Lee-Davis High School Choral Handbook

Lee-Davis High School Choral Handbook Mrs. Megan Cartwright, Director Email mcartwright@hcps.us Phone 804-723-2241(before/after school only) Website www.leedavischorus.squarespace.com Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! I know that this year will be a rewarding experience for all of us, and I look forward to seeing you grow as musicians this year. We are so lucky to live in a community that supports our program. It is essential, as musicians, that we learn to work as a team, follow guidelines, and take pride in what we are doing. In this handbook, you will find information that will help you as you start the year. Please consult this handbook throughout the year regarding policies. Attention Chorus Students and Parents! Are you not receiving chorus emails? Log in to Charms (www.charmsoffice.com) to update your personal information. Contact Mrs. Cartwright (mcartwright@hcps.us) with login issues. 1

Communication Teacher/Parent communication is vital to the success of the choral program at Lee-Davis. Chorus announcements and calendars are posted on the chorus website and Blackboard, and are often sent home as hard copies. In addition, emails are sent to students and parents regularly regarding chorus information. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Cartwright. Charms www.charmsoffice.com Click on ENTER/LOGIN (upper right hand corner use the student login portal) Enter Your School Code: LDHSChoir Enter your Student Area Password: i. Your login is your first initial and your last name (example: mcartwright) ii. If your last name is 4 letters or less, you will need to use 2 letters from your first name to make a total of 6 letters (Example: Erica Wood = erwood) iii. Check with Mrs. Cartwright if Charms does not recognize your login Twitter follow leedavischorus Organization & Objectives Organization: The Choral Music Department is comprised of six skill-based ensembles. Students advance to the next level choir by demonstrating a higher understanding of the Choral Department Objectives. The five choirs are: Girls Ensemble Beginning Women s Choir; Students will learn the fundamentals of choral music, including sight-singing, theory, and music history. Students will learn a variety of repertoire, including classical and show choir with choreography. Students will be required to practice some material on their own. Concert Choir Beginning Mixed Choir; Students will learn the fundamentals of choral music, including sight-singing, theory, and music history. Students will learn a variety of repertoire, including classical and show choir with choreography. Students will be required to practice some material on their own. Women s Chamber Intermediate/Advanced Women s Choir, grades 10-12 (audition required); Students will study multiple styles and approaches to choral music. Women s Chamber will sing in a variety of settings and parts. Excellent musicianship and self-motivation is required of ensemble members. Extra rehearsals, sectionals, and individual practice are required of this ensemble. Mixed Chamber Advanced Mixed Choir, grades 9-12 (audition required); Students will study multiple styles and approaches to choral music. Mixed Chamber will sing in a variety of settings and parts. Excellent musicianship and self-motivation is required of ensemble members. Extra rehearsals, sectionals, and individual practice are required of this ensemble. All members are required to audition for District Chorus (Nov 14), and participate if selected (Feb 11-13). New Horizons Women s Show Choir, grades 10-12 (audition required); Students will learn proper vocal technique and musicianship as well as stage presence and showmanship. The ensemble will prepare a standard show choir set with choreography that will be performed at Show Choir competitions. This course requires a large time commitment for after school and weekend rehearsals 2

