Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, Welcome to the New Bern High School Choral Program! I have so much planned for this year and truly look forward to getting to know each of you and making beautiful music together. I grew up in Ramseur, NC and have been singing for my whole life from singing and swinging in my backyard to performing operas ad major choral works in college. I attended Wingate University where I earned a Bachelor of Music Education. I now live nearby with my husband, Steven and my adorable dog Jake. I have always loved school and wanted to be a teacher, but I also enjoy watching movies, trying new foods, and painting. In my choral classroom, I believe it is most important that students feel comfortable and accepted. I will strive to create an atmosphere in the choral department where the students have a sense of belonging in their chorus family. I expect that the students will strive for the same. Students should feel comfortable enough to challenge themselves; take risks independently and as a group so that we can grow and learn together. Some of the most important aspects to choral singing and music education are good vocal health and placing the music we perform in the context of when it was written and for what purpose it was written. This means we will learn about some music history, some music theory, and a lot about how to sing healthily, so we can do what we all love, make beautiful music together! All ensembles in the choral program are mixed with both male and female voices. Students are placed on levels according to ability and grade level. All members of all ensembles must support one another and all ensembles support each other. This will create a cohesive department and choral family atmosphere. I am thrilled to be your choral director and excited to begin the school year with you and make music together! Sincerely, Jessica Cockroft
Courses Offered Beginning Chorus is for all 9 th -grade students and any student who is new to the choral program. We will start from the beginning with learning healthy singing practices, vowel formation, sight reading, listening skills, music theory, and music history. Concert Choir (Intermediate) is open to 10 th 12 th graders who are expected to have a higher level of music literacy and performance ability. Literature will be more challenging and we will move quickly through a review before moving on to more advanced musical concepts, building from Beginning Chorus. Choral Ensemble (Advanced) is an auditioned chorus open to 11 th -12 th graders who are expected to have an elevated level of music literacy and performance ability as well as a strong dedication to the choral program and the ensemble. They are the leaders of the program and should act as such. We will be using advanced methods of singing and literature will be more challenging and in abundance. Expectations My goal for the choral program is simple: We are here to make music. We will only do things which support that goal. 1. Work hard every day. Have a good Attitude and an open mind. In order to make the most beautiful music, each one of us has to be all-in during our rehearsals. This means participating fully in class as well as attending all rehearsals, performances, and events. Leave your outside problems, gossip, and bad attitudes at the door. Let the chorus room be a refuge from all these things. 2. Respect one another I expect absolute respect from all students towards all people in the classroom at any time. This includes myself, other school employees, substitute teachers, parents, visitors, and all other students. This includes being punctual and prepared for class, as well as listening and paying attention while others are talking. A chorus classroom is a safe place for all ideas, thoughts, beliefs, and emotions as well as a place where we can try new things and make mistakes without ridicule. We will be supportive and kind to others always, regardless of our own beliefs. 3. Take care of yourself and your space Vocal health is very important and we want to encourage only the healthiest musicianship in the classroom. There should be no food during rehearsal time, only water to drink, and never gum while singing. Students should clean up after themselves, never leaving belongings in the classroom, throwing away all trash, putting things back where they belong, and keeping chairs straight and neat. 2 2
Procedures Entering the Classroom Greet teacher with a smile and a kind word Quietly Get music folder, pencil, and water Deposit cell phone in the charging station or in your music cubby Find a seat, put your bag on the back of or under your chair Look at the daily agenda and get music in order Begin on Warm-Up (bell work) activity posted on board You should be working on the warm-up activity until the music turns off Restroom and Water Bring a water bottle to class and fill it up before the bell rings If you must use the restroom during class take the hall pass and let me know. No student should leave the class more than twice in one week for the bathroom or water. DO NOT leave the room when you are supposed to be singing No food or drink other than water in the classroom No gum or candy during rehearsal Rehearsal (*You will be graded on rehearsal skills*) Be quietly working in your seat with all materials when the bell rings Have a pencil with you at all times Keep healthy posture Follow all directions Sing when asked Listen and follow along in your music, even when you are not singing Cell Phones should NOT be with you at your seat. They are to left in your music cubby or in the charging station Leaving the Classroom Wait for the teacher s signal of have a great day! See you tomorrow AFTER the word tomorrow students calmly pack up belongings, put music folders away (if they will not be taken home) Grab your cell phone on the way out the door in a calm manner Exit class with a smile and a kind farewell to the teacher The Chorus Room Before School: The room is only available to students who have a pre-scheduled meeting/rehearsal with Mrs. Cockroft prior to 7:15am. After 7:15am, all students are welcome. Lunch: The room is only available to students who have a pre-scheduled meeting/rehearsal with Mrs. Cockroft. Office: No students will be in Mrs. Cockroft s office without her permission. 3 3
