VSW CHOIR HANDBOOK Director Contact: Heather Nail, VSW Vocal Music Curricular and Jazz Choir

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1 VSW CHOIR HANDBOOK Director Contact: Heather Nail, VSW Vocal Music Curricular and Jazz Choir Matthew Erpelding, Ignition Show Choir

2 Welcome to Valley Southwoods Vocal Music Department! We have a very busy and exciting year ahead, so please take time to read over the rehearsal expectations, classroom procedures, concert attire, and grading scale. VSW FAQs: How much does choir cost? Members of the Treble and Bass Clef Choirs will have a $25.00 fee to cover cost of cleaning robes and tuxes. Southwoods Singers will have a $50.00 fee to cover the cost of cleaning dresses, tuxes, and to facilitate transportation and music for extra events this ensemble participates in. Jazz Choir will have a $ fee to cover the cost of trips and festivals, including clinicians and transportation, among other things. Ignition Show choir will have a $ fee to cover choreography, costumes, competitions, music and much more. Curricular payments (Treble, Bass, and Southwoods Singers) should be made payable to Valley Vocal Music. Jazz and Show choir payments should be made payable to Valley Voices (our booster organization). When does Syncopation (9 th grade jazz choir) begin? Auditions will happen mid-september and will be announced two weeks before during classes. Rehearsals begin in October and will be held before school. How will I know what is happening during the year? Information will be sent via Infinite Campus, Charms (the booster communications platform), and posted to the Canvas Classroom pages. You will need to get access to canvas THROUGH YOUR STUDENT. The full calendar and handbook will be sent electronically as well as handed out in class the first full week of school. Who do I contact for information? For all 9 th grade curricular choirs (Treble Clef, Bass Clef, and Southwoods Singers) as well as for Syncopation 9 th grade jazz choir contact Mrs. Heather Nail at nailhe@wdmcs.org. For Show Choir please contact Dr. Matthew Erpelding at erpeldingm@wdmcs.org.

3 Curricular Choir Dates Treble Clef, Bass Clef, and Southwoods Singers GRADED performances: 8/26 Ice Cream Social VHS Cafeteria 3:30 PM 9/21 OPUS DEADLINE - SWS only During School TBD 9/29 Bass Clef Barbershop Festival VHS PAC 1:00 Concert at 6:30 10/11 SWS Fall concert with Band VHS 6:00 PM Week of 10/15 Solo Ensemble Option - All Students TBA TBD Solo Ensemble Contest - Assigned 10/20 Students VSW All Day 11/15 OPUS - Selected SWS only Ames, ISU All Day 12/13 VSW Winter Concert VHS PAC 6:00 PM 3/3 Treble Clef Spring Concert Drake University TBD 3/4 Bass Clef Spring Concert VHS PAC TBD 4/5 SWS Meet the composer festival TBD All Day, Evening concert 4/30-5/1 VSW Recording Project VHS PAC During the academic day 5/4 Tentative Treble and Bass Clef State Large Group TBD TBD 5/16 Valley 9-12 Vocal Awards Night VHS Cafeteria 6:30 PM 5/21 VSW ALL FINE ARTS CONCERT VHS PAC 7:00 PM Jazz Choir Dates Syncopation members only: January TBD Junior High Tour TBD TBD 1/24-25 Valley Jazz Summit TBD TBD 2/5 & 2/7 VHS Sweetheart Show (matinee only) VHS PAC TBD 2/15 Solon Jazz Choir Competition Solon, IA TBD (mid-day - 11 PM) 2/22 Kirkwood Jazz Festival Kirkwood, Cedar Rapids TBD 3/26 Jazz Championships (if selected/submitted) VHS PAC TBD 3/26 All State Jazz Auditions - Selected Students VHS Vocal Music Wing TBD 4/5 Real Group Festival SWCC, Creston All Day

