Antioch High

School Choral
Department
Kimberly Kraft McLemore, Director of Choirs
kimberly.mclemore@mnps.org
Website: kkmclemore.weebly.com
Instagram: @antiochchoirs
Facebook: Antioch High School Choir

2016-2017
Course Syllabus/Handbook
Welcome to another year with the Antioch Choral Department!
Course Expectations/Responsibilities
All members are expected to strive to be their personal best and help elevate the
morale of their peers and the choral program. All participants should also work
diligently to be respectful and responsible young adults.
Course Objectives
Each student within the Antioch Choral Department will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate respect for the ensemble and its rehearsals.
2. Demonstrate healthy singing technique and vocal production.
3. Demonstrate the ability to be prepared for all rehearsals and
performances.
4. Demonstrate the ability to interact effectively and respectfully within the
ensemble setting.
5. Demonstrate characteristics of outstanding self-discipline in all aspects of
life.
Grading Policy
75% Content Standards-performances, concerts, rehearsals, state music standards,
etc.
15% Literacy Standards-written responses/reflections to performances, selfevaluations, etc.
10% Professionalism Standards-punctuality, respect, attitude towards ensemble
members, etc.
*Formative and summative grades will be given in each of the above grading
categories in line with the Standards Based Grading practices selected by MNPS.
Membership Attendance Requirements
ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY.
Due to the creative nature of the program and the logistics of building a unified
ensemble sound, each student is required to be at ALL rehearsals and performances
for the entire rehearsal or performance. The performance schedule is given in
advance allowing each student the opportunity to make plans well in advance.
Punctuality is expected and required. If you are early, you are on time, and if you on
time, you are late. The choirs have limited rehearsal time and it is essential that

everyone in the ensemble is present to ensure efficient and effective use of our time
together.
Absences from rehearsals and performances will be unexcused unless they meet
the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Personal illness
Death in the family
A legitimate emergency
Special permission of the director obtained in advance

The following are NOT excuses for missing rehearsals or performances:

a. Work
b. Homework/Projects
c. Social opportunities
Absences should be communicated in advance whenever possible.
Performing Ensembles
Mixed Chorus
This SATB ensemble is open to all students at Antioch High and is not an auditioned
chorus. They are expected to attend and perform in both semester concerts in
addition to attending all in-class rehearsals. They are also expected to attend the
October 12th Chamber Choir/Wind Ensemble performance. There will not be any
regularly scheduled out-of-class rehearsal s, however, there is one AHS Mass Choir
rehearsal (date on choral department schedule) that is mandatory for all AHS choir
students, including mixed chorus students.
Concert attire for this ensemble is all black, dressy attire. (This includes shoes and
socks/stockings)
Womens Chorale
This is an all-female auditioned choir that is open to 9 th-12th grade students. They
are expected to attend and perform in both the fall and spring choral concerts,
MTVA Choral Festival, and the Dessert Evening Performance, in addition to attending
all rehearsals. There will be several after-school rehearsals that will be mandatory
for this ensemble (see choral department schedule).
Concert attire for this ensemble is the previously selected floor-length black dress
and black dress shoes. This dress may be purchased through the school at the
beginning each school year for $65. Fittings will be done in class prior to the group
purchase is made. Necessary alterations will be the responsibility of each student.
There is the opportunity for students to rent a dress from the choral department for
$30 per year. The department has a limited number of dresses and sizes available

