CHORAL HANDBOOK UPPER ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL UAHS VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT ERIC KAUFFMAN, DIRECTOR AMY LEACOCK, DIRECTOR / ACCOMPANIST

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1 UPPER ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL HANDBOOK UAHS VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT ERIC KAUFFMAN, DIRECTOR ext AMY LEACOCK, DIRECTOR / ACCOMPANIST aleacock@uaschools.org ext.2054 A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS

2 Students and Parents, Welcome to the Upper Arlington High School Choral Program! We are excited for everything that the vocal music area has in store for this year as we continue the program s tradition of musical excellence. We look forward to meeting all of the family members at our concerts, booster meetings, and open house (Wednesday, September 6). Students, our overarching goal in the choral department is to give you the tools to become self-sufficient musicians so that, post-graduation, you have the ability to continue singing successfully in whatever capacity you choose. As such, we will not only be preparing music for concerts, but also learning the foundations of sight-singing, theory, and history to support our performances. Becoming musically literate and wellversed opens so many exciting doors, and we are eager to assist in empowering you in that way! This handbook has been created to inform you of all of the events in which the choral students will be involved. Our hope is that your questions and concerns will be addressed here. We understand that communication between students, parents, and directors is of the utmost importance if we are to maintain our level of excellence. Parents, please take the time to read through the handbook and discuss its contents with your student. After you are finished reading, please click on the link, or find the icon on our homepage, and register your family s information by September 1 st. You can also find a calendar of events for the year, and this calendar should be printed out and signed and turned in with your $35 choral fee no later than Running an organization with over 300 students is an expensive, but incredibly worthwhile, investment. Again, we are very excited for this year, and we look forward to working with you! -Mr. Kauffman and Mrs. Leacock CALENDAR -Open house is Wed UA Vocal Music Booster meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at 7:30pm beginning Visit for more information CHORAL FEE - $35 Each student will be provided a 3-ring binder, dry cleaned choir robe and stole or glee club / chorus jacket and tie. The fee also assists in covering the expense of having an events photographer for Encore! and the musical. Please make checks payable to the UA Vocal Music Boosters.

3 BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS All students are responsible for reading and abiding by the Students Rights and Responsibilities. In addition, conduct in the choral area is as follows: 1. Have a teachable positive attitude. 2. No food, beverages, or gum in rehearsal or performance areas. 3. Students will be in assigned seats with music folder and pencil by the designated time. Backpacks and other belongings that are not needed for choir should be placed underneath your seat. 4. Rehearsal time is for rehearsal only. No exceptions. 5. Stay seated and quiet during rehearsal. Be respectful of those who are trying to learn. If you have a question, please wait to be called on before speaking or getting out of your seat. Remember - you are dismissed by the teacher, not the clock. 6. Use the restroom before or after class. Only in cases of emergency will passes be given. 7. Respect school property. Be proud of our room and facilities. If you drop something, pick it up. If you move something, put it back where you found it when you re done. 8. Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others as you yourself want to be treated! Disruption or any kind of misbehavior may result in one or more of the following consequences: 1. Verbal warning and loss of participation points 2. Detention 3. Parental phone conference 4. Office referral 5. Removal from class / choral program IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES In class each day, we will typically do two or more of the following: Daily warm-ups / vocal exercises, sight - reading / rhythm reading, singing choral arrangements from sheet music, listening exercises, and theory worksheets. Every student should keep a pencil in their (provided) 3-ring binder containing everything presented in class (music, completed worksheets, calendar, notes, etc.) A cabinet in which you can keep your folder will be made available for you, should you choose to use it.

4 GRADES = SKILLS BASED GRADING Participation (Approximately 50% of 9-week grade): Students will be given a daily class grade based on their participation and readiness for class. This means coming to class with all materials (yes, this includes both your music and your pencil) and actively participating in the singing process in order to receive full credit. Glee Clubs / Chorus: Missing from glee club / chorus only is considered an unexcused absence. You are only excused from glee club / chorus if you are officially excused through the attendance office from 1st period on. Written Tests / Quizzes and Sight-Reading and Part-Reading Tests / Quizzes (Approximately 20% of 9-week grade): Students will be learning about note-reading, musical expression, musical terms, correct singing techniques, etc., and will be tested at various times throughout the year. Students will also be tested on pitch and rhythmic accuracy, using sightreading examples, as well as the songs we are preparing throughout the year. Performances (Approximately 30% of 9-week grade) Our performances are where we share our hard work with friends and family. If a student is going to miss a performance for any reason, a note or from his/her parent should be given to the directors at least two weeks in advance. If a performance is missed for an unexpected emergency, the student must present a note or from his/her parent the next school day. Everyone is encouraged to make performances a priority! Bonus Points UAHS choral students are encouraged to attend local choral concerts. A list of area high school and college concerts will be posted on the bulletin board in the music hallway. Students will earn bonus points for each concert they attend. In order to receive points, the student must present a brief oral overview of the concert to Mr. Kauffman or Mrs. Leacock the following school day, in addition to bringing in a program from the concert signed by a parent.

