LAKOTA EAST HIGH SCHOOL AND FRESHMAN SCHOOL VOCAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK 2014-15 DIRECTOR: Rebecca Huddilston Becky.huddilston@lakotaonline.com Phone: 759-8615 (Ext. 15182) www.lakotaeastvoices.com
August 18, 2014 Dear Choir Members and Parents, Welcome to the vocal excellence at Lakota East High School and Lakota East Freshman. This is an exciting year to be a part of such a talented and hard working group of students and staff. This year promises to be another exciting year of music growth, development and hard work for all of our choral students. We have many performance opportunities scheduled throughout the year including campus and combined concerts, sporting event performances and many OMEA sanctioned events. This is also a Disney Year which means all of our students are invited to perform with us in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World during Spring break 2015. HAC CORRESPONDENCE FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS: It is imperative for you to be connected to Home Access Center (HAC). All future correspondence, weekly updates and news will be sent out through your email and posted on HAC. Most information presented to your student can be found on HAC, including the LEHS/LEFS Choir Handbook. Please note: if your email changes, I cannot change your email on your personal account. Please contact the main office for any help with personal HAC email settings. LEHS/LEFS CHORAL BOOSTERS: You are also invited to join out 2013-14 Lakota East Choral Boosters. Our choral booster s organization is our number one supporters of all our ensembles. We need you to continue our parent support in all grades 9-12! Please review the open letter from the LEHS/LEFS Choral Booster President s to see how you can get involved on the volunteer form attached. This will also be the night for you to get important information for our Florida trip. COSTUMES AND ACCESSORIES: All students will be fitted with a choral concert outfit within the first few weeks of school by our costume parents. All students will have an outfit they will be responsible for and will need to return at the end of the school year. Again this year, our choir students will be able purchase a choir shirt that will be worn as a casual concert uniform. If you are planning to join us for the Florida 2015 trip in the spring, you will need to order a shirt.
All men who perform in our choirs will need to purchase or rent tuxedo shoes. These shoes are fitted and special ordered to fit our guys. Men will be fitted at school for their size. They run $25 a pair (cost and shipping). We also have a small supply of used shoes for purchase at the cost of $12.50. Rental for the shoes is $10 for the year (shoes are in limited supply and must be returned at the end of the year). If you are interested in renting these shoes you must get your order form (accompanied with a check or money order) in as soon as possible to assure we have your size. If we cannot accommodate your son s size, they will have to buy a new pair. OF COURSE, IF YOUR SON HAS OUTGROWN HIS TUXEDO CHOIR SHOES, BRING THEM IN FOR A TRADE TO A NEW OR RENTAL PAIR. Ladies who are in Eastside Voices will be required to purchase a uniform pearl necklace and bracelet set. Because we can order these in bulk, we can purchase the necklace, ear rings and bracelet for $10. All women in Voices wear this jewelry for concerts and are part of their uniform. ALL LADIES 9-12 ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING DRESS PUMPS FOR THEIR CONCERT ATTIRE. PLEASE CHECK WITH MS. HUDDILSTON FOR ANY QUESTIONS. *******PLEASE SEE ATTACHED ORDER FORM FOR ANY ITEMS YOU NEED TO ORDER. COSTUME ORDERS DUE BY SEPTEMBER 25 TH. MATERIALS NEEDED FOR CLASS: This year, each choir member will receive a 3 ring binder for their choir music and a pencil. This binder is used to put their music ONLY for use during class and in concert. Students will need to have a folder to put their theory work and homework. Students will be responsible in each class to have this binder with their music and a pencil with them for each class. Points will be taken off if students come to class without their materials. Feel free to contact me at any time with questions you may have. We look forward to working with each and every voice and hope that lessons learned in music rehearsal and performance will be memories you can use for a lifetime. Here s to a GREAT, musical year, Rebecca Huddilston LEFS/LEHS CHORAL DIRECTOR THUNDERHAWK CHOIR MEMBERS: YOUR FIRST ASSIGNMENT IS AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT! IT IS DUE NO LATER THAN AUGUST 25 TH TO GET FULL CREDIT. BRING IT IN THE FIRST DAY!
