Andale High School Vocal Music Choir Handbook

Transcription

1 Andale High School Vocal Music Choir Handbook 1

2 Contents Director s Welcome Letter Philosophy and Objectives Description of Ensembles Concerts/Contests/Events/Travel Choir Standards/Expectations Attire Audition Process/Information Music/Materials Fundraising Leadership Grading/Participation Lettering Requirements Google Classroom/Webpage/Social Media Things to know as vocal music parents 2

3 Dear Choir Members and Parents, Welcome! I am thrilled to begin my third year as Director of Choral Music at Andale High School! I anticipate a wonderful year with you all. My goals are not only to build the choral program to one deserving local and state recognition, but also to develop the students to be well-rounded musicians and people. To make this happen I will share my own knowledge of music and performance, allow students to express their own talent and ability level, and create a culture of excellence. I will hold you, and myself, to the highest level of musical and personal character standards. It is a truly rewarding experience to have your hard-work, dedication, and development of character culminate into a well produced performance and educational experience. As you/your child will soon realize, I expect everyone s best effort in every rehearsal and I ask the students to be open to learning and to experiencing new, unique, and meaningful moments even when completely mystified by the process. Individual hard work and commitment to a group are a vital part of being in choir. Each student is a participating member of a larger group that emphasizes individual concentration, energies, attendance, quality, and cooperation. This being said, each of my choir students will also be charged with the unique responsibility to support and respect each other in and out of the music department. This handbook contains information so that students and parents alike will be aware of my expectations and so they will be able to plan for the year. I am looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions throughout the school year. Sincerely, Angela Loganbill ext angela.loganbill@usd267.com 3

4 Philosophy Philosophy of Music Education The value of Music Education is found within the students who are taught music, engaged in music, and relational towards music. These values include the understanding of musical concepts and enjoyment of musical involvement, and how they relate to our world. The goal of Music Education is to provide literacy, musicianship, and character through the implementation, development, and consistency of musical teaching, musical skills and concepts, musical awareness, and musical community. Team building activities, leadership roles, and implementation and achievement of personal and communal goals should all be done in the music education classroom. These are not only beneficial to the students as musicians, but as persons of good moral character and efficient citizens. Objectives To allow participation in a choral ensemble accessible to all enrolled students. To provide musical experiences that enhance and grow students overall educational career. To develop a musical background of knowledge and skill based upon learned musical concepts, taught skills, and interpreted performance. To encourage a lifelong appreciation for music and music education. To sustain performing ensembles that are an on-going source of pride for the students, the school, the district, and the community. Choral Ensembles Concert Choir: Credit hour Concert Choir is the mixed choir at AHS. Concert Choir will prepare a wide musical repertoire consisting of three part and four part music. Concert Choir concerts include the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Spring Contest Concert, and Black & Gold Revue. Concert Choir will also compete in State Large Group Festival and serve as the school ambassadors for community performances. Concert Choir is an auditioned ensemble. Daily rehearsals consist of sight-reading, developing proper tone production, breath management skills, diction, and musicality. Music Theory, History, Performance, and Stylistic elements are also learned within this ensemble. 4

5 Madrigals: Madrigals is an auditioned ensemble consisting of members, men and women. Madrigal auditions will happen in May for the next consecutive school year. Madrigals auditions are open to Freshman (some), Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who are also enrolled in Concert Choir or Chamber Singers currently. Auditions will be held in the choir room, individually with Ms. Loganbill. The audition will consist of vocalization, sight-reading, pitch matching, pitch memory, and other factors such as leadership and involvement will be taken into consideration. Madrigals will meet once/twice a week before school and during Seminar.. Madrigals will compete at Regional/State small ensemble festival in April and will serve as the ambassador choir for AHS to the community. Madrigals will perform at the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Singing Valentine s, Spring Contest Concert, and Black & Gold Revue. Chamber Singers: Credit hour Chamber Singers is an advanced (audition only) women s ensemble at AHS. Chamber Singers will prepare a wide musical repertoire consisting of two, three, and four part music. Chamber Singers concerts include the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Spring Contest Concert, and Black & Gold Revue as well as some outside of school events. Chamber Singers will compete at Small Ensemble Festival in April. Daily rehearsals consist of sight-reading, developing proper tone production, breath management skills, diction, and musicality. Music Theory, History, Performance, and Stylistic elements are also learned within this ensemble. Chamber Singer members are expected to prepare music at a faster rate and practice music more consistently outside of class. Concerts Fall Concert/Coffee House will take place in October and include Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Madrigals. This is a required concert. Winter Concert will take place in late November/early December and include Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Madrigals. Repertoire will be winter season and holiday literature. This is a required concert. Spring Festival Concert will take place in late March/early April and include Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Madrigals. Repertoire will be festival/contest repertoire. This is a required concert. Black & Gold Revue will take place in early May and include Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Madrigals as well as small ensembles and soloists. Repertoire will include musical theatre, pop, jazz, and other modern literature. This concert is only open to members of a choral ensemble and solos/ensembles will be auditioned. This is a required concert. Students not participating in a choral ensemble will be considered for production staff. Musical Production will be at the discretion of the choir and drama teachers, and will be open to all AHS students on an audition only basis. 5

