Lee s Summit High School Choral Handbook Adapted August 2014 School Year 2014-2015 Mr. Chris Munce, Director of Choral Studies Mr. Jacob Lowry, Associate Choral Director www.lshsmusic.com/choir Lee s Summit High School 400 S.E. Blue Parkway Lee s Summit, MO 64063 Miss RuthAnn Miller, Staff Accompanist (816) 986 2057 choir office - 986-2000 main office (816) 986-1499 ext 8016 Mr. Munce Office hours 7:30-8:20 AM Chris.munce@leesummit.k12.mo.us (816) 986-1499 ext 7051 Mr. Lowry Office hours 10:20-11:15 jacob.lowry@leesummit.k12.mo.us (816) 986-1499 ext 7995 Miss Miller ruthann.miller@leesummit.k12.mo.us
LSHS Choral Handbook Welcome to LSHS Choirs We are glad you are here. I ve never known a musician who regretted being one. Whatever deceptions life has in store for you, music itself will never let you down. August 14, 2013 Dear Student, --Virgil Thomson It is with great pride that we welcome you to the Lee s Summit High School Choral Department. You are entering an area rich with pride and success attainable only through hard work, dedication and discipline. We are very proud to have you as our student. You will find we care a great deal about you as a person. Our passion is to teach and to make music. The art of choral music is singing, interpreting text, and in short creating a work of art that remains in your soul throughout your lifetime. We believe that music rounds out the complete person. It encourages team work, self discipline, increases intelligence, improves motor skills and of course adds aesthetic appreciation of the arts. We hope your choral experience is a wonderful outlet for you. We also hope that your music becomes a haven of comfort in your life where you make new friends and keep them forever. Expectations are high in our classes. We demand your best effort and in return, we will give you every effort to create with you the best musical experience possible. Have a great year and welcome Mr. Munce, Mr. Lowry and Miss Miller
Teachers Chris Munce, serves Lee's Summit High School as the Director of Choral Studies, and is the Director of Music at Lee s Summit First Presbyterian Church as well as the Artistic Director of the Kantorei Choral Ensemble. Chris is an accomplished choral performer, and former member of the acclaimed Armonia Early Music Ensemble under Dr. Ryan Board and the Kansas City Chorale under the direction of Charles Bruffy. He is a credited performer on the Chorale s Grammy nominated album The Sacred Works of Joseph Rheinberger. Most recently he has performed and recorded with the Simon Carrington Chamber Singers and Kantorei. Chris received a Bachelor's of Music Education from the UMKC Conservatory of Music. During his tenure he sang for Dr. Eph Ely and Dr. Charles Robinson and studied voice with Professor Michael Cousins. Chris then became the Director of Choirs at Belton High School in Belton, Missouri. His two years at Belton resulted in the tripling of choral enrollment and the first "Superior" rating in five years at Belton. Chris then left teaching to pursue a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from the Conservatory. During that time he served as adjunct faculty at the Conservatory teaching Choral Arranging, and at Blue River Community College as an Adjunct Professor of Voice. Chris has also been an active private voice instructor since 1999 and currently operates a studio in Lee s Summit with his wife, Beth. Mr. and Mrs. Munce also have a hilarious daughter, Clara and a new baby boy, Colin. Jacob Lowry is the Associate Choral Director at Lee s Summit High School and Lee s Summit West High School. He is also the Director of Music at Country Club United Methodist Church(CCUMC) in Kansas City where he directs the Chancel and Bell choirs. He most recently was the Vocal Music Director at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School in Lawrence, Kansas. He received his Bachelors in Music Education at Sam Houston State University as well as his Masters in Choral Conducting under the direction of Dr. Alan Hightower and Dr. James Franklin. During his studies he had the privilege of working with great minds like Paul Salamunovich, Joseph Flummerfelt, Weston Noble and Richard Bjella. His time at CCUMC has led him to work in partnership with students from the University of Missouri, Kansas City in forming a Music Academy for students and young adults wishing to take lessons inclassical voice, piano, and strings. RuthAnn Miller received her B.M. in Piano Performance at the University of Missouri-Kansas City from 2008-2012. A former Lee's Summit High School student, she has been involved in several of the Lee's Summit High school choirs, namely Sounds of Summit, as well as the drumline, orchestra, and jazz band. For the past two years she has taught piano lessons through Mobile Music Teachers, accompanied choirs at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Grandview and also accompanied for the Mill Valley High School choirs in Shawnee. She is looking forward to working at LSHS and being a tiger again
