Choral Handbook

Transcription

1 Choral Handbook Deltona High School Amanda James Director of Choral Activities

2 Table of Contents 3 Letter from the Director 4 Purpose and Philosophy 5 Daily Procedures 6 Choral Principles 7-8 Grading and Financial Considerations 9 Student Leadership Positions Student Assessment 12 A Note on Vocal Health 13 Calendar 14 FAQs 15 Student Contract 16 Parent Contract 2 Choral Handbook

3 Dear Deltona Choral Students and Families: Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything. - Plato - On behalf of the Choral Music Department at Deltona High School, I would like to welcome you (or welcome you back) to the Choral Program! I am delighted that you have chosen to be part of the choir family. For all those students I haven t had the pleasure of meeting yet, here is a little information about me. I am originally from Longwood, FL and I graduated from Stetson University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. I studied voice privately while at Stetson for four years. To help families begin to plan for the coming year and to make certain we hit the ground running when rehearsals begin, please take the time now to read the materials and fill out the forms contained in this packet. This Handbook outlines the Procedures and Principles we will be following within the Department this year, different elected positions they may be nominated for, the choral calendar for the year, as well as choir contracts that will be due on September 11 th of this year. Parents, I hope you will become involved in our Choral Boosters. This group of very active parents provides the support the Choral Department needs to sustain our yearly activities. You will learn all you need to know about the Boosters at our first meeting on September 14 th. Please fill out your Parent Choral Contract before attending this meeting. This is my second year with Deltona High School and I hope to make it an incredible year for each and every student involved in the program. We have the opportunity to really make a family and I know I can count on every student and parent to contribute. If you have any questions about me, my teaching practices, my classroom, or anything else after reading this packet, please do not hesitate to me. My school can be found on the front page of the Choral Handbook and I will respond in as timely a manner as possible. Here s to making this the best year the Deltona High Choir Program has ever seen. I can t wait to start rehearsals with your students and I look forward to meeting with all of you soon. Sincerely, Amanda James Amanda James Director of Choral Activities 3 Choral Handbook

4 Purpose and Philosophy The purpose of this choir program is for each student to improve a little bit every day that they are in the program. We do not ask that you be a master musician when you walk through the door and we do not ask that you already be able to sing well. Class time is for teaching the fundamentals. During rehearsals, you will be actively engaged, both mentally and physically. By the end of the year, if you walk out of the chorus room door a better musician, singer, and/or person, than when you walked in, our job will have been accomplished. A major staple of my philosophy of teaching is that problems are left outside the door. I require that you do the same. I will not let issues determine how I act in a choir rehearsal and I will not let my personal mood affect the way I treat you. I ask that you adopt the same philosophy. The choir room should be a comfortable place for every one involved in the program and all problems, negative emotions, and attitudes should be checked at the door. Overall, this will create a much safer and kinder atmosphere and will help in creating a suitable music-making environment. I also believe that loyalties, personal ties, and relationships are a double-edged sword when it comes to a choir program. That being said, I don t wish for you to ignore your friends while in the choir classroom. On the contrary, I fully advocate choir members being friendly with one another. But that also means that you are equally as friendly with everyone involved in the program. This does not mean that everyone will be friends or like each other necessarily. But everyone will respect one another. Respect is an important fundamental to a cohesive and harmonious choir. Monthly socials and one retreat per semester will be implemented to encourage a respectful relationship amongst the choir and its members. Being a member of this choir means much more than walking through the door, singing, getting up at the bell, and leaving. It also means applying all principles and purposes of the choir rehearsal to every day life. I hope that you all will be as kind and courteous outside of the choir room as I know you will be inside it. I must reiterate that the choir room is a place of safety, respect, and diligence. I highly encourage you to take those principles with you whenever you leave the classroom. Music is a universal language. There is something in it that everyone can relate to, whether it s the text, the sound, or the feeling associated. More so than in many other places, you will bond through music. It is my goal to create a cohesive and strong choir unit based around this idea. We ll be spending a lot of time together this year and I wish for you to be fully aware of my goals and aspirations for our choir. It will take much more than a willingness and plan from me. It will also take your willingness, your knowledge, your dedication, and your passion to keep us running and to make us better. I look forward to working with you this year. 4 Choral Handbook

