Stapleton Public Schools Choir Handbook

Stapleton Public Schools Choir Handbook 2017-2018 1

~ Introduction ~ Welcome to the Stapleton Music Program! You and your child, or children, are about to become members of some of the largest organizations at the school. This handbook is designed to be a resource for the students and their families as they become familiar with the Stapleton Music Program. Please read through this together and save it for future reference. This Handbook will provide general information about the classes such as class expectations, necessary gear (i.e. pencils, music, stands, mutes, etc.), performance dates, and concert attire. 2

~ Section 1 ~ Your Director Hello! My name is Daniel Gibbs. This is my third year of teaching music at Stapleton Public Schools. I am excited to be your music teacher for the 2017-2018 school year. I graduated from Kearney High School in 2010 and received my Undergraduate degrees from the University of Nebraska Kearney in Music Education K-12 and Performance in Composition. I have been involved with multiple music and education organizations such as Delta Omicron, Tau Beta Sigma, the Nebraska Educators Association, Student Education Association of Nebraska, and the National Association for Music Education, and more. Music opens up the soul to a higher level of emotion and sensitivity. I am looking forward to this year and working with your student. Stapleton offers a variety of music classes including Marching Band, 7th-12th Grade Concert Band, 9th-12th Grade Choir, 5th-6th Grade Band, a 7th-8th Grade Mini-Course, and Elementary Music for Kindergarten through 6th Grade. We are excited to announce that we will be performing at the Nebraska State Fair on September 1st in Grand Island. There will be more details to come! I cannot wait to see all returning members and meet all of the new members! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Email: daniel.gibbs@stapletonschools.org School Phone Number: 308-636-2252 3

Excellence in Music ~ Section 2 ~ Philosophy At Stapleton, we are committed to excellence in education. We are here to help guide students to achieve a higher level of understanding and appreciation for the musical arts as well as applying this to everyday life. Our Goals are aligned to classroom activities to not only enhance the overall experience while in a music class, but to also help students work together and learn from each other as well. We believe that music is an integral part of any education, therefore, you will find the nine national standards for music listed below. These serve as guidelines on how we teach music to your student(s). Goals Improving musicianship Exploring styles of music not found in other ensembles Gain experience and confidence in playing independently An introduction to music history, theory, and composition Connection between the arts and other disciplines Make new friends who share a similar interest as you The Nine National Standards for Music: 1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines 5. Reading and notating music 6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music 7. Evaluating music and music performances 8. Understanding relationships between music, other arts, and disciplines outside the arts 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture 4

~ Section 3 ~ Offered Courses Stapleton offers the following courses in music: Marching Band 7th-12th Grade Band 5th-6th Grade Band 9th-12 Grade Choir 7th-8th Grade Mini Courses K-6th Grade General Music Marching Band - The Stapleton marching band serves two purposes for students. It helps students improve their basic instrumental technique with the challenge of marching. It also represents the school through competitions, parades, and sporting events. Summer band camp in August is mandatory. The students in marching band will also be required to participate in Pep Band. 7th-12th Grade Band - This ensemble is open to all students so they have a chance to work in a concert setting. They will develop their musicality individually and as a group. The selected repertoire will explore different styles of music at varying difficulties. Students are required to participate in Marching Band and Pep Band. 5th-6th Grade Band - This ensemble is where the 5th grade students are introduced to an instrument that they will continue to practice throughout their career at Stapleton Public Schools. The 6th grade students will continue developing their fundamentals in this ensemble. The selected repertoire will explore different styles of music at varying difficulties. Students in the 5th-6th Grade Band will be switching between general music and band every time they meet. There will NOT be a band concert for the fall semester. The band concert is scheduled for May 3rd! 9th-12 Grade Choir - The Stapleton choir is a mixed chorus that will help strengthen past learning from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The students will develop their musicality individually and as a group. The ensemble will explore 5

