Official Handbook of the Central High School Principal Andrea Campbell Director of Vocal Music at Central High School Alex Anderson CHS Choir Websites https://padlet.com/adanderson1/chschoirs ITS Learning Website
2 Table of Contents Message from Mr. Anderson, 3 CHS Department Goals, 4 CHS Performances, 4 Choir Classes and Descriptions, 5 Leadership, 7 General Rules and Procedures, 8 Procedures for Daily Performance Grade, 10 Departmental Policies, 11 Financial Information, 12 Boosters, 13 Forms, 14-15
3 A Message From Mr. Anderson Dear CHS Choir Members, Parents, and Friends: First of all, I would like to say that I am so glad you are reading this because that means that you are a member (or parent of a student) of the choirs at Central High School. Welcome! This handbook will serve as a resource to give you all the important information you need to know as we start this new school year. It contains necessary information regarding policies, procedures and forms that are required to ensure this school year is successful. After reading the handbook, please sign the necessary forms and return them to me by August 25, 2016. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Every singer, friend, parent, and booster member of the Central Choirs is important to the success of the program. To be successful you must follow the general rules of the choir, be on top of dates and times,and always keep an open mind. I hope that you will take your place in your choir with seriousness of purpose, knowing that you will get out as much as you put in. Singing in a choir has always been one of my favorite activities. I have so many fond memories from choral groups in high school and college and those experiences and memories have made me want to be a choir director myself. In my opinion, singing together brings us together in a way no other medium can. I am very excited to start this year and get to know you (and your voice) individually. Becoming a member for the Central High School Choir Program requires a great deal of commitment, hard work, and a positive attitude on the part of every individual. These are all essential ingredients that are necessary for success. Again, I welcome you to the pride, excitement, and fun of the Central High School Choir Program. May all of your experiences be musically satisfying, personally meaningful, and a source of great pleasure and pride. Know that I am interested in you and will make myself available if you ever need anything. Alex Anderson Central High School alexander.anderson@evsc.k12.in.us alexander.anderson@evsck12.com
4 CHS Choir Department Goals Although different groups will have different performances and goals within their own choirs, there are some common goals that go across the entire department. These include: Providing each student with the best possible musical experience To create a sense of pride in self, community, and ensemble To expand knowledge and respect for other peoples and cultures through the arts To foster a safe and encouraging learning environment To achieve the highest levels of performance through learning, teaching, and research To reinforce the importance of music in the overall school experience CHS Choir Performances Each choir has a minimum of four concerts per year. Additional concerts may be added. See this year's CHS Master Schedule for more information about specifics. All concerts are REQUIRED. Fall Concert - Typically in October, this concert is normally a program of lighter concert music and some pop selections Holiday Cabaret and Concert - Each choir performs at the Holiday Cabaret and Concert EVSC Honors Choral Festival - This year students will have the opportunity to audition for the EVSC Honors Festival. (Held at North HS on November 8th) More information will be passed out soon! Winter Concert/EVSC Contest - During Jan, Feb, and March students will be preparing for EVSC Contest (End of March) and the Winter Concert (End of February) Which the Winter concert will be comprised of selections from their EVSC contest repertoire. Spring Concert - In May, all choirs will be performing around a theme at the Spring Sing. Elementary/Middle School Visits - This year I would like to have Concert Choir and/or Central Singers perform at the Elementary/Middle Schools in the area for recruitment purposes.
5 Choirs & Classes Descriptions All CHS Choirs will provide students with learning opportunities that continue to enable them to: 1. Develop skills of proper tone production, diction, technique and intonation 2. Develop basic skills in music reading 3. Display well developed solo and ensemble skills in singing selections from a variety of historical and cultural genres. 4. Develop life skills as they work as a team toward a common goal. 5. Develop a sense of pride in their work, ownership, independence and self-reliance. Indiana Music Standards At CHS we will be using the Indiana D.O.E. Music Standards CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL CHOIRS BEGINNING CHOIR (9th-10th grade) Both upper and lower classmen may audition to be in this ensemble. For freshman, this choir will serve as a training choir meaning you have to be in this ensemble in order to audition for the upperclassmen choirs. Members in this choir will be learning the basics of what it means to be in a high school choral program. Emphasis will be placed on beginning sight-reading skills and basic musicianship skills and choral/vocal terminology. This choir performs a minimum of 3 concerts per year We perform light concert music and pop music This choir will compete at EVSC competition Additional rehearsals may be called at director's discretion INTERMEDIATE CHOIR (10th-12th grade) Both upper and lower classmen may audition to be in this ensemble. This choir will be primarily 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. This choir performs a minimum of 4 concerts per year We perform light concert music and pop music This choir will compete at EVSC competition Additional rehearsals may be called at director's discretion
6 CONCERT CHOIR (10th-12th grade) Prerequisite: Beginning Choir or Intermediate Choir Concert choir will be primarily 11th and 12th graders, however, freshman who have done well in the Beginning Choir and show that they have what it takes will be heavily considered for acceptance into Concert Choir. Concert Choir is the top mixed choir at Central. This choir is made up of singers who have proved themselves worthy of being in a select mixed choir. Singers in Concert Choir: always have a good attitude, look out for one another in the group, have experience in sight-reading, and are willing to work hard. This choir will perform collegiate level choral literature as well as popular music. Emphasis is placed on on a high level of performance and vocal technique. Additional rehearsals may be called at the director's discretion. CENTRAL SINGERS ( 9th-12th grade) Central Singers is a select group of singers who are primarily made up of members of the Central Choirs. This year, auditions will be open to all students at Central High School. Prior choral singing/voice lesson experience is prefered but not required. Membership is by audition at the end of August each year. Central Singers is an extra-curricular choir. They will rehearse after school, sometimes during free periods school, and one evening per week for nearly all of the school year. Each member is required to work on his/her own music outside of regular rehearsals. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory. Failure to attend will result in expulsion from the group. (This choir may have a waiting list) Central Singers will first perform at the Central Choirs Christmas Concert in December. In the second semester Central Singers will perform mostly pop and jazz music and will serve as the show choir for the CHS Choral Department. I am encouraging members of the CHS Choirs to heavily consider private voice lessons. Ask me for more information! If you are in a musical ensemble outside of CHS or are taking lessons, please let me know! This tells me you are committed to your craft and are a hard worker!