5 Daily Procedures and Choral Principles DAILY PROCEDURES CHOIR FOLDERS AND MUSIC You, as a choir member, will need to have a one-inch binder. This binder is to be used for choir only and will be used at every choir rehearsal this year at Deltona High School. You will be required to bring a pencil, your binder, and all chorus materials to each and every rehearsal. Throughout the year, you will be given music to put inside your choir binder. You will be charged a replacement fee if any music is lost or damaged. WHEN YOU ENTER THE CLASSROOM Leave your bags and personal items, including electronics, at the front of the classroom. Turn in any late work to the work inbox on top of the filing cabinet. Make sure you write the current date on the top of your work. Bring your choir binder and pencil with you to your seat. Read the board and prepare any music that you ll need for the day s rehearsal. Complete any bellwork. IF YOU WERE ABSENT FROM CLASS Upon entering the classroom put any work that was collected while you were gone in the work inbox on top of the filing cabinet. Make sure you note the day you were absent on the top of your work. Ask your section leader what was missed and get any rehearsal marks that you don t have in your music. IF YOU ARE TARDY Place your tardy slip in the box on the piano before finding your seat. IF YOU D LIKE TO LEAVE DURING CLASS Raise your hand to be acknowledged before leaving. Make sure you take the pass with you. WHEN YOU LEAVE THE CLASSROOM Please refrain from leaving until dismissed by the teacher. I will do my best to dismiss you in a timely manner. Return the classroom to the way you found it upon entering. Return any borrowed music or materials to the borrowed inbox on top of the filing cabinet. Retrieve everything you came to class with before leaving. (continued) 5 Choral Handbook

6 CHORAL PRINCIPLES (IN CLASS AND ON STAGE) RESPECT Take pride in respecting classmates, director, and property. Refrain from gum chewing, disruptive talking, and other negative behaviors. Listen quietly while others are speaking. PUNCTUALITY Punctuality is extremely important to a choir program, especially at the beginning of rehearsal. Please do your best to be on time and attentive at the beginning of each and every rehearsal. This same principle applies to after school rehearsals, call times, and performances. CONTRIBUTIONS Work on developing proper vocal technique on a daily basis. Participate in learning each day, employing factors of respect as listed above. Be present and willing to learn when the bell rings. LEADERSHIP Learn your music quickly and efficiently so you may help others with their parts. Set an example of positive self-discipline and characteristics of respect. Take initiative in all class activities. (volunteering to answer questions, singing the correct voice part, etc.) REWARDS for students who choose positive behaviors: Participation in advanced and after school functions is a reward dependent upon your grades, participation, and overall attitude in the Choral Program. Participation in anything outside of school, including but not limited to MPA, All-State, All-County, Candlelight, etc. is a reward dependent upon your grades, participation, and overall attitude in the Choral Program. CONSEQUENCES for students who choose negative behaviors: Step 1: Verbal warning in class. Step 2: Teacher administered referral. Step 3: Conference with the teacher and referral, phone call home. Step 4: Referral, conference with teacher to discuss and determine alternate assignments during class time. HARASSMENT Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in this classroom. Steps to follow if harassment is occurring are: Step 1: Try to resolve the problem on your own with the students involved. Step 2: If assistance is needed, please take the issue to the choir officers who will attempt to resolve the issue. Step 3: Serious issues that remain unresolved by the officers are to be addressed by Ms. James. Step 4: If the problem persists, necessary administration will be involved. Daily Procedures and Choral Principles 6 Choral Handbook

