KENTON RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR HANDBOOK

2015-2016 KENTON RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR HANDBOOK Welcome to Kenton Ridge High School Choir s 2015-2016 season. This handbook will outline class outcomes, expectations, grading practices, equipment and outfit use, travel, and a calendar of events for the school year. I look forward to meeting students and parents and am excited about all the possibilities for the upcoming year. Valerie Buckley Director of Choirs Phone: 937-399- 0264(HS) e- mail: valeriedetray@nelsd.org (same as before) Northeastern Local Schools Website www.northeastern.k12.oh.us

TABLE OF CONTENTS Choir Course Descriptions..........3-4 Attendance... 5 Rehearsals....5 Testing.....5 Performance.... 5 Consequences..... 5 Grading/Points.....6 Forms.......6 Fundraising......6 Concert Attire...... 6 Trips.....6 Choir Officers: Positions and Expectations.......7 Policies 8 Performance Calendar...9 Student/Parent/Guardian Commitment Form........10 Emergency Medical Form.........11 2

Choral Ensembles Chamber Singers Description Chamber Singers is an elite, auditioned ensemble open to any KRHS student in grades 10-12. Members of this ensemble have shown superior musicianship in both sight-reading and performance. Students will continue to grow in musicality and understanding of the choral experience. The choir will study and perform small ensemble choral works, including madrigals, jazz, world music, and standard choral literature. The Chamber Singers will perform a variety of musical styles from Classical to Pop, and will participate in choral contests, concerts, and festivals. As a member of this ensemble, yearly retreats and extra rehearsals are possible. Course Outcomes 1) Students will develop strategies for sight reading choral music scores (primarily using the Kodály Philosophy) with a free and supported tone and with correct intonation within an appropriate vocal range. 2) Students will study and perform unison, two-part, SAB, and SATB choral music, accompanied and A Cappella, from various cultures and historical periods. Students will have the opportunity to perform music in different languages and in smaller ensembles. 3) Students will follow a sequential method of studying music theory, notation, and symbols to aid in development of musicality and choral reading skills. Students will apply appropriate vocabulary of musical terms to analyze musical performances. 4) Students will learn to cooperate and work together to achieve the goal of excellence in choral sound and performance. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal skills (listening, marking scores, following director) and performance skills (punctuality, riser etiquette, performance behavior). 5) Students will have the opportunity to participate in choral Adjudicated Events, Festivals, and audition for honor choir groups (if applicable). Students will be encouraged to participate in private instruction and extra-curricular choral ensembles. 6) Students will be encouraged to express musicality through composition and arranging of music, solo expressive singing, and playing of instruments. Symphonic Choir Description The Symphonic Choir is an auditioned ensemble open to any KRHS student in grades 9-12. Students will grow in musicality and understanding of the choral experience. The Symphonic Choir will perform a variety of musical styles from Classical to Pop, and will participate in choral contests, concerts, and festivals. As a member of this ensemble, yearly retreats and extra rehearsals are possible. Course Outcomes 1) Students will develop strategies for sight reading choral music scores (primarily using the Kodály Philosophy) with a free and supported tone and with correct intonation within an appropriate vocal range. 2) Students will study and perform unison, two-part, SAB, and SATB choral music, accompanied and A Cappella, from various cultures and historical periods. Students will have the opportunity to perform music in different languages and in smaller ensembles. 3) Students will follow a sequential method of studying music theory, notation, and symbols to aid in development of musicality and choral reading skills. Students will apply appropriate vocabulary of musical terms to analyze musical performances. 4) Students will learn to cooperate and work together to achieve the goal of excellence in choral sound and performance. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal skills (listening, marking scores, following director) and performance skills (punctuality, riser etiquette, performance behavior). 5) Students will have the opportunity to participate in choral Adjudicated Events, Festivals, and audition for honor choir groups (if applicable). Students will be encouraged to participate in private instruction and extra-curricular choral ensembles. 6) Students will be encouraged to express musicality through composition and arranging of music, solo expressive singing, and playing of instruments. 3