Consequences You are responsible for yourself and your choices, and those choices have consequences. Good choices, like following all classroom rules and procedures and making music with your ensemble, will result in positive consequences. You will learn and grow as a person and musician, the ensemble will excel and make beautiful music, and you will be more likely to be chosen for special responsibilities or opportunities. Bad choices that get in the way of the music making process for yourself or the rest of the class will not be tolerated. First Offense: Verbal warning of misconduct Second Offense: 5 minutes in the chill corner Third Offense: Stay after class for teacher talk and to receive an assignment Fourth Offense: Call home Fifth Offense: Office referral Sixth Offense: Removal from program *Steps may be skipped at any time or consequences added at director s discretion *Assignment is subject to director s choosing Materials Needed PENCIL AT ALL TIMES: Students are not to write in music with pens/markers/crayons/highlighters at any time. Students without a pencil during class will be marked down 5 points for participation that day. Spiral Notebook will be used for journaling assignments or taking notes. This should be only used for this class. A small binder with notebook paper is also acceptable. These notes will be left in the classroom and graded occasionally. Classroom Needs All parents and students are encouraged to contribute to the classroom by donating supplies if they are able. These will be used for all choirs or distributed to students in need. Tissues Hand Sanitizer Clorox Wipes Bottled Water / Reusable water bottles Pencils Notebooks Donation the cost of concert attire, or specific items, talk to Mrs. Cockroft if you are able to contribute in this way. 4 4
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Concert Expectations Participation Every student is expected to perform in all concerts. The work we do together in class can only be properly assessed in a performance with everyone s participation. If you miss a performance, it is truly impossible to re-assess, therefore make every effort to be there. Please share after-school rehearsal or concert dates with your entire family so that travel arrangements can be made and there are no surprise conflicts on the day of the concert. It is your responsibility to anticipate conflicts and discuss them with me at least 2 weeks before a performance. If an emergency comes up and you are unable to attend a performance, you notify me as far in advance as possible. In the case of a medical emergency, a doctor s note is required. If you have followed all the proper procedures and are excused from a performance, a written make-up assignment will be given to you AFTER the concert day. Please add the concert dates to your calendars today. Concert Behavior While on stage: o Hands stay at your sides o Eyes on the director o Talking is absolutely prohibited and is grounds for immediate removal from the performance or rehearsal o On stage emergencies will be handled by the director Off-Stage Audience Behavior o We educate the audience about proper concert behavior by setting a good example o No talking for any reason o You may not leave your seat o Use the bathroom before the concert you will not be permitted to go during o Applauding is respectful but only at appropriate moments o No screaming After-school rehearsals o Prior to each concert we will have a required dress rehearsal after school o Rehearsal expectations are the same as concert and class expectations o A missed dress rehearsal will follow the guidelines above for a missed performance 6 6
Concert Dress Not being properly dressed for a concert will result in dismissal from the concert. All females Black shoes closed toed flat or with a low heel Floor length black dress or long black dress pants or skirt with a black shirt Black socks or panty hose Hair is up or pinned back (if hair is long enough). No hair hanging in your face. Bangs pulled back Red accessory must be approved in advance! We will discuss in class All males Black shoes Black socks, black belt Black dress shirt, long sleeve button down Black dress pants Red tie must be approved in advance! We will discuss in class General concert accessories No necklaces, bracelets, or dangle earrings (unless this is your red accessory) Small rings may be worn, one on each hand only Shower and wash! Use soap and deodorant! No scented products such as body spray, cologne, or perfume. No sheer clothing No leggings No jeans **If you require assistance to purchase these items, please contact Mrs. Cockroft ASAP. Funds and Fundraisers are available to help with the purchase of concert attire. If you are not dressed appropriately, you will not perform with the ensemble and will receive a 0 for the performance grade. It is your responsibility to get the attire or see me at least two weeks in advance of the concert dates.** Calendar Dates Bold text denotes all chorus members required to attend Fall Concert - October 18 @ 7pm (dress rehearsal at 5:30pm) Honors Chorus Auditions September 29 Honors Chorus Weekend November 11-12 Winter Concert December 12 @ 7pm (dress rehearsal at 5:30pm) MPA March 8 or 9 Spring Concert March 14 @ 7:30 pm (dress rehearsal at 5:30pm) All-County Clinic April 8 (advanced ensemble only) 7 7
End of Year Concert May 30 @ 7pm (dress rehearsal @ 5:30pm) Graduation June 8 8 8
Grading 35% Rehearsal Skills Participation, willingness to learn, preparedness, ability to follow instructions, and behavior during class time. 20% Quizzes Singing quizzes in class, music history quizzes, theory quizzes, and any other quizzes given based on notes taken or subjects learned in class 30% Assessments Performances and End of Unit tests 15% Written Work Music journal and any other written assignments, online sight singing practice and assessments, music theory videos and worksheets (both online and written), any other projects or assignments that are assigned in class Late assignments will be docked one full letter grade. All students will be allowed to retest written assignments to demonstrate mastery. Before the student is given the opportunity to retest, they must: Have completed the original assignment Have completed directed tutorial(s) as scheduled with Mrs. Cockroft Any test days missed without proper excuse documentation will NOT be able to retake. Parents Chaperoning/Volunteering: If you think you might want to volunteer at all this year, you will be required to register as a volunteer with the county system. This is not complicated at all, just a form to fill out online. Chaperoning may require a fee from the chaperone, depending on the trip. If you are interested in volunteering or chaperoning, please email Mrs. Cockroft so that you can be put on the contact list. Communication Communication is Key! The best way we can grow our program is to have open communication between the students, parents, and choral director. Never hesitate to contact me either by phone, or email! I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner. If you would like a meeting in person please call or email me to set-up an appointment. Sign up for our class on the Remind app by texting @jcockro to 81010 Follow @NBHSchorus on twitter My Email jessica.cockroft@cravenk12.org School Phone 252-514-6400 9 9
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Contract I have read and understand the 2018-2019 Choral Handbook and its guidelines and agree to follow them. Student Name (First and Last) Date Student Signature I have read and understand the 2018-2019 Choral Handbook and its guidelines and agree to support my choral member in his/her participation in the ensemble(s). Parent/Guardian Name (First and Last) Date Parent Signature 11 11