7 Grading and Financial Considerations Grades will be determined by the effort a student puts into the choral ensemble. The grades will be divided into three categories: Daily Rehearsals (Formative): 40% Performances (Summative): 35% Assessments (Summative): 25% The purpose of this system is twofold: To give the students visible credit for aspects of the class they normally do, such as attending rehearsals and concerts. To encourage students to become more involved in their musical training by focusing on musical activities, and basics of music fundamentals that will benefit both the student and the ensemble in which they sing. DAILY REHEARSALS 40% Rehearsal attendance: Students will receive up to 10 points for each scheduled rehearsal they attend. Points will be awarded based on the following rubric: Warm-up Participates fully and attentively during warm-up Participates fully during warm-up Participates in warm-up with minor attention lapses Participates in warm-up with some attention lapses Participation in warm-up is casual Fails to take warm-up seriously Infrequently participates in warm-up Rarely participates in warm-up Participation in warm-up is negligible No participation in warm-up Rehearsal Participation Involved actively in rehearsal a vast majority of the time Involved actively in rehearsal most of the time Involved in rehearsal with minor attention lapses Involved in rehearsal but has some attention lapses Involved in rehearsal but is frequently distracted Involves himself/ herself in rehearsal and distractions are many Infrequently involved in rehearsal and off task a majority of the time Rarely involved in rehearsal and frequently off-task Involvement in rehearsal is negligible No involvement in rehearsal Posture Displays correct posture at all times while singing Displays correct posture at all times while singing Displays correct posture most of the time while singing Displays correct posture intermittently Displays correct posture inconsistently Displays correct posture only after warning from director Infrequently displaces correct posture Rarely displays correct posture Posture incorrectly displayed No correct posture displayed even after warning from director Zero points will be given for students who are absent from rehearsal, excused or unexcused, or for students who are removed from rehearsal for disciplinary reasons As detailed earlier in this handbook, you will need a binder and you will be assigned music. Your binder, all music and a pencil must be with you each day. Failure to have the binder and all contents will result in 3 points being deducted from that day s rehearsal point value. Rehearsal time is very valuable and we must make use of each and every moment. Tardies will result in 3 points being deducted from that day s participation point value. Extra Rehearsal Attendance: Extra rehearsals may be necessary for various performances and may be called outside the school day. Up to 50 points will be awarded for each rehearsal. (continued) 7 Choral Handbook

8 PERFORMANCES 35% Performance Attendance: Students will receive up to 100 points for each performance providing they arrive at the appointed call time and remain until the completion of the performance. FVA District and State Concert MPA: Students will receive 200 points for each FVA/MPA Performance. Absences: In order for an absence to be excused, the student must have prior approval from the director. Excuses absences will be granted only in extreme circumstances. If an excused absence is granted, an alternate project will be assigned. Work schedules or family or family trips will be unexcused, as all concert dates are known well in advance. In the event of illness or family emergency immediately before a concert or extra rehearsal, a good faith attempt (Parent-link, call to director s home, , etc.) must be made to notify the director. ASSESSMENTS 25% Lotteries: Lotteries are singing tests in which the participants are either chosen at random or chosen by the director. Portions of the literature will be assigned and then assessed. Lottery dates will be announced for new material. Unannounced lotteries will cover material that has already been assigned. Accuracy, diction, tone, phrasing, and musicianship will be evaluated. Lotteries will consist of group singing, solo singing and tape recording solo singing. Each lottery is worth 50 points. Written Work: Quizzes, tests, and essays may be utilized during any given quarter. Each assignment will be given a point value ranging from 10 points to 50 points. JOBS/WORK AND THE CHORAL PROGRAM It is your responsibility to notify your place of employment about rehearsal and performance dates. You should submit a copy of the performance schedule along with rehearsal dates to your employer at the beginning of the school year. Employers are happy to work around your schedule if they know it well in advance. They are usually less willing to work around your schedule when they find out the day before. Work is an unexcused absence under any circumstance. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS CHORUS DUES $35 DUE on September 6 th Please make all checks payable to Deltona High School. If you are in need of a payment plan or have special circumstances where dues are concerned, please me and we will work something out. CONCERT UNIFORMS For the ladies: All ladies in the choir will be required to purchase a performance dress for the duration of their time in the choir. It is a one-time purchase and after that, the dress is yours until you graduate or until you leave the choir for any other reason. Please plan on spending $70 for your dress, though it may be less. In addition, all ladies will be required to have their own pair of black character shoes. There are several places to find these shoes but the easiest way is to get them online. Black tights or pantyhose must be worn under your concert dress at all times unless otherwise specified. For the gentlemen: All gentlemen in the choir are required to have the following pieces for their uniforms: Black dress/tux pants Black jacket White dress shirt Silver bow tie/tie/vest Black dress shoes It is your responsibility to find the things needed for your uniform if you do not already have them. The ties and bow ties will both be used as the year progresses. *If you are in need of a payment plan or have special circumstances when it comes to purchasing any part of your uniform, please me or talk to me directly to discuss options. 8 Choir Handbook

