HCA Chorus Handbook 2014-2015 I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live Psalm 104:33 HCSB Welcome! I am so excited to begin another school year at Hebron Christian Academy as the choral director. I truly count it as a blessing in my life to serve here at this school. The students here at HCA have been blessed with incredible talent. The choral program has grown by leaps and bounds in the past five years and I am so honored that you have chosen to be a part of it. As a member of the HCA choral program, you have chosen to associate with the finest scholars, athletes, musicians, and student leaders in our school. Singing and music in general is my passion, and I believe that it should be fun and bring enjoyment to our audience. However, our expectations for excellence are high. I believe that God deserves our very best. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV). My desire is that we develop our skills individually and as a performing ensemble in order to bring glory to our Savior and serve Him through singing. I ask that all chorus students and their families read through this handbook and become familiar with its contents in order to avoid misunderstandings as we progress through the school year. This handbook contains policies and procedures that will be in effect for the 2014-2015 school year. Parents, feel free to contact me anytime at school 770.963.9250 or e-mail jsass@hebronlions.org with questions that you may have. We are looking forward to a great year! Sincerely, Josh Sass Choral Director Hebron Christian Academy
Chorus Classes 1 st period: 8 th grade Chorus is a mixed chorus made up of boys and girls in grade 8. This ensemble sings two and three part mixed music. Students will perform in four major concerts and a variety of small performances throughout the year. 3 rd period: 6 th grade Chorus is a mixed chorus made up of boys and girls in the 6 th grade. No prior singing experience is necessary. This ensemble will sing unison and two part music. Students will perform in three or four major concerts and a variety of small performances throughout the year. 4 th period: 7 th grade Chorus is a mixed chorus made up of boys and girls in grade 7. This ensemble sings two and three part mixed music. Students will perform in four major concerts and a variety of small performances throughout the year 5 th period: Women s Chorus is a treble chorus made up of young ladies in grades 9-10, or young ladies in grades 11-12 who have no prior experience in chorus. This ensemble sings three and four part treble music in addition to singing mixed music in combination with the men s chorus. Students will perform in four major concerts and a variety of small performances throughout the year. 6 th period: Men s Ensemble is a male ensemble made of young men in grades 9-12. This ensemble will sing two, three, and four part men s music in addition to singing mixed music in combination with the women s choruses. Students will perform in four major concerts and a variety of small performances throughout the year. 7 th period: Advanced Women s Ensemble is an auditioned treble chorus made up of young ladies in grades 11-12. This ensemble sings three and four part treble music in addition to singing mixed music in combination with the men s chorus. Students will perform in four major concerts and a variety of small performances throughout the year. Daily Procedure Chorus classes will begin each day with students arriving on time and prepared for class. Students should place their bookbags along the wall around the perimeter of the classroom not at their seats. They will get their music folder (with a pencil) and be in their seats when the tardy bell rings. We will warm up and rehearse together for the entire period. Students are to raise their hands during rehearsal for permission to leave their seat or to ask a question. Please reserve bathroom breaks for emergencies only. If you have a bathroom emergency, let me know discreetly, and go. When class ends, the director will dismiss you to put music folders away and leave. Students should return all music folders to the assigned folder slot. Failure to put music folders way will result in a deduction in participation points. The chorus room is a busy room with large classes. It is essential that we keep the chorus room clean and neat at all times.
Behavior Consequences Responsibility to the group is essential to the HCA Choral program. An individual s behavior and performance have a major impact on the other members of the Chorus. Students are expected to exhibit their best behavior at all times. Occasionally, we have visitors in our classes and many people will see our concerts and performances. One incident of poor behavior can ruin the public s good impression of our choral program and our school. Consequences for behavioral infractions will be handled on an individual basis and are based on a continuum ranging in severity. The consequence(s) will depend on the severity and frequency. Steps in the continuum may be skipped based on severity. The Behavioral Consequence Continuum is as follows: Verbal Warning Documented in the students behavioral file on RenWeb Conference with Student Telephone Call and/or e-mail home Detention served with Mr. Gibadlo, Dean of Students Parent Conference Administrative Discipline Referral Horseplay of any kind in the chorus room will not be tolerated. Students can be seriously injured if they fall off the seated risers. Any such infraction will result in, at minimum, an immediate telephone call to parents. Folder/ Music Assignments Each chorus member is required to maintain a chorus folder. A numbered black folder will be assigned to each student. The student is responsible for keeping music, any written assignments, and a pencil in the folder at all times. Folders are to be kept in the assigned folder slot located in the chorus room. Periodically folders may be checked for theory work, pencils, etc. Students will be held accountable for missing or damaged folders and music ($8 per folder, Price of music varies). Students may take their music folders home to practice, but they must remember to bring it back for class the next day. Rehearsals and Performance Chorus students at Hebron Christian Academy will have a variety of opportunities to perform throughout the year. It is important to remember that attendance at all performances is mandatory and is a part of each student s quarter or semester grade. After-school rehearsals may be required before performances. This will allow choruses the opportunity to rehearse together. It will also give students more individualized attention in many cases. It is imperative that we have 100% attendance at these limited rehearsals. If you are unable to attend these rehearsals I will need to know as soon as possible.