in preparation for the competition season. All members are required to audition for District Chorus (Nov 14), and participate if selected (Feb 11-13). Madrijazz Mixed Show Choir, grades 10-12 (audition required); Students will learn proper vocal technique and musicianship as well as stage presence and showmanship. The ensemble will prepare a standard show choir set with choreography that will be performed at Show Choir competitions. This course requires a large time commitment for after school and weekend rehearsals in preparation for the competition season. All members are required to audition for District Chorus (Nov 14), and participate if selected (Feb 11-13). Objectives: The main objective of the Choral Department is to make music. Singing in an ensemble is a unique human experience where all individuals work together to achieve a common goal. Each person and his/her contributions are vital to the success of the group as a whole. Specific objectives of the choral program include the following: 1. To be aware of vocal health issues and to learn proper vocal technique. This is essential in the development of each individual s singing voice and style and consequently the development of the choir. Chorus rehearsals will focus on relaxation and posture, breath control, resonance, placement, diction, and the fundamentals of good tone production. 2. To improve musicianship. Learning the fundamentals of music theory will enhance each individual s ability to sight-read and understand the tonality and form of the pieces being performed. Music theory will be taught through listening exercises, warm-ups, sight-reading, journaling, and through the pieces themselves. 3. To recognize many different musical styles and their relationship to history. A variety of music will be covered ranging from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods with emphasis on the appropriate performance practice for each style of music. 4. To experience all aspects of performance. Students will be given opportunities to perform in both small and large ensembles as well as solo. Performing in public concerts and attending various musical performances is required of all students in the choral program. 5. To accept responsibility as a member of the ensemble. Each individual will work diligently, along with other students toward a common goal. Individuality within the group is necessary and welcomed, but respect toward the director, other members of the group, and the music is everyone s responsibility and must always be maintained. 3

Grading Policy Chorus is a performance based music class in which students will primarily be graded on their performance in rehearsals (during and after school) and their participation in the required concerts. The areas listed below outline how students are assessed each quarter. Daily Ensemble Skills (40%) Students will be regularly assessed using the rubric below. 4 3 2 1 Consistently arrives on time, and is ready to begin rehearsal Is rarely tardy, and comes to class with a pass when necessary Is regularly tardy and often does not bring a pass to class when necessary Is often tardy, and does not some to class with a pass when necessary Brings all required supplies and music to class Fully participates in, and is focused throughout all class activities Consistently learns music as assigned Demonstrates consistent attention to correct singing posture, technique, interpretation, and musicianship Consistently shows initiative within the rehearsal process Does not distract others Usually brings all supplies and music to class Participates in, and is focused through most class activities Usually learns music as assigned Usually demonstrates attention to correct singing posture, technique, interpretation, and musicianship Usually shows initiative within the rehearsal process Rarely distracts others Often does not bring all supplies and music to class Often loses focus and does not participate in class activities Sometimes learns music as assigned Sometimes demonstrates attention to correct singing posture, technique, interpretation, and musicianship Sometimes shows initiative within the rehearsal process Sometimes distracts others Rarely brings required supplies and music to class Rarely participates and is usually unfocused during class activities Rarely learns music as assigned Rarely demonstrates attention to correct singing posture, technique, interpretation, and musicianship Rarely shows initiative within the rehearsal process Often distracts others Concert/Rehearsal Attendance (35%) Required After School Rehearsals Arrives on time and prepared with any needed materials. Demonstrates appropriate etiquette on and off stage. Consistently demonstrates excellent quality of work. Is positive and supportive towards others. Required Performances Arrives on time for scheduled performance. Dresses properly for each performance. Demonstrates appropriate etiquette on and off the stage Demonstrates an understanding of musical concepts, and performs the music as learned in class. 4

Other Assessments (25%) Sight-Reading Assessments Accurately sings rhythms. Accurately sings pitches. Accurately utilizes Solfege syllables. Other Assignments, Quizzes, and Tests Completes assigned task(s). Demonstrates quality workmanship. Returns borrowed music in a timely fashion, and in good condition. Conveys understanding of material being studied. Attends and participates fully in assigned sectional rehearsals. Sectional forms should be turned in on time in order to receive full credit. (This applies only to Advanced Ensembles) A Note about Choral Repertoire: In an effort to offer a complete music education to our students, choral repertoire will include the performance of literature that is both sacred and secular. Balance of music selected and performed from among historical and contemporary composers, genres, and periods is achieved through the course of a year s instruction and not within any individual concert. Attendance Policy Chorus is a unique learning opportunity for students. The required curriculum involves time both in and out of school, and focuses on working as a group. Please take time to read this important information regarding required attendance. Lee-Davis families have very busy schedules. It is extremely important to understand this information and plan ahead by adding chorus events to your family calendar, in order to minimize last minute conflicts. Please understand that due to the nature of the class, not all conflicts will be excused. Excused absences will be made up through an alternative assignment. REHEARSALS Students may only be excused from required after school rehearsals by talking to Mrs. Cartwright in advance. Absences will be excused for school related conflicts or major family events. Unexcused absences will result in no credit. * Excused students (including those who miss rehearsal due to illness) must make up the missed rehearsal by scheduling a rehearsal with a dance captain to learn missed material. The online form must be completed within two weeks of the missed rehearsal in order to a student to receive credit: http://goo.gl/forms/4bvccguhqr **Dress Rehearsals are mandatory, and will not be excused except in extreme circumstances. Students who do not attend the dress rehearsal may not be permitted to perform in the concert, at the discretion of Mrs. Cartwright. CONCERTS Students will not be excused from required performances except in cases of extreme illness, family emergencies, major school, church, and family events. Parents should contact Mrs. Cartwright at 732-2241 or mcartwright@hcps.us if an emergency arises. Mrs. Cartwright should be contacted at least 2 weeks in advance if a conflict of events exists. Excused students will be given the opportunity to make up the points. Unexcused students will receive no credit. ***Emergency absences not reconciled within 2 days of the concert will stand as unexcused.*** 5