6 Contest/Festival/Events KMEA/KCDA, Solo/Ensemble Festivals, Contest and All-State are only a few of the choral experiences offered to the choral students. Students participate in contests and festivals to learn new approaches to choral learning through working with recognized conductors and other choral students. The choral department pays for most fees associated with KMEA/KCDA events. In the event a student cancels a performance in a contest, the student is responsible to refund the fee to the school district within 2 weeks of the cancellation. Regional/State Piano Festival - Open to any AHS student who takes private piano lessons. (Sign-up and entry registration completed through Mr. Silva) Regional/State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival - Open to all AHS choral ensemble members (FR. - SR.) who are willing to prepare and memorize two pieces (one foreign language/one english). Final decisions on who attends Festival will be made by the choir director. Students are encouraged to take private voice lessons in preparation for this. (Sign-up with Ms. Loganbill) State Large Group Festival - All AHS Concert Choir and Chamber Singers members are required to participate in this event. It will take place on a school day and transportation will be provided. District/State KMEA Honor Choir - This is an opportunity for any AHS choral ensemble member to audition and possibly be selected for a district and state level honor choir. This will require outside of school rehearsal, small music fee, audition process outside of school (school will provide transportation), and concert(s) outside of school (school will provide transportation). If selected for district or state level the student will be required to prepare and memorize 6-7 pieces of music and will get the benefit of working with a highly esteemed choral clinician in the rehearsal and performance settings. This is a highly recommended endeavor for AHS choir students. (Sign-up with Ms. Loganbill) District/State KMEA Honor Choir Prep-Days - These will take place at Friends University and with the Wichita Chamber Chorale where students auditioning for KMEA Honor Choir will be able to learn and prepare the required music in a full choir setting which will include singers from across the state of Kansas. Transportation will be coordinated for this event and a small fee applies. (Sign-up with Ms. Loganbill) 6

7 Travel AHS Choral Ensembles occasionally travel for performance based educational purposes. Further details and permission forms will be provided well in advance. Standards and Expectations *National and State Music Education Standards can be found on Ms. Loganbill s webpage under (resources) Expectations of good conduct are essential from all choir members. Each student will represent their choir, the music department and Andale High School in the best way possible at all times. In addition to the expectations of conduct stated in the AHS handbook, choir students are expected to display proper conduct and respect of the highest caliber during rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, festivals, contests, field trips, or any activity associated with choir. Respect toward peers and adults are a must. Unacceptable conduct from an AHS choir student may result in disciplinary action, and/or removal from choir. REHEARSAL/CLASS STANDARDS & EXPECTATIONS: 1. Absences : Types of Absences 1. Rehearsal Absence - If a student misses class for any excused reason on any given day they may either choose to earn 0/5 points for that day or they may complete one rehearsal make-up assignment and turn it into Ms. Loganbill within one week of the absence. (Rehearsal absence make-up assignments are located on Ms. Loganbill s webpage under Choir-Make-up assignments) 2. Excused Performance Absence - If a student has a conflicting school activity and must miss a performance all efforts will be made on the teacher/sponsor s part to allow the student to participate in both. If conflict cannot be resolved the student will need to complete a make-up review and analysis of the concert arranged by Ms. Loganbill. If the student misses a performance due to any other reason a make-up review will be assigned and available to review at least 90% of the total grade. Prior notification (if possible) is required for the absence to be excused. 3. Unexcused Performance/Rehearsal Absence - Unexcused absences (meaning no prior notification) cannot be made-up and will result in loss of full grade points for that rehearsal or performance. 2. Classroom Standards: 1. Be Present 2. Be Prepared 3. Be Respectful 4. Be Encouraging 7