Performance Attire Students are required to wear a standard outfit when performing with the Hebron Christian Academy Chorus. Students who come to the concert without the required attire will not be allowed to perform. Formal concert attire is indicated below. Middle School Gentlemen: The Cardinal DriFit Polo Shirt with HC Embroidered Monogram, khaki pleated or flat front pants, brown leather/suede shoes, and brown belt. Shirts will be tucked in at all times. Ladies: The Cardinal DriFit Polo Shirt with HC Embroidered Monogram, Khaki Pleated skort. Black knee socks. Skorts Must Be Appropriate--No Shorter Than 3 Above Knee, brown leather/suede shoes High School Gentlemen: White Long Sleeve HC Oxford Cloth Shirt, Black dress slacks, Black belt, Black dress shoes, Black socks, HCA striped crest tie Ladies: Formal, floor-length Black dress Formal dresses will be ordered through a vendor providing excellent value (approx.. $50). All uniforms must be pre-paid before ordering. Fitting and ordering will occur early in the semester during school hours. For all: Please do not wear flashy and excessive amounts of jewelry. We are on stage to perform and entertain with music and hard work, not to do a fashion show. Please make sure you are comfortable. Avoid heavy perfumes, colognes, and body sprays. Absolutely no jeans or sneakers of any color will be allowed. Students who are not in correct uniform will not be allowed to perform. Grading Policy The grading policy for Hebron Christian Academy Chorus have been designed to ensure that the grade clearly and accurately reflects the performance quality of each individual and further ensures that the choral experience is fair and equitable to all who participate. Below is an explanation of the grading formula used for each grading period. Each student s average is based on three categories: Classwork/Theory (20 %), Concerts/Performances (30%), and Participation (50%). Classwork/Theory: Students will be given both singing and written assignments periodically on assigned music exercises and concepts. Music being rehearsed in class may be assessed at any time either individually or in small groups. Participation/Conduct: Every student will receive a participation grade every week. Students begin each week with a grade of 100 in this category. Deductions will be made for failure to comply with classroom rules and/or failure to participate in class. 5 points On time to rehearsal (in chair with music when the tardy bell rings) 5 points No gum, candy, food or drinks (clear water bottles are acceptable) 5 points Being prepared with music, pencil, other materials 5 points Being on task, focused, and attentive in rehearsal (no talking); Demonstrating good posture when singing 20 points TOTAL x 5 class periods = 100 points possible -Students who are ill should notify the director before class begins, but are expected to participate mentally and mark their music.
-If all daily points are lost in one rehearsal, it is possible to earn a negative score. -Students can earn bonus points for demonstrating exceptional rehearsal behavior or knowledge at the teacher s discretion. Performances are an integral part of every student s music education. An unexcused absence from any performance will result in a major deduction for this grade category. The only excused absences from a performance are those which are determined as an excused absence based on school policy. If the student is excused from a performance, he or she will have to make a recording singing the proper voice part in order to receive the performance grade. Individual deductions from the concert grade may be made for violation of participation rules (ex: tardy, gum, not participating, etc.) Curriculum Guide The musical education of all HCA Chorus students will follow the Georgia Performance Standards as outlined by the Georgia Department of Education Excused absences Personal illness or death in the family. Varsity Region game or match/ Region Tournament game or match No deductions will be made for excused absences with an accompanying written excuse from a parent. The students will earn a score of M until the make-up performances has been sung or recorded at which time the students has an opportunity to earn up to 100% on the performance grade. Unexcused absences Lack of a ride, working, sports practice and any other excuses not outlined above. Students who are unexcused from concerts will receive a 0% on their performance grade. These students will be given the opportunity to earn a maximum score of 70% if a make-up performance is completed. Tardies to Concerts or Dress Rehearsal Early is on time, and on time is late. Students are required to check in with an assigned attendance keeper and be inside the performance space by the time designated by Mr. Sass. Grading for timeliness will be determined by the following chart: 0-10 minutes late -5 points 31-40 minutes late -20 points 11-20 minutes late -10 points 41-50 minutes late -25 points 21-30 minutes late -15 points 51-60 minutes late -30 points
How to make up the concert The students will be required to record themselves singing their voice parts on each of the songs that their chorus is performing. The students individual performances will be graded on the following elements: breathing, pitch accuracy, rhythm accuracy, attacks and releases, vowels, consonants, tone quality, phrasing, dynamic interpretation, concentration, memorization. The recorded make-up assignment is due no more than 2 weeks following the absence from the event. The student can submit his or her own recording, or schedule a time before or after school to record with Mr. Sass. Co-curricular Activities (required) Students are required to attend all performances and activities associated with their chorus. Specific dates and times are listed in the calendar of events in this handbook. Chorus members should be flexible and willing to work other performances/rehearsals into their schedules if the need arises. Additional performances will be announced in plenty of time for chorus members to make arrangements to attend. Extracurricular Activities (not required) Extracurricular activities are not required, but offer students opportunities for additional musical experiences outside the normal classroom setting. *Note: Participation fee must be paid before students may participate in these activities. All-State Chorus is an opportunity for individual students (grades 7-12) to attend a weekend event in Savannah and sing in a large choir with students from all over the state. Students must pass a screening audition at HCA, and two additional regional auditions. District 13 Honor Chorus is an opportunity for individual students to attend a two-day event held in Athens and sing with students from other schools in our district. Mr. Sass must select students for their musicianship, attitude, and work ethic. 6 th grade Statewide Honor Chorus is an opportunity for 3 sixth grade students (selected by audition) to attend a two-day event held in Tifton and sing with students from other schools all over the state of Georgia. Literary Competition is held every year for women s trio, men s quartet, and men and women s solo. High school students are chosen through an audition and rehearse after school.
