Ross Local Schools Choral Program Handbook 2016-2017 Mr. Sterling Finkbine Director of Choral Activities, Ross Local Schools RHS: 513-863-1252 EXT. 1418 RMS: 513-863-1251 EXT :2070 Email: sterling.finkbine@rossrams.com
Behavior Expectations In order for our choirs to run smoothly while being as successful as they can be, there are some behavioral expectations that need to be met in rehearsal every day: 1. Respect everyone and everything 2. No talking during rehearsal 3. No gum or candy at any time 4. Everyone WILL participate 5. Be in your seat and ready to start when the bell rings 6. Develop desire, discipline, and dedication If you choose to not meet these expectations, the following consequences will be applied: 1. Verbal Warning 2. Detention 3. Call/letter to parents 4. Discipline Referral 5. Removal from choir It is my expectation that students who choose to be in choir are here because they want to be, therefore behavior problems will not be an issue and will not be tolerated. The 7/8th grade choir is a year-long commitment, and once you are scheduled, you are committed for 1 full school year. Please keep in mind that I do not give out grades, you earn them. Choir is a performance-based class and effort and attitude are part of your grade, so please show up everyday with a positive attitude and ready to participate. Performance Goals Participants in the Ross Middle and High School Choral Music Program will be exposed to a variety of musical styles and periods throughout the year-long course, which could include, Classical, Sacred, Popular, Multi-Cultural, and Seasonal. Music is chosen for teaching purposes and to broaden the student s musical knowledge about choral literature. Benefits to be gained from being a member of the Ross Choral Program are: 1. Confidence 2. Discipline
3. Self-esteem building/pride 4. Increased musical knowledge 5. Being a member of a team working towards a common goal Absences-READ CAREFULLY The Ross Middle and High School Choirs are performing groups; therefore attendance at all additional rehearsals and performances is mandatory. A student will only be excused for the following reasons: 1. Personal Illness-doctor s note is required 2. Scheduled conflict with a student s participation in a Ross Middle/High School athletic competition. The student must be a member of the athletic team, not a spectator. It is the student s responsibility to notify Mr. Finkbine of the conflict at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled conflict. (Coaches are usually willing to help accommodate both schedules and work around concert dates.) Remember, choir is a GRADED class- not an extracurricular activity. 3. Other personal conflicts or reasons for missing a performance or rehearsal will be dealt with on an individual basis with Mr. Finkbine and the administration, if needed. Notification to Mr. Finkbine is REQUIRED before the concert. 4. Work, family outings, babysitting, or lack of transportation will NOT be accepted as legitimate reasons for missing a concert. You have the dates for concerts, so please schedule around them and arrange proper transportation, as needed. If a student is absent from school on the day of a concert, a note from the parent/legal guardian is still needed stating the reasons for the absence. In order for a student to receive full credit for the missed performance, even with an excused absence, a make-up assignment must be completed. (See the make up assignment section.) Students are expected to stay for the entire concert unless arrangements have been made with Mr. Finkbine BEFORE the performance. Students will perform in uniforms designated for their particular performing group. An unexcused absence from a performance will automatically lower the student s quarterly grade by TWO LETTER GRADES. Evaluation/Assessment Participation will be the majority of the student s evaluation and grade. Other factors which are considered in determining grades are behavior, attitude, cooperation, interest, musicianship, attendance, improvement, advancement, vocal exams, and any written tests.
Participation expectations include: 1. Being in your seat when the bell rings- Not walking around the room looking for your music, or socializing with friends 2. Having your own music AND a pencil- not sharing with your friend 3. Actively participating in warm-ups, sight-singing, music theory, and rehearsal 4. Demonstrating good singing posture while singing 5. Always listening and being actively engaged while not talking during rehearsal 6. Following your music and being ready to sing 7. Always asking for help on a part you are not sure of The Ohio Department of Education is requiring teachers to consistently assess students on an individual basis, therefore in addition to participation, students will be given vocal exams throughout the year. These exams are NOT based on the students talent, but are based on an evaluation of how well the student learned the music that was rehearsed, as well as how much progress the student has made between one vocal exam to the next. Students will be evaluated in groups AND as individuals in front of the class. Please keep in mind that this is a performance based class and that performances, whether in a concert setting or in class on an individual basis, are part of the student s grade. Parents, if you have any questions about your student s grade, please do not hesitate to contact me and I will be more than willing to give some advice for future exams and how your child can improve, if needed. In addition, there will be written exams and quizzes. The following are basic guideline for daily participation grading: 1. Students who are participating to the fullest of their ability and who are striving to achieve all of the factors mentioned above, will receive an A 2. The student who is sincere, but failing to participate fully in the above mentioned areas, will receive a B 3. Unlike other areas of study, the grade of a C in music performance is NOT considered average. Any performance-student receiving a grade of a C or lower is lacking in some area of his/her participation or attendance. In such case where a student receives a C, the student should request a conference with Mr. Finkbine to discuss what can be done to improve Keep in mind, you are not really in choir to receive a grade, but to learn to work together as musicians, learn cooperation, develop musically, build self-esteem, and have fun. If those are your personal goals, you will be an A student!