different warm-up techniques and styles of music at varying difficulties. Students will represent the school through competitions and other performances. 7th-8th Grade Mini Courses - In this course, we will delve into the history and basic theory of music. The students will have projects that will reinforce listening, music history, and music theory. Throughout the course, students will also continue to develop their voices through singing. This goal of this class is to help students develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for music while developing vocal technique. K-6th Grade Elementary Music - Students in these classes will be learning the basics of music theory, history, rhythm, melody, harmony, steady beat, etc. K-1st grade students will focus on steady beats, counting rhythms, and identifying high and low sounds. 2nd grade students will reinforce the previous fundamentals as well as begin to learn to play the xylophone and bells. Music history and the instrument families will be incorporated into the 2nd grade curriculum. 3rd-4th grade students will learn how to play recorders. This will reinforce all of their previous knowledge as well as start them on the track for playing an instrument. 5th-6th grade students will switch between band and general music. The students are taught more advanced theory, how to sing, and learn to play an instrument. I will be testing the students out on different instruments in their 5th grade year. 6

~ Chapter 1 ~ Performances - 2017/2018 Schedule (The schedule may change! Please check for more details as the events get closer.) Mon.-Fri., Aug. 14-18 Band Camp Music Room 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sat., Aug. 19 th Stapleton Parade Music Room 12:00 PM 2:00 PM Fri., Sept. 1st State Fair Band Expo Grand Island All Day Fri., Sept. 8th Homecoming Music Room TBA Sat., Oct. 7 th Harvest of Harmony Grand Island All Day Sat., Oct. 21 st UNK Pep Band UNK All Day Mon., Oct. 23 rd MNAC Vocal Clinic Thedford HS All Day Fri., Nov. 10 th Vet s Day Program SPS Gym 10 AM Thurs.-Sat., Nov. 16-18 *All-State Conference Lincoln All Day Thur., Dec. 7th High School Concert SPS Gym 7 PM Mon., Dec. 11th Elementary Program SPS Gym 7 PM Mon., Jan. 22 nd *UNK Honor Ensembles UNK All Day January ^NP Honor Band NP HS All Day Mon., Feb. 5th MNAC Instrumental Clinic Hyannis HS All Day Sat., Mar. 24 th *Class D All-State UNK All Day March MNAC Music Contest TBA All Day April District Music Contest TBA TBA Thurs., May 3 rd Elementary Program SPS Gym 7 PM Mon., May 7th Fine Arts Night SPS Gym TBA * These are audition only events for high school students ^ These are audition only events for junior high students All Events are subject to change! Please ask if you have questions! 7

Pep Band Schedule (The schedule may change! Please check for more details as the events get closer.) Fri., Sept. 29 th Football Game SPS 3 PM Due to the Co-Op, I am unable to provide an accurate pep band schedule at this time. I will post one as soon as I have some more details. We will be doing pep bands and fundraisers this year! Thank you for being patient. * All events are subject to change 8

~ Section 1 ~ Attendance A schedule of performances and other events has been provided in this handbook for the 2017-2018 school year. Every student is important to these events and performances. Attendance at each of these is mandatory. Parents, if there are any conflicts with the schedule, please mark those dates on the calendar provided with the acknowledgement sheet that must be signed and brought back to the director by the end of the first week of classes. Should an emergency or something else come up, please contact the director immediately. I frequently check my email, so that is the preferred method of communication, but you may also call the school. All required performances and events are part of the final grade in the class. Here is my contact information again: Email: daniel.gibbs@stapletonschools.org School Phone Number: 308-636-2252 Ultimately, the director will make the final decision. Here is a list of some excusable and inexcusable absences: Excused: Sick from school Death in the family Important family event (e.g. wedding) School activities (Must have a written notice about the activity two weeks in advance and a conversation with the director or coach about make up work) Unexcused: Homework Birthday Work Did not have a ride If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Should a student have to miss a performance or event for one of the excusable reasons listed above, 9

students will be given a chance to make up some of the missing points to receive credit. The make-up work will be either a concert critique of a concert (not at the school), or a one-page paper on a musical topic chosen by the director. ~ Section 2 ~ Concert Attire The Stapleton performing ensembles pride themselves in looking professional at all performances and events. In order to achieve this appearance, students are asked to wear the following: Ladies: You will be wearing red dresses provided by the school. You will also need to buy black dress shoes. If you wear make-up and nail polish, please wear natural looking make-up and clear nail polish. Please go very easy on the perfume! Gentlemen: You will need to buy black dress pants and a long sleeved white dress shirt. You will also be wearing a red vest, bow tie, and cummerbund, which will be provided by the school. Please make sure you have black dress socks and shoes as well. If you have any facial hair, please make sure you are neatly trimmed for performances. Please go very easy on the AXE! 10