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5 Curricular Choirs and Uniform Requirements Southwoods Singers Men: Black tuxedo, white tuxedo shirt, black socks, black shoes. Tuxedos will be furnished by the Valley Voices. Students will need to supply black shoes and black socks. A $50 fee will be requested of each student. Bass Clef and Southwoods Singers will use the same tuxedo. Fees for Southwoods Singers cover travel and extra expenses for the chamber group. Students will be assessed the fee for each choir they are in. Students will assume responsibility for repair due to neglect. NO JEWELRY OR NAIL POLISH! Women: Black dress, black shoes. Dresses will be furnished by the Valley Voices. Students will need to supply black closed-toe dress shoes and flesh colored hose. A $50 fee will be requested of each student. Students will assume responsibility for repair due to neglect. NO JEWELRY OR NAIL POLISH! Treble Clef Choir Women: The Vocal Music Department will provide a choir robe and stole. There will be a $25 robe fee assessed to all choir members. Students will assume responsibility for repair or replacement due to neglect. Women are required to wear skirts or dresses, flesh colored hose, and black closed-toe dress shoes underneath their robes. The hemline of the dress must be so that is not seen below the hemline of the robe. NO JEWELRY OR NAIL POLISH! Bass Clef Choir Men: Black tuxedo, white tuxedo shirt, black socks, black shoes. Tuxedos will be furnished by the Valley Voices. There will be a $25 tux fee assessed to all choir members. Students will need to supply black shoes and black socks. Students will assume responsibility for repair due to neglect. NO JEWELRY OR NAIL POLISH! Failure to follow the dress code for concerts and any performances will be reflected in the performance factor portion of the student grades. Please make arrangements for appropriate concert uniform early in the semester. If any assistance is needed, please contact your vocal music instructor immediately.

6 Co-Curricular Ensembles These ensembles meet outside of the school day. Students must be enrolled in a Curricular Choir to be eligible to participate. Ignition Show Choir (Junior Varsity) Ignition is comprised of students in grades Ignition will meet 1-2 times each week, after school or in the evenings as scheduled by the director. The show choir is designed to challenge students to sing while performing with choreography. Ignition Show Choir members will be assessed for a fee of $380, which includes costumes, professional choreography, transportation, and personal items. Members will be required to attend camps outside the school day to learn the components of show production. Trips and personal attire will be an additional individual expense. Scholarships are available through Valley Voices. Students will not be denied access to any vocal music ensemble due to financial difficulties. Syncopation Jazz Choir Syncopation is the auditioned 9th-grade vocal jazz ensemble. This ensemble is auditioned in the fall. Students in Syncopation will learn basic jazz theory, jazz performance skills, microphone technique, and the fundamentals of running and maintaining a sound system. Students perform at several clinics, competitions, and events during the season. Syncopation members will be assessed for a fee of $250, which includes professional sound clinics, music, travel expenses, and workshop fees. Scholarships are available through Valley Voices. Students will not be denied access to any vocal music ensemble due to financial difficulties. Educational Non-Discrimination Statement The West Des Moines Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability in educational programs and activities.

7 VSW Choral Grading Explanation Students will be given grades based upon mastery and development of the core music standards. A scale of 0-4 will be assessed on all work with detailed rubric explanation for area criterion. The 9th grade vocal music department goal is for students to become competent group participants and independent performers and consumers of music. Any student who assesses below a 2 will be required to re-assess to show growth and/or proficiency before being given a passing grade. Student grades will be based on both performance assessment and knowledge/understanding. Grades are based on skills demonstrated in rehearsals and individual lessons. Individual Performance (30%) Rhythm (25%) 1. Pulse 2. Whole/half/quarter notes 3. Eighth notes 4. Sixteenth notes 5. Compound meters 6. Mixed meter Tone (25%) 7. Tone quality 8. Intonation Musicianship (25%) 9. Musicianship Technique (25%) 10. Major Scale 11. Minor Scale 12. Articulation/Diction 13. Posture & Mechanics 14. Minor Scale 15. Key Signatures Individual Professionalism (30%) 16. Prepared Lesson Attendance 17. Rehearsal Collaboration 18. Performance Professionalism Ensemble Performance (40%) 19. Group Intonation & Blend 20. Role Identification & Balance 21. Stylistic Consistency 22. Musical Analysis

8 Grading Criterion Grading Scale: % A % A % A % B % B- 0.0 Reassessment REQUIRED, not proficient enough for credit Lesson Rotation All students will be required to have 6 lessons per semester. Make-up lessons will be limited to 2, and students will be given assigned weeks for those. Re-assessment can happen in any regular lesson OR on the make-up lesson weeks. All lessons will be graded on the following rubric: 0/Reassess student does not attend a scheduled lesson 2 student attends without necessary materials/music/score markings 3 student attends but does not engage or show growth in areas from previous lesson 4 student is present for lesson and prepared for instruction. Student demonstrates engagement and application of prior lesson skills *Students may reassess at any time if they schedule ahead and are not restricted to the reassessment or make-up weeks. Please see Mrs. Nail to schedule times.*

