Highland Park High School Choir Handbook and Calendar. Natalie Walker Director of Choral Music

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1 Highland Park High School Choir Handbook and Calendar Natalie Walker Director of Choral Music Neal Patel Assistant Director of Choral Music

2 Welcome to HPHS Choir! We welcome you to the Highland Park High School Choral Program! You have chosen to participate in a program that has an established reputation of educational, performance, and competition successes while having loads of fun! These accomplishments have been reached because of the diligent work of so many who have come before you. With more than 150 students, the Choir at HPHS is one of the largest, most well known, and highly regarded organizations at this school, along with football, Belles, Band, etc. Please respect our tradition of excellence and have fun!!! Objective Through a balanced repertoire of high quality music representing diverse genres and eras, students will learn the versatility to perform music in a stylistically appropriate manner, with emphasis on accuracy, consistency, and the highest potential quality. A high emphasis is placed on music literacy, the backbone of any learned musician. The student will also learn to craft intelligent critical evaluations of performances. Each student enrolled in HPHS Choirs will be challenged to develop his/her abilities to their fullest potential while learning and enjoying quality musical literature and developing personal qualities that grow through our quest for excellence together. School Supplied Materials All Music Sight-reading Materials Choir Folder Students are responsible for the maintenance and accountability of all school supplied materials, just as they are responsible for textbooks in other classes. Lost or damaged music and/or folders must be paid for by the student. Required Materials PENCIL - markings made in music must be non-permanent Calendar Box of Kleenex Recommended Materials McGill, Stan and H. Morris Stevens, Jr. 90 Days to Sightreading Success: A Singer s Resource for Competitive Sightsinging. Houston, Texas: AMC Publications, McGill, Stan and H. Morris Stevens, Jr. Another 90 Days to Sightreading Success: A Singer s Resource for Competitive Sightsinging. Houston, Texas: AMC Publications, 2008.

3 CHARMS Charms Music is a website that supports our choir department. All updated choir and booster club information and ALL communication is sent through this website. Please visit TODAY!!!! It is very important that you take a moment to update all personal & contact information! HOW TO UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION: Go to and click ENTER on the far right corner Click Parents/Students/Members School Code: HPHSChoir Students Area Password: Your HPHS ID# followed by the letters HPHS. (Ex: HPHS) Please ONLY use this format for your password so that we will be able to manage the accounts easily. Daily Rehearsal Expectations 1) Respect your director & the people around you. This is a team sport! 2) Follow directions and maintain a positive attitude throughout rehearsal. 3) Be on the risers by the time the bell rings. Being tardy will affect your daily participation grade. 4) Leave personal belongings off the risers this includes books, backpacks, purses, etc. 5) Folder, music, sight-reading materials, and pencil IN HAND EVERY day! 6) Take care of your folder & your music. If you leave your folder out and we have to pick it up, it will remain in folder jail. The cost to BAIL OUT your folder is $1 which will go to the Choir Room Stuff fund - aka - Kleenex, expo markers, etc. 7) Hard work is our expectation it is not optional. 8) If you are sick or are unable to actively participate in class, notify your director before class begins so that your grade isn t affected, and remain focused during rehearsal. 9) No food, drink, or gum allowed on the risers (with the exception of bottled water.) 10) Choir students are expected to be model citizens inside AND outside of the choir room. 11) Daily attendance is expected. An absence can be made up for grading purposes, but the rehearsal missed and PROGRESS made cannot be recaptured. *** Please see the Attendance Policy for further clarification. 12) STAY INFORMED!!! Update your calendar!!! Listen in class! Check Read the boards daily for announcements! Check the calendar on the wall! It s super important that you know when, where, and what is going on in this program!

