director.
Communication
Director:
Communication between the director and the students/families is crucial. I welcome parents and students questions about chorus activities. Please utilize the choir web site, add yourself to the choir mailing list using the form in this packet, and ask your child for letters for updates.
School Phone: (269) 473 - 0564
Email: [email protected]
Ways Parents Can Help:
The choir programs need the support/participation of the parents. Help from the parents will make choir events easier for the adults and more fun for the students. Below are some ways parents can help.
1. Attend all performances
2. Chaperone Trips
3. Volunteer to help with fundraisers, measuring for uniforms, etc
4. Help students be on time for rehearsals/performances
5. Take pictures and send them to the director
6. Encourage/praise the efforts of each student
7. Be a good example of appropriate audience behavior.
8. Support chorus fundraisers.
9. Come to parent-teacher conferences.
Fundraising:
The choirs will participate in fundraising through the year. The money we raise will be used to pay for music, bus transportation, uniforms, accompanists, awards, hospitality, clinician fees, and much more. The director requests that each student does his or her part.
What is M.S.V.M.A.?
MSVMA is the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. This is the state school organization that we will participate with throughout the whole year. Festivals or large group activities include the following.
Honors Choir
MSVMA has established an honors choir program that, at the high school level, features SSAA, TTBB, and SATB Choirs every year, directed by in-state conductors. In addition, a High School All-State Choir will be presented at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May. Membership into all honors choirs is open by audition to students from schools holding a current MSVMA membership. Those auditioning must be members in good standing in their school’s vocal music program. Students interested in auditioning should talk to the instructor immediately. When you audition you sing in front of one adjudicator by singing a memorized piece a cappella and sight-singing a short exercise. Students are assigned a point score in the categories of tone, memorization, intonation, phrasing, diction and vocal technique. The top scoring students are selected for honors choir. There are three honor choirs that happen throughout the year and you have to audition for all of them sequentially, Regional Honors Choir, State Honors Choir, and All-State Honors Choir. Students are required to pay the entrance fee.
Solo and Ensemble
Solo and Ensemble is where students can perform for adjudicators as soloists or in smaller ensembles. As soloists students prepare 2 contrasting numbers and perform them for an adjudicator. There is no sight-reading at the district level, but there is at the State level. Soloists may elect for a rating or for comments only. Students are required to pay the entrance fee and make arrangements to practice outside of class. Ensembles can be formed, but students must be willing to put in extra time to practice outside of class. If you receive a I at districts than you can move on to State.
Choral Festival
All members in choir will participate in choral festival if they demonstrate good behavior at school. If members in choir receive ISS or OSS from the school between January and May they will not participate in festival. At Districts, in March, the choir will perform two pieces for three adjudicators and receive a rating. The choir will also sight-read for a rating. If the combination of the two scores equals a First Division score then the choir can choose to go to State in May. At State the choir will perform three pieces one being a cappella. There is no sight-reading at the State level.
Music with a Sacred Text:
1. Choral music educators recognize that choral music may fulfill diverse objectives. At one end of the spectrum are aesthetic education and artistic performance that can insure development of musicality and sensitivity. At the opposite end of the spectrum is pure entertainment. Between these two poles may be found opportunities to enhance knowledge and understanding through a growing awareness and perspective of history and art as reflected in great music. To achieve any selected educational objective, the quality of repertoire is of paramount importance.
2. An assessment of the quality of repertoire which can fulfill the highest objectives of aesthetic education necessitates careful examination of the relationship of text and musical setting. The wealth of choral literature which represents and reflects peoples, cultures, and traditions of all lands and compositional styles of all eras includes much music in which the composer has utilized a sacred text. The term "sacred" refers to all manner of religious belief and not only to the practices of the Judeo-Christian teachings. It is important that almost all of the significant choral music composed before the 17th century was associated with a sacred text.
3. To study and perform music in which the musical setting of a text is artistically accomplished is a highly commendable objective. While public school teaching objectives and criteria for repertoire selection should not include religious indoctrination, the selection of quality repertoire will invariably include within its broad scope music with a sacred text. To exclude from a public school curriculum all choral music which has religious meaning associated with the text is to severely limit the possibilities of teaching for artistic understanding and responsiveness. Such an exclusion has as its parallel the study of art without any paintings related to the various religions of the world, the study of literature without mention of the Bible, or the study of architecture without reference to the great temples and cathedrals of the world.
4. Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire representative of the choral medium and the history of music, it should have an important place in music education. Its study and artistic performance have nothing to do with the First Amendment to the Constitution and the doctrine which advocates separation of Church and State.
The National Board of Directors of the American Choral Directors Association has endorsed this statement.