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I GO TO CHOIR . . .
I go to math class everyday because it's something I should know and it's a credit I have to have.
I go to science class everyday because it's something I should know and it's a credit I have to have.
I go to choir everyday because making music brings me joy, because I want to be challenged physically, mentally, and spiritually, and because I want to be a part of something as ancient and eternal as music.
Studying math, science, technology, and other subjects will someday provide me with the skills I need to obtain a job and support a family.
Studying music will teach me patience, integrity, appreciation of beauty, and will help me find peace in a hectic world.
It is not something I have to do; it is something I choose to do.
Through singing I have experienced indescribable joy, overwhelming passion, intense sorrow, and great strength. My soul aches for these feelings that are rarely experienced in my daily life, but are very much a part of the music I make with these exceptional choirs. And it is these feelings that teach me how to use everything else I learn in a way that will enrich my life.
So, as the years go by, things like quadratic equations and scientific notation will eventually begin to fade from my mind, but the power of music will never will. There has been a spark ignited deep inside of me by music and the passion it brings, that grows continually into a larger and more powerful flame with every day that I am alive.
And that flame will never be extinguished. Unlike a lot of what I learn, music will never become a forgotten relic of my past education. Music is my eternal companion that will continue to teach me to live, to love, to grieve, to laugh, to cry, and finally to carry on.
And as long as I have a soul within me, it will never fall silent in my heart.
G. Walters - GHHS Class of 1998
OUR MISSION
The choral program strives to provide a place where music skills can be learned and immediately put into practice and where the individual vocal gifts can be developed and understood while developing an appreciation for the body of literature in the choral repertoire. Auxiliary benefits include learning to work as a team and insight into a history that the musical experience can uniquely provide.
GOALS
The choral program strives to:
· Perform quality choral literature at the highest possible level.
· Develop musical literacy and fluency in melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, articulation, phrasing, and tone color.
· Apply literacy and technique to musical insight, interpretation and style.
· Foster aesthetic development and appreciation of music as an art form.
· Develop a professional atmosphere through maximum time efficiency and focus in rehearsal and other settings.
· Continue the tradition of excellence that has been a part of our choirs down through the years.
· Appropriately represent our school and the community.
I like to sing, but I don’t want to sing alone. Do I have to sing alone in choir?
You may have to sing alone for voice testing, but no one else will hear it. Otherwise, the choice to sing solo is left up to the individual.
Do students have to audition for any of the high school choirs?
A music teacher recommendation or a live interview is required.
Can students become a member of the choir even if they can't read music?
Yes, we will learn how read and sing new music together!
Does a student need to have the best voice in the school to sing in choir?
NO
Does a student have to sing a solo in public if they are a member of a choir?
NO, but you might be interested in trying...
Does a student have to work hard if they are a member of a choir?
YES
Do students have to attend concerts outside of the regular school day as a requirement of choir?
YES
Can students voluntarily participate in a few or lots of extra vocal music activities if interested?
YES
Will the student make friendships and memories together, along with hundreds of other choir members, that will last a life time?
Absolutely!
Grading
The work you do in this class will be different from your academic classes, but it is no less important. If you give 100% in each of the following three areas, you are guaranteed to earn an "A" in choir.
VOCAL MUSIC BENCHMARKS: 50%
(Cooperation and Participation in Rehearsal and Performance/Attendance)
You will receive up to 2 points for each day's rehearsal (10 points per week). Each time that you do not follow the rehearsal guidelines, you may loose one of your points for that day.
To receive one point for daily rehearsal, students must come prepared to class. This means that a student must be in their seat with folder/music and pencil by the time the bell rings. Not being prepared will cause a student to lose one point for the day.
The other point is earned by participation in class. It is not expected that you be the best singer, but you must try 100%. This means trying things that sometimes might seem weird or silly. The more you put into this class, the more you will get out of it.
1. REHEARSAL TECHNIQUE- To maintain a top quality performance choir, each member must realize and use excellent rehearsal technique. We can only be as good as our weakest members. So - the success of the ensemble rests with you. If you've read and understand the choir policies then apply them faithfully to every rehearsal and you will be successful and you will result in full points being given. If you follow them faithfully, you'll have an "A."