9 STUDENT LEADERSHIP POSITIONS CLASS ELECTED OFFICES: SECTION LEADERS There will be one section leader per section. This office is elected the fourth week of classes. It will be the section leader s responsibility to properly mark all of their music so they may answer any questions from students in their section. Section leaders will also be responsible for leading sectional rehearsals. Being able to play piano and read music are important characteristics of a section leader. STUDENT LIBRARIANS Each class will have two student librarians. It will be the librarians job to keep all music and paperwork for the class organized into their class designated filing cabinet. Student librarians will also be in charge of checking music in and out to the students in their class throughout the year. Librarians, along with the Vice-President, will keep the choral library organized. CHOIR ELECTED OFFICES: PRESIDENT It will be the President s job to conduct Executive Board meetings and votes made by the choir. They will help to organize and plan the choir retreat at the beginning of the year and choir trips throughout the year. During mass rehearsals, they will lead group discussions. They will be in charge of planning and supervising special projects throughout the year. They will organize campaigns for recruiting new students and with the help of their Executive Board, plan the end of the year Choir Banquet. VICE-PRESIDENT The Vice-President will be in charge of all Social events for the choir. They will help the president with their duties and will be in charge of overseeing all Section Leaders and Student Librarians. They, along with the Librarians, will be in charge of keeping the choral library neat and organized throughout the year. SECRETARY The Secretary will be in charge of taking notes at all Executive Board meetings and sending monthly updates to all Officers of the choir, including Section Leaders, Student Librarians, and the Director s Assistant. The Secretary will also be in charge of sending out invitations to all concerts, fundraisers, and other events. After said events, the Secretary will send out thank-you notes to all those who helped or were involved. HISTORIAN The Historian will be in charge of taking photos at all Choir events, including Socials, Concerts, Mass Rehearsals, and Fundraisers. At the end of the year, the Historian will present a scrapbook to the choir, which will be added to the Choral Library. WEB MANAGER The Web Manager will be in charge of managing all of Deltona s Choir Social Media pages and accounts, including but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They will also be in charge of sending out all electronic invites and information to the students on a weekly basis. DIRECTOR ELECTED OFFICES: DIRECTOR S ASSISTANT The Director s Assistant will be in charge of leading the choir should the Director ever be absent from a rehearsal or event. They will direct at least one piece at each concert and will meet with the Director once a week to discuss the music the choir is working on and create a rehearsal schedule for the following week. The Director s Assistant will attend all Executive Board meetings. The Director s Assistant will also be in charge of overseeing all Section Leaders, meeting with them once a month to discuss Sectional rehearsals and ensure that they are all efficiently executing their job. 9 Choral Handbook

10 DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR STUDENT ASSESSMENT Student Date Semester Grade ASSESSMENT KEY 1-3 UNACCEPTABLE 4-6 PROBATION 7-10 GOOD STANDING SECTION ONE: ARTISTIC PREPARATION AND GROWTH Preparation for Daily Rehearsals Preparation for Technique/Warm-ups Preparation for Large Ensemble Rehearsals Preparation for Other Music Classes (Theory, sight-reading, memorization) Development of Technical Skills Overall Artistic Growth Comments: (continued) TOTAL POINTS EARNED SECTION AVERAGE SECTION TWO: COMMITMENT AND DISCIPLINE Discipline in Daily Rehearsals Discipline in Technique/Warm-ups Discipline in Large Ensemble Rehearsals Contribution to Large Ensemble Concert Attendance Comments: TOTAL POINTS EARNED SECTION AVERAGE 10 Choral Handbook

