Crossler Middle School Choir Handbook

2012-2013

Director: Jeffrey Larkin Larkin_jeffrey@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Crossler Middle School Choir Handbook

2012-2013 Jeffrey Larkin, Director of Choirs
larkin_jeffrey@salkeiz.k12.or.us

I.

Learning Objectives Students will learn the fundamental principles and concepts of proper singing and music notation. Students will sing music varying in style a historical context. Classroom Materials Students must provide their own pencil and paper (pens, including erasable pens, are NOT allowed). Students will need to mark their music as well as complete evaluations and quizzes. Concert Attire Concert Choir and the Soprano/Alto Choir will be wearing robes. However, students are required to dress in black and white; this also applies to the 6th Grade Choir. Boys can wear black pants (no jeans), black socks and black dress shoes (no tennis shoes). Girls can wear either a black skirt or black pants (no jeans), a white shirt or blouse, and black dress shoes (little or no heel). Concert Attendance ATTENDANCE AT ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED. The performance at a concert or festival is the culmination of materials learned in class. It is MANDATORY. The importance of each students individual participation in a concert cannot be stressed enough. Every student has worked both individually and within the group to master the material for presentation at the concert. It is a team effort that requires each person to be present! Excused absences include: o Physical illness o Family emergencies o *A parent must contact the director before the concert in order for the student to be excused and receive permission to complete make-up work. Unexcused absences include: o Babysitting, homework, sports practice/games, parties, no transportation (Please speak to Mr. Larkin if transportation is an issue) Students are required to stay for the entire durations of all concerts and festivals. NOTE: The Salem-Keizer School Districts policy states that in courses for which performances/rehearsals are a part of the class objective, attendance/participation at a performances/rehearsals, as an extension of

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the school day, may be a component in grading, provided that a minimum of 15 school days advance notice is given by the teacher. V. Class Expectations Be on time every day. Be in your seat with music and pencil before the bell rings. Respect everyone around you. Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking. Improper language and behavior is not acceptable. Food and drinks are not allowed in the choir room. However, water bottles are highly encouraged!! Use the restroom before and after class. Hall passes will be issued only for emergencies. Come to class with a positive attitude and be ready to participate. Give it your all!! If there are days when that is impossible (sore throat, sickness), talk to director before class begins! Grading Policy 1. Participation.5 points a day 2. Sectionals..15 points each 3. Concert Performances...50 points each 4. Assignments/Quizzes.5-20 points each Participation Attendance, behavior, participation, attitude, effort, cooperation, proper singing technique, and learning of ones part are all taken into effect. Also, daily listening assignments will be included into participation. For these, there is no right answer, but do your best to thoughtfully write your responses. Sectionals This applies to Concert Choir ONLY! Sectionals will start a few weeks into the semester and will be scheduled as the semester continues. A sectional schedule will be sent home with the students. Concert Performance Attendance, memorization, and individual progress are evaluated. All members will be evaluated on individual as well as group performance. They will also be evaluated on audience behavior. Assignments/Quizzes Throughout the term, students will be given assignments and/or quizzes on materials they are learning in class. No make-up quizzes will be given unless of a student absence. Students are responsible for turning in all assignments on the given due date, or points will be taken off the total score. *MAKE-UP WORK POLICY* Students are allowed to make up excused absences only. Make-up work be must be completed and turned in within 1 week of the absence. Because of the nature of being unable to replicate performances and practices, talk to Mr. Larkin about possibilities for make-up assignments!

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RETURN THIS PAGE!! Parent Volunteer: Yes, I would love to volunteer my time for the Crossler Choirs! My interests are: ___Chaperoning ___Decorating ___Volunteer Coordinator ___Food/Snacks ___Robes ___Anything! ___Fundraising ___Concert Assistance

Contact Information Parent/Guardian name: ___________________ Students name__________________ Home Phone:____________________ Cell Phone:____________________ Email:________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have reviewed the choir handbook and understand the grading policy and class expectations for the 2012-2013 school year. I understand that being a member of a Crossler Choir is a privilege and I agree to abide by the guidelines in this handbook.

______________________________ Student Signature ________________ Date

______________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature __________________ Date