Monroe Township High School Choral Music Handbook 2016-2017 Ms. Arielle Klein Arielle.Klein@monroe.k12.nj.us 1
Table of Contents Subject Manner Page # Mission Below Choral Ensembles: 3,4 Freshmen Chorus 3 Mixed Chorus 3 Women s Chorale 3 Concert Choir 3 Extracurricular Ensembles: 4 Men s Chorus 4 Harmonettes and Tonics 4 A cappella group 4 Choral Ensemble Protocol 5 Behavior Guidelines 5 Required Materials 5 Music 5 Grading Policy 6 Attendance Requirements: 7 Conflict Policy 7 Concert Attire 8 Music Department Websites 8 Honor Choir Policies 9 Contract (to keep in handbook) 10 Contract (to be handed in) 11 Our Mission: The goal of the choral music program at Monroe Township High School is to provide students with the opportunity to sing in a choral ensemble at any level and any point in their high school career through both curricular and extra-curricular choral music opportunities. Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of musical styles, genres, and languages as well as experience singing music from a variety of cultures. 2
Curricular Choral Ensembles Freshman Chorus: Freshman Chorus is a full year elective course offered to 9 th grade students. This course is designed to help students develop a sound method of vocal production while studying and performing a varied selection of choral music. Repertoire will include a variety of musical styles, genres, and languages. This course emphasizes the basic fundamentals of vocal technique, ensemble singing, and music literacy through study and performance of quality vocal music. Freshman Chorus rehearses during and after school in preparation for programs held throughout the school year. Choristers are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Mixed Chorus: This course is designed to help students to continue to develop a sound method of vocal production while studying and performing a varied selection of choral music. Repertoire will include a variety of musical styles, genres, and languages. Mixed Chorus is open to all MTHS students as a full year elective course without audition. This course continues to emphasize fundamentals of vocal technique, ensemble singing, and music literacy through study and performance of quality vocal music. All classes combine to form the Mixed Chorus, which rehearses during and after school in preparation for programs held throughout the school year. Chorus students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Qualified advanced students are encouraged to audition for Regional Chorus and New Jersey All-State Chorus Women s Chorale: Women s Chorale is a full year elective course offered to 10 th through 12 th grade female students. Enrollment is by audition only. This course is designed to help students to continue to develop a sound method of vocal production while studying and performing a varied selection of female choral music. Repertoire will include a variety of musical styles, genres, and languages. This course emphasizes fundamentals of vocal technique, ensemble singing, and music literacy through study and performance of quality female vocal music. Ensemble members rehearse during and after school in preparation for programs held throughout the school year. Chorus students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Qualified advanced students are encouraged to audition for Regional Chorus and New Jersey All-State Chorus. Concert Choir: Concert Choir is a full year elective course offered to 10 th through 12 th grade students. Enrollment is by audition only. This course emphasizes advanced applications of previously learned fundamentals of ensemble singing through study and performance of quality vocal music. Repertoire will include a variety of musical styles, genres, and languages. Solo and small ensemble singing are an integral part of this course. Concert Choir students should anticipate additional after school and evening rehearsals in preparation of many public performances and choral festivals. Concert Choir students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances as part of the course requirement. Qualified advanced students are expected to audition for Regional Chorus and New Jersey All-State Chorus. 3
Extracurricular Choral Ensembles Men s Chorus: This extra-curricular course is designed for students who are interested in singing great music for men s voices. You do not need to be in Chorus or Concert Choir to be a part of this ensemble and is open to all students at MTHS. Rehearsals are once a week after school. This group will perform in school concerts and additional performances throughout the school year. Harmonettes: This extra-curricular ensemble is open to all Concert Choir women by audition. This ensemble is a predominantly student-run quartet and will perform a wide range of music composed for women s voices. Vocal technique and music literacy are incorporated into a lively rehearsal pace. Rehearsals are after school. This group will perform in school concerts and additional performances throughout the school year. Tonics: This extra-curricular ensemble is open to all Concert Choir men by audition. This ensemble is a predominantly student-run quartet and will perform a wide range of music composed for men s voices. Vocal technique and music literacy are incorporated into a lively rehearsal pace. Rehearsals are after school. This group will perform in school concerts and additional performances throughout the school year. A Cappella choir: This extracurricular ensemble is open to all MTHS students. Participation is by audition only. Repertoire will include a variety of popular music. Students will have the opportunity to sing lead vocals, beat box, and form the core background ensemble. The group will rehearse one evening a week for two hours. This group will perform in school concerts and additional performances throughout the school year. 4
