MHS CHOIR HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 MHS CHOIR HANDBOOK Welcome to the McFarland High School Choral Program! Please take time to read this with your family. You are responsible for all information in this handbook! Please sign and return the bottom of the last page. Chorale Cantabile A Cappella Choir Blue Notes Mr. Nathan Mendl mendln@mcfsd.org Phone: (608)

2 WELCOME to the McFarland High School Vocal Music Department! Whether singing is new to you or you have been singing all your life, you are welcome and appreciated in choir. To state the obvious, in this class, we SING! Regardless of your ability level and confidence in your solo voice, we have a place for you and believe that your individual contributions to the group are important! In fact, in a choir, every single person has a wonderfully unique voice, and every single person will be challenged to expand upon their musical skills. Along our journey together you might also find that you ve built life-long friendships and memories that you cherish for years to come. Did you know that singing in a choir has Psychological and Physical benefits? Here s a summary of recent research aimed at the social and physical effects of singing in a choir: Strengthen feeling of togetherness & Improve feeling of social wellbeing Research led by psychologist Nick Stewart of Bath University indicates that people who participate in a choir enjoy a greater feeling of togetherness and being part of a collective endeavor than others involved in different social activities. The researchers compared three groups of people, one of which was engaged in choral singing, the other solo singing, and the third was made up of members of team sports. Stewart s study also found that participants in choral singing reported a higher rate of social wellbeing than solo singers. Regulate heart rate Researchers discovered that members of a choir saw their heart rates beat in unison in relation to the speed of their breathing. Heart rates were directly affected by the melody of the music, and the pulses of those tested rose and fell at the same time when they sung in a group. The study was based on year-old participants tested by University of Gothenburg researchers. Reducing the variability of your heart rate has a positive impact on your health. It was also suggested that the ability of choral singing to regulate a nerve responsible for emotions and communication with others strengthens the feeling of cooperation. Reduce stress levels and depression A number of studies have pointed to the mental health benefits of singing. One study lasting for a year involving participants who had been diagnosed with depression found that some of them no longer met that diagnosis following their involvement with a choir. Other studies have pointed to the impact group singing has on boosting oxytocin levels, which help control stress and anxiety. And if, after reading all that, you re still not sure or think you re just not good enough, then check this out: According to a 2005 study, even if the quality of singing produced is mediocre, emotional, social and cognitive benefits still result, proving that there really is a prize just for actively participating! So welcome to choir, please read all the information below, and know that I m looking forward to getting to know each one of you throughout the year! - Mr. Nate Mendl -

3 CHORALE This choir is composed of primarily 9 th grade mixed voices. It offers fundamental music theory and allows for exploration of several different genres of 4-part choral music. The group performs at three required concerts per year, plus graduation. Each student also attends three (3) small group voice lessons per term. In addition to the required concerts, optional activities are provided such as: Lakeside Choral Festival at Carthage College, the Choir Retreat, spring break in New York City, Holiday performances at the Capitol Pageant, caroling parties, solo/ensemble, and involvement in the school musicals. CANTABILE Cantabile consists of 10 th grade treble voices and builds upon the fundamental musical concepts covered in Chorale. The group performs at three required concerts per year, plus graduation. Each student also attends three (3) small group voice lessons per term. In addition to the required concerts, optional activities are provided such as: Lakeside Choral Festival at Carthage College, the Choir Retreat, spring break in New York City, Holiday performances at the Capitol Pageant, caroling parties, community concerts, and solo/ensemble preparation. A CAPPELLA CHOIR This choir is composed of primarily of all 11 th and 12 th grade students and some 10 th grade tenors & basses who have demonstrated the musicianship needed to perform more advanced choral literature. The group performs at three required concerts per year, plus graduation. Each student also attends three (3) small group voice lessons per term. In addition to the required concerts, optional activities are provided such as: Lakeside Choral Festival at Carthage College, the Choir Retreat, spring break in New York City, Holiday performances at the Capitol Pageant, caroling parties, community concerts, guest appearances at other McFarland schools, and solo/ensemble preparation. BLUE NOTES Prerequisite: By audition and must be a choir member. This is an opportunity for advanced singers to explore several formats of vocal music making. The group is by audition only, and requires music reading skills, developed vocal technique and advanced musicianship. The group meets Mondays after school from 3:30 4:30, as well as Thursdays during All School Resource. Students participate in concerts held throughout the year as well as the Mad City A Cappella Summit, solo & ensemble, and community events. Extensive practice outside of normal rehearsals is required. Extra performances for the community will be expected throughout the year.

