Rockwood High School

Choral Department Handbook

2014-2015




Welcome to Rockwood High School Choral Department!
This handbook will cover the activities, performance opportunities, requirements, and
grading procedures for all 9-12 Rockwood High School choral students. You are expected
to follow the guidelines and policies set forth in this handbook so therefore, please read
it thoroughly.


At the end of this handbook, please note that there is an attached student/parent
acknowledgement form. This form needs to be filled out and returned to Miss May or Mr.
Davenport no later than Monday, August 25th, 2014. If you have any questions, please
feel free to contact us at the numbers below!

Mission Statement
The mission of the Rockwood High School Choral Department is to develop
students into life long music participants who can intelligently discuss and
engage in a wide variety of music and explain what music they prefer and why.
Our mission also includes giving students a global understanding of the evolution
of music

We are so excited and privileged to be working with you this year on creating some
beautiful music!

Musically yours,


Ben Davenport
Director, Concert Choir,
Mens Ensemble, and Show Choir

Rockwood High School
423.123.4567
Ben.Davenport@rhsk12.net
Emily May
Director, Womans Ensemble,
Freshman Chorus, and Show Choir
Rockwood High School
423.123.4567
Emily.May@rhsk12.net
Performing Ensembles

Freshman Chorus- This group is an ensemble compiled of both male and female
students in the 9
th
grade. This ensemble studies a variety of musical styles while
incorporating basic music theory, music history, vocal technique, solfege, and the
basics of sight-reading. The Freshman Chorus performs at all major concerts.


Concert Choir- This ensemble is made up of students in grades 10-12 through
audition and by previous membership in Freshman Chorus. Students who are in
grades 10-12, but have not previously been a member of Freshman Chorus must
first become a member of Freshman Chorus for one (1) semester, then he/she may
re-audition for entrance into Concert Choir. The Concert Choir is required to
perform at all major concerts, community events, school functions, and area
festivals.

Mens Ensemble- This is an audition-only ensemble and is open to any male
student in grades 10-12 that has completed no less one-year of experience in any of
the Rockwood HS choral ensembles. The Mens Ensemble performs at all major
concerts, athletic and administrative events, community events, area festivals and
other activities.

Womens Ensemble- This is an audition-only ensemble and is open to any female
student in grades 10-12 that has completed no less than one year of experience in
any of the Rockwood HS choral ensembles. The Womens Ensemble performs at all
major concerts, athletic and administrative events, community event, area
festivals, and other activities.


Show Choir- This is a ensemble that meets after school and is opened to students
in grades 9-12. This groups primarily focus is in Jazz and Music Theatre. Students
are required to participate in at least one in-school ensemble, the Spring Musical
Production, and perform in major concerts.

Meet Your Directors

Mr. Ben Davenport Mr. Davenport currently holds in B.A. in Music
Education- Vocal Music from Milligan College and his M.M. in Choral
Conducting and Vocal Pedagogy from the University of Kentucky (in-
progress). Mr. Davenport is a frequent soloist and sought after clinician and
adjudicator throughout Middle and Upper East Tennessee and North
Carolina. He is director and oversees the Concert Choir, Mens Ensemble,
and co-directs the Show Choir. He is also a member of ACDA, NAfME,
TMEA, and currently the Upper Area Chair with the East Tennessee Vocal
Association.

Miss Emily May - Miss May holds a B.A. in Music Education- Vocal Music
from Milligan College and M.M. in Musical Theatre and in Music Education
from Shenandoah Conservatory (in-progress). Miss May has performed the
lead in a number of productions at Barter Theatre, New York, and
Washington D.C. including Beauty and the Beast and Thoroughly Modern
Millie. She is also a sought after clinician for education and music theatre.
Miss May is the director and oversees the Freshman Chorus, Womens
Ensemble, co-directs the Show Choir, and is the Rockwood Bands
Colorguard Instructor. She is also a member of ACDA, NAfME, MTEA, and
Actors Equity Association.