CLASS Students with unexcused absences during the school day will not be given the opportunity to make up credit for missed assignments, rehearsals, or performances. Mrs. Cartwright has the right to deny a student the right to perform in a concert due to excessive absences, regardless of whether they are excused. Please do not schedule appointments during chorus class. It is vital that ensemble members are present in class. CONFLICTS Your schedule is your responsibility. If you plan ahead, often rehearsals can be split in order for you to make at least a portion of sports practices or other school activities. Do not rely on your teammates, sponsors, or coaches to let Mrs. Cartwright know about conflicts. Graded assignments will not be excused for appointments or work. PLEASE NOTE: DRESS REHEARSALS AND CONCERTS WILL NOT BE EXCUSED FOR SPORTS PRACTICE/REHEARSALS. Examples of Unexcused Absences: 1. Employment 2. Failure to arrange for transportation 3. Memory Lapses 4. Extra-curricular activities 5. Non-school related activities TARDIES 1. 1 st tardy: warning. 2 nd tardy: call home. 3 rd tardy: detention assignment. 4 th tardy office referral. 5 th tardy: administrative action. 2. After school rehearsals and performances 5 points will be deducted for each minute the student is late. If excessively late, the students may be asked to leave, and will be assigned a zero. Sectional Rehearsals and Captain s Practices Sectionals and Captain s Practices are scheduled and assigned by the choral director. All section or ensemble members are expected to be in attendance for the entirety of the rehearsal, unless excused in advance by Mrs. Cartwright. Students who have with excused absences are expected to complete a personal practice session. Forms are located in Charms and on the website. Section leaders/dance captains should schedule rehearsals with section members in mind. Mrs. Cartwright must approve all rehearsal time changes. Concert Dates December 8 Winter Concert February 23 Showchoir Preview Concert February 26&27; March 4&5 Show Choir Competitions March 17-19 Festival of Choirs March 22 Informance Concert March 23&24 District 1 Assessment May 19 Spring Concert Please refer to the chorus website for the full choral calendar, including mandatory rehearsals, sectionals, and events. 2