and cannot guarantee every students size will be available for rent. These dresses
are rented on a first come, first serve basis. If all the dresses have been rented or
the students size is unavailable, the student will be required to purchase a dress.
Chamber Choir
This SATB choir is auditioned and will be performing multiple times throughout the
year. They will be expected to attend and perform in three concerts, MTVA Choral
Festival, Dessert Evening, and several outreach performances throughout the school
year. They are expected to attend all in-class and after school rehearsals (see choral
department schedule)
Concert attire for this ensemble is the previously selected floor-length black dress
and black dress shoes for ladies and a full tux for gentlemen. This dress/tux may be
purchased through the school at the beginning each school year for $65 (dress) and
$110 (tuxedo). Fittings will be done in class prior to the group purchase is made.
Necessary alterations will be the responsibility of each student. There is the
opportunity for students to rent a dress or tuxedo from the choral department for
$30 (dress) and $50 (tux) per year. The department has a limited number of sizes
available and cannot guarantee every students size will be available for rent. The
concert attire is rented on a first come, first serve basis. If all the dresses/tuxes
have been rented or the students size is unavailable, the student will be required to
purchase their concert attire.
Individual Performance Opportunities
There are several opportunities for students to participate and perform outside of
our school ensembles. Mid-State Honor Choir, All-State Honor Choir, Solo and
Ensemble, MNPS Honor Choir and other local honor choirs allow students the
opportunity to excel individually and receive recognition for their musical
achievements.
Honor Choirs
Auditions for Mid-State Honor Choir will be held on October 20 th-22nd and students in
grades 9-12 are encouraged to audition. Auditions will include two segments of
prepared pieces of music, available at via the MTVA website (www.mtva.org), and a
short sight-reading line. Students selected for Mid-State will attend the honor choir
on the November 14th -15th. The top students from Mid-State will advance to become
a part of the Tennessee All-State Honor Choir at the TMEA State Conference in April
of 2016.
UTM Honor Choir will also be available for selected students to attend. This honor
choir will require students to prepare their music prior to the event in late January.
Solo & Ensemble

Solo and Ensemble Festival is held in late April and gives students an opportunity to
excel individually or within small groups. Students may select their own repertoire
or ask for help from the director to assist in the selection process.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are one of the single biggest factors in the growth and development
of a choir program. The best music programs in the country have a significant
percentage of students that study privately. Students that study privately show
rapid improvement in individual musicianship and thus improve the overall quality
of the choral program. As students improve, their excitement towards practicing
increases and the student becomes a stronger contributor to the success of the
choral program.
Private lessons in voice are available with several private instructors in the area and
the director would be happy to furnish a list of qualified instructors upon request.
Each instructor has their own policy on length of lessons, payment, and availability
and can be contacted directed to set up private lessons.

Choir Festivals
Chamber Choir and Womens Chorale will participate in MTVA Choral Festival and
possibly MNPS Choral Festival during the school year. Each ensemble will sing three
prepared pieces of repertoire and participate in a sight-reading session for scores
and comments from judges.
Rehearsals
It is incredibly important that all rehearsals be productive in order for our goals to
be reached. The following guidelines will ensure we will reach and surpass our
goals.
Rehearsal Procedure
1. Arrive early to the rehearsal.
2. Be prepared and make sure all your music is well practiced.
3. There will be complete focus with no excessive conversation.
4. Follow the guidance of the director, staff or leadership member.
5. Always give 120%, even when you dont feel like it!
Performances
An events and performances calendar will be provided at the beginning of the year.
There is also a calendar posted in the choir room for you to refer to at any time. You
may also check the AHS Facebook page (Antioch High School Choir) for regular
updates and the website kkmclemore@weebly.com to stay informed about

upcoming dates, venues, and other important information . Make arrangements for
all performances well in advance.
Attitude & Conduct
Regardless of ability, if your attitude is not positive, youre not giving your all and
are therefore impacting the overall attitude of the ensemble. Be positive in
rehearsal and performances.