2. ATTENDANCE- We are all part of a team. We need every member present at all times. A chain missing a link or two is no longer a chain, but links or metal that serve no purpose. They are weak. Choir is an elective that you have chosen. You have chosen to become part of this award winning program! So except in extreme cases, your grade will be affected if you have excessive absence of any kind, excused or unexcused in a marking period.
Because this is a participatory class, you are graded on your participation each day. If you are not present, you will receive no points for the day. You can't participate if you're not there.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION: 20%
Performances are tests.
Cooperation and attendance are graded as tests. If you want receive 100 points (A) for each performance and dress rehearsal, these two things are required.
Being a good audience member while other groups are on stage is another way of actively participating. You can learn a lot from other performers, no matter what their age. That is why you are required to remain throughout the duration of the concert even if you have finished performing.
Our goals this year include self improvement as a musician as well as excellent public performance. Sharing our music is a privilege as well as a learning experience. Each choir member is expected to attend every public performance of the choir(s) in which s/he sings.
Lack of participation will not be tolerated and your grade may be lowered as much as two letter grades for a missed performance. Absences are NOT excused for any reason. Contact Ms. Harman as soon as possible if you do have an Extreme Emergency. - Your presence is crucial. (An alternate assignment may be provided, due within two weeks of the concert date)
NOTE: Our policy regarding Choir & Sports:
A Sports Game takes precedence over a Choir Rehearsal and a Choir Performance takes precedence over a Sports Practice. If there is an occasional conflict, notify the director and coach early so that you will be in attendance at the concert. Early notification is essential in these cases. You have schedules way ahead of time. No surprises are necessary.
TECHNIQUE: 30%
(Sight-reading, Music Theory, Learning/Memorization Tests, Written Assignments)
1. SIGHTREADING: The ability to read music is crucial and a valuable tool for every musician. Reading allows you to be independent. Reading music allows the choirs to spend more time making music beautiful: Balancing, blending, diction, phrasing, dynamics and less on pounding out notes and learning parts to sing. Because we want music to be a part of your life always, it's important that you are not dependent on a piano player or a tape. You can read music so you'll be able to carry music into your adult life.
We use the "Moveable Do" sight reading system in our choirs. It is used most often in the Universities and colleges in the US. You will be tested and graded on your progress.
2. MUSIC THEORY: We will learn the theory behind the notes as it applies to a singer in a choir. You will need to know rhythms, note names, keys, key signatures, terms, symbols: the language of music the whole planet uses and you'll even learn to find your way around a piano keyboard, again, with your independence in mind. You too can run warm ups! Written and playing tests will be given to monitor and grade your progress.
3. CHORAL TECHNIQUE -We know that not every singers is a soloist, but we all can enjoy choir because it is a group experience. Therefore, each singer must be held accountable for knowing his/her part of the choir music. Each singer will be tested both individually and in small groups to see if you know your music. You will be graded individually in each of the following areas: Tone Quality, Diction, Note Accuracy, Intonation, Breath Control, Phrasing, correct Rhythms, Correct Words and Memorization.
4. MAKEUP OPTION: It is the student's responsibility to make an appointment for the make up on the day s/he returns to school.
Conduct Expectations
Four Requirements:
1. Singers are required to show respect for their fellow choir members, the music which they perform, the directors, and the work which must be done to make our choirs perform at their highest possible level of achievement.
2. Singers are also required to show responsibility for their individual contribution by trying their best at all rehearsal and performances. You and I will not tolerate a student infringing on another's right to learn.
3. You and I will not tolerate a student infringing upon my responsibility to teach.
4. Students who do not meet these requirements may be removed from our program.
Students who DO meet our success requirements will be rewarded with an experience unlike any other that they may have while in middle school - fun, joy, excitement, team working skills, self-discipline and a lifelong passion for music.
Rehearsal Expectations
Our concerts and performances can only be as good as our rehearsals. The key to a successful rehearsal is plain, old-fashioned hard work! The following rules are used in all great musical organizations and will be the foundation of our rehearsal procedure. Read these rules carefully and be prepared to live by them each day in choir. Remember that it takes self-discipline to be a musician!
1. When the last bell rings, all choir members are to be in the choir room going to their assigned seats with their choir folder and other materials. Walking in the door during the bell means you are tardy.
2. A pencil, music and sight-reading materials are to be with each singer every day. You must always have a pencil and you must use it. NO PENS ARE ALLOWED! (If you mark your music in pen, you will have to pay double the cost to replace it.)