Course Philosophy and Descriptions It is the philosophy of this department that music is an enriching and critical part of each student s life. Music teaches life-skills to each student through team work, individual achievement and citizenship. Excellence in achievement is the expected norm. Curricular and Extra-Curricular Choral music is both an academic, curricular subject and an after-school extra-curricular activity. At LSHS each of these elements are highly valued. Our curricular studies are measured by a student s grade during class and graded concerts and tests. The extra-curricular activities are measured in our lettering system. See lshsmusic.com for more details on lettering. FRESHMAN WOMEN S CHOIR The Freshman Women s Choir is a select auditioned ensemble. The student s Middle School Choral Director recommends the singer for this choir. It is a two-semester course in which the student may earn one unit of Fine Arts credit. The curriculum is designed to further develop the singing voice, ear training, sight singing skills and competency in reading three and four part voicing. Phonetics of various languages and a variety of musical styles are presented. Class work includes singing exercises to build and strengthen the voice, improve diction, breath support and resonance. Music Theory and Music History are also included in daily instruction. Sight singing technique is practiced on a daily basis. Additional work includes singing in small ensembles, written tests, singing tests and required evening performances. MEN S CHOIR The Men s Choir is a select, auditioned ensemble of men grades 9-12. The Middle School Choral Director either recommends the singer for the choir, or they audition for the High School director. It is a two-semester course in which the student may earn one unit of Fine Arts credit. The curriculum is designed to help young singers understand and develop the changing male voice, ear-training, sight singing skills and competency in reading three and four part voicing. Phonetics of various languages and a variety of musical styles are presented. Class work includes singing exercise to build, strengthen and carefully guide the voice through its development, improve diction, breath support and resonance. Music Theory and Music History are also included in daily instruction. Sight singing technique will be included on a daily basis. Additional work includes singing in small ensembles, written tests, singing tests and required evening performances. PRELUDIUM (Chamber Choir) This choir meets on Monday nights from 6-8 PM and other scheduled times as necessary. Mr. Lowrry will be the conductor. Members are students in grades 9-10 who are enrolled in another choir class. Women are required to rent the Women s Choir uniform for performance. The men will wear Men s Choir attire (see concert attire section). This group participates in several community performances as well as performing in concerts. Therefore, students must be responsible for their academic achievement by maintaining a high grade point average. Auditions occur after school on August 27th and 28th.
WOMEN S CHOIR The Women s Choir is a select, auditioned choir of women, grades 10-12. The Director auditions the singers. It is a two-semester course in which the student may earn one unit of Fine Arts credit. The curriculum is designed to help young women further develop freedom, beauty and maturity in the singing voice. It is also designed to empower singers with more advanced ear training and sight-singing skills as well as competency in reading four part and double choir voicing. Phonetics of various languages and a variety of musical styles are presented. Class work includes singing exercises to expand the range and flexibility of the voice, improve diction, breath support and resonance. Music Theory and Music History are also included in daily instruction. Sight singing skills are addressed on a daily basis. Additional work includes singing in small ensembles, written tests, singing tests and required evening performances. CONCERT CHOIR The Concert Choir is an advanced mixed choral ensemble for the dedicated and serious musician, grades 10-12. This class meets fifth hour. The Director auditions singers in January of the previous school year. It is a two-semester course in which students may earn one unit of fine Arts credit. Concert Choir provides opportunities for the further development of a mature singing voice and sight singing independence. Students perform a variety of choral compositions of contrasting periods and styles: major works and double choir works are included. Students continue to expand their musical knowledge through the study of harmony, melodic and harmonic dictation, and music history. Guest performers and clinicians are occasionally utilized in the rehearsal setting. Expectations include a sincere desire to improve understanding and technique. Some out of school rehearsal and activities occur though out the year. Students are required to attend all performances. 1% of the student s grade will be comprised of his/her performance within Lee s Summit High School s silent sustained reading (SSR) program. SSR will occur for 20 minutes, during 5th hour, on 60% of Wednesdays throughout the school year. The two key elements of the student s SSR grade will be bringing materials (30%) and time spent reading (70%). SOUNDS OF SUMMIT (Chamber Choir) This choir, directed by Mr. Munce, meets during 5C daily and on Monday evening for at least two hours beginning at 6 PM (6:30 in the fall). Students must be enrolled in Concert Choir to audition and are selected by the director. These students are auditioned during the previous school year. This class is for the highly motivated and talented choral musician. Students are required to rent a tuxedo or evening gown for this ensemble. Only the most advanced choral music is performed. It requires many outside performances for the community; therefore, the singer must maintain an exceptionally high grade point average..5 credit is granted for this course.