Choral Policies/Procedures
Conduct
Expectations of good conduct and behavior are essential from all ensemble members.
Each student will represent the music department and Rockwood High School in the best
manner at all times. In addition to the expectations of conduct stated in the Rockwood
High School Choral Department handbook, students will also adhere to guidelines of the
Ridgewood County School System.

Members are expected to display proper conduct and respect of the highest caliber during
dress rehearsals, performances, festivals, contests, field trips, or any activity associated
with choir. Respect toward peers and adults are a must. Unacceptable conduct from
students may result in *disciplinary action, and/or dismissal from ensemble(s).

*Educational Disruption Procedures:
1st, 2nd Offense: Teacher/Student Conference with Parent contact

3rd Offense: Dean referral and student contract/Parent contact

4th Offense: Dean referral and student will receive and F for the semester,
as well as become discharged from the ensemble(s).


Rehearsal Expectations

There will be no food, drinks (except water), or gum during rehearsal or a
performance.

Be in assigned seat with your music and pencil with an eraser when the bell rings.

Students should have proper podium etiquette and refrain from talking during
rehearsals and performances. Rehearsal is not a time to socialize or talk, but to
learn!

Students are to treat each other and their environment with respect.

Students should bring their music and a pencil to every rehearsal and mark
his/her music when instructed.

Students should keep their music in good condition. If music issued to the student
becomes damaged, lost, or destroyed he/she is responsible for paying the
replacement cost.

All students should go to the bathroom before rehearsal begins. Bathroom
privileges during class will be given at the discretion of the director unless
otherwise noted.
Performance Etiquette
Students are expected to follow these guidelines when performing: No student will be
permitted to perform with visible tattoos, extravagant hair color, nose/excessive facial
piercing, or any other etiquette deemed unacceptable by the directors.

Attendance

This course is a performance-based class. Therefore, attendance is crucial and a key factor
in success for not only the student, but also the group as a whole. Students are required
to attend all rehearsals and concerts, unless the following: a death in the family, court
dates, and all school-sponsored activities (this includes athletics). Absences must be
discussed with the director beforehand and not after the occurrence. It is the
responsibility of the student to bring in a handwritten note from their parent/guardian
before the absence is deemed excusable. Students are also responsible for making up any
material or assignments missed due to absences. Rockwood High School attendance
policy states that a student that misses more than 9 classes will receive a failing grade.
Any unexcused absence during a performance or the dress rehearsal will result in
lowering a students grade by one letter grade.


Grading Policy
Daily Participation- 40%
Written and Oral Assignments/Tests- 15%
Attendance- 35%
Our grades are based on daily participation in class, written and oral assignments/tests in
singing and music reading skills, and attendance of required performances and rehearsal.
Daily participation will be determined by participating with a good attitude in class.
Members will lose points in participation by not following the classroom guidelines.
Grade Scale:
A 90 100% D 60 69%
B 80 89% F 59 0%
C 70 79%

Uniforms

Freshman Chorus, Concert Choir, Men and Womens Ensemble Formal Attire:
Students are responsible for purchasing the formal attire. New members will have the
option of purchasing a dress or tux from someone who was involved last year, ordering
their own attire from the catalogue, or applying for a choral scholarship. Dresses and
jewelry are $64.00 and Tuxes are $95.00. It is our goal to use the same uniform every year
for all of these ensembles so choir members are only responsible for making this purchase
one time in their high school career and will be able to use it for any of our ensembles.
Since the attire is the students, it is their responsibility for keeping up with it and its
maintenance. We also ask that girls wear jet-black hose and close-toed shoes (no sandals,
no wedges, boots, or extremely high heels) and men to wear black socks and black dress
shoes.
Freshman Chorus, Concert Choir, Men and Womens Ensemble Casual Attire:
Students are responsible for purchasing the Casual Attire. This consists of a khaki pants
and a t-shirt designed by our staff and choral officers. Shirts cost from $10-$15.
Show Choir Performance Attire:
Students are responsible for purchasing their performance attire. This consists of black
pants, a white button up blouse and black closed toed shoes (no sandals, no wedges,
boots, or extremely high heels) for women. The Show Choir Men are asked to wear a
white button up dress shirt, black tie, black socks, and black dress shoes.