Fees Class fees are a requirement for this class and must be paid prior to the first interim. The chorus fee is $20 (checks to LDHS). Failure to pay on time will prevent students from acquiring parking passes, purchasing homecoming and prom tickets, and participating in other school privileges. Fees can be paid during lunches the first week of school. Please see Mrs. Cartwright to make payments after the first week has passed. Other required fees include Concert Attire purchases (see Concert Attire below), Show Choir Fees (See Show Choir Fee form), Travel Expenses (if applicable), and Audition Fees (District Chorus/All-Va) If arrangements for a payment plan need to be made, please contact Mrs. Cartwright. Booster fees: Payment should be made by check. All payments must be placed in the Choral Boosters Lockbox, located in the Choral Room, or mailed to: PO Box 190, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. Contact Niki Jeter to use Individual Student Accounts: nicole.d.jeter@comcast.net Supplies Each choral student should have the following supplies for each class period: Black 3-Ring Binder (½ inch 1 inch) o You may not share this binder with another class! Sharpened Pencils (No Pens) Notebook Paper Music - *students will be charged for lost music Dance clothes and shoes (choreography rehearsals) appropriate for school. Performance Attire Madrijazz and New Horizons Girls will wear a main dress, rented from the choral boosters. Each girl is required to purchase a costume change, accessories (tights, lollies, bodysuit, and earrings), and character shoes. Please see the Show Choir Fee form for details. Boys will wear a suit, purchased through the boosters, as well as a costume change and dance shoes. No other jewelry is permitted Hair must be worn off the face for all performances. No costumes will be released to students until attire fees are paid in full. Students with missing costume pieces will not be permitted to perform. Chamber Ensembles, Jazzy Gals, and Girls Ensemble Girls will wear a long black dress and earrings purchased through the boosters. Boys will wear a tuxedo, with cummerbund and tie, purchased through the boosters. Girls should wear black or nude undergarments and black hose. Boys should wear a white undershirt and black dress socks. No other jewelry is permitted. Hair must be worn off the face for all performances. Women s shoes should be flats or 1 heels with closed toes and heels. Shoes should not have excessive decoration. Boys should wear black dress shoes. No costumes will be released to students until attire fees are paid in full. Students with missing costume pieces will not be permitted to perform. 3

Behavior and Etiquette Guidelines A member will, at all times, conduct him/herself in a manner that would become him/her and the choir of which he/she is a member. A member will follow HCPS and LDHS policies at all times. A member will, at all times, show proper respect to the Director, officers, chaperones, section leaders, dance captains, etc. A member will carry out all instructions given by the person or persons in charge. A member will cause no disturbance while rehearsals are in session. A member will not talk while the Director or Acting Director is on the podium. A member will at no time be guilty of rude or disturbing behavior. A member will not eat or drink (with the exception of water) during rehearsal. Although not mandatory, private instruction with reputable and approved teachers is advised and strongly recommended. Trips Away From School Students are expected to abide by HCPS regulations at all times. Each member will be directly responsible to the Director and the chaperones on the bus. There will be no excessive noise or rude behavior at any time. Performance attire must be worn as required. Unless specified for the entire group, no private transportation will be allowed going to an event. All students must ride the bus. A student may return from an event with his/her parents only if the Director is notified beforehand by a note from the parent or is contacted by the parent concerning this action during the event. Proper forms for medication (prescription and over the counter) are required for all students. Flex Time Flex time can often be used to make up work or receive extra help. Before coming to the chorus room, please double check that the room is not already in use by an ensemble. Please plan ahead when making decisions regarding this valuable time. Raising Funds for Chorus Events Why do we raise money for chorus? General Fund This money is used for equipment, music, scholarships, special events, and deferring the student cost of chorus. The remainder of the monies raised goes toward general operating costs and supplies for the choral department. Individual Student Accounts These credits are applied to individual accounts. The individual accounts can be used by the student to defer the cost of chorus events and fees. Individual account credits carry over from year to year during the student s time in chorus. Applying your Personal Account to Fees: Contact Niki Jeter to use Individual Student Accounts: nicole.d.jeter@comcast.net 4

Due September 21! Lee-Davis Chorus Handbook Agreement Form I have read and understand the policies and expectations set forth in the 2015-2016 Choral Handbook. Please check the following categories: I understand how to access the Chorus Website and Charms in order to find information and assignments regarding Chorus. Mrs. Cartwright has my most up to date email information. I understand the Lee-Davis Chorus grading policy. I understand that due to the co-curricular nature of the class, performances and rehearsals, as well as an understanding of music theory are a required part of the chorus curriculum. I understand the Lee-Davis Chorus attendance policy. I understand that it is the student s responsibility to check the choral handbook for clarification on requirements. I have already added required dates to our family calendar. Due to the nature of the class and the collaboration required of choral students, I understand that class attendance is extremely important. I understand that I will be held responsible for the information in the handbook. Student Name (Print) Chorus Period Student Signature Parent Signature 5