9 By the end of 9th grade, music department students should be able to: Individual Skills Tone Quality: tone control, vibrato, breath, embouchure, vowel shape Take a full, relaxed breath Describe the phonation processes (vocal) Demonstrate proper embouchure and/or vowel shape for their instrument or the language Differentiate between vibrato and straight tone, and understand the appropriate use for each Demonstrate consistent tone quality throughout their entire range Intonation: accuracy, control Hear when pitches are out of tune and identify whether they are sharp or flat Perform alone or with others in tune a majority of the time Rhythm: pulse, subdivision, meter Physically demonstrate steady pulse at a variety of tempos Demonstrate understanding of eighth-note and sixteenth-note subdivision in duple and triple meter Understand the organization of beats into duple, triple, and mixed meters Technique: scales, key, range, articulation, posture and mechanics, improvisation Scales (vocal): sing a major, minor, and chromatic scale using solfege. Perform all 12 major scales at a steady tempo. Key signature: recognize and/or construct all 12 major keys. Solfege (vocal): correctly identify and demonstrate all chromatic hand signs. Range: demonstrate age-appropriate range for their voice or instrument. Articulation (instrumental): tongue at a reasonable speed with an open and relaxed sound. Diction (vocal): demonstrate and describe appropriate diction for a given selection of music Posture and Mechanics: exhibit and explain proper posture/body carriage. Musical Expression: phrase shape, line connectivity, conveyance and understanding of text Demonstrate proper phrase shaping by breathing/pausing at correct times and use of dynamics.

10 Perform with line connectivity. Aural Skills: diction, tonality, echo imitation Dictate two- and three-note melodies and applicable rhythms. Differentiate between major and minor. Echo rhythmic and melodic patterns. Ensemble Learning: Recognition & Performance Group Intonation & Section Blend Play/sing in tune with others Form & Structure Label basic forms. Identify antecedent/consequent Follow the roadmap of a song. Role Identification Recognize and define: melody, counter-melody, bass, rhythmic, and harmonic parts (instrumental) Recognize and define: foreground, background, melody and harmony, accompaniment, and different parts (vocal) Ensemble Prioritization & Balance Understand the concept of ensemble dynamics. Respond to the cues of a conductor. Historical & Stylistic Context Discuss the meaning of performance pieces using appropriate vocabulary. Write about composers, compositions, and musical styles. Maintain an appropriate style throughout a piece of music. 21st-Century Skills: Productivity, Accountability, and Collaboration Perform all concert music accurately and fluently by the date of performance. Understand individual accountability to the ensemble. Understand the importance of focused rehearsal time and collaborate effectively with others. Understand basic conductor cues and respond appropriately.

11 Selection of Choral Literature Students participating in courses offered by the Vocal Music Department at Valley Southwoods Freshman High School will study and perform a wide variety of choral literature. The director determines the selection of literature based on the following criteria: A. The literature should be of appropriate musical material to aid the physical development and function of the vocal mechanism. B. The literature will include representation from the historical periods of Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Twentieth Century, including multicultural representation. C. The literature will be written by composers of historical significance or those presenting valid alternative programming opportunities. D. The literature will represent a wide variety of text sources and types. Iowa Choral Directors Association Policy Statement It is the position of the Iowa Choral Directors Association (ICDA) that the inclusion of significant sacred and secular music is imperative to facilitate a total music experience for Iowa s youth. From a global perspective, choral music offers a wealth of literature that reflects and supports diverse cultures, traditions, and people, as well as compositional styles of all eras. To achieve any educational objective, the quality of repertoire is of paramount importance. While public school teaching objectives and criteria for repertoire selection should not support religious indoctrination, the selection of quality music will invariably include music with a sacred text within its broad scope. Music without sacred text, architecture minus cathedral, or painting without scriptural themes, is incomplete, even from a secular point of view. Therefore, to exclude sacred music from the public school curriculum would hamper student, as well as teacher, opportunities in gleaning artistic understanding and aesthetic expression. Sacred refers to all manner of religious beliefs and not only to the Judeo- Christian teachings. The term study includes not only classroom instruction but public performance as well. Prior to the 17th century, almost all significant choral music was associated with a sacred text. Secular refers to non-religious considerations. Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire from the choral medium and the history of music, it should retain an important place in the music education of Iowa s youth.