4 GROWTH MINDSET Students will be encouraged to adopt a growth mindset while studying music. Society at large, especially reality television shows like American Idol, The Voice, and America s Got Talent often give the impression of judging singers based on talent when the reality is that talent plays an astoundingly small role in becoming a quality musician. Musicians who actively focus on mastering their abilities, one step at a time, will find much greater success than those who are only focused on learning the music for an upcoming performance. Learning to embrace a growth mindset by becoming a mastery-oriented musician is a major focus of rehearsals, sectionals, and lessons. Mastery-Oriented growth mindset (try to do this) Main interest is in learning the skill. Willing to take on difficult new tasks beyond present capability. Views mistakes as learning opportunity, and embraces mistakes. Tends to understand goal setting and time management. Not afraid to take risks. Performance-Oriented fixed mindset (try to avoid this) Main interest is appearing competent or better than others regardless of level achieved. Sticks to tasks that are familiar. Views mistakes as evidence of lack of ability, and therefore mistakes should be avoided. Tends to procrastinate. Tends to give up when they perceive they are not good enough. GRADING When you are a part of an ensemble, what you can do is important, but how you rehearse is even more important. In rehearsals, emphasis is placed upon your collaboration, participation, attitude, cooperation, and willingness to learn, as these are essential skills that we develop as part of a performing ensemble. The following information will help you understand how you earn your grade. If you ever have questions about your grade PLEASE ASK! The McFarland Music Department have adopted a Standards-Based Grading approach in an effort to move toward more authentic evaluations that will provide feedback on progress and proficiency levels that can be individualized to the ability level of every student. Formative feedback occurs daily and immediately in rehearsals. Our goal is that this grading practice helps to build every student s belief that they can learn and to insure that each student understands their progress toward each achievement standard. One the next page you will find a grading scale on the top of the page and grading standards on the bottom. Students will be graded based off the grading scale rubric in each of the five standards. Students receive a numerical score showing their demonstrated ability level in each standard. The overall grade for each standard is weighted by the percent shown to arrive at the overall course grade.

5 McFarland Music Department Grading Scale: Student Score Numeric Range Grade Description A Advanced In-depth knowledge is demonstrated A/B Student demonstrates level 3 standards with partial success in level B Proficient Core concepts are accurately demonstrated with consistency B/C Student demonstrates level 2 standards with partial success in level C Basic No fundamental errors regarding the concepts, skills, and processes are present C/D Student demonstrates level 1 standards with partial success in level D Minimal Partial understanding of core concepts is demonstrated, but with fundamental errors F Insufficient Student does not demonstrate evidence of understanding. McFarland Music Department Grading Standards: Technique Students will demonstrate mastery of a variety of technical skills on their (30%) instrument including sound production, intonation, articulation, dynamics phrasing, and interpretation in a performance. Literacy Students will interpret musical symbols and vocabulary in order to (10%) realize pieces of music in a technically and aesthetically informed way. Response Students will become successful listeners by identifying and analyzing what they hear (15%) and intellectually and emotionally valuing the musical interpretations of others. Connections Students will develop a more mature understanding of and ability to empathize with (25%) the human condition through connecting themselves to other contexts: histories, cultures, and other academic disciplines, through music Performance Students will exemplify the qualities of a musician who consistently engages in a (20%) positive & productive manner that acknowledges the importance of the group over oneself.