7 Leadership within the Central HS Choirs Quality student leaders are vital to the success of the Central High School Choral Department. Serving as a choir officer is both an honor and a responsibility. President Schedules and calls meetings with the assistance of the VP and Mr. Anderson Present and accounted for at all CHS Choir events/concerts. You will be expect to be there early and be one of the last to leave. Helps create and set the vision and tone (along with Mr. Anderson and other officers) for the choral program and leads in the execution of that vision. Should always model the leadership traits desired form the rest of the group Displays an attitude of enthusiasm, hard work, support, and loyalty to the choir Vice President Assume the duties of the President and serves as the president in absentia Serves as safety net for the president and rest of officers; this person should always think through possible gaps in planning and execution and bring those up in planning sessions. Proof-reads the programs and t-shirts to make sure all names are included and spelled correctly. Secretary Takes, keeps, and types, and distributes meeting minutes In charge of the calendar in the choir room Attendance taker for the choir he/she is in. Helps coordinate and organize the t-shirt over Makes sure folder are always in their correct spot Social Chair/Historian Promote spirit and unity within the choir Coordinates all choir social events Responsible for taking pictures & videos at all events and performances Librarian(s) Responsible for the collection and issuing of music to students Responsible for making sure all music in the library is put away Help Mr. Anderson with the new digital choir library Section Leaders (you may apply for the 5 above as well as section leader) Responsible for leading sectionals and are prepared to do so when asked. Listens for problems within and among sections, brings them to the director s attention. Provides leadership to their section in sight reading
8 General Rules and Procedures ClASSROOM RULES All students involved in the choirs at Central High School are expected to to follow the Golden Rule. Which is to treat others the way you want to be treated. Students are also expected to be respectful, be responsible, and always follow choir rules and CHS rules. 1. When entering the room, leave your books, phones, and other items on the shelves in the back of the room, pick up your folder, and go to your seat. Please be on time. 2. Please be respectful and raise your hand before you speak. 3. Keep a pencil in your folder or bring one with you. Be prepared to write in your music. 4. Do not ask to go to the restroom within the first or last five minutes of class. Permission will be given to use the restroom only at rehearsal breaks. 5. Please keep all food and chewing gum outside of the rehearsal space. Water is the only permitted beverage. 6. Daily performance grades will be given to assess student behavior and performance in rehearsal. Please be engaged, follow the daily procedures, and remember that cell phone use will not be tolerated.
9 Departmental Procedures NEW THIS YEAR Placement hearings for choir selection will be held in the Spring for each upcoming school year. Incoming freshman will be heard the week before school starts. Choir selection placement hearings will be conducted in a format similar to the following: Sight-singing Vocal warm-up Unaccompanied folk song or hymn tune known to student Range testing DAILY REHEARSAL FORMAT & GRADING All concerts for the 2016-2017 year are REQUIRED. Each concert is worth 500 points and each rehearsal is worth 250 points. Students with excused absences will have the opportunity to make up the work in the following ways. 1. Composer Paper: Students will write, in their own words, a 3 page paper on the composer of their choice. 2. Students will meet with me individually to sing through, by themselves, a few pages from each song done at the concert. (Also includes sight-reading) 3. Attend a local concert and write a one page reflection about it. (Ticket must be included) Students who just don t show up for the concert and don t have an excused absence: They will have the option to complete a 6 page paper on a composer of their choice. A typical day for the all of the CHS choirs will look like this: Attendance/Announcements/Bell Ringer Yoga/Stretching Vocal Warm-ups Rehearsal Occasional Exit Activity The students are expected to participate fully in every activity each day. The rehearsal format will balance the preparation of concert and competition music with developing a base knowledge of music theory while meeting the national and state standards for Music. Most of
10 our class sessions will be devoted to meeting the Indiana DOE standards through the preparation of music for concert or competition. http://musicstandards.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/in_music_standards_2010.pdf The students will be assessed in five major areas throughout the course of the year. Attendance and daily performance & behavior Sight-singing Some written work (dictations or worksheet) Assigned preparation for rehearsal Procedures for Daily Performance Grade Students in the Central High School Choirs will be assessed daily on their behavior and performance during all choir classes. Below is a list of qualifications to ensure student success and achievement in choir. Feedback will be give to students to help them increase their daily performance grade. 1. Bring good energy every day 2. Always have great posture 3. Come with a good attitude 4. Always sing when asked 5. Follow all CHS Choir rules To receive a high grade in choir students are expected to do more than just show up. Remember that after- school performances and rehearsal do count for a large portion of a student's grade.