5 AUDITION PROCESS Generally, auditions will be observed by a panel of people. The directors will make a final decision in case of a tie. We encourage you to audition for any and all opportunities, and our greatest wish is that you will be supportive of others auditioning and accepting of the decisions that are made. Auditions are not based on seniority or overall involvement in the choral program. Our goal is to fairly assess the talents of each person auditioning and place them both where they will most develop musically, and where they will benefit the choral department. OFFICERS We welcome student input and encourage students to take ownership in the program through a leadership role. The choir officer s primary function is to act as a voice for the group. Officers are elected by their peers and should always focus on supporting the positive learning environment we are trying to create. If an officer is not fulfilling the expectations of their office, they will be considered for replacement from that office. UNIFORMS Professional appearance is a sign of pride for any fine musical organization. Therefore, we have established a uniform to be worn at all UAHS performances, and the guideline for that attire is as follows: (Provided by the school) Men s Glee Club Jacket and Tie and/or Choral Department Robe and Stole Men: White button-down dress shirt Black dress pants (no jeans!) Black socks Black dress shoes Women: White blouse (no t-shirt) Black dress pants (no jeans or leggings) Black flats or character shoes with no more than a 1 1/2 heel Small jewelry (or none at all) - Ensemble members are to wear their designated attire for the year and to add the robe and stole for the Symphonic Choir portion of the program - Men s Glee/Chorus members will perform without the robe or stole - Please note that if a student is not dressed in the appropriate attire, he/she will not be allowed to participate in the performance.

6 COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Freshmen Choir (Level 1) Course # No Prerequisite Membership is open to all Freshman boys and girls wanting to sing, regardless of ability level. The course is designed to address the beginning levels of vocal technique and musicianship. It is important to note that this course is designed to still allow freshmen a study hall at least two days a week while the directors work independently with other sections of the Freshmen Choir. The Freshmen Choir will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year. Concert Chorale (Level 2) Course #4911 The course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and musicianship. Membership is open primarily to 10th and 11th graders who are still developing their musical knowledge base while continuing to develop a healthy vocal technique that will facilitate more challenging literature. The Concert Chorale will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year. Men s Glee (Level 2) Course # Designed for freshmen / sophomores Women s Glee (Level 2) Course # Designed for freshmen / sophomores Men s Chorus (Level 3) Course # Designed for juniors / seniors Women s Chorus (Level 3) Course # Designed for juniors /seniors This course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and musicianship. These ensembles are a great answer for students whose schedule is completely full, but still want to be involved in a singing ensemble. The courses meet two days a week before school. This also enables members of the band and orchestra departments to be involved in choral music. Literature is chosen specifically for SSA, SSAA, TTB, or TTBB voicings. All groups will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year. Symphonic Choir (Level 3) Course # Prerequisite 1-2 years of HS music or equivalent as determined by the director This course is an intermediate to advanced level performance group. The course is designed to improve the singers vocal techniques and build upon the intermediate to advance musicianship level. The Symphonic Choir will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year.

7 Vocal Ensemble (Level 4) Course # Prerequisite 1-2 years of HS music or equivalent as determined by the director Membership is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors by audition only. The Vocal Ensemble is an extension of the Symphonic Choir (all VE members must also participate in the Symphonic Choir) and will allow advanced vocal students to rehearse and perform music at a higher technical and artistic level. Members must have the ability to sing alone and yet blend with the ensemble. Several programs throughout the year will require the participants to dance as well as sing. The Vocal Ensemble performs evening concerts during the year for school and community events, as well as festivals and district / state contests throughout the year. VOCAL MUSIC BOOSTERS Parent support is a vital part of a successful choral program. Throughout the year, there are a variety of opportunities to assist with the boosters activities. Chaperones are always needed for daytime and evening choral activities, as well as for social events. Parents also play a key role in successful fundraisers. If you would like to help at any time during the school year, it is important to get involved with our Vocal Music Booster Organization. Newsletters will also be sent home to you to keep you informed about volunteer opportunities. President: Kristy Glaser knglaser@columbus.rr.com Vice-President: Ronna Porterfield The4porterfields@gmail.com Secretary: Deb Amling damling@gmail.com Treasurer: Mary Froehlich MJ.Frogirl@gmail.com Past President s Council: Kathleen Bellamy Kittybells5@gmail.com

