AMBASSADORS CHOIR HANDBOOK 2017-2018 We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. A class for all students in Grades 7 and 8 All forms due August 22, 2017 Mrs. Eileen Swanson, Director Mrs. Suzanne Karls, Pianist Contact information: eswanson@christianheritage.org 847.446.5252
The AMBASSADORS CHOIR of Christian Heritage Academy is a performance-based class that meets during the school day, throughout the school year. As knowledge and skill are demonstrated in performance, all performance dates listed below as required are included in quarter grading and participation is expected. Every effort is made to communicate performance dates (including changes) well in advance. Absence from a required performance may be considered as excused for student illness or family emergency only, with prior parent communication. Vacation or travel does not excuse a required performance. Performances that are not required are designated as opportunities below. First Semester - Required Performance Dates Chapels dates TBD Thanksgiving/Grandparents Day chapel Tues., November 21 Choir & Band Christmas Concert Fri., December 8, 7:00 p.m. Warm-up time TBA Christmas chapel Fri., December 22 First Semester Opportunities: CHA School Musical Students in Ambassadors are eligible to participate in the musical, singing and acting. Auditions take place in early October. Performances are February 23-24, 2018. Saturday, November 4, 2017 Honors Chorus Festival - ILMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) at Wauconda High School. Recommended students learn four pieces of music, work with a guest conductor, then present a public concert in the afternoon. Participation is by teacher recommendation and the firm registration deadline is October 13. Please see me if you are interested in this opportunity. ACSI Music Festival overnight at Olivet Nazarene University. Registration forms (3) will be available in November and are due December 1. (festival dates: March 9-10, 2018; see below) Second Semester - Required Performance Dates Chapels, dates TBD Spring Choir/Band Concert Thurs., April 12, 7:00-8:30 pm The Ambassadors take the concert stage for the year s evening finale in partnership with Soli Deo (the upper school vocal ensemble), Lions Pride Cubs Choir and the CHA Bands. Second Semester Opportunities ACSI Festival, March 9-10, 2018 (overnight) (chaperones needed) ACSI Festival is a travel-by-bus, overnight event at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Working with a guest conductor, hundreds of Christian school students from the Midwest prepare challenging repertoire on Friday and Saturday morning, and present a public concert on Saturday afternoon. Parents, we will need a number of chaperones overnight, based on the number of students attending. This event requires an additional non-refundable charge for both students and chaperones (festival registration fee, hotel, meals). Registration is due by December 1 with the completion of three forms. No late forms can be accepted. CHA Musical, February 23-24, 2018 auditions in October; details TBA
Performance Dress: The purpose of concert dress is to present a unified, distinguished presence in performance. Concert clothes are to be worn for all performances, including ACSI. The cost for concert dress appears on student statements. Measuring for fit will be done in class on August 30. Please let Mrs. Swanson know if you are able to help with measuring. Boys: black dress shirt, black dress pants, royal blue necktie (fee on account) The student will need to provide black dress belt, black socks, and black dress shoes (no sport shoes). Girls: black palazzo pants, black knit top (fee on account) The student will need to provide black dress flats, no socks. Small gold/silver post earrings only may be worn. Please do not wear hair bows, headbands or any other jewelry. Class Description While learning our repertoire, we develop sight singing, ear training and rhythm reading skills. Our choral repertoire gives opportunities for singing two, three or four-part harmony. Class evaluation includes performances, student mastery of the repertoire, skill testing in sight singing and rhythm reading, and class participation. Class participation includes punctuality, attendance, attitude, behavior and effort demonstrated in class. Written work includes music theory learning and reflective writing. Grading Assignments, performances and grades are posted on Veracross as follows: Performances = Tests on Veracross (35%) Class Participation = Class Participation on Veracross (35%) Skill Tests = Quizzes on Veracross (15%) Written Work = Writing on Veracross (15%) Class Participation Each class period is worth 10 earned points and includes: being on time for class attendance focused attention on learning positive effort that demonstrates teamwork and respect Commitment and Measurement Forms Please fill out both forms that follow in this handbook and return them to the CHA office, attention Ambassadors, by August 21. Choir Fees The Ambassador fees for the year are pro-rated through your school account. Please contact me if this is a hardship. We want every interested student to have the opportunity to be able to sing as an Ambassador.
CHA AMBASSADORS CHOIR Commitment Form due before August 21, 2017. Student Commitment: I have read the information sheet and understand the commitment needed. I'm ready to be an Ambassador! Student Signature Grade (cursive, first and last name) I am interested in: solo or ensemble instrument or piano for choir Parent/Volunteer Commitment Measuring for concert clothes (Aug. 30 ) Performance supervision as needed Costuming/makeup - musical Choreography Transportation as needed Chaperone for ACSI festival (overnight, fee) March 9-10, 2018 Chaperone for off-campus performances Parent Signature Date Parent Email Home phone Cell Please return to the CHA Office, attention Ambassadors, by August 21, 2017.
CHA AMBASSADORS CHOIR Measurement Form due by August 21, 2017 Student Name Grade T-shirt size (circle one): Youth: S M L XL Adult: S M L XL Skirt/slacks size (girls): Pants size (boys): Dress size (girls): Shirt/blouse size Height Shoe size Please return to CHA Office, attention Ambassadors, by August 21, 2017. CHA AMBASSADORS CHOIR Measurement Form due by August 21, 2017 Student Name Grade T-shirt size (circle one): Youth: S M Skirt/slacks size (girls): L XL Adult: S M L XL Pants size (boys): Dress size (girls): Shirt/blouse size Height Shoe size Please return to CHA Office, attention Ambassadors, by August 21, 2017.