~ Chapter 3 ~ Classroom Expectations The classroom is where learning takes place. Stapleton teachers take pride in themselves for providing safe learning environments for the students. Every student can help continue this behavior in the classroom by following the expectations. Each class period is only a short amount of time. In that time, we are learning new things as well as reviewing previous material. It is important to the learning environment to have a quiet room so every student can hear what is said in class. It will be expected that students will respect this and the other rules of the classroom to maintain a positive and effective learning atmosphere. We encourage our students to reach for the next level in learning. No one is left behind in choir. We are here to build each other up and reach our highest potential as a group in rehearsals, performances, and as individuals. Every member of the Stapleton music ensembles are expected to be positive and encouraging members of the band program as well as in the school. Some General Rules: NO food (especially gum) or drinks (except water) are allowed in the music room during any rehearsal or performance Be SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE Be in your seat, ready to go, BEFORE the class period begins (this includes bathroom breaks) The music room is home to many students. RESPECT other people s property and the school s This includes all instruments owned by SPS If you break it, you pay for it Students are expected to PRACTICE at least 10-15 minutes a day You will show RESPECT to all directors, administrators, teachers, staff, your peers, and parents at ALL TIMES Always conduct yourselves as classy ladies and gentlemen. You are representing Stapleton and the music program You are required to be at all choral performances 11

Choir Rules: Students are to be prepared for class o They need to have their music and a pencil Students will need to learn solfege and how to read music Students are required to sing and do all of the exercises o Students will participate in everything we do for choir. Please show respect and courtesy to everyone in the classroom Students are required to be at all performances (this includes vocal clinics, District Music Contest, concerts, and singing the National Anthem for certain games. Please check the list of pep bands.) o Performances account for a major part of the student s grade. If you have an emergency, I need a note at least 24 hours in advance. ~ Section 1 ~ Schedule, Expectations, and Logistics Mr. Gibbs Class Schedule 8:00 AM - 8:55 AM 1st Period Band 8:57 AM - 9:47 AM 2nd Period Planning 9:49 AM - 10:39 AM 3rd Period 5 th (Odd) / 6 th (Even) Music 10:41 AM - 11:31 AM 4th Period 3 rd /4 th Music 11:33 AM - 12:23 PM 5th Period Journalism 12:23 PM 12:53 PM H.S. Lunch Lunch 12:55 PM 1:19 PM WIN Time WIN 1:21 PM - 2:11 PM 6th Period K-2 nd Music 2:13 PM - 3:03 PM 7th Period 7th/8th Mini Courses 3:05 PM - 3:55 PM 8th Period Choir 12

Schedule - Choir: All students should be ready to go in their seats with their folder, music, and a sharpened pencil by 3:05 PM. Following set-up, we will begin a warm-up activity to get the mind engaged to make music. We may do one or more of the following: Vocal warm-ups Sing an easy song Practice balance and blend in the ensemble We will hold regular rehearsals in the band room unless it is a dress rehearsal for a concert. We will be in the gym for dress rehearsals. Choir will be from 3:05 PM until 3:55 PM. If a student needs to leave earlier, they must have contacted the director under the conditions listed in the attendance policy. The last minute of class will be used to put away music, and announcements. Students will make sure their music is placed back in the folder and return it to the folder slot assigned to them. Students are encouraged to take their music home to practice, but they are responsible for bringing it back to school for rehearsal. Logistics: Should students have a question, they need to raise their hand and wait to be called on. If the student needs to sharpen their pencil, they can quietly go to the pencil sharpener. They may not sharpen their pencil until we stop rehearsing a section as to not disturb the rest of the class. Students are encouraged to use the restrooms before they come to class in order to decrease time out of rehearsal. If a student needs to use the restroom 13

during class, they must first ask for permission before they are allowed to go. Students must comply with the school policy of carrying a hall pass with them if they are out of the classroom during class time. Students are only allowed three bathroom passes a semester. If a student is feeling sick, they may take the garbage can by the door on their way to the restroom/office. The student must inform the nurse or administrator to contact the music room so I know the student has indeed made it to the office. Students are not allowed to use tablets, ipods/ipads, or any cellular device while in rehearsal. The first time a student is caught with his/her electronic device out, it will be confiscated until lunch the end of the day. The second time it is seen, the director will confiscate it until the next day. If there is a third offense, the director will take the device to Mrs. Walker. If the student is expecting an important call, they must talk to the director before class starts and inform him. No other exceptions will be made. 14