A Message from the Booster Presidents As co-presidents of the Lakota East Choral Booster organization, we would like to take this opportunity to ask for your support. All of the Lakota East Choirs need the help of adults to continue the fine tradition that has been set. All parents are members of the Booster organization and therefore, your support is critical to continuing the wonderful program we have here at Lakota East. Going to Disney! The Lakota Thunderhawk Choirs have been invited to perform at the Festival Disney Competition in the spring. Our choirs last performed in 2013 with a total of 120 students and parent/chaperones participating. We are looking forward to this opportunity for our students again in 2015. We have several fundraisers planned to support both the choirs and funds for the Disney trip. Yankee Candle (Aug 28 Sept 10) (orders back in time for the holidays) Thunderhawk Choir Spiritwear (October) (orders back in time for the holidays) Community Caroling (December) Zap-a-Snack (January 2015) Attached is an interest form to give you a chance to let us know in which areas you are willing to help out as well as include your membership donation. Many hands make light work and all of our work is in support of the students. It is imperative that the booster organization continue its assistance to the directors and students to help our program continue to grow and flourish. Without the assistance of adult help and resources, our choir programs will flounder. Please give thoughtful consideration to giving this organization your time and talent for this year and the years to come if your student is an underclassman. Whether your student is only taking choir to get their fine art credit or they want a music career, MUSIC is a gift that will continue to give for a lifetime. Involvement We will have a representative from the boosters outside of the choir room at curriculum night at the high school building on Aug 27. You can find more information about the Disney trip and fundraisers here. Communication Look for most communications to come from Mrs. Huddilston through HAC. Please visit FaceBook and Like the Lakota East High School Choir Boosters page (and have your student like us too!). We will be sharing information and reminders here as well. Once again please take a moment to complete the membership/volunteer form and send it in with your student. With everyone s help we will make the LEHS Choral program the best that it can be. Warmest Regards, Michelle Deutsch Brian Griffin Co-President, LEHS Choir Boosters Co-President, LEHS Choir Boosters (513) 543-0988 (513) 777-7345 mdeutsch@fuse.net bgryph@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/#!/lakotaeasthighschoolchoirboosters
LEHS Choir Boosters Parent Volunteer Form 2014/2015 (please send this in with your student) Did you know that EVERY parent and legal guardian of students currently enrolled in the LEHS Choir Program is automatically a member of the LEHS Choir Boosters? The Choir Boosters primary purpose is to encourage & actively promote the interests & activities of the Choral Music Programs at Lakota East High School. We organize activities to provide fiscal and physical assistance, equipment, instruction, educational opportunities and musical enrichment. The Lakota East High School Choir Program is amazing, but it cannot function without the support of its dedicated supporters. Please let us know where you may be able to help out this year. Name Home Phone Cell Phone Work Phone Email Parent / Guardian Which is your preferred method of contact: Availability email phone Morning Afternoon Evening Before Concerts After Concerts Student names: There are many areas where you are needed, please check all where you could possibly assist: Performance Attire (fittings,mending) Caroling Coordination Concert Help as needed (video crew, uniforms) Spiritwear Sale Yankee Candle Fundraiser Zap-a-Snack Fundraiser Booster leadership team Booster Membership Levels Basic Family Membership = $10 Friend = $20 Patron = $50 Golden Patron = $100 (Please make checks payable to: LEHS Choral Boosters) Thank you for your Time, your Talent and your Treasure. FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!
LEHS AND LEFS UNIFORM ORDER FORM STUDENT NAME: ENSEMBLE NAME: GRADE: OFFICIAL LEHS/LEFS CHOIR SHIRTS: (WILL TRY ON SIZE AT SCHOOL) $10.00 PER SHIRT SIZE NEEDED: MEN S TUXEDO SHOES: (MEN AND BOY SIZES AVAILABLE) Shoe Size: (Sized at School) $25.00NEW **$12.50 USED/**$10.00 RENT **NO GUARANTEE FOR USED SHOES AVAILABILITY. EASTSIDE VOICES WOMEN: (Pearl necklace, earrings and bracelet, ONLY NEEDED FOR PERIOD 3 LADIES) $10.00 Total amount enclosed in envelope FOR ALL ITEMS: $ ****** (Make checks and money orders out to LEHS Choral Boosters. All orders must be in by Sept. 25, 2014) *** Students will not be issued these items until they have paid in full. Please return any money and orders in a sealed envelope with your child s name on the front.
