North Kalgoorlie Primary School Senior Choir Handbook 2016 Choir Director: Lauryn Stanlake Even though the North Kalgoorlie Primary School Choir is not an auditioned group, I believe it is an elite group in which only the most dedicated students are involved. In order to have a successful year, I believe very high expectations must be set and achieved.
Goals of the Choir The purpose of the NKPS Choir is to provide students with a musically and socially enhancing experience. Musically, students will learn singing techniques and age-appropriate repertoire while also developing an advanced musical ear. Socially, students will have opportunities to build stronger friendships with peers and also experience community outreach. Calendar The NKPS Choir will have performance events throughout the school year both at school and within the community. Weekly rehearsals: - Wednesday lunchtime from 12:30pm to 1:00pm in the Music Room. Fortnightly rehearsals: - Friday morning from 8:45am-9:45am during non-assembly weeks. You will be advised of all performance dates and venues well in advance. Attendance and Behavior Policy Choir members at NKPS are ambassadors for and representatives of the school. Therefore we have high expectations of student participation, attendance, and behavior. The NKPS Choir will operate on a Three Strikes system. Listed below are the instances in which a student would receive a strike: Unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance o Excused = absent from school, family emergency, note from parent that is given to Mrs Stanlake before the missed rehearsal. o Unexcused = coming to school but skipping choir without a note from parent. Inappropriate behavior during rehearsal, performance, or school hours Two or more delayed arrivals to rehearsal with no explanation 2
If your child needs to miss a rehearsal, please let me know in advance. I expect that we will have an incredibly successful and enjoyable year in choir, and I do not foresee attendance or behavior problems. Thank you for your help in this area. Choir Attire For all performances, students will wear the NKPS short-sleeve choir polo shirt with blue school shorts. Please no skirts, dresses or leggings. I will be putting in an order for new choir shirts early in the term these will cost roughly $25-$30 each. It is an expectation that a shirt will be purchased for community performances. At some performances, particularly Remembrance Day it is also an expectation that choir students have a blue NKPS bucket hat. Sacred Music Policy With the understanding and appreciation of cultural and religious diversity in our school, it is necessary that we address the issue of performing sacred music in our choir. It is our goal to enhance knowledge and understanding through a growing awareness and perspective of history and art as reflected in great music. To achieve any selected educational objective the quality of repertoire is of paramount importance...to study and perform music in which the musical setting of a text is artistically accomplished is a highly commendable objective. 3
Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire representative of the choral medium and the history of music, it should have an important place in music education. It is likely that sacred music will be performed by the NKPS Choir simply due to its availability and quality. This music is used strictly for educational purposes. Thank you for your understanding concerning this subject. Quotes adapted from The Choral Podium, published by the American Choral Directors Association (Winter 1992). Contact Information If you have any questions you may contact me by email Lauryn.Partridge@education.wa.edu.au Choir information will also be posted on the school website. I have included the choir contract as a separate document, which is to be signed by both students and parents to acknowledge that you have read and agree with this handbook. Students, thank you for choosing to be part of the NKPS Choir! Parents and caregivers, thank you for allowing your children to take part in this wonderful musical experience. Please note that I am leaving to go on maternity leave at the end of Week 8, Term 1. Choir will be continuing on as normal for the rest of the year. Warm regards Lauryn Stanlake NKPS Music Specialist 4
MUSIC CONTRACT FOR SENIOR CHOIR I in Room realise that in becoming a member of the school choir I am making a commitment to Attend all practices Participate in all performances Take care of any school equipment/music loaned to me and return in good condition Make a commitment to choir for duration of 2016 I have read the Choir Handbook and I understand that the NKPS Choir is an elite group of students and that Mrs Stanlake has set very high expectations. I agree to work to the best of my abilities at all times and do my part to make the 2016 NKPS Senior Choir the best that it can be. Signature of Student Student name Date PERMISSION OF PARENT/CAREGIVER I am willing for my child to become a member of the school choir and agree to encourage and support my child to attend all practices and understand that they are committed to the program for the duration of 2016. I accept responsibility for any loss or damage to school equipment or music given on loan to my child and will be responsible for any costs and transportation requirements for practices or performances. Signature of Parent Parent name Date 5