Leadership
There is the opportunity for students to be a part of the Choir Leadership Team for
this coming school year. Students interested in becoming section leaders, helping
organize events, update social media information, and foster relationships within
the department should collect a leadership packet from Mrs. McLemore and submit
it no later than August 9th.
Conduct
All choral students are expected to follow the instruction of any teacher, staff
member or chaperone without question unless instruction is a violation of civil law
or moral standards.
ALL SCHOOL RULES AND POLICIES ARE IN EFFECT AT ALL CHORAL FUNCTIONS.
Any choir member possessing or using any controlled substance including tobacco,
drugs, and alcohol at any choral function is subject to immediate removal from the
organization, referral to school authorities and, if applicable, the appropriate law
enforcement agency.
Students should be respectful of each others personal property. If it isnt yours,
leave it alone.
Be mature. Be respectful. Dont act like an idiot!
As a choir member, you are representing you the choir program, school, family, and
the Antioch community. Do not do anything that will embarrass yourself those you
represent.
Travel Procedures
Chamber Choir and Womens Chorale are required to travel several times
throughout the year. If we are traveling by bus, all school rules are in effect on the
bus. Students are expected to be on their best behavior throughout the entire trip
and should understand that they represent Antioch High School, the Music
Department, their vocal ensemble, and Mrs. McLemore when outside the building.

This responsibility should impact how you choose to behave and interact with other
people.
Funding the Choir Program
The Antioch Choral Program is a part of the AHS Music Boosters. This organization is
coordinated and run by parents of music students. This makes it incredibly
important that we have parent involvement representative of the choral
department. The Boosters are directly responsible for organizing fundraising and are
an integral part of the logistical and organizational operations for the department.
The AHS Choir Department is funded solely by the fundraising activities pf the
students. The bulk of the funds necessary to operate an organization such as this
are generated through student based fundraising. A budget is set by the director
and the executive board of music boosters, and is then divided by the number of
students in the program. This figure then becomes the fair share of the budget
that each member of an auditioned choral ensemble is responsible for. Students will
contribute to their fair share of the choir budget through fundraising, sponsorship,
or individual financial contributions/payments.
The fair share amount of each student will be noted in their individual students
account. Contributions outlined in the fair share payment schedule and this form,
along with the financial contract, must be signed and returned. Statements of each
students account will be e-mailed to members and parents/guardians. Errors in
statements should be brought to the attention of the Music Boosters treasurer
within 30 days of the statement. All statements will be deemed correct after that
time.
Budget overpay may be refunded upon request if made prior to April 2 nd. (This
applies only to payments made out of pocket. IRS regulations prohibit cash refunds
o fundraising credits). If you have an excess amount in your credit balance, you can
either request a refund in writing, or donate the credit to the general choir fund.
Several fundraising opportunities are offered throughout the year to generate funds
to offset the fair share amount.
The fair share amount of all auditioned choir member is $65 annually. Payment due
dates are as follow:
September 9th ($35)
February 3rd ($30)
Definition of Good Standing
Students wishing to participate in additions ensembles and honor programs,
including but not limited to Mid-State Honor Band/Choir, Honor Band/Choirs, and

Winter Guard, must be in good standing. Many of the audition only groups require
that a student be a member in good standing in their own school music program.
In order for a director to approve a student at Antioch as a member in good
standing they must meet the following criteria:
a. Be enrolled in a music class, if applicable
b. Meet all participation and attendance requirements
c. Students who do not maintain class enrollment or other good standing
requirements will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular music
department trips
Charms
Each student in an auditioned ensemble will have a charm account. This program
allows you to log on and see your statements and balance for your fair share
payments and choral attire rental/purchase fees. The boosters cannot issue you an
account unless we have the choral information sheets completed and returned. This
is the information that will be generated in the charms program for you to receive
login information.
Staying Informed
Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have questions or concerns. We
LOVE and NEED family involvement! Here are some ways that you can stay
informed and connected:
1. Join us on Facebook at Antioch High School Choirs
2. Visit the AHS Choir Website at kkmclemore@weebly.com and follow the tabs to
the choir page.
3. Add us on Instagram @antiochchoirs
4. E-mail the director:
Kimberly.mclemore@mnps.org
5. E-mail the Music Booster President:
president@antiochband.net
6. Call the choir room: 615-641-5400 ex. 1022