8 THE CHORAL CORNER The Year in Preview. The school year is sure to be full of great musical growth for our students. Mrs. Leacock and I are greatly looking forward to a very bright and exciting school year. It is our mission to create musical opportunities that will challenge our students to achieve the status of a self-sufficient musician. Our first concert season will begin later than usual on Friday, November 10 th, Saturday, November 11th, and Sunday afternoon, November 12 th with our Fall Follies Stars & Stripes Forever production. The Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. The Stars & Stripes Forever theme was intentionally scheduled during Veteran s Day weekend so that the excitement and enthusiasm of a cast of nearly 300 students can honor and entertain our veterans and current military personnel. Follies will be performed in the style of a true Vaudeville show with music celebrating our American heritage, complete with a script and narrator. And let s not forget the variety of talented specialty acts, so each night is a completely different show! Since Fall Follies is so much later in the season and centered around Veteran s Day, we will not have enough turn-around time to get a Winter Choral Concert ready. On the positive side, this gives us plenty of time to adequately prepare for our midterm choral exam without the added stress and pressure of getting a performance ready. Seasonal favorites can still be heard on Friday, December 1st at the Vocal Ensemble Preview concert, and on Saturday, December 2nd at the Choral Caroling Canvass as the singers make their way throughout the neighborhoods of UA spreading joy and good cheer! If you love musical theater then you won t want to miss the music, dance, laughs, and the age-old tale of Boy Meets Girl as no musical puts it on stage better than ANYTHING GOES! A hilarious shipboard romp, wrapped around one of Cole Porter s most magical scores, ANYTHING GOES is Delightful, Delicious, and De-Lovely. The show is full of famous musical theater hits such as It s De-Lovely, Friendship, I Get A Kick Out Of You, All Through The Night, Anything Goes, You re The Top and Blow, Gabriel, Blow. Our production will run Thursday February 22nd, Friday February 23rd and Saturday February 24 th at 7:30. We will have a Sunday matinee on February 25th at 2:30. The Poetry Concert will be performed on the evening of Wednesday, March 7th at 7:30pm. The Poetry Concert is dedicated to repertoire that sets great poetic text to music, and this year we hope to continue to expand our boundaries and borders and again include some of the great poetic works from around the world in their language of origin.

9 The 16th annual Wonderful DAY of Piano Music will take place the following day (Friday, March 9th). These master classes will be given during class by the world-class pianist Dr. Tom Scott, from Cleveland, OH. He will perform on the refurbished Knabe 9 grand piano and the 9 Grotrian piano. Since it is not an East Coast Tour year to NYC for the Symphonic Choir, we will not have a ticketed evening performance. In the interest of both honoring our senior class and keeping our spring concert focused on the music, we are having the Senior Recognition and Dessert on Wednesday, May 16th at 7:00pm. The senior class will be given the opportunity to share their memorable experiences focusing on their accomplishments during their high school tenure. Senior solos and specialty acts as well as the senior video will all be performed at this event with dessert following in the lobby. Finally, we will close our time together with our Spring Concert on Thursday, May 17th at 7:00pm. The literature for this concert will be based off of the favorite genres, composers, and musical styles that our senior class has experienced during their 4 years in the program. I guess you could call it our Senior Show as the senior class of 2018 will help us choose and program all of the literature for the concert. As you can see, we have a year filled with tremendous growth music-making ahead, and this would not be possible without the tireless work of the Vocal Music Boosters. They too approach our program with determination and resiliency, support our students both spiritually and financially, and have a love and vision as equally intense as the director. The past years of success have created a bond and an expectation. A bond with many of the officers and committee chairs returning to serve again. And an expectation that is already being aggressively approached by our new Booster President Kristy Glaser and staff. I would personally like to welcome all of the board members and committee chairs to what I feel will be a most innovative and exciting year. Eric Kauffman, Choral Director ekauffman@uaschools.org ext.2053 Amy Leacock, Director / Accompanist aleacock@uaschools.org ext.2054

10 PERFORMANCE CALENDAR All Choirs: Aug. 21 7:20 am Women's Glee/Chorus (Rehearsal begins) Auditorium Aug. 22 7:20 am Men's Glee/Chorus (Rehearsal begins) Room 181 Sept. 11th In Class Choir Picture Day - (Men on Tuesday) Auditorium Sept. 11th 7:00 pm 1st Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 Sept. 20 In Class Encore! Presentations Room 183 Oct. 9th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 Nov. 8 & 9 6:00 call Fall Follies Dress Rehearsals Auditorium Nov. 10 & 11 Call TBA Fall Follies Performances Auditorium Nov. 12 1:00 call Fall Follies Performance Auditorium Nov. 13th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 Dec. 2 TBA Caroling Canvass UA Community Dec. 11th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 Jan. 8th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 Feb. 12th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 March 5th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 Mar. 7 7:30pm Poetry Concert Auditorium Mar. 9 All Day Wonderful Day of Piano Music Auditorium April 9th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 May. 14th 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 May 17 7:00pm Spring Concert Auditorium Select Choirs or Optional: Oct. 18 3:15 4:30 Follies Solo/Specialty Act Auditions Room 181 Oct. 25 3:30 4:30 Informational meeting for anyone Room 181 auditioning for Anything Goes Nov TBA Auditions for Anything Goes Room 181/Aud. Dec. 1 7:00pm Preview Concert (Vocal Ensemble) Auditorium Lobby Feb. 22, 23, 24 7:30 pm Anything Goes Auditorium Feb. 25 2:30 pm Anything Goes Auditorium May 7-15 TBA Vocal Ensemble Auditions Room 181 May 16 7:00 Vocal Music Senior Recognition and Dessert Auditorium Student Name (Please Print): Student Signature: Parent Signature: