Choral Handbook

Lincoln Southwest High School
Choral Program
Handbook 2013-2014

 Denise Cotton, Director of Choirs, Department Chair
Andrew Jacobson, Asst. Director of Choirs, Director of Show Choirs
Jana Ghormley, Accompanist

 Classroom Conduct/Student Responsibilities

We are all here because we have something in common; we enjoy singing.  How we sound as a group has a lot to do with how we work together.  If each member will follow the class procedures listed below every day of the year, the result will be a choral group that truly makes beautiful music.

  1. Please pick up your folder when you enter the room for rehearsal and be seated quietly in your assigned seat before the final bell rings.
  2. Please have a pencil in your music folder at all times – we will use them a great deal.  Pencils need to be sharpened before class begins.  It also doesn’t hurt to have a spare.
  3. Vocal production will be emphasized in choir.  Gum, Candy and other food effects vocal production in a negative way.  Refrain from food items in rehearsal.  Water is welcome.  Please be understanding and remember to remove all gum and food before you enter the room.
  4. Avoid excessive talking during rehearsals.  Our rehearsal is much more effective when everyone is paying close attention to the music being rehearsed.  When another section is rehearsing, students need to follow along in their own music.
  5. Listen closely for instructions between musical rehearsals.  When the director stops rehearsing to give an instruction, consider it an invitation to listen.  Our rehearsal time is too precious to repeat instructions.
  6. Never mark on musicwith a pen; please use a pencil only.  LSW does not own the music we use in choir’ we are simply borrowing it.  If music has been assigned to you and it is damaged, you will be expected to replace it so that future students can have the opportunity to sing from it.
  7. Respect the opinions and ability levels of others.  The choir, accompanist, and directors function as a team.  All members of the team need to be respectful of each other and of the process of creating music.  Remember the Gold Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
  8. When we have clinicians, substitutes, or any guests in the classroom, please exhibit your best manners.  We can always learn from having different people work with us.
  9. Students must refrain from using tobacco products, alcohol, and other drug-like substances.  Use of these drugs may result in suspension or removal from the ensemble(s).
  10. Students with any problems (musical, social, family, etc.) can feel free to talk to Mrs. Cotton or Mrs. Goldsmith about them at any time.  Our door is always open to you.

The success of our groups rests upon your individual self-discipline.  We must all be willing to follow the above procedures and give 110%.  Most importantly, we want to get along.  Singing in harmony can only be accomplished by working in harmony.
Attendance

  • Attendance is crucial for every choir member! Due to the nature of this course, when a student is absent he/she misses rehearsal and explanations that cannot be made up.  In addition, the entire choir suffers because that student was not in school to learn his/her part along with the rest of the choir.
  • Attendance Policy:If a student is absent for excused reasons, the school attendance secretary must be notified.  If a student is absent for an unexcused reason (truant), it will affect their grade.  If a student is sick the day of a concert, they may not perform on the concert, unless special permission is given.  In this event, it is the parent’s responsibility to contact the choral director to let them know of the student’s absence and discussion of the possibility to perform.

Extra Rehearsals

  • Many times the difference between a superior and a poor musical performance is determined by the amount of rehearsal time spent in preparation.  Extra rehearsals allow for many things: individual and small group work, help from visiting clinicians, and more time for that “extra polishing.”  They are vital for any good performing organizations.  Extra rehearsals will only be held as needed before big performances.  Students will be given at least one weeks notice.  These rehearsals are requiredfor a grade.  If a student is unable to attend extra rehearsals, a phone call (or voicemail – 436-1306 ext. 66505), email, or signed note from a parent, 3 days in advance, is necessary to be excused.  Without prior notice, students will only be excused from a rehearsal due to a personal illness, death in the family, or an emergency over wich the student has no control.
  • In many cases, a calendar or rehearsal schedule will be given to students.  It is the responsibility of the student to cross reference the choral rehearsal schedule against work schedules, athletic schedules, performing art schedules, etc.  If conflicts exist, the student should make an effort to resolve the conflict before coming to the director(s).  Students should make every effort to be fair to both groups.

Student Activity Conflicts

There are times when students simultaneously particiapte in an organized sport or performance group.  Conflicts occasionally arise when practices and regularly scheduled events take palce concurrently.  Although every attempt will be made to keep such scheduling to a minimum, the following guidelines will be followed.