11 DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR STUDENT ASSESSMENT ASSESSMENT KEY 1-3 UNACCEPTABLE 4-6 PROBATION 7-10 GOOD STANDING OVERALL ASSESSMENT AVERAGE Comments: Discipline/Number of Referrals *Attendance/Number of Absences *Students may be denied class credit and/or placed on probation if ten (10) or more absences of class are accrued. STATUS: Good Standing Probation Reinstatement Dismissal ASSESSOR SIGNATURE STUDENT SIGNATURE PARENT SIGNATURE DATE DATE DATE 11 Choral Handbook

12 A NOTE ABOUT VOCAL HEALTH Vocal health is an integral part of the life of a singer. Every student of the program is highly encouraged to develop his or her voice on a daily basis while a member of this program. Private voice lessons are also encouraged for every student. Names of reputable voice teachers may be obtained from Ms. James UNDERSTAND YOUR VOICE Learn how the voice works and how to use proper vocal techniques Sing to your ability Be patient with your voice it takes time to grow WARM UP YOUR VOICE Always warm up your voice for at least ten minutes before singing or speaking. Stretch and relax your body fully to relieve tension before singing Do warm-up vocalizations in both your upper and lower ranges ENVIRONMENT Avoid noisy and/or smoke-filled environments If you must be in a noisy or smoke-filled environment, be aware of how you re using your voice HYDRATION Drink seven to ten eight-ounce glasses of water daily Avoid singing with a dry throat Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth REST Get enough sleep each night Take time each day to actively rest your body and voice Rest your voice when it is tired ILLNESS Wash your hands frequently Drink plenty of water, especially when you re ill Try to avoid contact with others who are ill MEDICATIONS Be aware that some medications can affect your voice Antihistamines and decongestants can contribute to dehydration of the vocal folds Anesthetic spray decreases pain sensitivity of the throat, but be aware that you run the risk of damaging your voice if you continue to sing or speak while using it WARNING SIGNS OF VOCAL DAMAGE Prolonged hoarseness Complete loss of voice Pressed or constricted vocal quality Unusual breathiness or roughness Reduced vocal endurance Pitch change in your voice, particularly loss of range in the upper register Singing or speaking require much more effort than usual, or there is an increase of tension Sound delays or clicks when speaking Producing more than one pitch at the same time 12 Choral Handbook

13 DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR CALENDAR September 1 Open House Deltona High School September 3 Sing A Thon, 10am-6pm DHS Auditorium September 6 Choral Contracts/Dues/Uniform Money Due Turn in to Ms. James September 8-9 Candlelight Rehearsal 3pm-6pm DHS Auditorium September 10 Sing A Thon, 12pm-6pm DHS Auditorium September 12 First Booster Meeting 6pm Chorus Room September 14 All-County Auditions 4pm-6pm Mainland High School September 21 A Voice For Peace Chorus Room September Jacksonville Sings! UNF Jacksonville September 24 All-State Theory Exam Time and Location TBD October 7-8 Stetson Choral Fest Stetson University October 12 Men s Day of Singing Time and Location TBD October 15 Festival Singers Honor Choir Time and Location TBD October 22 All-State Musicianship Exam Time and Location TBD October 25 All-County Rehearsal 5pm-7pm Chorus Room November 1 All-County Rehearsal 5pm-7pm Atlantic High School November ACDA Conference Seminole State College November 8 All-County Rehearsal 5pm-9pm Deland High School November 10 All-County Rehearsal and Concert, All Day Deland High School December 3 Sing A Thon, 10am-6pm DHS Auditorium December 5-9 PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL PARADE Pearl Harbor December Winter Concert Rehearsal 3pm-6pm Chorus Room December 16 Winter Concert 7pm, 5pm call Chorus Room December 17 Christmas Parade, City of Deltona Meet at DHS February 3-4 Solo & Ensemble Time and Location TBD February 11 Sing A Thon, 10am-6pm Chorus Room February 17 Pre-MPA Concert 7pm, 5pm call Chorus Room February 18 Sing A Thon, 10am-6pm DHS Auditorium February 25 Sing A Thon, 10am-6pm DHS Auditorium March 3-4 MPA Time and Location TBD April 22 Sing A Thon, 10am-6pm DHS Auditorium April 29 Sing A Thon, 12pm-6pm DHS Auditorium May 8-11 Spring Concert Rehearsal 3pm-6pm DHS Auditorium May 12 Spring Concert 7pm, 5pm call Chorus Room 13 Choral Handbook