6 Choral Music Required Dates: Winter Choral Concert Wednesday, December 13, :30 p.m. (6 p.m. call time) Cabaret Brunch! Sunday, March 4, :00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Spring Choral Concert Wednesday, May 23, :30 p.m. (6 p.m. call time) Graduation Sunday, June 10, :00 3:00 p.m. (12:15 call time) Please set these dates aside on your family calendars now. Attendance at these performances is REQUIRED. Work is not an excuse for missing any of these performances.

7 Other Important Vocal Music Dates: National MHS Homecoming Assembly September 18, 2017, during school (A Cappella Choir) National Home Football Game Friday, October 6, 2017, time TBA (A Cappella Choir) Choir Retreat October 20 & 21, 2017 (All Choirs) Lakeside Choral Festival (field trip) Wednesday, November 1, 2017 (All Choirs) Guys & Dolls (MHS Fall Musical) November 9, 10, 7:00 p.m. Capitol WI State Capitol Sunday, December 3, Times TBA Hamilton in Chicago Wednesday, December 20, 2017 New York City Tour McFarland Music Department March 22-28, 2018 District Solo & Ensemble Saturday, March 10, Edgerton State Solo & Ensemble Saturday, April 28, Whitewater Mad City A Cappella Summit Friday, May 11, 2018, 7:30 p.m.

8 McFARLAND HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR OBJECTIVES 1) To provide a setting in which can students can learn about music through performance. 2) To develop character, self-discipline, cooperation, and creativity in student participants. 3) To help students demonstrate an understanding of vocal techniques including posture, breathing, and healthy vocal production as applied to choral literature. 4) To help students learn the fundamentals elements of reading and performing music: pitch, rhythm, melody, harmonic structure, style, form, expression. 5) To develop individual and ensemble skills through singing: purity/unity of vowels, clarity of consonants, balance, blend, expression, stage presence, confidence, cooperation, etc. 6) To perform music written for multiple voice parts, with and without accompaniment, as an ensemble. 7) To demonstrate an understanding of performance etiquette through participation in required concert performances. 8) To evaluate music performances in written and verbal form using music vocabulary and concepts. 9) To study and sing selections representing various historical periods, styles, and cultures. CLASSROOM REHEARSAL PROCEDURE / SKILLS Each student shall: 1) Be in their assigned seat ready to begin rehearsal when the bell rings. 2) Have folder, music, and pencil in class every day, ready to make necessary musical markings as instructed. 3) Actively participate in all aspects of the choral rehearsal to include warm-up, sight-singing, large/small ensemble rehearsal and cool-down activities. If a student is unable to participate in a choral rehearsal due to an illness, they must provide appropriate documentation from a parent/guardian, school nurse, or medical doctor. Students who cannot participate will observe and provide written reflection on the choral rehearsal. 4) Respect the rehearsal by remaining attentive while the teacher is giving instruction, even if the instruction does not pertain directly to the student or their section. Students should refrain from talking during the rehearsal process. 5) Continuously demonstrate appropriate singing posture: sitting/standing tall, feet flat on the floor, music elevated, eyes on the director, etc. 6) If you arrive late or need to leave early, enter and exit the room quietly so as not to disturb rehearsal in progress. 7) Refrain from using any electronic devices including mp3 players, cell phones, laptops, etc.