Fees

The Rockwood Choral Department charges a $10.00 fee to all students to help pay for
music and ensemble activities. If you are unable to pay this fee, or have already filled out
a fee waiver form and been approved, please disregard. If not, please fill out a fee waiver
form and turn it into the main office to see if you qualify. This fee is not applicable to the
number of ensembles a student is in, it only applies to each student and is collected on a
semester-semester basis.




How Can Parents Help

Our Choral Parents support is essential to our success at Rockwood High Schools Choral
Program. Without our parents and supporters, we could not exist and we appreciate
everything that you do on our behalf.

There are multiple ways a parent can help with the development and success of the
Choral Program at Rockwood High School. Parents can help by encouraging students to
practice and complete any homework assignment, getting students to rehearsals and
concerts on time, and assisting them in any fundraising the student is required to do.

Parents can also volunteer and join the Rockwood Choral Boosters. As a member of the
Choral Boosters, one can choose to help our students by chaperoning, assisting at
concerts, fundraising, and other activities.

Donations are another way for you to help our choral students. The money given will go
towards purchasing music, hiring an accompanist, stage equipment, student scholarships
for attire and field trips, and for our upcoming musical. If you would like to give a
donation, please make the checks payable to Rockwood High School Choral Program. No
student will be excluded from participation as a result of inability to assist financially.

If you are interested in assisting the Rockwood Choral Program in any way, please fill out
the following form. Our first booster meeting will be September 1
st
2014 at 7:00 P.M. in
the Rockwood High School Choral Room.

Any help for the Rockwood High School Choir Program is greatly appreciated. If you have
any questions, please contact Mr. Davenport or Miss May. Thank you for your support
and dedication. We look forward to meeting and working with you and creating a
wonderful choral program!

Sincerely,
Mr. Ben Davenport and Miss Emily May











PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION FORM

Student Name ________________________________________ Grade _____

Parent/Guardian #1 Name ______________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
Home Phone ____________________ Work Phone ____________________
Cell Phone ______________________ Email _________________________

Parent / Guardian #2 Name ______________________________
Address:________________________________________________
Home Phone ____________________ Work Phone ____________________
Cell Phone ______________________ Email _________________________

Volunteer Information:
Please check any items you may be able to do.

_____ Make a donation of ______ dollars.
_____ Chaperone daytime events (fieldtrips, etc.)
_____ Chaperone evening events (concerts, etc.)
_____ Coordinate fundraising activities
_____ Usher at concerts
_____ Assist in our Show Choir Musical (costumes, building the set, work
backstage,etc.)


















Private Lessons

We encourage students to take private voice lessons if they are able to further and
enhance their vocal education. Here is a list of teachers that we recommend and their
contact information.

Name Contact Information
Charlotte Anderson 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com
Noah DeLong 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com
Ben Davenport 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com
Amanda Leach 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com
Emily May 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com
Nancy Schranz 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com
Amber Vaughn 123-456-7890
email@yahoo.com











Calendar of Events
Mark your calendars! You do not want to miss any of the Rockwood High School
Concerts!











Milligan College Patriotic Concert


October 22, 2014

Milligan College
Seeger Chapel
7:00 om
A Choral Christmas! December 11, 2014

Rockwood High School
Little Theatre
7:00 pm
L-O-V-E
A Valentine Cabaret Fundraiser
February 10, 2015

Rockwood High School
Commons Area
7:30 pm
Les Miserables April 21-23, 2015

Rockwood High School
Main Stage Theatre
7:00 pm / 2:00 pm
I Dreamed a Dream May 13, 2015

First Baptist Church
Rockwood, Tn.
2:30 pm
Student and Parent Contract
Please sign and bring back before or on August, 25
th
2014

I _______________________ have read the Choral Handbook. I understand its contents,
standards and policies and will uphold to them.

Student Signature____________________________


I _______________________ have discussed these standards and dates with my
son/daughter and will assist him/her in any way possible to achieve these standards.

Parent Signature:_________________________
Date:____________________________