Women s Choir Description The Women s Choir is a choral ensemble open to any KRHS woman in grades 9-12. Each member will be required to commit to the rehearsals and performance schedules set by the director OUTSIDE OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY. Students will grow in musicality and understanding of the choral experience. The Women s Choir will perform a variety of musical styles from Classical to Pop, and will participate in choral Adjudicated Events, concerts, and festivals. As a member of this ensemble, yearly retreats and extra rehearsals are possible. Course Outcomes 1) Students will develop strategies for sight reading choral music scores (primarily using the Kodály Philosophy) with a free and supported tone and with correct intonation within an appropriate vocal range. 2) Students will study and perform unison, two-part, SSA, and SSAA choral music, accompanied and A Cappella, from various cultures and historical periods. Students will have the opportunity to perform music in different languages and in smaller ensembles. 3) Students will follow a sequential method of studying music theory, notation, and symbols to aid in development of musicality and choral reading skills. Students will apply appropriate vocabulary of musical terms to analyze musical performances. 4) Students will learn to cooperate and work together to achieve the goal of excellence in choral sound and performance. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal skills (listening, marking scores, following director) and performance skills (punctuality, riser etiquette, performance behavior). 5) Students will have the opportunity to participate in choral Adjudicated Events, Festivals, and audition for honor choir groups (if applicable). Students will be encouraged to participate in private instruction and extra-curricular choral ensembles. 6) Students will be encouraged to express musicality through composition and arranging of music, solo expressive singing, and playing of instruments. Men s Choir Description The Men s Choir is a choral ensemble open to any KRHS gentleman in grades 9-12. Each member will be required to commit to the rehearsals and performance schedules set by the director OUTSIDE OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY. Students will grow in musicality and understanding of the choral experience. The Men s Choir will perform a variety of musical styles from Classical to Pop, and will participate in choral Adjudicated Events, concerts, and festivals. As a member of this ensemble, yearly retreats and extra rehearsals are possible. Course Outcomes 1) Students will develop strategies for sight reading choral music scores (primarily using the Kodály Philosophy) with a free and supported tone and with correct intonation within an appropriate vocal range. 2) Students will study and perform unison, two-part, TTB, and TTBB choral music, accompanied and A Cappella, from various cultures and historical periods. Students will have the opportunity to perform music in different languages and in smaller ensembles. 3) Students will follow a sequential method of studying music theory, notation, and symbols to aid in development of musicality and choral reading skills. Students will apply appropriate vocabulary of musical terms to analyze musical performances. 4) Students will learn to cooperate and work together to achieve the goal of excellence in choral sound and performance. Emphasis is placed on rehearsal skills (listening, marking scores, following director) and performance skills (punctuality, riser etiquette, performance behavior). 5) Students will have the opportunity to participate in choral Adjudicated Events, Festivals, and audition for honor choir groups (if applicable). Students will be encouraged to participate in private instruction and extra-curricular choral ensembles. 6) Students will be encouraged to express musicality through composition and arranging of music, solo expressive singing, and playing of instruments. 4

