El Dorado High School

Transcription

1 Choral Program Handbook Choral Program Handbook El Dorado High School EDHS Choral edhschoralmusic.org Page 1

2 Welcome to the EDHS Department of Choral Music Mission Statement: EDHS Choral Music is dedicated to inspiring all students to be the very best learners, individuals, and musicians they can be. It is a high level of commitment with a high level of expectation, but we believe it is worth every ounce of contribution. Expected School-Wide Learning Results: El Dorado will produce graduates who are Honorable - Hawks are individuals of visible integrity who consistently hold themselves to high standard, are accountable for their own actions, and selflessly contribute to uplifting their community Advocates - Hawks take responsibility for their own achievements and, through their deliberate action and mindful service, strive for the betterment off themselves and others Well-Rounded - Hawks pursue excellence in a wide variety of academic, extracurricular, and service activities Knowledge-Seeking - Hawks take an active role in their learning and exhibit a genuine intellectual curiosity in all disciplines Scholars - Hawks make full use of academic resources and opportunities to work toward their full potential, responding to challenges with determination and resilience. Page 2

3 Course Descriptions Concert Choir Open to ALL students, grades 9 through 12. This course is a beginning mixed (men & women) choral group (SATB & SAB). Concert Choir is designed for students to learn basic music theory and exposure to performing as large choral ensemble. This course provides students with opportunities to sing music from a wide variety of music styles including: classical, broadway, spirituals, jazz, folk, and contemporary. Students will learn about basic sight-reading, ear training, vocal production and musicianship. Outside performances and events are required including two District Concerts (Winter/Spring), School Holiday Concert (Tinsel), School Spring Concert (PRISM), Farewell Concert, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott s Berry Farm. Men s Choir Chorus : Open to ALL male students with director permission, grades 10 through 12 Men s Choir is a year-long ensemble course open to any male singer grades with director permission. This course focuses on basic vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading, and TBB choral literature for the beginning/ intermediate men s ensemble. Students will learn to sing in a variety of vocal styles, including classical, broadway, spirituals, jazz, folk, and contemporary. This course also integrates Guitar. Outside performances and events are required including two District Concerts (Winter/Spring), School Holiday Concert, School Spring Concert (PRISM), Farewell Concert, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott s Berry Advanced Women s Ensemble Treble Chorus : Open to female students by audition, grades 10 through 12 Advanced Women s Ensemble is a year-long ensemble course open by audition only to women grades This is an intermediate course focusing on SSA and SSAA literature from all periods of music history. Students develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills, sight reading training, and the interpretation of women s choral literature. The students are expected to match pitch, excel in sight-singing skills, and present collegiate level performances. They are required to attend Choir Camp the week before school begins in which students fine tune concert skills, prepare for festivals, and learn to work together as a team. This ensemble performs for all school concerts, festivals, community events, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott s Berry Farm. Prerequisites: All students are selected by audition according to their musical proficiency, vocal ability and motivation. Must have director s approval. Vocal Ensemble : Open to students by audition, grades 10th through 12 The EDHS Vocal Ensemble is a year-long ensemble course open to advanced male and female singers by audition only in grades Students are expected to be the top choral musicians at El Dorado while continuing to develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills. Students study and perform advanced literature for mixed ensembles. The students are expected to match pitch, excel in sight-singing skills, and present collegiate level performances. Private lessons, especially over the summer are encouraged and highly recommended. They are required to attend Choir Camp the week before school begins in which students fine tune concert skills, prepare for festivals, and learn to work together as a team. This ensemble performs for all school concerts, festivals, community events, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott s Berry Farm. Prerequisites: All students are selected by audition according to their musical proficiency, vocal ability and motivation. Must have director s approval. Page 3