3. At the beginning of the year you will be assigned a choir number. Your choir folder and all of your music will have that number on it. All students will have a numbered folder slot in a music cabinet so that the folder and materials may be stored in the room.
5. Rather than saying you can never talk while in choir class, we would like to say that you must have an attitude of attentiveness during the entire rehearsal. We cannot be productive and become our best if we don't all pay attention and work hard. Inattentive students who talk during rehearsal when it is supposed to be silent will loose up to all of their day's grade. Phone calls home will follow if needed.
6. Mark the director's notes in your music every day, using pencil only. You must remember musical terms and symbols that are explained.
7. Vocal health is stressed in choir by teaching good singing habits. Your grade depends upon you putting into practice the things that you are taught. Make these things unconscious habits rather than something you save for performances.
8. A cold should not prohibit you from singing, but a sore throat might. If you need a cough drop during class, tell the director before class begins. If you have a sore throat, try singing lightly. If you are feeling so badly that you cannot sing, you will be expected to still participate in class by following along in the music, making notes with your pencil, etc. Students who cannot do this will be given a written report assignment from a vocal music magazine that will be due at the end of the hour. This is a participatory class. Only in very extreme cases should you be sitting out.
9. Chewing gum, eating and drinking pop/juice/etc. will not be permitted during rehearsal. Only water may be consumed during the choir rehearsal at your seat. If you are consuming anything other than water, you will be directed to dispose of it immediately and will lose one point for the day. There may be rare occasions, which you will know of in advance, where snacks or non-water beverages may be consumed in class.
10. The choir rooms, practice room, music library and auditorium must be kept clean and neat at all times. This is each choir members' responsibility.
11. Choir members are to stay in their assigned place during class time. If you need to get a drink, throw something away or use the restroom, you must do so before class begins. Emergencies will be handled at the discretion of the director as they arise. Bathroom passes will not be given out. You are expected to use the bathroom before or after class- plan accordingly. If you have a unique physical need, please contact your director ahead of time.
12. A respectful attitude toward your fellow singers and your director must be maintained at all times, even when you don't feel like it. This is a team, and one person's bad attitude can bring the whole group down.
13. Of course, you cannot do homework during rehearsals. Unless told ahead of time that you may do homework, don't bother asking.
14. In the event of a music emergency, the director reserves the right to call a sectional or other rehearsal for any of the choirs before, after school or in the evening. The rehearsal will be announced in advance and attendance will be required. Each extra rehearsal will be worth 100 points (A). If you are unable to attend, a note from your parents must be given to the director two days prior. These rehearsals will still be important times for building a strong foundation in each section!
Discipline Policy:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Written Warning
3. In-School Suspension/Detention/Call to Parents
4. Conference with student and Parent
5. In extreme cases, a student may be removed from the choral program.
Performance Expectations
Performances are a fact of life when it comes to being in choir. All students are expected to participate.
· If a student misses a dress rehearsal, he or she may not perform. (Except in extreme cases decided by the director.)
· If a student does not perform in a concert, he or she may not receive a grade high than a C.
· During performances, students are expected to remain in their designated spot until it is time to perform. Students who do not remain take the risk of missing the line-up and entrance onto stage. In this case, the student will not perform and receive a zero for their performance grade.
· Choir students will always support each other by being attentive during performances. Every effort will be made to seat students in the audience or have a live feed in the designated holding area.
· Sickness: While it is the students responsibility to maintain their vocal health, extreme cases may occur where a student does not have the ability to sing. In this case, the teacher may give a writing assignment. This decision will be made on an individual basis by the director. The student must notify director by the end of the school day on the day of performance to qualify for the make-up option.
· Even though performances take place outside of the school day, students will be held to the school and choir codes of conduct. Disciplinary action will be taken as designated by the school and choral program.
· During performances, the director must be on stage with the choirs. As a result, parent chaperones will be placed in the audience or holding rooms. They will be responsible for reporting any misbehavior to the director for disciplinary action. Their reports will not be disputed, so do not give them a reason to report you. Misbehavior will not be tolerated. Each choir will need three parents to chaperone at each concert.
Music Damage
It is the policy of the choral department that students pay double the cost of a piece of music for replacement and shipping costs. Music that is damaged must be replaced. Music is considered damaged if: markings are made in pen, music is ripped or torn, pages are missing, music is dirty (such as foot-printed) or music is otherwise maimed in a way that makes it unusable by another person. This determination will be made by the director.