Choral Ensemble Protocol Participation is extremely important in a performing ensemble. Students are expected to participate fully in every rehearsal with a positive attitude. Please refrain from eating, drinking, or chewing gum during the rehearsal. A capped bottle of water is permitted and recommended. Behavior Guidelines (on and off-campus) All SCHOOL RULES and POLICIES are in effect at all choral events and activities both on school grounds and when the choir is abroad. All choral students are expected to follow the instructions of any teacher, staff member or chaperone. Any choral students possessing or using any controlled substances, which include tobacco and alcohol, during any choir function is subject to immediate removal from the organization, referral to school authorities, and if applicable, the appropriate law enforcement agency. Choral students are expected to demonstrate respectful behavior and good judgment. You represent MTHS each time you participate in a choral music activity. Be aware of that responsibility and act respectfully and appropriately. When at a choral function outside of school, choir members are expected to travel is groups of at least three. Anyone leaving the premises needs to notify the director. Required Materials Students are responsible for the proper care of all educational materials which they use in their classes. In addition, the following are a necessity fore every rehearsal: Positive Attitude Interest in Singing Pencil Music Music Every student in a choral ensemble will be assigned a folder and cubby number containing all their ensemble music. Pencils are required in rehearsals to mark music to maintain an efficient rehearsal pace. Music is the textbook and homework for this course and musical markings will be graded for the curricular choir. All music should be returned, at the end of the year, in the same condition in which it was issued (excluding pencil rehearsal markings). If music is lost or damaged, the student will be charged a replacement fee for each piece of music. Repertoire will be selected based on its musical value. Sacred repertoire may be presented for its musical value and not for liturgical purposes. 5
Grades will be based on the following criteria: Grading Policy Class Participation (35%) This grade is determined by your enthusiastic daily participation, attendance, and rehearsal etiquette. Come to the class regularly with a positive attitude, pencil, and ready to work in order to receive full credit for participation. You are expected to be on time to every rehearsal and to sing each day in choir. If there is an extenuating circumstance for which you are unable to sing, you must speak with the teacher prior to the beginning of class. These factors may negatively impact your participation grade: arriving late to class chewing gum, eating, drinking anything other than water, class disruptions, negative attitudes, and unexcused absences. Performance/Performance Tasks (35%) This grade is based on attendance, participation in concerts and performances, and concert preparation, which constitute the culminating experiences of this class. Please reference the choral music calendar for all required concerts. You may be excused from a concert by receiving approval from the director at least two weeks (fourteen calendar days) in advance or by verifiable emergency. Approval for EXCUSED ABSENCES IS RARE and are granted at the discretion of the director. In the unlikely event you are granted an excused absence, you must complete a supplemental assignment within one week from the date of the missed event in order to not receive a zero. If a performance is missed for an excused absence, you will be assigned a major research project, selected by the teacher, in lieu of the concert. This is so you may receive a Performance Grade. The project will be substantial because you will have been absent from a substantial culminating experience (35%). If the project is not completed, the Performance Grade will be zero. Tests and Quizzes (15%) This grade is determined through sight-singing evaluations, music memorization, music marking tests, and individual or group in-class performance assessments. Music should be maintained and marked appropriately (in pencil) throughout the rehearsal process. Examples of types of markings include, but are not limited to: translations, breath marks, phrasing, IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), and any other musical marking covered in rehearsal. Each week, several random folders will be checked for markings. All folders will be examined an equal number of times per marking period, and every folder will be examined at least once per marking period. Dress Rehearsals (15%) Attendance at all dress rehearsals is mandatory. The Dress Rehearsals are in place to address specific musical and logistical aspects of an upcoming performance. Several Dress Rehearsals are scheduled on the Choral Music Calendar. Additional Dress Rehearsals may be scheduled throughout the year with at least two weeks prior notice. If a Dress Rehearsal is missed for an excused absence, there will be a research project assigned reflecting the course requirement (15%). The excused absence policy is the same as Performances. If the project is not completed, the Dress Rehearsal grade will be zero. **Unexcused absences will be recorded as a grade of zero.** 6
Attendance Requirements Members of each choir are required to attend all scheduled rehearsals, dress rehearsals, concerts, community events, and performances. The Music Calendar is, of course, subject to change due to anticipated performances that have not yet been scheduled. At all times, schedule changes will be announced as far in advance as possible, with at least two weeks notice. You will be required to attend all performances and rehearsals under this policy provided you have been given schedule updates/changes with at least two weeks notice. The online calendar will be as up-to-date as possible and is the definitive choir calendar. These choral ensembles are Performing Ensembles, which is one of the few activities where everyone plays all the time. Members play an important role in their ensembles and consistent participation is crucial to the success of the entire group. Please provide your rehearsal and performance schedule to your parents/guardians, employers, coaches and anyone else with whom you schedule your activities so they are well-informed of your commitments. ***Work and other extra-curricular activities are UNEXCUSED ABSENSES from DRESS REHEARSALS and/or PERFORMANCES*** If you miss a dress rehearsal, you may be removed from participating in the upcoming concert at the discretion of the director. Depending on the reason for missing the dress rehearsal, you may or may not be eligible for the makeup assignment. **Attendance is a necessary component to a successful music ensemble. You must think, WHAT IF EVERYONE DID THIS? when considering your own attendance** Conflict Policy When you are involved in an activity that is conflicting with a choir rehearsal or performance the following criteria should be used: Chorus Other Activity What you should do Rehearsal Meeting/Practice Split overlap time evenly Rehearsal Game/Match Go to Game or Match Concert Meeting/Practice Go to Concert Concert Game/Match/Meet Go to Concert 7