EXPECTATIONS/PROCEDURES Expectations for Rehearsal The student will: Demonstrate respect to self and all other individuals in the classroom. No chewing gum, candy, or any food or drink (except water) in class. Be in seat with assigned folder, music and pencil before the bell rings and ready for instruction. Be on task throughout the entire rehearsal, maintaining a learning-centered attitude. Be mature, positive, open minded and flexible. Not be a disruption to the learning environment. Grade will be informed by the rubric in the next section. 1 st Infraction: A conference will occur with the director. Daily grade reduced. 2 nd Infraction: A reminder by the director. Further grade reduction. 3 rd Infraction: marks the beginning of the LSHS commitment process and the director will make a phone call to the parent. If the student cannot work in this environment, a schedule change will be made. Performance Expectations The student will: Attend all required performances. Only school-related activity conflicts will be excused. Work conflicts will not be excused. Family emergencies and sickness must have a written excuse from a parent PRIOR to the missed performance. If the time frame does not allow prior written notification, the parent must contact the office phone voice mail as soon as possible. (986-1499) Ext. 8016 Mr. Munce. Unexcused absences will cause the student to receive a zero grade with no opportunity to regain the points as well as loss of lettering privilege. Excused absences can be made up at the discretion of the director(s). See your director for project options. To earn full credit for performance, the student must: Wear required concert attire. Inappropriate concert dress will result in a grade deduction and may also prevent the student from performing with the choir. Be in attendance during the entire concert. Students may not leave the concert after performing with their choir. It is important that each student be respectful and hears the work of each ensemble on the concert to complete the educational experience. Early departures from concerts will result in a grade reduction. Be a quiet and polite listener during performance. Proper concert etiquette will be discussed in class prior to concerts. Concerts provide an opportunity to develop this important social skill.
Elements of Course Grade Rehearsal Technique* and Make-Up Work Policy The student will receive 10 points per day for using good rehearsal technique (see rubric below). If a student is unable to sing due to illness but is present, the student is expected to participate in the rehearsal by actively rehearsing mentally. If the student is unable to sing a second day in a row, he/she must bring a written excuse from a parent. If a student is unable to sing for five days, a physician s note is expected. When unable to sing, the student must notify the director prior to the beginning of the rehearsal. Students receive one day for each day missed to turn in all make-up work unless special arrangements are made with the director. Students will start losing points after their third absence regardless of the reason. Beginning with the fourth absence the student will be required to practice the current music being rehearsed in class for twenty minutes per absence. A written practice record from a parent will be required. *DSA will occur during a two week period in March. 3= 10 points 2=7 points 1=5 points 0=4 or less Written Work: Quizzes and Tests Music History, Music Theory, Phonetics and Vocal Technique are all important parts of the curriculum. Students will be tested over information regarding various aspects of good choral singing. Research Based Project The objective is to achieve a deeper level of understanding about one of the pieces of choral music performed during the school year. Your paper will include one or more of these elements as well as others that you think of (Just clear them with us.) 1. Research the performance practice of a particular style or time period. 2. Explore the life of the composer. 3. Discover more about the culture in which the music was originally performed. 4. For what occasion or purpose was the piece written? 5. Evaluate our performance of the piece against your research.
Singing Tests Singing tests will be administered regularly to every singer. Each student will be held accountable for knowing and accurately singing his/her part. Points will be earned according to the rubric below. Sight singing exercises will be tested as well. An increase in self-confidence and accountability will be strengthened in the process. 12 points are possible on each singing test. Grade will be assigned based on a scale for each course. (below) Advanced: 12=98, 11=95, 10=90, 9=88, 8=85, 7=80, 6=75, 5=70, 4=65, 3=60, 2 or less=59-0 Intermediate: 12=98, 11=95, 10=93, 9=90, 8=88, 7=85, 6=80, 5=75, 4=70, 3=65, 2 or less=59-0 Beginning: 12=98, 11=96, 10=94, 9=92, 8=90, 7=88, 6=83, 5=78, 4=73, 3=65, 2 or less=59-0 =25 points =25 points =50 points unexcused absence =0 Concert Attendance and Performance