GRADING POLICY: Quarter Grades LEHS & LEFS VOCAL DEPARTMENT 1. Class Participation 40% (Called Participation in HAC) All students start each quarter with a 100% participation grade Please refer to Grading Criteria to see how participation points are subtracted each quarter. General Participation Expectations: Be on time and ready to sing/this INCLUDES YOUR SINGING IN CLASS Have a pencil No food, drink, gum in the room Maintain rehearsal etiquette daily 2. Singing Quizzes 25% (Called Quizzes in HAC) The frequency and content of the singing evaluations throughout each grading period is at the discretion of the director. Students who are absent from school on the day of a singing evaluation will be required to make-up that playing evaluation before school the day after they return. 3. Written Grades 15% (Called Written Assignments in HAC) Successful completion of assigned Theory Packets and listening analysis sheets. Students will have up to 5 days to make up any missed work for class. After that time, all written work will be counted as a 0 in the grade book. 4. Concert Attendance/Performance 20% (Called Tests in HAC) Please see GRADING CRITERIA in this handbook. *****************************EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS *********************************** Enrichment Points 5% (Called Extra Credit) NEW THIS YEAR!!!!!!!! *******Enrichment Point forms will be given to students the last two weeks of each quarter to fill out and return to receive these points. Examples of enrichment opportunities *Private lessons (vocal or instrumental) *Attending concerts at all school levels (must submit a review sheet of the performance after attending) *Attending professional performances and returning with ticket stub and program (must submit a review sheet of the performance at attending) *Member and performer of any other music or theatre program (other than choir) at LEHS *Member and performer of any other outside choirs or bands approved by director *Participation in any OMEA event as a helper at the event. *Any public vocal performance at an athletic event (as a solo or in a small feature group) *Other opportunities are open to points and are at the discretion of the director.
GRADE CRITERIA: 1) A missed performance that is unexcused and had not been made prior knowledge to the director will result in a large makeup written assignment or lowered grade. The student will have one week to report to the director about the missed performance and receive the assignment. Makeup assignment must be turned in 2 weeks after assigned in order to receive credit for unexcused performance. 2) Unexcused absences from school will affect class performance grade (students Cannot earn a grade for class participation when you are not in class and it is unexcused. Excused absences can be made up with extra credit work given by directors.) 3) Tardy to performance will result in a lower performance grade. 4) Unprepared for class or performance (missing outfit, music, materials needed for your success in class or performance) 5) Misuse of school issued performance outfit will result in a lowered grade and replacement costs of the outfit if damaged. 6) Not prepared for class will result in a lowered class participation score (notice. this is 20% of your final grade). REVIEW CLASS GUIDELINES AND PRACTICE THESE REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE TECHNIQUES DAILY TO INSURE A HIGH PARTICIPATION GRADE!!
PROCEDURE FOR TARDY OR TARDIES TO CLASS (Tardy Procedures are posted in classroom and on door daily) 1 st Tardy = Warning 2 nd Tardy = Parents notified and/or Teacher Detention assigned. 3 rd Tardy = Teacher Detention and Parents notified. 4 th Tardy and beyond will result in office referral and ensuing disciplinary action. Office Penalty for tardy to class: 4 th Tardy = 2 hr. DT 5 th Tardy = 2 hr. DT 6 th Tardy = Friday School 7 th Tardy = Friday School and Loss of Parking Pass ***STUDENTS WHO ARE GIVEN DETENTION AND DO NOT SERVE THAT DETENTION WILL BE REFERRED TO THE OFFICE! PLEASE BE ON TIME TO ALL YOUR CLASSES! HAVE A PLANNER READY WITH A SIGNED PASS IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE!
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS (Guidelines are posted in classroom daily) ALL CHORAL STUDENTS WILL. 1) BRING NO FOOD OR DRINKS! WATER IS PERMITTED. 2) NO GUM AT ANYTIME! 3) UNLESS OTHERWISE INSTRUCTED, KEEP ALL PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND BOOKS TO THE SIDES OF THE ROOM. 4) BE IN YOUR ASSIGNED SEAT/SPOT WHEN THE BELL RINGS. 5) WARM-UPS BEGIN WHEN THE BELL RINGS. 6) DO NOT HAVE A CELLPHONE OUT UNLESS YOU ARE INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. IT WILL BE CONFISCATED AND GIVEN TO ADMINISTRATION. 8) PRACTICE AS IN PERFORMANCE DAILY. 9) MAKE SURE TO CHECK HAC REGULARLY FOR MISSING WORK OR GRADES. LET S PRACTICE AND PERFORM WITH HAWK PRIDE!
