Roslyn Middle School Chorale Handbook 2017-2018 www.roslynmschorus.org Mrs. Feinman Chorus Teacher cfeinman@roslynschools.org Page 1
Contents Welcome. 3 Program Organization 3 Objectives. 4 Classroom Routines and Expectations 4 Rehearsal Etiquette 4 Concert Etiquette... 5 Rules for Artistry & Learning.... 5 Concert Attire. 6 Staying Informed 7 Chorale Remind Instructions 8 Grading Policy 9 Attendance Poliy. 9 Important Dates.. 10 Page 2
Welcome Dear Students, Congratulations on becoming a part of the Roslyn Middle School Chorale. I m very proud of all of you! We are going to go on trips, work hard, and have a ton of fun. You are all extremely talented. I have performed in a variety of venues, such as theater, opera, choirs, and symphonies. But above all, I love to teach. To me, one of the greatest joys is the challenge of working hard to learn new repertoire to achieve stellar results. I can't wait to share this lesson with you. This year we will learn about vocal health, music history, and musicianship, but we will also have a community wherein it is acceptable to make mistakes and learn. I encourage you to try your personal best every day so we can bring our repertoire to life. Sincerely, Mrs. Feinman Program Organization The choral program at Roslyn Middle School consists of three choirs: 1) 6 th Grade Chorus 2) 7 th and 8 th Grade Chorus 3) 7 th and 8 th Grade Select Chorale (By audition only) The school also produces a musical in February. Page 3
Objectives 1. Choir members will learn music literacy to grow as musicians and also appreciate the music we sing. 2. Choir members should enjoy making music. Chorus class should be an enriching part of the day. 3. Choir members will have a positive attitude and always try their best. Making music and making beautiful, artistic music is something we will explore. 4. Choir members will have respect for each other and show consideration while rehearsing and performing. Classroom Routines and Expectations Self-discipline is an important element of choir rehearsal and performance. Students must realize that they are a member of a performing group with an excellent reputation. Their behavior during school classes and at public performances reflects Roslyn Middle School and the Music Department. Please remember the following basic rules: Respect yourself and others. Participate 100% of the time. Come prepared with your choir folder and a pencil, ready to begin when the bell rings Only water bottles and choir materials are allowed on the risers. Leave EVERYTHING else by the door. Music folders must be treated with care Students must ask before playing the piano or any sound equipment in the room. Proper rehearsal and concert etiquette will be observed. Rehearsal Etiquette Phones are left on the side of the room Students are ready with a pencil, folder, and positive attitude. Students sing their correct parts If students are waiting for director while another part is actively working, students are completing a task from the Rehearsal Options List posted in classroom. Choir members respond to director s directions and requests respectfully and immediately. Page 4
Concert Etiquette Audience members are encouraged to follow some well-established standards for formal concert behavior. Refrain from talking during the performance. Remain seated for the entire concert. If it is absolutely necessary to do so, move only between selections and exit at the nearest door. Wait to re-enter the auditorium until the performing group is finished. Applause is the only appropriate form of expressing appreciation. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the conductor lowers his or her hands to indicate the completion of the selection or work. Please eliminate disruptions by turning off pagers, cell phones, and removing small children who are crying or speaking loudly. Students are not permitted to leave until the end of the concert and are expected to observe all performing groups. This is part of the educational process. Rules for Learning & Artistry (Taken from Judy Bower s Rules for Expressive Singing) 1. Rule of Giving Good Class: It is the job of students to learn. It is the job of choral singers to be teachable, and to develop into the artists that their talent indicates. In rehearsals, you will give good class - have a learning expression on your face, listen, nod your head with understanding, smile, participate, and be PRESENT throughout the rehearsal. 2. Rule of Transfer: Transfer is the secret to learning. It is the singer s job to transfer everything that is rehearsed to ALL their music, as indicated and appropriate. 3. Rule of Flow: Flow is the moment in music when the magic happens. All elements of the academic and social transfer into creating FLOW. It happens when the group is ready in terms of skills, is expressing what is in their hearts and in the music, and when there is a total focus. Your focus and capacity to hold the energy of the music and your attention will create flow. Page 5
Concert Attire For concerts, students must wear a white top, black slacks or nice bottom, and black dress shoes. Please email me with concerns. APPROPRIATE NOT APPROPRIATE ***NO TIE REQUIRED*** Page 6
Staying Informed Listen in class and read the board outside the chorus room regularly for announcements, additions and changes to rehearsals, meetings, auditions, etc. Sign up for Weekly Updates: www.roslynmschorus.org/contact Listen to morning announcements Sign up for REMIND updates. Extra copies of music are in the message center to sign out. STUDENTS MUST ASK before taking an extra copy. SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR REMIND INSTRUCTIONS Page 7
CHORALE Page 8
There are no grades in Chorale! Grading Policy Attendance Policy All rehearsals are mandatory. If you are going to be absent, please send in a note or have your parents email or call me. IN ONE CONCERT PERIOD: 3 Lates = 1 absences 3 Absences = Warning 6 Absences = Dismissal from Chorale All concerts and performances are mandatory. Page 9
Important Chorus Dates (others may be added at any time) Monday, September 11 th - Chorale sings at September 11 th Assembly during school time Tuesday, December 5 th - Chorale Winter Concert at HS, 7:00pm (NEW TIME) Monday, May 7 th - Chorale Spring Concert at HS, 7:00pm (NEW TIME) Thursday, June 21 st - MS Graduation at Hofstra University, 11am (7 th graders go by bus, 8 th graders arrive with families) ALL STUDENTS MUST ARRIVATE AT HS @ 6:30pm FOR CONCERTS Page 10
CHORALE Parent and Student Acknowledgement Please keep handbook, tear this page off, sign and return to Mrs. Feinman by September 15 th 2017. Completion of this form counts as your first quiz grade of the year Initial Next to Each Item PARENT STUDENT I have read and understand all of the policies and guidelines that are written in the Roslyn Middle School Chorale Handbook. PARENT STUDENT I promise to adhere to all rules, required performances, events, and expectations. PARENT STUDENT I have signed up for Weekly Update emails by visiting www.roslynmschorus.org/contact PARENT STUDENT I have signed up for REMIND text alerts by visiting www.roslynmschorus.org/contact PARENT STUDENT I have reviewed concert attire and will make sure I am prepared for our concerts. Student name (print): Student Signature: Parent/Guardian name (print): Parent/Guardian Signature: Page 11
TURN PAGE Please list all singing, performing, dancing, instrument playing experience, etc. If none, write none : Anything additional you would like me to know? Thank you for your support! I look forward to having an exceptional year! ~ Mrs. Feinman Page 12