  • When a practice or rehearsal and an event (game or concert) are scheduled simultaneously, the EVENT takes precedence.
  • When two practices or rehearsals are scheduled simultaneously, the student may SELECT the practice/rehearsal in which he/she will participate.  He/She should make the decision, whenever possible, at least seven (7) days in advance.
  • Under NO circumstance will the student be penalized for his/her decision; this is, class grades are not to be lowered or impaired due to this decision if all previously stated rules have been followed.
  • In case of a disagreement among the parties concerned, the matter should be referred to the administrator or administrators in charge for a solution.

Performances

  • Performances are an important part of being in choir.  We work constantly to be prepared to perform.  When performing, students receive a deeper appreciation of music and a greater feeling of unity from the organization and the people with whom they are involved.
  • A director cannot duplicate a performance for the student who is absent.  There is no other means to make-up the unique thrill of performing – feeling the reaction from the audience, or the excitement of knowing the heard work in preparation for the performance was worthwhile.
  • Concerts and Performances are equivalent to Basketball games to the Basketball team or Algebra Exams in Algebra class.  They are the way in which directors evaluate how well students have prepared and what they have learned.
  • Every member of the choir plays a vital role in the success of the entire organization.  As directors, we cannot expect a total commitment from any one student without expecting the same amount of commitment from every member in the choir.

Therefore, the following rules apply to performances:

  • All Performances are required.
  • Students must attend all performances for which a two-week notice is given.  Work schedules need to be adjusted, as absences due to a student’s job are always unexcused.
  • Grades for each performance will be based on the following:
    • Punctuality
    • Proper Dress
    • Following Instructions
    • Staying for the entire concert
  • Students will only be excused from a performance due to a personal illness, death in the family, or an emergency over which the student has no control.  Students will not be excused because they do not have a ride.
  • In the event of ‘bad’ weather on the day or evening of a performance or rehearsal; directors will coordinate with administrators and/or event organizers to determine if the performance or rehearsal will occur.  If the directors determine that the performance or rehearsal will continue as planned, students will be expected to attend as usual.  Parents can choose to withhold their child from the performance or rehearsal but the absence will be unexcused.
  • The director(s) must be notified of an expected absence at least 2 weeksprior to the performance.  The choir room phone number is 436-1306, ext. 66505 or 66506.  This is a 24-hour number with voicemail.
  • The director(s) will determine whether an absence from a performance is excused or unexcused.  If excused, it is the students’ responsibility to get make-up work.  If unexcused, the student will not be given the privilege of making up the points lost due to his/her absence.
  • No points will be taken away from any student who cannot attend a performance due to religious observations.  However, a one-week notice should be given to the director along with a parent note or parent phone call.
  • Concert Performances make up a large portion of the student’s grade.  Students who miss a concert and have given prior notice will be given a writing assignment.  Assignments will be given at the directors’ discretion.
  • Students who have missed several choral rehearsals may be removed from a concert at the directors’ discretion.  Students who have missed performances and rehearsals without an excuse will be subject to removal from the LSW performing choirs.

 

Classroom Equipment

Music Folders

  • Every student will be assigned a numbered folder (unless they are asked to provide their own)
  • All distributed music must have your assigned number on it and be kept in the student’s folder.
  • There are specific folder trays in the room where folders should be kept.
  • Students are encouraged to mark any notes in the music using a PENCIL ONLY.
  • Students will be responsible for this music.  If the music is not returned, the student will be responsible for the replacement costs ($2.50/piece of music on average and $10.00 for each folder, Varsity folders are $30.00)
  • If a student’s music is missing, the student should report this to the teacher.
  • Students may keep their folder in their locker, or take it home to study but students mustbring their folder to class daily.
  • The conductor will distribute and collect all music and keep accurate records.
  • At the end of the term, the student will be notified if they are missing music or need to replace damaged music.  It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their folder and music.
  • Any music that is left in the classroom will be placed in the lost and found box located on top of the file cabinets.

Classroom Equipment

  • Equipment is to be used only with expressed permission of the teacher; this includes the acoustic and electronic pianos as well as the stereo equipment.
  • Teacher’s desks and phones are off limits for students, unless permission is given.
  • Filing cabinets are to be used with teacher permission only.
  • Use proper receptacles for all garbage: RECYCLE!
  • Leave the dry erase board clear for teacher use.
  • Respect the effort that went into painting the room and designing the bulletin boards; please do not deface the classroom environment.

 

A Wise Person Once Said,

“When you leave a room, leave it in better condition than you found it.”