14 DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR FAQs Q: When are chorus dues due? A: Please see pg. 8 of this handbook under Financial Considerations. You can also find the date in the calendar on pg. 13. Q: I lost my music. What do I do? A: Submit a request for copies to Ms. James. The first copy will be forgiven. After that, copies will be paid for by the student. Requests can be found on top of the chorus folder filing cabinet. Q: When are we singing at Candlelight? A: I won t know whether we are singing at Candlelight until after our audition is taped and sent in. After that, Disney will send us our results, along with what dates we are performing. Q: When are Chorus Booster meetings? A: Booster meetings will be scheduled once the booster club is in place and officers have been elected. Q: What if I can t afford my chorus dues or dress/tuxedo? A: Throughout the year, many options of fundraising will be made available to you. The majority of that money will be accredited to your personal account and can be used to pay dues, or for a dress/tuxedo. Parents or guardians may also arrange payment plans with Ms. James. Q: May I use the restroom? A: Please see pg. 5 of this handbook under Classroom Procedures. Q: My throat is sore. Do I need to sing today? A: If you are sick, please do not hurt your voice further by singing. Inform me before class starts and bring a note from a doctor if applicable. You can mark (sing lightly on the breath) or follow along in your music with the class. If this is abused, I will have to assess the true reason you re not singing. Q: My parent/guardian wants to chaperone for out of school functions. How does he/she do that? A: On the Parent Contract found on the last page, parents/guardians can circle all events that they wish to chaperone for. Q: I forgot my music at home. What do I do? A: Borrow a copy of music from the box designated for your class. RETURN those copies at the end of class to the borrowed box on top of the music folder filing cabinet. If there are no copies of the piece of music that you need to borrow, look on with a neighbor. 14 Choral Handbook

15 DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR STUDENT CONTRACT Personal Information STUDENT NAME GRADE ADDRESS CITY ZIP CODE BEST PHONE NUMBER TO CALL SECOND BEST I have internet access at home. YES NO ADDRESS BEST WAY TO CONTACT: CALL TEXT OTHER T-Shirt Size: XS S M L XL XXL XXXL I have interest in running for the following Elected Offices: SECTION LEADER STUDENT LIBRARIAN I have interest in participating in the following out of school events: DISNEY S CANDLELIGHT ALL-COUNTY ALL-STATE A VOICE FOR PEACE SOLO & ENSEMBLE STETSON CHORAL FEST JACKSONVILLE SINGS I have received and read a copy of the Deltona High School Choral Handbook. I understand my responsibilities as a member of the Deltona High School choir and understand that I will be held accountable for the information contained within this handbook. STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE 15 Choral Handbook

16 DELTONA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR PARENT CONTRACT Personal Information PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME ADDRESS: CITY ZIP CODE BEST PHONE NUMBER TO CALL SECOND BEST I have internet access at home. YES NO ADDRESS 1: 2: BEST WAY TO CONTACT: CALL TEXT OTHER I have interest in the following Booster Offices: PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT TREASURER SECRETARY I have interest in chaperoning/attending the following events (please mark x2 if both parents/guardians wish to chaperone): DISNEY S CANDLELIGHT STETSON CHORAL FEST MPA JACKSONVILLE SINGS I can help the choir with the following needs and volunteer service: FUNDRAISING DRIVING STUDENTS TICKET SALES DRESS/TUXEDO ALTERATIONS MEASUREMENTS FOR UNIFORMS CONCESSIONS CHAPERONING I have received and read a copy of the Deltona High School Choral Handbook. I understand my students and my responsibilities as members of the Deltona High School Choir and understand that I will be held accountable for the information contained within this handbook. PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE 16 Choral Handbook