4 Grading Procedures Although laughter and fun is a big part of the choral experience, that does not mean an easy A. It takes diligent, hard-work to maintain the standard of excellence known as the Highland Park High School Choral Department. Grades are an important part of choral music education. Tutorials are offered at a variety of times and can be arranged by making a morning or afternoon appointment. Grades will be determined by the following: Class Contribution Minor Grades (40%) DAILY PARTICIPATION/COOPERATION Each student has the opportunity to make a 100 during each week that the class meets. Weekly grades are assessed per rehearsal and include such areas as tardiness, having materials ready, cooperation, rehearsal focus, positive attitudes, etc. (See Participation Grading Code at the end of the page) DAILY ATTENDANCE (See Attendance Policy) REQUIRED EXTRA REHEARSALS WRITTEN WORK / RECORDED WORK FOLDER CHECKS Evaluation Major Grades (60%) CONCERT ATTENDANCE REQUIRED EXTRA REHEARSALS AURAL TESTS (See Sightreading Grading Code) WRITTEN TESTS PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS EXTRA CREDIT See Extra Credit Chart for full list of opportunities *** All Varsity Choir members are required to earn a minimum of 50 extra credit points per year in order to maintain membership. SUMMER ALL-STATE CHOIR CAMPS ALL-DISTRICT PARTICIPATION (REQUIRED AT THE VARSITY LEVEL) MUSICAL PARTICIPATION SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST PARTICIPATION Director Approved Events WEEKLY PARTICIPATION GRADING CODE All choir students will receive 100 participation points per week if the following criteria are met. Failure to meet these expectations on a daily basis will result in the loss of five points, per offense. On time to class, on risers when the bell rings Materials in hand: pencil, music, sight-reading, etc. On task during rehearsal NO cell phones during rehearsal, unless instructed by your teacher! No homework, books, gum, food, etc. during rehearsal. No discipline and/or behavior issues during rehearsal Attendance (please see Attendance Policy for details)

5 SIGHT-READING GRADING CODE For each sight-reading exam, three points will be deducted per error. Please note that students always have the opportunity to re-take sight-reading tests. 1. Rhythm 2. Ascending Steps 3. Descending Steps 4. Ascending Skips 5. Descending Skips 6. Changed Keys 7. Lost Tonality 8. Say Name First 9. Practice 10. Started Over 11. Solfege Syllables (1pt. each) Attendance & Eligibility Policies As a member of HPHS Choirs, students have an obligation to fellow choir members to be present for all rehearsals (during school and outside of school) and to participate in all concerts and performances. Outside of School Attendance: Students are informed of sectionals, rehearsals, and concert dates and times well in advance. These events are required and graded. Students are excused from these times only in the event of illness, family emergency, or conflicting school activity. It is up to the student to communicate other school conflicts to the director, with a cooperative spirit, AS SOON AS the conflict is known (please refer to the Kiltie for conflict policies). Excused absences may be made up for credit by scheduling outside of school make-up time with your director and possibly performing for your class. Unexcused absences from outside of school events will result in a reduction of grade, and possible removal from performance opportunities. Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to work, transportation issues, driver s education, dance class, college visits, non-school sponsored activities, etc. During School Attendance: An absence from choir will result in a loss of 20 points per day on the weekly participation grade. If the absence is considered excused by the office, the student can choose to make up the grade for the day. To make up a class period missed, students should schedule a meeting with their director within 48 hours of each absence to discuss make-up work. Eligibility: All students are expected to have excellent daily attendance at school. Attendance leads to passing grades in classes! That being said, choir students must remain academically eligible throughout the school year to ensure full participation in all events and activities sponsored by the choral program to include UIL Competitions and Spring Choir trips. If a choir student fails a six weeks in ANY class, they will be required to show proof of tutorial attendance and weekly progress reports to their director. A student who fails more then two six weeks of a year will not be eligible for membership in a Varsity Choir the next year. Additionally, please note that eligibility for Choir Tour in January is determined by the 3 rd Six Weeks grading period. It is NOT determined by the semester grade.