Return Policies
Choir folders will be assigned by number to students. Music will be assigned according to a student’s number. Music will be collected and assigned several times during the course of the school year. If a student does not turn in the music with their assigned number, they will be responsible for the expenses. That means a student cannot take someone else’s music and turn it in as their own. On rare occasions that a students number is not available when assigning music, special note will be taken as to the actual number assigned. If a piece is collected and the student does not have it in their folder, say they left it at home, they have one week to turn in their piece or it will be assumed lost and student will be responsible for fines.
Fines
As stated above, a student will be charged double the price of the music to cover replacement and shipping costs. Fines will be assessed for both missing and damaged music. Students who do not pay their fines by the end of the marking period will receive an incomplete for a grade. After four weeks, if the fine is still not paid, the grade will turn into an E. For students who pay their fines accordingly will be given the grade they deserve based upon the grading for the class. For students who have financial difficulty, special accommodations will be made if this is communicated to the director.
Uniform Policy
The word "uniform" means that everyone will look the same. Each individual represents the entire group. When wearing your choir uniform, wear the entire uniform unless instructed.
It is never proper to be seen in public wearing your uniform in any way other than that in which it was intended. Whenever we are at a performance event, we are "on stage" whether we are performing or not.
Students must have all uniform parts clean and presentable at all times. If you appear with wrinkled, soiled or an incomplete uniform, you may not be able to perform and your grade will be affected.
1. Jewelry - A finger ring is OK. A Nose, tongue, eyebrow, or other body piercing which can be seen when in uniform is NOT OK for performance.
2. Hair - You must pull your hair back and up off your neck with a plain black hair band or a brown or black barrette. No headbands, flowers, scrunchies, butterflies, stars, ribbons and other kinds of 'cute' hair ornaments.
Your hair must be neat and out of your face. This goes for GIRLS and GUYS. Bangs do not work for singers...so if you wear full bangs that cover up your forehead, please plan on getting them off your forehead when we perform. It's a fact: if the audience can't see your eyes and forehead while you are singing, you just don't communicate as well! This is not an issue of discussion. It's a fact, here at this school. Thanks for your understanding and for your creative ways in taking care of this possible problem.
I would like to request non-brilliant color hair dye as well. Blue is a pretty nice color, but not when seen by a judge or audience member. It draws attention to that person for their hair color and not their musicianship. I hope this makes sense.
It is not the intention of the choral program to prohibit anyone from being in choir because they cannot afford parts of their uniform. It is hoped that the items to be furnished by the student are readily available or easily purchased, however, if there is a hardship, it is your responsibility to contact the director as soon as possible and we will discuss our options.
Eighth Grade Women
You will need to provide:
1. Black dress pants (not black jeans, not black dance pants, not black sweat pants, etc.) or a black skirt that is knee length or longer.
2. A bright-colored dress shirt- something with buttons and a collar. Turtlenecks are not appropriate. Sleeves must be ¾ or longer. Short-sleeves and tank tops are unacceptable.
3. Black closed-toed dress shoes. If there is white stitching or sparkles on the shoes, they are not appropriate. Think plain. If you think you might continue in choir in high school, you can get a great dress shoe at payless for less than $15. Heel may not exceed 2 inches. Black slippers are inappropriate.
4. Black nylons or knee-highs. No sun-tan nylons are allowed- don’t ask. Nylons are preferable to tights, but
tights will work as well.
Eighth Grade Men
You will need to provide:
1. Black dress pants (not black jeans, not black dance pants, not black sweat pants, etc.) or a black skirt that is knee length or longer.
2. A bright-colored dress shirt with collar and buttons. You must also wear a tie. Turtlenecks or short-sleeves are not appropriate.
3. Black dress shoes. (not tennis shoes, not boots)
4. Black socks. DON'T WEAR WHITE!!!!
Seventh Grade Women
You will need to provide:
1. Black dress pants (not black jeans, not navy or brown or grey, not black sweat pants, etc.) or a black skirt that is knee length or longer.
2. A pastel-colored dress shirt- something with buttons and a collar. Turtlenecks are not appropriate. Sleeves must be ¾ or longer. Short-sleeves and tank tops are unacceptable.
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