4 Expectations ----> E X C E L L E N C E Student Expectations The expectations for this group are very high. Being a high quality ensemble requires a much higher standard of excellence all around. Every singer is so critical to the success of this ensemble! 1.) Attendance & Punctuality Concert/Class attendance and participation is expected from all members because everyone is important to the ensemble. Everyone is essential. As a result, the only allowable excused absence from a Concert/Rehearsal is due to illness, doctor appointment, family emergency or school-related activity on rare occasions. Student communication with the director is of utmost importance. We will try to avoid all conflicts with games, matches, competitions or tournaments if possible. In the event of a school conflict, Mr. Yoder and the coach or other teacher will work together to create an equitable, viable option for the student. WORK IS NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR MISSING REHEARSALS OR PERFORMANCES. Schedules will be arranged well in advance of events. School must take precedence over work. Punctuality is essential for creating an environment of mutual respect. In order to respect the time of the director and the ensemble, it is the standard to arrive at all call times or rehearsals on time. This means students should arrive early to be prepared to begin sound checks and rehearsals on time. 2.) Attire & Presentation If we want to be taken seriously and be seen as a group of great integrity and excellence, we must act that way. We must take on the characteristics that we want to be known for and walk in that character. We always work/perform as well as we look and feel. Each group will be given a detailed info sheet on performance attire for that ensemble. Students who are improperly dressed may forfeit the opportunity to perform and lose all possible points for that performance. 3.) Attitude Performances and class time are meant to be a safe place where we work together toward a common goal. Come with a positive attitude, ready to encourage and love each other in the process. 1. BE ON TIME 2. BE PREPARED 3. BE RESPECTFUL 4. BE YOUR BEST 4.) Effectiveness Above all else, we are looking to touch lives through music, a medium that we all love and are passionate about. This is NOT about competing or outdoing, but rather contributing to the building of a healthy choir classroom environment. *All students and parents are required to sign Choral Program Contract committing to compliance with the above expectations. Page 4

5 Grading Policy PARTICIPATION 50% Choral Music is a participation-based class. Each student receives 10 points maximum for participation every school day (50 points for a 5-day week). If a student is tardy, 5 points are deducted from that day s participation total (5 point maximum). If a student exhibits any of the following at anytime during a class period, the student will receive ZERO points for that day. Eating while singing, or instead of singing Sleeping instead of singing Doing another teacher s assigned work (or homework) while singing or instead of singing Socializing / talking instead of singing Not singing when you re supposed to (yes some students just sit there with closed mouth) Sitting in the wrong section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) Any other activity, including misbehaving, instead of singing And any UNEXCUSED ABSENCE will also result in ZERO points for that day. FIRST SEMESTER QUARTER & SEMESTER EXAMS 25% There will be two exams first semester (none second semester). One the last week of the first quarter, and one during first semester finals week. Each exam will count 25% of the quarter and semester grades. EXTRA/DRESS REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES - 25% Rehearsals scheduled outside of a student s class period, and concerts/performances, are mandatory attendance. An UNEXCUSED absence from a DRESS REHEARSAL, or extra rehearsal, lowers the overall letter grade for the SEMESTER one full letter grade (ex: B to C). An UNEXCUSED absence from a concert/performance lowers the overall letter grade for the SEMESTER two full letter grades (ex: B to D). So whatever grade the student has after participation points and exams are calculated, then the rehearsals and performance grades are added in. Obviously, there are extenuating circumstances possible that allow for an EXCUSED absence from a dress/extra rehearsal or concert/performance. These include hospitalization, funeral, and a MAJOR illness. Most excused absences from a rehearsal or performance will result in the student being assigned a five-page essay paper to turn into Mr. Yoder. Page 5

6 Discipline Policy The following are the consequences for broken rules: 1st infraction: 2nd infraction: 3rd infraction: 4th infraction: 5th infraction: Teacher counsels student. Detention served in choir classroom Formal detention & parent/guardian contact Referral to Counselor Referral to Counselor & discussion about class change for auditioned ensemble members SEVERE CLAUSE: Defiant, vulgar, or profane acts will result in immediate referral to the Assistant Principal for further disciplinary action. MEMBERS OF AUDITIONED GROUPS HAVE EARNED A DISTINCT HONOR. IT IS DIFFICULT, DEMANDING, REWARDING, AND A LOT OF FUN. IT IS ALSO A TEAM SPORT. MEMBERS WHO FAIL TO MEET REQUIREMENTS HURT THE ENTIRE CHORAL GROUP! EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT AND MUST BE A LEADER. Page 6

7 Leadership Director of Choral Music Mr. Ryan Yoder phone: x11052 edhschoralmusic.org Choral Music Executive Booster Board President Daniel Pietenpol Vice President Tiffany Eliot Treasurer Ken Colby Secretary Priscilla Ashleigh Choral Music Student Council President Samantha Pietenpol Vice Presidents Hannah Oertwig Jason Moore Secretaries Jenna Young Alex Avila Treasurer Kyle Colby Lead Librarian Krista Eliot Social Media Chair Janna Delos Santos Social Chair Carolyn Kobly Director s Assistant Garrett Larson Page 7