Student Participation Fees A participation fee of $30 for each chorus student is required to help finance the activities of the HCA Chorus. This fee includes accompanist fees, sheet music costs, transportation fees, general operational consumables, etc. This payment is due by September 5 th. *Please note: No student will be denied participation in the chorus program because of an inability to meet the financial policy. A family who is unable to make the payments must address this to Mr. Sass in confidence. We will make every effort to work with your family to restructure the payment schedule and to arrange for participation in additional fundraising activities in lieu of the payment. Trips It is always my goal to go on trips to not only further our performance opportunities but also to have fun and bolster our group as a unit. Requirements for going on trips are as follows: 1. You must have a B average or higher in Chorus. 2. No major infractions on your disciplinary record. 3. You must be passing all of your other classes with a C or higher. 4. You must maintain an overall G.P.A. of at least 2.0 to be eligible for trips or contests of any kind. We will be involved in fundraising in order to help finance trips. I want as many students to go as possible. The trips will be paid in approximately four payments throughout the school year. Specific information on the trip, including location, chaperone needs, payment amounts and payment dates will be coming home soon.
2014-2015 Middle School Calendar of Events September Ongoing All State preparation (times/days TBA) October 7 FALL MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS CONCERT (7:00 PM, HCA cafetorium) 31-Nov 1 District Honor Chorus (Athens, Classic Center) November 15 All-State Region Auditions (North Gwinnett MS, Times TBA) December 4 CHRISTMAS MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS CONCERT (7:00 PM, HCA cafetorium) January 22 Final All-State Audition February 6-7 Statewide 6 th grade Honor Chorus (Tifton, GA) March 5-7 All State Chorus (Athens, GA) TBA Large Group Performance Evaluation (Time/Location TBA) April 24 Grandparents Day performance (Time TBA) May 5 SPRING CHORUS CONCERT (7:00 PM, HCA cafetorium) Note: Additional dates may be added throughout the yea
2014-2015 High School Calendar of Events September Ongoing All State preparation (times/days TBA) October 7 FALL HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS CONCERT (7:00 PM, HCA cafetorium) 31-Nov 1 District Honor Chorus (Athens, Classic Center) November December 15 All-State Region Auditions (Times TBA) TBA COMMUNITY CHORUS CONCERT (6:30 PM, Hebron Baptist Church) 11 CHRISTMAS FINE ARTS CELEBRATION (7:00 PM, Hebron Chapel) Various community performances (TBA) January February 22 Final All-State Audition TBA Region Literary Competition March 5-7 All State Chorus (Athens, GA) TBA Large Group Performance Evaluation (Exact Day/Time/Location TBA) 14 State Literary Competition (Warner Robbins, GA) April 24 Grandparents Day performance (Time TBA) May 7 SPRING HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE (7:00 PM, HCA cafetorium) 8 High School Chorus Banquet (Time/Location TBA) 15 Graduation performance Note: Additional dates may be added throughout the year
Chorus Student/Parent Form This form must be returned to Mr. Sass no later than Friday, August 22 nd. I have read the entire chorus handbook and understand the responsibilities that are inherent to being a part of the Hebron Christian Academy Choral Department. I understand that a portion of the final grade will be determined by participation in after school activities. I am willing and ready to give 100 % effort to the work we do in rehearsal, and I am committed to going the extra mile so that we can achieve the highest quality choral performance possible. Student Signature I have read the entire chorus handbook and understand the responsibilities that are inherent to being a part of the Hebron Christian Academy Choral Department. I understand that a portion of the final grade will be determined by participation in after school activities. I will make every effort to ensure my child s participation in these activities. Parent/Guardian Signature