12 Performance Policy & Discipline Expectations Participation in public performance is mandatory. Any foreseen absence must be excused by the director at least two days prior to the performance date. All absences will be reflected in grading assessments. Any absence from a performance will require reassessment to demonstrate skills used during the performance. In the even a conflict should arise between activities within the high school, an arrangement agreeable to all parties will be worked out in consultation with the student, activity sponsors involved, the principal, and the parent/guardian. The principal, following consultation with the director, will make decisions concerning absenteeism beyond this point. Discipline Expectations & Consequences Each student/parent/guardian is furnished a copy of the Discipline Policy of the West Des Moines Community School District. This document clearly defines breaches of discipline and outlines administrative rules and procedures for handling student discipline. All students and parents should be aware of the contents of this policy. The Discipline Policy applies to students while on school premises, while on school-owed and -operated school buses or on chartered buses, while engaged in school-sponsored activities, and while away from school grounds. It is expected that Valley Southwoods students who participate in vocal music activities will represent themselves and the West Des Moines Community Schools in an appropriate and responsible manner. Upon any breach of discipline by a vocal music student, a conference will be held with the student, vocal music director, parents, and principal. Sanctions will be determined at that time and may include out-of-school or in-school suspension.

13 Daily Rehearsal Expectations The Vocal Music Department is proud of the outstanding accomplishments of the choirs and individual members of the program. The continued success of the ensembles is dependent upon the daily contribution of each member. We anticipate each individual will approach rehearsal with high expectations and a willingness to work toward the fulfillment and realization of those expectations. Students will be expected to: 1. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of rehearsal time. (Be in their seats with their folder and all necessary materials at the bell. Rehearsals end when the director is finished conducting.) 2. Bring a pencil and all music to all rehearsals. 3. Focus mentally on the conductor and the literature. 4. Stand when their section and full group are rehearsing and keep talking to a minimum during rehearsals. 5. Focus physical energy on the correct application of proper singing technique. (sit tall, breathe deeply, sing with space) 6. Demonstrate respect for the rehearsal facilities and equipment. (No playing the piano prior to rehearsals. Keep the room and equipment clean and orderly. Take appropriate care of practice room facilities.) 7. Leave food, pop, gum, and candy out of the rehearsal room. Practice Room Procedures Students are encouraged to use the practice facilities available in the Vocal Music Department. Practice rooms are to remain locked when not in use. A key must be obtained from the director to open the room, and again to lock the room upon completion of the practice session. No food or drink of any kind is allowed in the practice facilities. If food, drink, or trash is found in any practice room, the directors reserve the right to not allow students to use any of the practice room spaces. A maximum of four students will be allowed per practice room unless special permission is given. Larger ensembles may use the ensemble room with special permission from the instructor. Students will be expected to treat the facilities and equipment with care.

14 Valley Voices The Valley Voices Booster Organization exists to support the Vocal Music Department through fundraising and service opportunities. Parents of students enrolled in vocal music ensembles at Valley Southwoods are encouraged to actively participate by attending monthly meetings. See the calendar below or charmsoffice.com for specific dates. Valley Voices makes significant contributions to the secondary vocal program and we welcome all parents to get involved and support their student(s)! Valley Voices Meetings *All Vocal Parents Welcome!* September 11th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 October 2nd VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 November 13th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 December 4th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 January 8th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 January 29th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 March 12th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 April 9th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 May 7th VV Meeting VHS Ensemble Room 5:30 How to access parent/student information in CHARMS: Log on to and click the ENTER link at upper right. Locate the PARENT/STUDENT/MEMBERS LOGIN section of the web page. Login to your child s program account using the School Code: valleychoir This will bring up the main parent page. This will allow you to look at the public calendar for your organization, event list, handouts, and other files. Clicking on an event on the calendar brings up the details for that event, such as times, attendance requirements, and equipment/uniform necessities. Clicking on event list puts all of the calendar information into a list form for easy printing. Note that if a calendar event is specifically assigned to your child, it may not show up on this calendar check the Student calendar after entering the student s ID number (see below). When you enter your child s ID number (provided by the director) as a Student Area Password, another, more detailed, screen appears with even more options to view your student s uniform assignments, music