6 Concert Attire FORMAL PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Men: You will receive information regarding tuxedo rental. Measurements will be taken during class and a tux assigned to each individual. Your tuxedo will include the jacket, bowtie, cummerbund, and slacks. Students are responsible for providing a white tuxedo shirt with wing-tip collar, black socks and black dress shoes. Shirt information will be provided and tux rental will take place in September. Tux Rental Fee $55.00 Women: You will be fitted for the uniform black concert dress during class. Students must provide black, closed-toe dress shoes that are appropriate for a formal dress - no sandals, flip-flops, or chunky shoes! Simple rings, earrings, and watches may be worn, but no necklaces. Further dress information will be provided. Dress Fee $56.00 INFORMAL ATTIRE: In addition to the above, there may be occasions where the choir wears an informal uniform (L&L polos, Choir T-shirts). In such cases, each student is expected to wear the appropriate attire and dress in a dignified manner. The HPHS Choir Booster Club will be providing all HPHS Choir Students with a department t-shirt! All students are expected to sport the OFFICIAL HPHS CHOIR SHIRT on all concert days, competition days, and to all other specified events. Choir Booster Club FIRST BOOSTER CLUB MEETING Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 6:30 pm, HPHS Cafeteria!!! The Choir Booster Club is comprised of parents who support the choir program and its directors. They are willing to get involved in one of a variety of ways to assist us! There is a place and a need for all parents with students in all choirs to lend their talents and ideas. Parents are invited to attend the first Booster Club meeting in the HPHS Cafeteria on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Please join us and bring your Booster Club Membership Form, located in the Handouts Folder at Choir Calendar Please see the attached calendar for important dates and required performances. The calendar is accurate and complete as of Monday, August 22 nd. However, dates may be changed, added, or removed in a timely manner. Each student is expected to STAY INFORMED and maintain a personal calendar with the attached calendar and all additional dates! If there are conflicts already known, please report them to the director IN WRITING immediately. Always communicate conflicts with your director as soon as it arises!

7 HPHS Choir Individual Lesson Program The HPHS Choral Department will again offer Individual Lessons to students desiring intensive supplemental training and vocal practice during the school year. REQUIREMENTS It is the student s responsibility to arrive at the lesson on time, prepared to work, and with appropriate materials. The choral directors and instructors will not issue reminders to students. Music used during voice lessons will be provided by the student. After determining appropriate repertoire and selecting music with the vocal instructor, the student may be required to purchase music. Students who sign up for ILP will commit to lessons for a full calendar year. Should lessons be terminated before the year is over, the student will be responsible for paying 50% of the remaining contract year to the teacher. Students enrolled in the ILP will present a Solo & Ensemble piece for competition, and a Vocal Recital during the Spring Semester. Students are expected to participate as both performer and an audience member during recitals. SCHEDULING A student requesting lessons through the ILP will be given a 25-minute lesson once a week from an approved vocal instructor. Lessons will be taught in the vocal studios located near the main Choir Room. Lessons will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis: during choir class, lunch periods, study halls, or after school. Should it be necessary to cancel a scheduled lesson, the student must contact the instructor one day before the missed lesson to request a make up. A student who fails to report to a lesson, or cancels the day of a scheduled lesson, may receive a make up at the discretion of the instructor, but must pay the cost of the missed lesson. PAYMENT The cost of each lesson is $20.00 and is payable directly to the student s instructor. The student is responsible for remitting payment in a timely fashion, according to the individual instructor s policy. A student who fails to pay the instructor in accordance with their policy, may not receive vocal instruction until the account is current. A student who consistently fails to keep his/her account current may be asked to leave the Individual Lesson Program. Understand that our ability to attract and maintain a quality instructional staff is contingent upon teaching quality music to interested students. The Individual Lesson Program is considered supplemental to the students participation in the Highland Park Choral Department and is not a requirement for enrolling in Choir. This program provides an incredible opportunity for musical growth. We highly recommend any opportunity for private voice study!

8 HPHS Choral Department Individual Lesson Program Registration Name Grade Choir Phone Parent Name Parent Phone Parent CLASS SCHEDULE 1 st Period 2 nd Period 3 rd Period 4 th Period 5 th Period 6 th Period 7 th Period 8 th Period Requested Instructor? Are you willing to take a lesson during your lunch/off period? Yes No *** Due to the large number of students that sign up for private lessons, this is an important factor especially if you are requesting a specific instructor. Are you currently taking lessons with a non-hphs voice teacher? Yes No If yes, who do you study with? Additional comments or requests: I have read the attached information concerning the Individual Lesson Program and request that my son/daughter receive weekly lessons. I understand that the cost of each lesson is $20.00 and is paid directly to the instructor. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date Return to Ms. Walker or Mr. Patel by Friday, August 26 th, 2016

9 SCHOOL ID # FIRST NAME LAST NAME ADDRESS CITY ZIP CODE HOME PHONE STUDENT MOTHER S NAME FATHER S NAME PARENT S TMEA District/Region/State Auditions Intent to Audition Due on FRIDAY!!! September 2, 2016 VOICE PART Soprano 1 Soprano 2 Alto 1 Alto 2 GRADE AGE GENDER HEIGHT TIME PREFERENCE (FOR SCHOOL-RELATED CONFLICTS ONLY!) Tenor 1 Tenor 2 Bass 1 Bass 2 Circle One: AM PM I would like to audition for the All-District Choir on September 24 th. I understand that I must first pass the HPHS mock audition round - which will be held September 7, 8, and 9. I understand that I must be academically eligible in order to audition. I have entered all audition and performance dates in my calendar and I agree to participate in all auditions and choirs for which I qualify. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: Return to Ms. Walker or Mr. Patel by Friday, September 2, 2016.

10 Name Current Choir ***50pts a year required of Varsity Choir Members Highland Park High School Choir Department Extra Credit Points Tracker Private Voice Lessons 5pts. per six weeks Voice Studio Recital Performance 5pts. Which Six Weeks? Voice teacher s name? Date of voice recital: Date of voice recital: TMEA All-State Auditions All-State Choir Camp 20pts. HPHS Mock Auditions 10pts. All-District Audition 10pts. All-Region Audition 10pts. All-Region/District Choir Concert Member 15pts. Pre-Area Audition 10pts. Area Audition 10pts. All-State Choir Member 25pts. 9/10 Treble/Tenor-Bass Mock Audition 10pts. 9/10 Treble/Tenor-Bass Audition 10pts. 9/10 Treble/Tenor-Bass Region Choir 15pts. HPHS Fall Musical Grease Cast Member 20pts. Attended Performance 5pts. ACDA HONOR CHOIR Record & Submit Tape 10pts. Honor Choir Member 25pts. Solo & Ensemble Competition Performed a Solo 10pts. 1 st Division Rating 5pts. State Solo & Ensemble 15pts. Donated box of Kleenex to the Choir Room! 3 pts National anthem & other solo performances Please list date and event - 5pts. each Date: Event: Date: Event: Date: Event: Date: Event: Non HPHS Concert or Performance Attendance Please describe event 2-5pts: Director s discretion. Event #1 Event #2 Event #3 Event #4

11 HPHS Choral Department Handbook Acknowledgement I have read the HPHS Choral Handbook in its entirety and I understand the expectations and consequences outlined therein. I have entered all dates and deadlines in my personal calendar and have updated all my information on Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: CHOIR TO DO by Friday, August 26 REQUIRED o Print, sign, and return the Handbook Acknowledgement Form Page 11 of Handbook o Put all Choir calendar dates in your calendar! The Choir calendar is located on CHARMS and on the back of this page! o Print the Extra Credit Tracker and put it in your Choir Folder Page 10 of Handbook OPTIONAL o Print, sign, and return the Individual Lesson Program Registration if you are interested in taking private voice lessons through our in-school program, Page 7-8 of Handbook o Print, sign, and return the Intent to Audition Form mandatory for all of Lads & Lassies and all other students planning to audition for the All-District Audition on September 24 th Page 9 of Handbook. o Print, sign, and return Booster Club Membership Form, located in the HANDOUTS folder on CHARMS Parents, please join us for our first Booster Club meeting on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria! 11