9 GENERAL EXPECTATIONS for all Choir Students 1) Be on time to class (in seats with materials when bell begins to ring). 2) Have all materials ready each day (pencil, music folder, water bottle). 3) Avoid brining food, candy, drink, or gum in the rehearsal area. Exception = WATER. 4) Bathroom trips should take place during passing time. Please plan accordingly. 5) Cell phones & mobile devices: Should be out of sight when in class. 6) Bags, purses, backpacks, books: Against the far wall. 7) Focus on the task at hand: Be mentally involved, even if you are not physically singing. 8) Please do not play the grand pianos without first asking for permission. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE & TIMELINESS Because each individual is a component of the choir s success, attendance of all choir students is expected at all rehearsals and performances. This is one of our most fundamental working principles. We cannot be effective without every member of our team. Everyone is important. For the whole picture to be created people must be vulnerable and trust that all singers will be there and committed to the whole; missing a significant amount of rehearsals halts that process. An ensemble rehearsal is not something that can ever be recreated at a later time. You are important and you are needed! Be On Time! You will be on time if you are in your seat, with their choir music and pencil when the bell rings, ready to begin rehearsal. - If the bell rings and you are not yet ready, you may be marked tardy (even if you are in the room). - In accordance with school policy, 4 tardies = detention. Be on time! CONCERT & DRESS REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE Attendance at every choir concert and dress rehearsal is a requirement for this course. Concerts are an opportunity to reap the rewards of the hard work that goes into learning challenging pieces of music. They allow musicians to experience the joy of creating music with others for a live audience. Participating in all performances is a requirement for the completion of the course. Performing for an audience as a member of an ensemble is one of the music department s Essential Learning Outcomes (ELOs). Students must participate in all required performances. Missing performances will adversely affect the final grade. If a performance must be missed, notice from a parent/guardian must be given an absolute minimum of four weeks prior to the date of the performance. Notice of an absence within the first two weeks of school is preferred. A phone call from a parent or guardian is required to explain an absence. Students will only be excused from performances for family emergencies and illness. Work does not constitute an excused absence from a dress rehearsal or concert. TRANSPORTATION If you lack transportation for a concert or rehearsal, please ask Mr. Mendl or other music faculty for help. We want you to be there and we will work to make that happen but we need to know so that we can help!

10 CELL PHONE & ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY When class is in progress - even if you are not singing - you are expected to be in the present moment. Mobile devices can be very useful, but they can also become a significant distraction and pull you out of the here and now so unique to an ensemble rehearsal. Upon entering the room, each student should place their cell phone on silent mode and put the device out of sight or in their backpack or purse. Keep it out of sight for the entire class. Please inform parents and friends that you will not be able to respond to texts, status updates, tweets, or other messages during choir time. In accordance with school rules outlined in the high school student handbook, cell phones or other electronic devices that are used inappropriately during class time will be confiscated. If your cell phone or mobile device is out during class: * First Offense - Verbal Warning * Second Offense - I take it for the rest of the hour. * Third Offense - I take it to the office for the rest of the day. Referral is given. TALKING Every person in this class deserves respect and has the right to learn. If you are talking during class, you are potentially creating a distraction to your peers and are not allowing others to learn. Instead of talking, I recommend doing any of the following, all of which will help you improve as a musician! - Follow along with the other parts that are rehearsing. Note how their part relates to yours! - Write solfege and/or melody numbers into your score. Already done? Do another part! - Write the rhythm counting into your score. - Silently sing your part in your head. - Circle any non-diatonic notes in the music (not part of the major scale). - Label the intervals between notes in your part! SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL The Solo and Ensemble Festival is an excellent performance opportunity for all students in the choir program. Participation in this event is optional, but strongly recommended. The preparation process for this festival improves individual singing and technique more than any other event. As individual singers become stronger, so does the choir. Each student participating pays $25 per solo event to cover their accompanist costs. Students involved in ensembles divide the cost among the members. Music for solos and ensembles will be selected in December, before Winter Break. The director will evaluate all events in early February to determine if the students are ready to participate. MUSIC & SUPPLIES 1) You should feel free to mark your music with pencil. We will often discuss this in class, adding markings for rhythms, pitches, articulations, and dynamics. Mr. Mendl will occasionally collect folders and grade the completeness of your score markings, so please ask if you have questions. 2) You are assigned numbered music, and are responsible for your music and folder. If you lose your music or return it in a degraded, you will be charged for these items. 3) Please keep practice areas clean. No food or drink (except water) should be in the practice rooms. Do not use the piano as a table or move it from its location.

