Kiel Middle School Choir Handbook Philosophy The Kiel Middle School choir program is devoted to the study of music, vocal techniques and ensemble skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of music literature, including that of different styles and cultures. The goals of our choral ensembles, through rehearsal and performance, are to achieve a high degree of learning and performance excellence, develop an understanding and appreciation of music and learn the skills and concepts necessary to successfully participate in a vocal ensemble. It is the responsibility of each member to be prepared for rehearsals and to put forth their best effort at all times. Classroom Expectations Being a member of choir is being a member of a team. We must work together for our team to be successful and accomplish our goals. Teamwork takes cooperation, courtesy and commitment. Everyone is important to the team and everyone has responsibilities to the team. These responsibilities include (but are not limited to): Put forth your best effort every day with a positive attitude. Show respect for the director, other members of the ensemble, and yourself.
Show respect for the choir room, the equipment and the music. Be on time to all rehearsals and performances. Be prepared with music folder, pencil, and be in your assigned seat when it is time for class to begin. Be responsible for all classroom materials including music, written work, handouts, permission slips, choir uniforms, etc. No gum or food in class (water bottles are allowed). Listen quietly when your teacher is talking. Pay attention when another section is rehearsing. Consequences In the event a student chooses not to follow classroom rules or procedures, the following disciplinary actions will take place: Student will be given a verbal warning. If the problem persists, the student will meet with teacher to discuss the issue to determine how it can be resolved. If it is still problematic, the parent will be notified, and the student behavior will be reported in skyward. If problem persists, the student will be issued disciplinary referrals.
Performance Attendance Attendance is required at all performances! Performance dates are listed in the handbook, on the school website, and are posted in the choir room. Choir students are expected to be in attendance at all performances. Since these dates are listed far in advance of the events, only illness or an emergency will excuse the absence. Performance events should be viewed as major assessments of performance standards. If for any reason you cannot attend a concert, you must present a written excuse two weeks prior to the event. In case of emergency, please call Mrs. Toepel to leave a message. Students with an excused absence from a concert will have an opportunity to make up their performance assessment by performing their songs for the instructor. This can be done before or after school, and must be completed within 2 weeks of the student returning to school. Concert Attire 5 th and 6 th Grade: Purple chorus shirt or a plain Kiel purple shirt. Black slacks and black dress shoes. 7 th & 8 th Grade Girls: Purple choir performance blouse/shirt (no tees, tanks or half-shirts) Black Pants (NO jeans)
Black Shoes (No sandals or tennis shoes) Black stockings or socks Hair pulled back out of face 7 th & 8 th Grade Boys: Black choir shirt (NO tee-shirts) Black Pants (NO jeans) Black Shoes (NO tennis shoes, must be all black) Black Socks Black Tie Performance Behavior Expectations Be on time for all performances (students will be expected to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the concert start time). Wear appropriate attire. Demonstrate appropriate behavior as a performer and as an audience member. Represent the Kiel Choir Program with pride. Perform to the best of your ability!
Required Performance Events: Nov. 11 th Veterans Day Program: Grades 5,6,7,8 Dec. 20 th Winter Concert: Grades 5,6,7,8 March 25 th @ Sheboygan Falls Solo/Ensemble Festival: 7 th and 8 th grade Show Choir and selected solos and ensembles. April 24 th @ Lakeland University WSMA Choral Festival Clinic: Grades 7 & 8 May 23 rd Spring Concert: Grades 5,6 May 4 th Spring Concert: Grades 7,8 Date TBD UCC Women s Guild Concert: Grades 7 & 8 May 25 th Nursing home vocal tour: Grades 5,6, May 18 th Nursing home vocal tour: Grades 7,8 GRADING POLICIES Students is all Kiel Middle school choirs will be assessed during rehearsals and performances. The following assessment rubric will be used to determine if students are exceeding, meeting standards, progressing toward standards, or making minimal progress towards standards. The following rubric will be used for assessing student growth.
5 th, 6 th, 7 th & 8 th Grade Chorus assessment rubric: CHORUS Grade 5-8 4=Exceeding 3=Meeting Standards 2=Progressing Toward Standards 1=Minimal Progress Toward Standards Students will sing alone and with others a varied repertoire of music using proper vocal techniques I can sing with quality breath control, proper vowel shape, healthy projection, correct technique, and proper posture. I can sing the correct pitches and articulate accurate rhythms of the selected vocal repertoire. I can use my voice to project the appropriate phrasing and emotion of the selected vocal repertoire. Students will read and perform music and will evaluate music and music performances I can sing/read notation sufficiently to perform simple melodies or rhythms accurately after practice. I can use solfege syllables to sight-read simple melodies accurately. I can identify and define standard notation symbols for pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and tempo. I know specific criteria that affect the quality and effectiveness of musical performances and compositions. I can evaluate the quality and effectiveness of their own and others performances and offer constructive suggestions for improvement. Demonstrate well developed ensemble skills appropriate for content, culture, history and style I can capably blend with my fellow chorus members. I can listen to fellow chorus members while simultaneously singing my own part. I can follow the director s musical instruction. I can demonstrate proper rehearsal etiquette by: listening to the director, maintaining all school items I am responsible for, and displaying supportive behavior for fellow chorus members. I will demonstrate stage presence, behavior, and movement appropriate for the context and style of the music performed.
Ensemble Assessment: If musical excellence is to be achieved, consistent ensemble effort, group supportiveness, and leadership are crucial factors that must be demonstrated by each student in the choir. The ensemble assessment grade is determined by the overall ensemble as well as individual student s daily performance, attitude, courtesy, and behavior during rehearsals. Students should show continued progress in class rehearsals, participate in all rehearsal activities and contribute to discussions consistently. Students who give their best effort and are attentive in class will meet their assessment goals. Individualized Assessment: Singing Assessments: 7 th & 8 th grade students will be asked to sing a short excerpt from their chorus music during each quarter. (Singing assessments will include examples from sight-reading texts as well as concert music). Students will be required to sing for the director individually or with a friend to show that they know their parts and so that the director can check individual vocal development. Students may fulfill this obligation before or after school by appointment or by providing a video recording of their performance requirements. Written Assessments: Students will also be graded on occasional written tests. Written tests will assess students understanding of music theory and terminology, music history, composers, stylistic vocal techniques, and other musical concepts taught in class. CARE OF MUSIC: Students are responsible for all music that they receive for rehearsals. Any needed markings
should be done in pencil only. Any damage to the music will result in a replacement fee. Music should be kept in the folders provided, and kept in its proper slot in the choir room. Students are invited to take music home to practice, but are required to bring it back to each chorus rehearsal. PARENT COMMUNICATION: It is important that the director, the students and the parents all work together as a team to achieve our goals. Communication, understanding and commitment are essential for this team to be a success. Please feel free to call me 920-894-2264 ext. 3222, or email me (stoepel@kiel.k12.wi.us) at school with any questions or concerns about your child or the choir program. Choir music festivals In April, the 7 th and 8 th grade choir students will perform at choral festival/clinic, which is a mandatory part of the choir curriculum. All 7 th and 8 th grade choir students are required to prepare a solo or an ensemble to help meet the national music standard of singing alone and with others many different styles of music. Students will be able to choose their solo or ensemble from the WSMA list in late December or early January. I am available before and after school to help students prepare their selections up to WSMA standards. Students who meet performance standards will be chosen to present their solo/ensemble at the WSMA music festival usually held on the first Saturday in March. If you have any questions regarding solo/ensemble, please call or send an email. Thank you for your continued participation, cooperation, and commitment to chorus.