Total Grade Configuration Daily work/rehearsal technique: Approximately 50% of total semester grade Concerts: Approximately 10% of total semester grade (per concert) Tests/Quizzes/Projects: Approximately 20-30% of total semester grade Final Exam*: 10% of total semester grade Grades will be updated every two weeks. Tutoring is available before school by appointment. During the course of each rehearsal, the student is always being assessed and given feedback for the purpose of improving their skills. BOTTOM LINE: ALWAYS BE A CLASS ACT GRADING PROCEDURES The Grading Scale Is in accordance with the LSHS grading scale 95-100 A 73-76 C 90-94 A- 70-72 C- 87-89 B+ 67-69 D+ 83-86 B 63-66 D 80-82 B- 60-62 D- 77-79 C+ Below 60 F Grades will be issued at six, twelve, and eighteen weeks and are an indication of the standing in the class at that time. This includes 1% reductions for un-excused absences and suspensions. Points are totaled at the end of each grading period. Participation grades are completely based on each student s choices, and are NOT a reflection of the directors opinion of the student. MANDATORY CURRICULAR EVENTS (non-chamber choirs) Tuesday, Sept. 16 th, DQ Ice Cream Social Thursday, Oct. 16 th, Fall Choral Concert Tuesday, Dec. 9 th, Winter Choral Concert. Monday, March 23rd, Glee Club Rehearsal Monday, March 30th, Glee Club Rehearsal Tuesday, April 7th, Pre-Contest Concert Saturday, April 11th, State Festival for Large Ensembles Thursday, April 23rd, Parade of Choirs Friday, May 8th, Pop and Jazz
CONCERT ATTIRE Freshman Women s Choir The young women of this choir are issued a choir robe by the school. A $15.00 rental fee will be due immediately. Checks are preferred and should be made out to LSHS. The choir member should wear black dress pants, black hose and black closed toe dress shoes. Women s Choir This year the Women will use the same dress as last year. The dress will be rented from the school for $30. Dresses will be tried on at the beginning of the year and returned after the final performance. Minor alterations may be needed. Men s Choir The men of this choir will wear a black wool blazer and silk tie (provided by the school). A $15.00 rental fee will be due immediately. Checks are preferred and should be made out to LSHS. Black slacks (purchased through the choral department or supplied by student with approval from directors), a black belt, a black button-down oxford shirt and black socks, black dress shoes complete the uniform. Information will be forthcoming on the purchase of slacks. Concert Choir The members of this choir will be issued a Concert Choir robe and stole. Students are responsible for the care of these very expensive robes. Stoles will be issued and returned at each concert. The robes may only be dry-cleaned. A $15.00 rental fee is due at the beginning of the school year. Checks are preferred and should be made payable to LSHS. Women of the choir are to wear black dress pants and black hose and black close-toed shoes under the robe. Men should wear a white, long-sleeved dress shirt, black dress slacks, black dress socks and black dress shoes. NO EXCEPTIONS Preludium (9/10 Chamber Choir*) The women of this ensemble will rent the uniform that the Women s Choir wears plus a blue sash ($40 rental total). The men will wear the attire of the Men s Choir with a blue tie. Tie and Jacket will be rented by the men for $15 (tie only $10). *A select group of upper class-men may be added, if needed, to create a balanced ensemble.) Sounds of Summit (11/12 Chamber Choir) Women of this ensemble will rent an evening gown for $60 from the school. Shoes and accessories will be purchased by the students. The men will rent tails, shirt, vest, tie from the school for $60. Black dress shoes will be purchased by the singer. FOLDER AND MUSIC DISTRIBUTION Each singer will be issued a Choral folder with an assigned number. Music will be issued by number and kept in the folder. A corresponding numbered slot in a folder cabinet will be assigned for the student to store the folder and music. If the student takes the music home for practice, they are responsible for making sure they have it for the next day s rehearsal. Lost or damaged folders and music will be replaced at the student s expense. The cost of the folder is $20.00. ($30.00 for SOS folder.) They will also be charged for the music in the folder according to the cost of each individual piece of music. TAKE CARE OF YOUR FOLDER AND MUSIC
LS R-7 Essential Standards for Choral Music Education See more about our curriculum including Learning Targets at www.lshsmusic.com/choir-curriculum District Summative Assessments All choir classes in the school district will be conducting these assessments during the following windows of time: Rehearsal Etiquette: Assessments will take place in December Sight Reading First Semester: Assessments will take place as a part of first semester s final exam. Sight Reading Second Semester: Assessments will take place as part of second semester s final.
Signature Page-Electronic Signature (preferred) or print this page by Sept 1st. We have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined in the attached packet. We have marked the following REQUIRED curricular events on our family calendar: (chamber choir required dates are not limited to the ones below.) Tuesday, Sept. 16 th, DQ Ice Cream Social Thursday, Oct. 16 th, Fall Choral Concert Tuesday, Dec. 9 th, Winter Choral Concert. Monday, March 23rd, Glee Club Rehearsal Monday, March 30th, Glee Club Rehearsal Tuesday, April 7th, Pre-Contest Concert Saturday, April 11th, State Festival for Large Ensembles Thursday, April 23rd, Parade of Choirs Friday, May 8th, Pop and Jazz We have SAVED THE PACKET for future reference. We understand that the student s grade in the choir class is affected by adherence to the policies in the attached packet. We understand that lettering in choir is only possible with NO unexcused absences in accordance with the policy in this handbook. WELCOME TO THE LSHS CHORAL PROGRAM Student Date Parent Date Parent Date