8 3. Rehearsal Flow: When the bell rings, be in your assigned seat w/folder and pencil ready to sing. Please remember, as stated in the AHS student handbook, no backpacks or purses are allowed in the classroom. Bell Work/Warm-up/Attendance Sight-Reading Rehearsal Announcements 4. Additional Expectations: Please take care of this room and everything in it! We want to be sure everything in here is available for many years to come, and in just as good of shape as it is today. Be sure you pick up after yourself, take care of your music, uniforms, and be careful with all equipment. Any damage or loss of music or uniforms will be assessed to the student. Behaviors NOT allowed in class (unless instructed by teacher): a. Working on other class work during choir b. Talking while we are singing c. Talking or being a distraction while another section is working d. Not participating in class (ie. Not singing when you are supposed to, not sitting with correct posture.) e. Not giving your best effort f. Disrespect to me, yourself, or others g. Use of cell phones No gum, pop, candy or other food is allowed in this classroom. Bottles of water are not only accepted, but encouraged. All rules and policies in the AHS student handbook will be followed in this classroom. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES: 1. Verbal warning given (loss of daily points) 2. After class discussion with teacher (documented in goedustar) (loss of daily points) minute detention parents contacted (documented in goedustar) (loss of daily points) 4. Conference with Mr. May or Mr. Fawcett parents contacted (documented in goedustar) (loss of daily points) 8

9 Choral Ensemble Dress/Attire Information Choral ensembles have specific concert attire. Students are responsible for the upkeep, alterations and cleanliness of the attire throughout the time that it is assigned to them, the school will offer storage for all attire. Students should label all pieces of their uniform with name and phone number. Students are to wear concert dress for all concerts unless notified by Ms. Loganbill. Concert dress will be worn before, during, and after performances. Students may not perform if concert apparel is not correct. Choir T-shirts or Polos, full-length jeans (with no holes or stains), and brown or black shoes will be worn for casual performances and travel. Concert Choir/Chamber Singers/Madrigals Women : -Dress (purchased through the school) -Plain black closed-toe shoes (limit 1-inch heel/no flip-flops or sneakers) (purchased by student) -Pearls (purchased by student) -No other distracting jewelry may be worn (questions?? ask Ms. Loganbill) -No bracelets, hair bands, or watches should be worn on wrists -Hair must be pulled back out of your face -No unnatural looking make-up Dresses are 100% polyester. Hand wash/or on delicate cycle in cold water with mild detergent. No Bleach. Hang dry. Cool iron only on reverse side. Do not dry clean. Women will be measured and fitted for dresses at the beginning of each school year. New dresses will be ordered if needed. Cost of dress is $74 (new) or $60 (used). Men : -Black Tux Pants -Black Vest -White Tux Shirt -Black Dress Shoes (purchased by student) -Black tall socks (purchased by student) -Black Tie Tux Pants - 100% Polyester. Washable or Dry Clean. Vests - 100% Polyester. Hand wash in cold water with mild detergent. No Bleach. Hang to dry. Warm iron only or dry clean. Men s Tux Shirts - 65% Polyester/35% Cotton. Machine wash warm. Tumble dry. Warm Iron. Do not use chlorine bleach. Men will be measured and fitted for attire at the beginning of each school year. New attire will be ordered if needed. Cost of full ensemble is $84 (new) or individual parts can be purchased from the school for discounted prices (this information will be made available to the students at the beginning of the year). 9

10 Choir Casual Attire T-shirts and polos will be available for purchase at the beginning of the year. T-shirts may be worn to casual choir events as specified by the teacher, and polos will be worn to other choir events and for travel purposes. When choir polos are worn they are to be worn with nice jeans (no holes/stains) and black or brown shoes. Men are to tuck in their polo and wear a belt. T-shirt and Polo color and design will be voted on by the choir members previous to purchase date. Detailed information regarding T-shirts, jackets, and Polos will be available prior to ordering. **NOTE: Some choir members may be required to purchase choir polo.** Auditions Auditions for the next school year will take place in late April/early May of the current year. Students will sign-up for an audition time and will not need to prepare anything outside of class for the audition. Auditions for Honor Choir and Solo/Ensemble Festival will be scheduled by the teacher with each individual student. Music/Materials Original scores and folders will be assigned to each student. Students are to use pencil for performance markings and properly shelve their choral folio following rehearsals. Due to the high cost of music, students will be assessed a "face value" charge for lost sheet music folders. This includes those folders lost in the choral area. In the event a folder is lost, please notify Ms. Loganbill as soon as possible. Fundraising Each year the choral department sponsors student fundraisers which will be offered throughout the year on a strictly voluntary basis. Two types of fundraising may occur. 1. Individual - Students may accumulate money in an account to use as credit towards paying for attire or future trips (if applicable). If your child exits the choral program, their fund will be directed to the general choral fund for capital outlay. It may not be transferred to another activity or to another person. 2. Department/Club - Students can participate in whole department fundraisers that benefit the department to help offset costs for musicals, concerts, new equipment, etc. **Please watch for upcoming information on fundraisers. 10