One important aspect of my class is that we are able to form relationships built on trust and respect. If you ever feel the need to talk to me about your grade, voice, the person sitting next to you, etc, please do not hesitate to see me. Communication is not only important, it is necessary. Make-Up Assignments for Missed Performances (For Excused Absences Only) Since a live performance cannot be made up, students who miss a required performance with an excused absence, must complete an alternative assignment to earn their grade. This is not intended as a punishment, but simply a project to substitute for the missed performance. Here are some suggestions for make-up projects: 1. Attend another group s concert, bring a copy of the program, and write a critique of the performance. It should be written as if you were a journalist writing a review for a newspaper or magazine 2. Do an internet search about a composer or musical period, and write a 2-page summary Wikipedia is not a resource that you can use. The paper must be written in your own words; Plagiarism is an automatic 0/100 3. Look in the local newspaper or online and find an event that is related to the arts. Clip or print the article and write a summary about the article in your own words These are only a few ideas If you have any ideas that you think would be an appropriate assignment, talk with Mr. Finkbine. The length of the assignment is not necessarily as important as the content. The assignment should demonstrate that the student put enough time and effort into it to make up for the amount of time the other students spent at the performance. The make-up assignment is the student s responsibility and is due 1 week after the missed performance. Mr. Finkbine will not remind the students about their make-up assignment. If a student with an excused absence chooses not to do the make-up assignment, the student s grade will be lowered 1 letter grade. Concert Attire Musicians are expected to look their best for any performance, as this provides the first impression for the audience. Also, studies have shown that students perform better when they take pride with how they look. In large groups, a uniform is a necessary component to looking professional, and there will be no exceptions. If cost is a problem, please contact me to discuss
financial needs and how we can help cover the costs. We will also do fundraisers to offset the costs. No student will be permitted to perform without the proper uniform, and this will be considered an unexcused absence, therefore resulting in a one letter grade drop. Uniform information for each choir will be sent home separately. You will receive that information along with the first fundraiser, which will begin very soon. High School Choirs: The first fundraiser will go towards your individual account to cover uniform expenses and/or the bi-annual trip. Fundraisers This year, we will be having many fundraisers throughout the year. Student participation in each fundraiser will be required. Some fundraisers will benefit the student s individual accounts to cover costs such as uniforms, trip expenses, etc Other fundraisers will go towards the general account to cover expenses such as music, equipment, piano tuning, etc If you have any ideas on some different types of fundraisers, please let us know. Ross Local Schools Choral Association The RLS Choral Association is a parent booster group that conducts monthly meetings to discuss ways they can help support the choral program. We run all of our fundraisers through the booster account to help pay for music, supplies, uniforms, trips, competition fees, etc If you have a child involved in the Ross Choral Program, please plan on attending these meetings and getting involved. Decisions on how money will be spent will be addressed and voted on at these monthly meetings. The more parents we have involved, the better our program will be for our students. First RLS Choral Association Meeting: Monday, August 29, 2016 7:00 p.m.- Performing Arts Center, RHS RLS Choral Association Officers 2016-2017 President: Shannon Schweitzer Vice President: Andy Timme Secretary: GwenWeisbrodt Treasurer: Renee Stayton Antique Show Coordinator: Renee Stayton I am looking forward to an EXCELLENT Year!
Ross Choral Department 2016/17 Calendar August/September Aug. 29 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p Sept. 26 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p Sept. 30 Show-choir, Homecoming Parade 4:00pm Elda Parking Lot November Nov. 11-13 - Show Choir, Camp Fink Camp Campbell Gard Nov. 19 Show Choir Parent Preview 6:00pm Nov. 28 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p January October Oct 13 RMS Vocal, Choir Concert 7:00pm Oct. 17 RHS Vocal, Choir Concert/Combined Concert with Wyoming Choirs 7:00pm Wyoming High School Oct. 24 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p December Dec. 4- RHS Symphonic Chorale- Lights of Love- TBA Fort Hamilton Hospital Dec. 6 RMS/RHS Vocal, Choir Concert 7:00pm Dec. 7 RMS/RHS Vocal, Choir Concert 7:00pm Dec. 16 RHS Choirs- In School Concert Dec. 30 Show Choir, Rehearsal 9:00a-6:00p February Jan. 7 Show Choir, After Dinner Theatre All Day Jan. 14 Show Choir at Edgewood High School All Day Edgewood High School Jan. 21 Show Choir, Marysville Competition All Day Marysville High School (Overnight) Jan. 28 Show Choir, Fishers Competition All Day Fishers High School (Overnight) Jan. 30 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p Feb. 4-5 -RHS Choirs, Annual Antique Show-All Day Ross Middle School Feb. 11 RHS Solo & Ensemble Blanchester High School Feb. 18 Show Choir, Double H Showcase Hamilton High School Feb. 25 Show Choir, Loveland Showfest All Day Loveland High School Feb. 27 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p
Ross Choral Department 2016/17 Calendar March Mar. 3 Concert Choirs, Large Group Contest TBA Mar. 4 Show Choir, Train Show 9:00-2:00 Ross Administrative Building Mar. 4 Show Choir, South Dearborn Comp. All Day South Dearborn High School, Indiana Mar. 8 RHS Vocal Choir Concert 7:00pm Mar. 9 - RMS Vocal Choir Concert 7:00pm Mar. 10 Show Choir, Taste of Ross Mar. 11- Show Choir, Fairfield Crystal Classic All Day Fairfield High School Mar. 27 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p May May 4 RMS Vocal Choir Concert 7:00pm May 6 RMS-Kings Island Competition-All Day Kings Island May 8 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p May 11 RHS Vocal Con-Z-Art 6:00pm May 12 RHS-Choir Banquet 6:30pm Fitton Center for Creative and Performing Arts May 14 RHS Choirs, Baccalaureate Ceremony 7:00p April Apr. 6-8 Spring Musical Apr. 17-18 Concert Choir/Show Choir Auditions 3:00p Ross High School Choir Room Apr. 24 RLS Choral Association Meeting 7:00p Show Choir Show Choir Rehearsals Mondays 6:00-8:00pm Wednesdays 4:00-6:30pm May 18 RHS Choirs, Graduation Ceremony 7:00p Millet Hall-Miami University