Expectations -Attendance The choir makes progress only if each student is in school contributing to all rehearsals and performances. You will need to make a commitment to make your best effort in class at all times. When the bell rings, be in your seat, folder out (w/pencil), ready to go. Tardiness will be reflected in the attendance score. Three tardies equal one unexcused absence. (Two tardies to Women s or Men s choir could result in a detention) -Rehearsal Effective rehearsals are the secret to any successful musical ensemble. The backbone of an effective rehearsal is a positive, cooperative attitude. Here are the rehearsal expectations for choir. 1) Pay attention; please do not talk when the instructor is talking. 2) Students are responsible for care of sheet music, folder, and equipment, and for putting materials away properly. Students are responsible for their own music, folder and equipment. If any of this school property is lost or damaged, the student is responsible for replacement cost. Always keep a pencil in your folder. If a student s folder is not returned to the folder slot or kept with the student at the end of the period, instructor will subtract one point from participation points for folder left out. 3) "Students are expected to show respect to staff members and other students". 4) Learn your part in a timely manner. Assist other students in learning- be helpful and positive. 5) Absolutely NO gum, food, or drinks allowed during rehearsal. Students earn points for excellent rehearsal participation, (approximately 2 points per day). Points may be deducted at the discretion of the instructor for infractions of the above rules. -Testing Each student is expected to complete an individual twenty-point singing quiz prior to mid-term and the end of each 9 weeks. Along with singing for the director, an assignment or research paper may be assigned to make up for an excused concert absence. Assignments need to be completed in a satisfactory and timely manner for credit. There will be a 30 point singing final at the end of each semester which will display the musical knowledge and reading ability of the student for the teacher. -Performance Choir is a performance based class. The choir depends upon you for a successful performance. Please be in the designated area, prior to concerts, on time!! Attendance will be taken at all concerts. *Choir members must attend all required performances. A handwritten note signed by the student s parent/guardian detailing the reason for the absence is needed to excuse a student from a performance. --An excused absence from a performance may only be for the following reasons: 1) Personal or family emergency (illness, injury or death in immediate family). 2) Conflicts with school sanctioned activities **(the director AND coach should be made aware of conflicts at the latest TWO WEEKS prior to performance) ****Having to work is NOT an excused absence**** -Consequences Students who do not return music, folders, uniforms, etc. for which they are responsible will be placed on the fine list and will not receive grades until fines are paid. For problem behavior (disrespect, disruption, failure to comply, lack of preparation), see consequences below (see also Student Handbook.) 1) Student Conference- loss of participation points ***(there does NOT need to be a verbal warning to lose participation points) 2) Contact parents/parent conference-loss of Participation points 3) Referral to office/conference with Administrators 4) Before school detentions/oss/iss 5) Removal from Choir If you are not planning to commit to this ensemble, please rethink scheduling choir. 5

-Grading/Points Choir is a full-year class that bears credit. It is a curricular activity as well as an extra-curricular activity (i.e. cocurricular). Therefore, every choir activity in which a student participates, both in and out of the classroom, must be taken into consideration in the grading process. One should also realize that choir is a performance class and much of the grading is subjective rather than objective. For this reason, students will not only be graded on their singing proficiency and development, but also on their attitude and cooperation in a group situation. Grades will be determined in the following manner: -Participation Points: *approx. 90 pts. (each 9 weeks; 2 pts. per day) -Everyone has 2 participation points each day when they walk into the room *if we do not have school there will be no points given -Performance Points: 30-100 pts. (show up and do the job-it s the way to get pointsj ) -These performances are used as an assessment tool think of them like a testj -LARGE GROUP CONTEST- 200 pts. -Mid-term Singing Quiz: 20 pts. -9 Weeks Singing Quiz: 20 pts. -End of Semester Singing Final: 35 pts. -Post-Concert Journal: 5 pts. (after each concert, a well thought out journal entry will be required-again, EASY pts.) The letter grade will be a culmination of all of the above areas along with any other basis of assessment that the directors deem fit and fair. Do not be overwhelmed by all of this!! The director is committed to seeing that every student is given a chance to succeed!!!! -Forms In order to participate in off-campus events, all choir students need to sign and date the handbook commitment form, complete a Field Trip /Activity Permission Slip form for each event, as well as a yearly Student/Emergency information form. These forms can be found in the back of the handbook. -Fundraising Fundraising is essential in maintaining a quality choral program. A successful choir has resources available to them, such as piano, music, uniforms, etc, and these do not come free. Also, a portion of the monies raised goes to paying an accompanist. Each choir member is expected to actively participate in fundraising during the school year. Students need to be prepared to participate in sales and activities to raise money for the good of the choir. -Concert Attire The concert attire for all KRHS Choir members concert black. This includes Men tuxedos and Women s dresses. The student is responsible for purchasing the outfit and getting it hemmed. The ladies dresses and all parts of the tuxedo, minus the coat, belong to the student. At the end of their choir career, students may try and sell their uniform to an upcoming member. Ladies are to wear black nylons or tights and men are to wear black socks and everyone needs SOLID COLOR black shoes. -Trips During the year, the choir participates in various off-campus choral competitions, festivals and contests. These trips are a lot of fun, but are also a responsibility that students need to think about when they register for choir. Students are expected to participate in choir trips, and are also expected to represent Kenton Ridge High School in a responsible and positive manner. Here are the "rules of the road" all students are expected to observe whenever we travel offcampus: 1) You need to be on time for load-in or performance with needed music and uniform. 2) Times and schedules are subject to change. ALWAYS listen for any time changes. Be flexible and cooperative. 3) During performances you are expected to display appropriate audience behavior. 4) The rules governing behavior for Kenton Ridge High School apply to all trips at all times. If a student is found non-compliant with school policy, parents and an administrator will be contacted and a decision will be made to send the student home at the parent s expense. 5) Show respect for the facilities we use. Motels, churches, gymnasiums, concert and recital halls need to be treated carefully so that we may return in years to come. Keep your volume down and clean up after yourself. You are financially responsible for any damage you cause to facilities the choir uses. 6) Parents should be aware that Miss DeTray will ask for chaperone volunteers for various trips throughout the year. The trips can be a lot of fun; try to clear your schedule and participate if at all possible. Chaperones have a responsibility to monitor appropriate student behavior and safety during the trip. Students are expected to treat chaperones with respect, obey chaperone instructions, and keep in touch with the chaperone to which you are assigned. 7) It is essential that all students complete and return a Field Trip /Activity Permission Slip and a Prearranged Absence form for each event. Students who have not completed these forms will not be allowed to participate in that choir trip. 6