LPS Policy Regulation #3630.1:

“It shall be the responsibility of each student to give proper care to instructional equipment, materials and supplies.  Where carelessness leads to destruction or loss of equipment or materials beyond normal use, the student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) will make appropriate payments. “

Uniforms/Costumes

Choir T-Shirts (All Choirs):  This is our Non-formal uniform that we wear at various performances.  Orders are taken at the beginning of the school year.  Cost is $15.

Robes (Concert Choir)

  • Students are measured at the beginning of the school year and assigned a robe number.  Robes are kept at school in choir close and students put them on before each concert.
  • Robes are inventoried after each concert.
  • No jeansmay be worn underneath the choir robe.  Men may only wear black pants.
  • Women wear black nylons (pantyhose) and a dress or skirt/top under choir robe.
  • All Women need to have uniform closed-toe black shoes with a 1.5 inch heel as well as black hose.  We will take shoe orders for women’s shoes when school starts.  Women’s concert shoes usually cost $33.00.
  • All Men need to have black dress shoes, as well as black socks.  They will purchase these on their own.  Band/Show Choir students may wear their uniform shoes.

Formalwear (Varsity/Chamber Choir):  Ladies are assigned tops and skirts, Men Tuxedos.  Each piece is assigned to students at the beginning of the school year and returned after the final concert in May.  Any missing pieces will be fined for replacement cost.  Varsity students wear robes for certain performances and All-State (if accepted)

Freshman Choir:

* Ladies will wear black nylons and choir shoes with a black skirt (not extremely short) and white blouse/top/sweater (no sleeveless).  Shoes (See Below)

* Gentlemen will need to wear  black socks, black dress shoes, black dress pants, white long sleeve dress shirt and tie (any color).  (Shoes (See Below)

Additional Uniform Information:  Uniforms let everyone know where we are from and what we do.  Wearing a robe makes you representative of our choir, school and community.  When asked to be in a certain place in uniform, that means be in full uniform.  No exceptions.  Keep your uniform clean and free from wrinkles.  Please hang your uniform when storing.  Pride and self-esteem are very important!  If you lose a uniform part that is provided by the school, you will have to pay to replace it.

Fees for Shoes and T-shirts:  Students qualifying for free and reduced lunch can get financial assistantance for shoes and t-shirts.  A fee waiver form must be filled out and returned to the LSW office.  Separate Choir Apparel and misc. items are offered through the Choral Boosters.  These items are optional and cannot be purchased with fee waivers.

Uniform Information for All Students in Freshman Choir/Concert Choir/Varsity Choir:

  • All Women need to have uniform closed-toe black shoes with a 1.5 inch heel as well as black hose.  We will take shoe orders for women’s shoes when school starts.  Women’s concert shoes usually cost $33.00.
  • All Men need to have black dress shoes, as well as black socks.  They will purchase these on their own.  Band/Show Choir students may wear their uniform shoes.
  • Improper dress underneath robes will constitute a failing gradefor the concert/performance.

Travel

Travel Procedures: LSW Choral Ensembles travel both in and out-of-town.  Restrictions apply to these trips.  The State of Nebraska and LSW School Policy set these restrictions.  In order to protect the safety and reputation of our groups, school, and community, students must abide by these restrictions.  Each time a student’s words and actions are a direct representation of LSW< the community of Lincoln, the state of Nebraska, and the United States of America.

Restrictions include but are not limited to the following:

  • No alcohol/drugs allowed!  Students who violate this policy will be sent home at their ownexpense!
  • The Law:  If a student gets into trouble with the law, they will have to deal with the law on their own terms.  LSW will not post bail or find lawyers to represent students.
  • Dress as you would at school.  On occasion, semi-formal attire is required.
  • No foul or off-color language at any time.
  • Follow guidelines in your itinerary for times and places.
  • Departure times are firm! Students should never be late!
  • Room check is mandatory and for the safety of all.  Students must be in their room at the designated time – not getting a soda or a snack.
  • No men in ladies rooms or vice versa.
  • Lights out – means lights out!
  • Students who leave, or attempt to leave, a hotel after lights out will be sent home at their own expense and may loose their position in the LSW Ensemble in which they participate.
  • When in doubt of a policy, please refer to all the policies set forth in your LSW student handbook.

Grading Rubric

This is an example of a typical choral grading rubric.  The specifics of this example will differ slightly depending on the ensemble and it’s responsibilities and assignments.

20% – Music Theory Assessments, Singing Tests

80% – Music Theory Tests, Choral Performances

100% TOTAL