11 CHS has a 70% assessment and 30% assignment grading scale weight. Departmental Policies Attendance Students must attend all concerts, a student can only be excused from a performance if there is a death in the family or a doctor s note due to illness. Some extra rehearsals will be added to our calendar. If a student cannot attend, then let your teacher know in advance rather than the day of. WORK IS NOT AN EXCUSED ABSENCE Make-up work Make-up work may be allowed if a student gets permission from the teacher. Otherwise, all other work that is not turned on time will not be accepted. If permission is granted, then a deduction of 10 points will be applied to any late work, otherwise work will be counted as 0. Field trips A permission form is attached to this handbook and must be signed by student and parent agreeing to be a part of this experience. A medical form will also be provided and must filled out and be signed by a guardian in order for the student to go as well. Some field trips will require a cost. The money for these must be turned in advance. Due dates will be established. If students cannot pay then let the teacher know ahead of time. Appropriate behavior and conduct must be followed while on the trips. If not, students will not be able to attend later field trips. Informational meetings will be provided before the date of the field trip is coming.
12 Technology and social media Cell phone usage during rehearsals, concerts, classes, etc. will not be tolerated. School policy is in effect. The school policy is that phones will not be used in class unless the teacher says so. Please visit the padlet or our ITS learning website for updates and important information. Disciplinary Actions During rehearsals if a student creates an environment that is not cohesive to learning, they will receive a check. The first check is a warning. Second check is a conference with the student ( and an e-mail to Dr. Freeman) Third check is a conference with the students and a call home. Fourth check is a conference with the student and a meeting with the counselor. Fifth check is conference with student, a call home, and a meeting with Dr. Freeman. Financial Information As a courtesy to the students Central High School Choir Program, the choir Boosters aims to keep the financial costs of the choirs at a minimum. Provided below is a full outline of the requirements for each choir. Checks should be made payable to Central High School Choir Boosters. The costumes are property of the Boosters Program and will be rented out to each student for the year. We will also be ordering new Central High School Choir Polos (15$) Beginning Choir $25.00 -Choir Dress/Tux Rental Fee (15.00) -Drycleaning Fee (10.00) -Members are expected to provide their own black dress shoes and formal white dress shirt. Intermediate Choir $25.00 -Tux/Dress Rental Fee (150.00) -Drycleaning Fee (10.00) -Members are expected to provide their own black dress shoes. Guys provide white dress shirt. Concert Choir $40.00 -Choir Dress/Tux Rental Fee (30.00)
13 -Drycleaning Fee (10.00) -Members are expected to provide their own black dress shoes. Guys provide white dress shirt. Please know that if you have financial trouble, please let me know. We don t want cost to stray you away from being in choir. We will find a way to help you pay for things throughout the year! Boosters Hello Booster Parents, If you did not know, you are now a proud member of Boosters. Boosters is a non-profit organization that works to support the Central High School Choral Department, teachers and students. Each member s involvement helps to reduce the cost of costumes, competitions and other events. The most important aspect of this organization is our annual fundraisers. Parents will have the opportunity to help at Fall Festival this year. This fundraiser will help your student get funds for their account. The choral department at Central High School needs your help in order to have a successful year. Plenty of parents, volunteers and chaperones will be needed throughout the year, especially during concerts and field trips. Other services will be needed as well. For example, volunteer parents who can sew, cook, drive, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Please fill out the form below and send it to school with your student by August 25, 2016. We appreciate your support! Our first meeting will be on August 25th at 6:00 _ Name Phone Number
14 Email Address How are you willing to help? (circle all that apply): Costumes Bus/Van Driver Chaperone Meal Preparation Tickets Concessions Other Central High School Choral Department Medical Form Name for 2016-2017 School Year D.O.B. Permanent Address City State Zip Code Adult Guardian Information: Name Relationship Address City State Zip Code Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15 Name Relationship Address City State Zip Code Home Phone Work Phone Cell Phone In case of medical emergency, I give official representative of Central High School Choral Department permission to act on the behalf of this student until the parent or legal guardian can be contacted. Name Relationship Insurance Company Policy Number Allergies Check all that apply: Pets Smoke Medical Please list Food Please list Other Please list Please list all medications you take on a regular basis. Provide the name and dosage. I verify this information to be current and true, Signature and Print Guardian Signature and Print Date
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