FORMAL CONCERT ATTIRE Eastside Voices, Women s Ensemble Blac k & Silver Concert attire consists of black formal concert dress (tuxedo or formal gown), black socks or hose and closed toed shoes (men with tux shoes, ladies with pumps). You will be assigned and responsible for your outfit and its safe and wearable return to school at the end of the year. Eastside Company Women: Concert dress, black shoes (pumps with 2 or less heal) tan hose, and uniform pearl necklace and bracelet. Men: Black tuxedo pants, vest, tie, and black tuxedo shoes. Dress shirt (color) will be ordered for each singer. Men s Ensemble Concert attire consists of a tuxedo. Student needs to provide black tuxedo shoes and black socks. You will be assigned and responsible for your outfit and its safe and wearable return to school at the end of the year. Freshman Women s Ensemble You will be assigned a choir robe. You must supply black pants (no jeans or warm-ups), black socks and close toed shoes (preferably pumps). You must wear a shirt under your robe with short sleeves. LEHS & LEFS CASUAL CONCERT ATTIRE All LEHS and LEFS choral students should own a choir shirt that can be worn as a casual concert outfit. THUNDERHAWK CHOIR/ FLORIDA 2015 All students going on our Florida 2015 trip will need a choir shirt for the Thunderhawk Choir performance. Shorts, shoes and socks will be ordered at a later time.
ASSIGNMENT # 1 (200 POINTS) Parents and Choir students, After reading the entire contents of this handbook, please fill out all the forms provided. *EMF Form (SEE ATTACHMENT OR FILE) *Handbook Agreement signed by parent and student. These documents are due back to class by August 30th in order to receive full credit (200 pts.) for class and your grade. Points will be deducted from your grade for this document being late or missing. THIS IS AN ASSIGNMENT.turning these forms in the first day of class will assure your 200 points for class. Failure to return this information after 5 days will result in a lowered grade for this assignment. We are looking forward to a great year of music!!!!! Open house for LEFS August 25th and on August 27 th at East H.S. Both events are scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Hope to see you there! I hereby, having read the contents of this handbook, agree to the expectations stated in the LEFS/LEHS handbook. Student s Signature Parent s Signature Parent s E-Mail Address: ***Please return this form and a copy of your EMF form to class for full credit by August 26th.
LEHS & LEFS VOCAL DEPARTMENT 2014-15 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (9-12) Oct. 14, 2014 (Tuesday) Nov. 2014 (Saturday) Dec. 7, 2014 (Sunday) **LEHS and LEFS Fall Choral Concert@Main Campus **Eastside Voices ONLY!/Concert @May Festival Youth Chorus **LEHS Eastside Voices at CCM Feast of Carols Performance 5:00; Times TBA Dec. 8, 2014 **ALL LEHS and LEFS Holiday Concert Rehearsal with West Chester (Monday) Symphony@Tylersville Rd. Nazarene Church (7:00-9:00) Dec. 9, 2014 ** ALL LEHS and LEFS Holiday Concert (7:00) (Tuesday) with West Chester Symphony @Tylersville Nazarene church February 14, 2015 (Saturday) February 24, 2015 (Tuesday) March 14-15, 2015 (Friday or Saturday) OMEA District 13 Solo & Ensemble at West H.S. **ALL LEHS & LEFS Winter Choral Concert @Main Campus **ALL LEHS and LEFS OMEA District 13 Large Group Adjudicated Event (specific day and time for individual choirs TBA) March 26-April 1, 2015 LEHS & LEFS Choral Tour Trip to Orlando, Florida 2015 (Thursday-Wednesday) May 15, 2015 (Friday) **ALL LEHS and LEFS Spring Choral Concert at Liberty Theatre (7:00) AWARDS NIGHT 1) ** (Astricks) ARE REQUIRED PERFORMANCES AND WILL COUNT TOWARD GRADES FOR CLASS. 2) PLEASE CHECK THESE DATES NOW AND SEND ME ANY PROBLEMS ASAP. 3) ATHLETIC EVENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED BETWEEN MYSELF AND COACHES WITH NOTICE FROM STUDENT OR PARENT. 4) SOME DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH A 3 WEEK NOTICE. PARENTS: Please help me help your student with organization of these events. This is an important process and is the beginning of your child making good choices in their future. Help them by organizing schedules and being responsible for their own calendar.