-Choir Officers: Positions and Expectations -Choir President 1) Preside over all choir meetings. Direct discussion/call for motion/second/vote- 2) Attend all Choir Officer meetings 3) Preside over Choir Officer business: outfit purchase, fundraisers, tour organization (trip year), contest participation 4) Review and update Choir Handbook -Choir Vice-President 1) Preside over all choir meetings in absence of President. Direct discussion/call for motion/second/vote- 2) Attend all Choir Officer meetings 3) Assist Choir Officer business: outfit purchase, fundraisers, tour organization (trip year), contest participation 4) Review and update Choir Handbook 5) Maintain choir bulletin board 6) Attend all Choir Officer meetings -Secretary 1) Fill out Minutes Forms for every Choir meeting, sign, and deliver to KRHS Choir members 2) Take attendance during choirs 3) Review and update Choir Handbook 4) Attend all Choir Officer meetings 5) Responsible for collecting and filing Travel Authorization and Medical Release forms, keeping records -Treasurer 1) Assist Choir Officer business: outfit purchase, fundraisers, tour organization (trip year), contest participation. 2) Review and update Choir Handbook 3) Collect money (with adult supervision) for fundraisers, outfit cleaning fees 4) Attend all Choir Officer meetings -Librarian (one or two for each choir) 1) Familiarize yourself with choral library and help update library records and organize stacks 2) Make sure all choir members have music to see/make copies 3) Attend all Choir Officer meetings 4) Responsible for making sure all students have required music in folders -Section Leaders (one or two for each section/for each choir)-chosen by Director 1) Responsible for leading section during sight-reading and will be chosen based on work ethic and ability 2) Responsible for bringing any musical problems within his/her section to the director s attention when appropriate (before/during/after class) -Sunshine People (one or two for each section/for each choir) 1) Responsible for bringing sunshine to their section by providing kind messages, treats, or other sunny ideas 7