~ Chapter 4 ~ Grading and Lettering Choir is not an extracurricular activity at Stapleton. We strive to make music an integral part in the normal curriculum that all students are required to take. Stapleton Public School is committed to excellence in education, and music is no exception. We are here to help guide students achieve a higher level of understanding and appreciation for the musical arts as well as applying this to everyday life. We follow the Nine National Standards and new revised state standards when we work with the curriculum. By following these standards, we are able to have a more accurate way of grading students. From that, we are able to better mold the classes to achieve higher learning. Specific grading policies will be included in the syllabi for each course. Stapleton also provides the opportunity for high school students to letter in band or choir. In order to letter in band or choir, a student must follow specific guidelines and accumulate points over the year. The students are responsible for keeping track of their points and providing documentation for each event or activity in which they participated. Lettering is an honor at Stapleton and is denoted by a colored letter, lyre pin, and bar pins for each additional year the student letters in band or choir. 15

~ Section 1 ~ Grading Students will be evaluated on the following for their final grade: * Equipment * Participation * Daily Attendance * Scale Test / Assessments * Dress Rehearsal / Concert Equipment - Students are responsible for the upkeep of their folders, pencils, music, and clothing from the school. If they borrowed anything from the school, they must check it back in at the end of the school year. If it is in worse condition than when they got it, they will be docked or fined. Participation - This part of the grade is dependent upon how involved with the class the student is. If they just sit in class and passively sing, they will not receive a participation grade for the day. This grade also involves how on task the student was in class. If they are messing around or talking to their neighbor for a large portion of the class, they will receive a failing participation grade for the day. If the student is constantly getting out of their seat without permission, they will not receive credit for their participation grade. Daily Attendance - Students must follow the attendance policy already given in this handbook in regards to daily rehearsals. If the student is absent from class but is excused, they will not lose attendance points for that day. If they are unexcused, they will lose their attendance points for the day. Daily attendance also includes being in your seat ready to go at the specified time for each class. Singing Tests / Assessments - Students will be given a list of warm-ups and other short exercies that they should incorporate into their daily practice. At the midterm and the end of the semester, each student will have to perform some of these, selected by the director, from the list. Assessments will be at discretion of the director. 16

Dress Rehearsal / Concert - Students must follow the attendance policy in regards to dress rehearsals and concerts. If a student has an unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal and a concert, they will fail the class. If they are excused, they must talk to the director to receive make-up work in order to get some of the points back. Make-up work may include one of the following: A two-page essay on a subject chosen by the director Prepare and present a short presentation on a musician Write an extra concert critique on a group outside of SPS The Sandhills Symphony has concerts as well as North Platte High School. Kearney also has many great concerts. The Heartland Singers in North Platte are also a great group. 17

~ Section 2 ~ Lettering In order to letter in band, a student must: 1) Be a member of a least one ensemble for the entire year 2) Earn at least a B average in class 3) Have perfect attendance at all performances 4) Return all equipment and music 5) Accumulate a total of 30 points or more (More details on the website, org) 6) Keep track of points earned and include all required documentation Students will only receive one actual letter while attending Stapleton. For each subsequent year they letter in band, they will receive a bar for their letter. There is more information on the website at...org including this handbook, the syllabi for each course, lettering guide, calendar, and so much more. Example of the points list that students must follow: Two Points: Attendance at any type of live instrumental or vocal concert and write a concert critiqueattach programs (Band, choir, orchestra, symphony, musical, etc. - Rock/Pop concerts excluded) Taking lessons - two points per month (include documentation i.e. date and time of lessons and teacher s name) Giving lessons to a middle school or non-high school band student - two points per month (include documentation i.e. date and time of lessons and student s name/instrument) Three Points: Honor Choir Audition (3 points per audition) - Please list: Student aid for the music teacher Write a report on a famous composer or performer - 2 page minimum, 12 point font, double-spaced Volunteering to help with special events (i.e. District Music) Participation in a solo/ensemble festival (i.e. All-State, OTHB) Four Points: Leadership I (one) Rating at Solo & Ensemble Festival Extra-curricular performances (Star Spangled Banner at games, church, etc.) - Please list: 18