Concert Attire At the directors discretion, if you are not dressed appropriately, you may not be able to perform. Men Long-sleeve, button down, white shirt Black tie Black pants with a belt (no jeans) Black shoes with black socks Concert Choir Men* White tuxedo shirt (provided by MTHS Music Department) Black tuxedo pants (provided by MTHS Music Department) Black bow tie (provided by MTHS Music Department) Black shoes with black socks Women White blouse (capped sleeve or longer) Long, black pants (no jeans or leggings) Black shoes (closed toe) Women s Chorus and Concert Choir Women* Long, black dress (provided by MTHS Music Department) Pearl Necklace (provided by MTHS Music Department) Black shoes (closed toe) *All articles of clothing provided by the MTHS Music Department must be returned in the same condition in which it was issued (which will include dry-cleaning at the end of the academic year). If any article of clothing is lost or damaged, the student will be charged a replacement fee. MTHS Music Department Websites To find the most up-to-date information about the Choral Music program go to: http://klein.pbworks.com (click the Chorus link in blue) mthsmusic.net - Music Parents Association 8
Honor Choir Policies Honor Choir experiences are a wonderful opportunity for students who are interested in additional choral experiences. The teacher encourages students to participate in Honor Choirs and will provide students with information regarding audition materials and requirements. This may include Region Choir, All-State Choir, and other opportunities as they come available. Auditioning for honor choirs is a privilege and will be reserved for those students who demonstrate interest, preparation, and exhibit responsibility. The teacher and the school invest in each student who is sent to audition for the honor choir. The student is expected to prepare for the honor choir audition independent of the teacher. However, the teacher may be consulted during the preparation period and it is up to the teacher how much time is available for individual assistance. The teacher is not responsible for the students preparation and the outcome of the audition. In order to audition and participate in an honor choir, you must be in the school choral program (curricular or extra-curricular) and in good standing. This is the policy with most honor choirs. Students who are selected for honor choirs and subsequently drop out of the school program will be removed from the honor choir. As with any honor choir, it is a privilege to be selected. For each accepted student, there are several students who wish to have been selected. Only audition for honor choirs if you can commit to the rehearsals and performance. It is better to give the spot to another student who is interested in the position than to a student who drops out. If a student from MTHS is accepted into an honor choir and does not uphold their responsibility (pending extenuating circumstances), the student may not audition for future honor choirs. The teacher reserves the right to determine students eligibility to audition for honor choirs. 9
Choral Music Program Contract (to be kept in the Choral Handbook) Name: Cell #: Address: Email: Parents/Guardians Name(s): Phone # s: Parents/Guardians Email(s): **Parents/Guardians, our Music Parents Association is vital to the success of our program. They continually help the music department in a multitude of ways throughout the school year. Please let us know if you are interested in assisting in any of the following ways. Your help is greatly appreciated. ** Fundraising Concert and Event Help Usher/Monitor Doors Decorations Set-up & Take Down Plan & Organize Food Chaperone Publicity for special events Uniform maintenance (hemming or repairs) Available to help during school day Please check the following box if you would like to receive email updates from the MPA: Yes, I would like to receive email updates from the MPA **Please list any additional skill sets you may be able to volunteer below: I have received, read and understand the Choral Music Handbook and will abide by the policies set out in this handbook. In signing this form, I acknowledge how important my individual voice and commitment is to the choral program. I recognize my responsibility to the group and will attend all REQUIRED choir activities as noted on the Choral Music Calendar. I will work out conflicts with REQUIRED choir activities now or as soon as they arise. PRINTED Name of Student (as you wish it to appear in programs) Signature of Student Date Signature of Parent Date 10
Choral Music Program Contract TO BE PRINTED AND RETURNED BY MONDAY SEPT 12, 2016 Name: Cell #: Address: Email: Parents/Guardians Name(s): Phone # s: Parents/Guardians Email(s): **Parents/Guardians, our Music Parents Association is vital to the success of our program. They continually help the Music Department in a multitude of ways throughout the school year. Please let us know if you are interested in assisting in any of the following ways. Your help is greatly appreciated. ** Fundraising Concert and Event Help Usher/Monitor Doors Decorations Set-up & Take Down Plan & Organize Food Chaperone Publicity for special events Uniform maintenance (hemming or repairs) Available to help during school day Please check the following box if you would like to receive email updates from the MPA: Yes, I would like to receive email updates from the MPA **Please list any additional skill sets you may be able to volunteer below: I have received, read and understand the Choral Music Handbook and will abide by the policies set out in this handbook. In signing this form, I acknowledge how important my individual voice and commitment is to the choral program. I recognize my responsibility to the group and will attend all REQUIRED choir activities as noted on the Choral Music Calendar. I will work out conflicts with REQUIRED choir activities now or as soon as they arise. PRINTED Name of Student (as you wish it to appear in programs) Signature of Student Date Signature of Parent Date 11