Policies **KENTON RIDGE HIGH AND NORTHRIDGE JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT HANDBOOK Policies and regulations listed in the Student Handbook will be strictly adhered and enforced. -CHOIR PROPERTY POLICY Any item located within the confines of the music area or on the grounds of Kenton Ridge High or Northridge Middle School that is used by the Music Department is considered the sole property of the Music Department and the Northeastern Local Schools Board of Education. Any person found mistreating, unlawfully using, and/or possessing said property will be reported to the proper authorities and the administration of the Northeastern Local Schools. Choir students caught violating this policy will be disciplined accordingly, which may result in detentions, temporary removal from choral activities, or permanent removal from choral participation for the duration of the academic year. Students will also be responsible for paying for any repairs or replacements to damaged, broken, and/or stolen property. -CHOIR REMOVAL POLICY In cases of major misconduct and/or serious infractions of Kenton Ridge High or Northridge Middle School Music Department s Policies and Regulations or the Northeastern Local Student-Parent Handbook, a student may be removed from the choral program for the duration of the academic year at the request of the Director and the approval of the principal. Furthermore, any student who accumulates more than three director-assigned detentions within the school year, will also lose their privilege to participate within the choral music program. Removal from the program is defined as the exclusion of a student from all performances and rehearsals of the choir and the readjustment of his/her schedule. In the extreme case that a student is expelled from the choral program, their removal will be considered that student s inability to fulfill the expectations of the course. Before removal from the program is finalized, the Director, along with the principal, will meet with the student s parents/guardians to discuss the causes and consequences of the removal in detail. -ADDENDUM POLICY The directors reserve the explicit right to insert/delete any policy or regulation in this handbook at any point during the year if the insertion/deletion of the policy or regulation is necessary and prudent to the continued success of the overall program. All amendments will be effective on the day of their adoption by the directors and the administration of Kenton Ridge High and Northridge Middle School. Choir members and parents will be notified of any alterations to this handbook as soon as they are made. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Below is a list of performances students will be involved in during the school year. There may be additions or deletions to the calendar as the year progresses. Please post this information on your refrigerator or other conspicuous place. Give a copy to employers or coaches and schedule work, etc. to avoid conflicts. **Having to work and driving school is NOT an excused absence. Talk with Miss DeTray at least TWO WEEKS prior to any concert so that any conflicts can try to be resolved. The student will be required to make up the missed time. *The cost for lost/stolen/damaged folder is $15.00. Each student received a new folder this year and signed one out. All folders will be signed back in at the end of the school year. 8

Choir Performance Calendar *NMS=Northridge Middle School *KRHS=Kenton Ridge High School ****All performances are mandatory, unless otherwise noted**** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9/4 KRHS Sing at Pregame for Football: 6:30pm- KR Football Field 9/29 KRHS Fall Concert: 7pm- KR Auditorium 10/8 CHAMBER SINGERS concert w/nrms Choirs: 7pm 10/23-11/9 FUNDRAISER KICKOFF- CHOIR 11/8 & 11/14 District XII Honor Choir Rehearsal (Select Students) 11/15 District XII Honor Choir Performance (Select Students) 11/23 KRHS Musical Auditions: KR Choir Room: 3:15pm-?? 11/30-12/4 FUNDRAISER DELIVERY WEEK (TBA) 12/14 KRHS Choir Holiday Concert: 7:00pm- KR Auditorium 1/23 KRHS Solo and Ensemble: Stebbins HS 1/23 POSSIBLE **Chamber Singers Choir Retreat (after S/E) 2/18-2/20 KRHS Musical: TBA- KR Auditorium 2/21 POSSIBLE **Make up day for musical (Calamity Day) 3/1 KRHS Spring Concert: 7pm KR Auditorium 3/4-3/5 OMEA District Contest: Place & Time-TBA 3/15 KRHS Variety Show Auditions: After School 4/15-4/16 KRHS Variety Show: 7:00pm-KR Auditorium 4/29-4/30 OMEA State Contest: KRHS--Place & Time-TBA 5/5 KRHS Choir Celebration : 6:30pm-KR Auditorium 5/18 KR Graduation (Chamber Singers ONLY) ***There will be possibility that the Chamber Singers will perform at a Cavs game. Information will be available as Miss DeTray receives it. 9

Kenton Ridge High School Choir Handbook 2015-16 Miss Valerie DeTray, Director Student/Parent Commitment Form All parents/guardians of Kenton Ridge Choir students are asked to sign this form and return it to school by the end of the second week of school. Signing this form acknowledges both student and parent/guardian have read the KRHS Choir Handbook. ***Students must also turn in a completed Field Trip Permission form in order to travel with the choirs for the year. (Found at the bottom of the page) I have received and read the Kenton Ridge High School Choir Handbook. I agree to abide by the policies stated in this book. I realize that failure to follow the policies in this handbook will result in disciplinary action and could affect my grade in choir. Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Travel Permission Slip) has my permission to travel with the (name of student) choirs for the 2015-2016 school year. (signature of parent) (date) 10