Six Points: Audition for All-State Band/Choir/Orchestra Participation in area music organizations (band, orchestra, church, orchestra, choir) - Please list: Solo or Small Ensemble at District Music Contest Acceptance and participation of a college honor choir - Please list: Attended a summer music camp the summer prior to this year - Please list: Ten Points: Compose a piece of music for two or more performances and perform it for an audience Participate every time we sing the National Anthem for a game Fifteen Points: Participation in All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra, or Jazz Band Play all twelve major scales by memory on the whole range of the instrument Other: (explain) Total Points: 19

~ Chapter 5 ~ Traveling The Stapleton band and choir travel to many different locations throughout the school year for competitions and other events. Stapleton has a strong reputation for how we conduct ourselves. We would like to see that continue. While we travel, students and parents are expected to conduct themselves with the utmost respect for themselves and others. Remember, you are representing Stapleton Public Schools as well as our music program. Each ensemble follows this basic principle of respect while traveling. More details will be given in the next two sections. In depth details will be given in the syllabi for each course. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns about traveling with the Stapleton band or choir. We will be attending the MNAC Vocal Clinic at Thedford on Monday, October 23 rd, 2017. More details will come in September. 20

~ Section 1 ~ Competitions The Stapleton Music Program loves to take students to competitions when possible! There are few that we participate in each year. Please check the schedule and mark your calendars! Many of the students will also be part of honor ensembles and clinics as well as District Music Contest in the spring. We will again, travel by either bus or van to these competitions or honor ensembles. Parents, please feel free to help us! While traveling to clinics, students are expected to wear school appropriate clothing. Please refer to the school handbook for further details on school dress code. When we are traveling to competitions, students must be dressed in their concert attire. Please look through the concert attire section of this handbook. Again, while at competitions, students are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful way toward themselves and others. There is no inappropriate or offensive language or behavior allowed at any time while we are traveling. Please remember that we are representing not only Stapleton Public Schools, but our music program as well. Before we leave the competition or clinic, students are allowed to change into regular clothing (that is school appropriate) so they are more comfortable on the way back from a competition. If students want to ride back with their parents, they must get a signed note by their parents stating that they will pick up their student and check them out with me before leaving. This note must be submitted AT LEAST 24 HOURS before the event. 21

~Final Notes~ Change in Grading The way that I grade in high school music will start to change. We are currently moving towards a standard based report card in all classes, so eventually, music will also be changing to that system. I have started to move towards it, but it will take more time. Mrs. Walker has been working with all of us to make this transition as smooth as possible. Concert Etiquette I am so appreciative of you showing your support and love for the students by coming to our performances. The students work very hard to show you what they have been working on throughout the year in music. It is also a great time for them to understand what it means to be a performer. We discuss and practice what it means to be a great audience and performer. Here are some friendly reminders about attending a performance: 1. Please silence and stow all electronic devices during the performance. Bright screens are a distraction to performers. 2. If you need to take a call, please excuse yourself to the hallway so those around you may still enjoy the performance. 3. Please refrain from talking or making too much noise while the performance is going on in the gym. Brick walls bounce sound very well. 4. We love having younger and older siblings come to performances, but if they are fussy, please remove them to the hallway until they have settled down before coming back in to the gym. 5. Applaud for the students when a song and the performance is finished! 6. Pictures are absolutely welcome! That said, please refrain from using any flashes as these are a major distraction to performers. We will have time after the concert for you to get pictures with flashes. 7. Please stay for the entire performance! It is distracting and rude to leave halfway through a concert. If you need to leave, please wait until the end of a large section. i.e. The transition between groups like band and choir. 8. Be kind. These students have put themselves out there for their peers, relatives, and strangers. 9. Have fun and enjoy the show! 22