11 CONCERT DRESS The choirs represent McFarland High School so we must look professional and confident. First impressions as the choir takes the stage set the mood and expectations of the audience members. Robes - Each student will be assigned a robe for the year. Robes will be worn at the WINTER and SPRING Choir Concerts, as well as at Graduation. This robe will not leave school, and will be neatly stored in the choir room. Any stains or tears will be cleaned and repaired at the students' expense. Other Attire - Occasionally the choirs will perform at various community events. You will always dress professionally and respectfully during any performance. This means absolutely no jeans or t-shirts or micro-mini skirts. Cabaret Concert Appropriate dress will be determined for the choir based on the concert selection. Individual acts may provide costumes with good taste and must be approved by Mr. Mendl. AWARDS A. National Choir Award This award is presented to a graduating senior for their leadership, dedication, and contribution to the choral program throughout their time in High School. B. Music Letter Students involved in MHS music activities and classes are eligible to receive an M letter similar to those awarded for athletic and academic excellence. We all realize the many, many hours that several of you invest in these musical activities and we are pleased to be able to formally recognize your achievements at this level. Please Mr. Mendl if you are interested. CHOIR OFFICERS Each choir will have 4 elected student officers. The officers will work together to make the choir room a better place, and will bring any ideas for the choir to Mr. Mendl. Officers will meet with Mr. Mendl once per month or as needed during their lunch to discuss student ideas. All officers shall refill the piano humidifying system whenever they see it is in need. 1. President Direct warmups when Mr. Mendl isn t available. Listen to ideas from choir members and communicate them to Mr. Mendl. Always be in search of ideas! Help with overall planning as needed. 2. Vice-President Inventory & organization of choir robes. Help President, Secretary, & Treasurer when they need additional help or are absent. 3. Secretary Take daily attendance. Sort & return music to music library. Assist other 3 officers. 4. Treasurer Collect & track collected money for T-Shirts, Trips, Tickets, etc. Assist other 3 officers.

12 MCFARLAND CHOIRS READ! By participating in the McFarland High School choir program, you ll acquire a set of rhythm and pitch skills that will help you decipher the markings found in a piece of music. Not only will this music literacy allow the choirs to sing more challenging music, but it will also foster the knowledge and skills necessary for being a lifelong musician. You should feel great pride in learning these skills even when it is difficult and frustrating. Keep trying, and it will pay off! WHY SHOULD I SING? Some people don t need to ask this question. They just know the answer. Others need some convincing. Students and parents both have asked me this before. As educators, one of our roles is to help prepare students for the world beyond the walls of high school. Students will connect with this world in many ways as family members, as members of the work force, as leaders in the community. Research is indicating that it s not just knowledge that improve chances of success in the 21st century, but skills like collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Employers are looking for individuals that possess life skills such as flexibility, adaptability, and selfdirection. How can you gain these skills? MAKING MUSIC! Creating music each day with peers and friends (and strangers) requires constant collaboration and communication. Taking written symbols on a page and transforming them into expressive and meaningful sounds is not a simple task. Creativity and critical thinking are exercised every day. And when mistakes are made, you must learn to be flexible and adapt. Singing requires active participation! But singing doesn t just develop life skills. It develops a spirit a connection to those with whom you sing. It is part of life part of being human. It s manifested in different ways (sometimes laughter, sometimes tears, sometimes silliness, sometimes fear) - but it is real, and it is powerful. Students capacity to create and express themselves through the arts is one of the central qualities that make them human, as well as a basis for success in the 21st century. - Partnership for 21st Century Skills Creativity is a must! Please detach and return to Mr. Mendl by Thursday, September 14th. I have also detached the schedule of required choir events for the school year and have made the necessary accommodations to ensure my presence at the concert. Student Name (neatly print) Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date