11 Leadership Each choir will have a choir cabinet that assist the director and act as communicators between the ensemble and the directors. The officers meet on a consistent basis scheduled at the beginning of the year. Offices include (but not limited to): President - acts as a student director, supervises all officer activities, and helps with organizing special projects when needed. Vice President - assists the president, acts in place of the president if absent and helps with organizing special projects when needed. Secretary - handles all official communications, records notes at meetings/events, writes thank you notes and updates bulletin boards. This person also takes roll for all rehearsals, concerts, and events. Treasurer - collects all fees and forms from choir members, organizes and logs them, and turns them into the director in a timely manner. This person also keeps a record of items purchased and ordered. Librarians (2)-prepares new music for distribution, helps distribute and collect music, and repair music as needed. Keeps log of music inventory for choral libraries and student use. Logistics (2)-communicates with Ms. Loganbill regarding performance needs, recruit and coordinate volunteers for stage set-up and teardown. **All students interested in leadership positions must fill out an application. 11

12 Grading Choral ensembles are graded on the following: Class Participation, Preparation, Behavior = 40% Effort to Achieve Personal Excellence Professionalism as a Musician Respect of Yourself, Teacher, and Others Attention to Classroom Standards Proper use of Class Time Students can earn a total of 5 points per day/25 per week/100 per month A daily participation grade of 5 points-this includes rehearsal expectations including having music/pencil daily, not chewing gum, good posture, etc. Assessments = 15% Voice Tests/Spot Tests (20 pts. each) Score Analysis (20 pts. each) Written Assignments (20 pts. each) Exams (Midterm and Final) (Points announced) Attendance = 40% Attendance/Punctuality Students earn attendance points each day. If they are absent from class for any reason they lose those points. Excused absences can be made up by completing a makeup work form and turning it in for full credit of attendance points. Performances (100 pts. each)/events (50 pts. each) Proper Attire Etiquette AR = 5% **This choir will use a total points grading system. The grade will be points earned out of possible and converted to a percent. This score will be given a letter based on the district scale. 12

13 Lettering Requirements Receive an A in choir both semesters (100 points 50 points for 1 semester) Attendance at all concerts (100 points 50 points for a concert missed) Additional points earned: Solo/ensemble at regional contest (20 points) Solo/ensemble at state contest (25 points) Solo/ensemble receives a I at state contest (10 points) Participation in AHS (each year = 10 points) Private voice lessons taken entire year (10 points) Attendance to other school s vocal concerts - please bring me a program (5 points each) Audition for KMEA district choir (10 points) Participate in KMEA district choir (30 points) Chosen as alternate for KMEA state choir (25 points) Participate in KMEA state choir (50 points) Perform (other than w/ choir) in AHS variety show (5 points per performance) Member of AHS band (5 points) Participate in the school musical (75 points) Member of some other choral group for entire year (10 points) (church choir, music theatre for young people, etc.) Sing National Anthem at a game (5 points per game) Solo on a choir concert (5 points) You are a senior that has been in choir all 4 years of high school (20 points) You haven t had ISS/OSS this year (5 points) You are a choir officer (10 points) If we get straight I ratings at state, the entire choir will earn 20 extra points. If we get at least 2 I ratings at state, the entire choir will earn 15 extra points. If we get at least 1 I rating at state, the entire choir will earn 10 extra points. If you did not achieve numbers 1 or 2 at the top of the page, you may make up the missed points by these other options. If you can think of something you think you have done to earn a letter, please let me know. YOU NEED 300 POINTS TO LETTER IN CHOIR EACH YEAR 13

14 Google Classroom/Webpage/Social Media The most up-to-date information regarding choral activities at Andale High School can be found on your student s Google Classroom page or the CHOIR page on the Andale HS website (for parents). Announcements will be posted in google classroom, on the webpage, and in some cases, on social media. LIKE our page on facebook at Andale High School Choir Follow us on Things to know as Vocal Music Parents If you ever have questions, comments or concerns please contact me! My number at AHS is , ext If I am unavailable, please leave a message and I will return your call as soon as possible. You may also me anytime at angela.loganbill@usd267.com. We will be ordering AHS Choir shirts this fall. I will send home an order form with your student very soon. Please feel free to order for your family as well show your vocal music support! All events will be posted on the webpage on google classroom calendars for easy access. Paper copies of the schedule will be made available as well. 14