15 assignments, financial records, forms, and inventory. One you have first entered this ID number, you may create your own, unique password by clicking on the keyhole (Change Password) button. Two areas in which you can help the director maintain his/her records: o Update Personal Information: If the director has allowed it, you may help make changes to your child s student information page (such as updating phone numbers and addresses if they change) to help the teacher communicate with you more effectively. Click the Personal Info button. o If your program has set up online payments, you can make credit card payments for fees, trips, and deposits to your student s account. If credit card payment is activated, you will see blue buttons in the four main areas of the financial statement indicating your ability to make online payments. You will also see links to enter Practice Logs, view Grades, and use the Recording Studio if the director has enabled these options. Most importantly, the parent page assists both you and the teacher to communicate with each other. Stay up to date with what s going on with your student!

16 Vocal Music Awards & Lettering In addition to receiving a letter in Vocal Music, students are eligible for a number of awards based on their participation and achievement in various contests, festivals, competitions, and department-sponsored activities throughout the year. A partial list of additional awards includes: OPUS Participation Certificates: presented to students accepted into the OPUS Honor Chorus All-State Jazz Participation Pins: presented to students accepted into the All- State Jazz Choir. The Vocal Music Department proudly acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments of our ensembles and individual members in an annual Awards Ceremony/Senior Recital. Students in each ensemble are eligible to earn a letter award in recognition of their contributions to the program. Letters will be awarded to students who have distinguished themselves through their performance and participation. In order to receive a Vocal Music Letter, a student must earn a minimum of 1,000 points during the school year. A letter will be given the first year and a bar for each successive year the student qualifies. Points do not accumulate from year to year, and point total requirements are subject to change. A point worksheet will be available in CANVAS.

17 West Des Moines Community Schools Music Department Out-of-School Performance Practices Due to their nature as performing groups, music ensembles utilize both classroom and out-of-class time. They are considered co-curricular because the outcomes of class instruction are used in public demonstrations for an audience. The groups most frequently used in such a dual role are band, orchestral, and choral ensembles. The vitality and value of these classes are affected through group preparation for public performances during in-class and out-of-class times. I the director hold in high regard my students time, energies, and contributions, and on my part, I am dedicated to most efficiently using time spent in the classroom and outside of it. For students, the nature of our ensembles inherently includes out-ofclass time preparation. We want to ensure that students who enroll in our classes understand that the conditions for satisfactory grades include out-of-class performances. A schedule of performances for the semester is given to students at the beginning of each semester and sent home to parents/guardians for planning purposes. Because of the collaboration fundamental to our ensembles, we rely on the contributions of all members, and we aim to make it as easy as possible for students to attend out-ofclass performances. It is important to note that some of the class and co-curricular activities are conducted off-campus, and students may be responsible for arranging their own transportation. Notification of any such event will be sent to parent/guardians prior to performances. If a student must be absent, written agreement of the out-of-class schedule from both parents/guardians and student is required. Approved absences will be honored when the director is informed before the performance, and arrangements to make up the absence should be discussed with the director. Students are encouraged to make up the work in advance if possible. Again, we d like to stress that parents are asked to provide a written excuse to the primary ensemble director when their student will be absent from a performance. In the event a conflict should arise between activities within the school, an arrangement agreeable to all parties will be worked out in consultation with the student and the activity sponsors involved. All performing groups encourage parent/student communication with the respective directors. Parental participation in the junior high school is appreciated and valued as it enhances the performance program. I the director pledge to

18 continually inform administration, students, and parents of upcoming events, performances, and festivals that take place during the year. The structure and implementation of these out-of-school performance practices in the music disciplines is consistent within each building and throughout the district. Thank you for reviewing the information presented. The communication and performance expectations are important to your student s development in the music program! Please detach and return the form below to your vocal music director by Friday, Sept. 7th Please sign, detach, and return this form to Valley Southwoods Vocal Music Department. We have received and reviewed the information in the Handbook and understand the additional commitment to out-of-school performances and presentations. Student Printed: Student Signature: Parent Signature: Date: