Professional Documents
Culture Documents
ChoralMusicDepartment
<The human
experience expressed
through sound>
StudentChoralHandbook
20162017
Welcome
ChoirFamilies,
WelcometoanewyearhereatApollo!Iamlookingforwardtowhatisinstoreforthisyearof
learningandsinging.Pleasereadthroughthepacketandreturntheformattheend.Concerts
arelistedhere,postedtotheApolloActivitiespage,andarealsoonmyTeacherPage/Weebly
Website.
Feelfreetocalloremailwithanyquestions.
VictoriaJanasz
victoria.janasz@isd742.org
3202531600x2122
Office:A112B
Table of Contents:
Mission Statement
Philosophy
National Standards
Ensemble Descriptions
Rules and Procedures
Performances
Grading Policies
Concert Attire
Parent Communications
Choir Calendar
Performance Opportunities
Tours and Fundraising
Varsity Lettering Requirements
Forms
Student and Parent Commitment Form
Uniform Contract Form
Mission Statement:
TheApolloHighSchoolMusicDepartmentdevotesitselftothestudyofmusic,individual
technique,andensembleskills.Westrivetocontinuouslyexposestudentstoavarietyof
musicliterature,includingthatofvariousstylesandcultures.Weshall,throughrehearsal
andperformance,achieveahighdegreeoflearningandperformanceexcellence,developa
love,understandingandappreciationofmusicandlearntheskillsnecessarytosuccessfully
participateinanyApolloensemble.
Teaching Philosophy:
Ibelievethepurposeofeducationistoinspirestudentsgrowthtowardshigherlevelsof
excellenceandlifelonglearning.Itismyhopetogivestudentstheinstructiontheyneedto
bethebesttheycanbeinmusicandbeyond!
Musicisthehumanexperienceexpressedthroughsound.Itspansovervarioussubjects
fromforeignlanguage,toart,socialstudies,languagearts,science,math,andthelistgoes
on!Everycontentareaholdsitsownuniquepurposeandwhenaddedtogethercreatesa
masterpiece.
Iplaceaveryhighvalueoncreatingapositivelearningcommunitywhereallstudents
thriveinacaringandsafeenvironment.Everyoneisencouragedtotrynewthings,tofail
andtosucceed.Thisishowwelearn.
Learningoccursinmanydifferentwaysintheclassroom.Iteachwithvariousmethodsand
useavarietyoflearningstylesthroughoutrehearsalandinstruction.Irecognizeevery
studentlearnsdifferentlyandwanttodomybesttomeeteachstudentwheretheylearn
best.
Mydesiretoteachmusicisrootedinmypassiontoinspirestudentstocreateexceptional
andmeaningfulmusic.Itiscenteredonmyconvictionthatmusicholdsthepotentialto
havealastingimpactinthelivesofstudents.
7.Evaluatingmusicandmusicperformances
8.Understandingrelationshipsbetweenmusic,theotherarts,anddisciplinesoutsidethe
arts
9.Understandingmusicinrelationtohistoryandculture
Ensemble Descriptions
FRESHMANMEN
Yearlongcourse(1.5credit)
MembershipinFreshmanChoirisopentoanystudentingradenine.Therewillbe
variouspublicperformancesthroughouttheyear.Studentsareexpectedtoparticipate
insmallgroupvocalinstructionaswellasthemainensemble.Propervocaltechniques,
musicsightreadingskills,andbasicmusicalknowledgewillbetaughtinthisclass
throughthestudyofhighqualitychoralliterature.Occasionalperformances,practices,
andothereventsoutsideofregularschoolhoursarerequiredaspartofthegrading
procedure.
FRESHMANWOMEN
Yearlongcourse(1.5credit)
MembershipinFreshmanChoirisopentoanystudentingradenine.Therewillbe
variouspublicperformancesthroughouttheyear.Studentsareexpectedtoparticipate
insmallgroupvocalinstructionaswellasthemainensemble.Propervocaltechniques,
musicsightreadingskills,andbasicmusicalknowledgewillbetaughtinthisclass
throughthestudyofhighqualitychoralliterature.Occasionalperformances,practices,
andothereventsoutsideofregularschoolhoursarerequiredaspartofthegrading
procedure.
VARSITYCHOIR
Women414541464147Men414341444148
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(3credits)
Prerequisite:InstructorApproval/Discretion
MembershipinVarsityChoirisopentoanystudentingrades1012.Thischoirisa
naturalprogressionfrom9thgradechoirandfocusesoncontinuedvocaldevelopment.
Previouschoralexperienceisnotaprerequisiteforthiscoursebutdirectorapprovalis
required.Thisensemblewillperformatvariouspublicperformancesthroughoutthe
year.Anyoutsiderehearsalswillbeannouncedwellinadvanceofthedate.
WOMENSCHOIR
417041714172
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(3credits)
Prerequisite:InstructorsApproval
WomensChoirisopentofemalestudentsingrades10,11,and12.Theensemblewill
performatvariousconcertsandotherpublicfunctionsrequiringvocalentertainment.
Previouschoralexperienceisnotaprerequisiteforthiscourse.Studentswillbe
expectedtoparticipateinsmallgroupinstructionandlessonsaspartofthegrading
process.Performancesand/orrehearsalsoutsideoftheschooldaymaybenecessary,
butwillbeannouncedwellinadvanceofthedate.
CONCERTCHOIR
416041614162
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(3credits)
Prerequisite:Audition/InstructorsApproval
TheConcertChoirisanadvancedchoralensemblewithmembershipopentoall
sophomore,junior,andseniorstudentsonanauditionbasis.Previouschoral
experience,whilehelpfulandstronglyrecommended,isnotarequirement.Various
performanceswillbescheduledthroughouttheyeartheseperformanceswillbe
includedinthegradingscaleoftheclass.Performancesandsomerehearsalsmay
needtooccuroutsideoftheschooldaythesewillbeannouncedwellinadvanceand
arealsopartofthegradingprocess.TheConcertChoirtoursbiannuallyandserves
asambassadorsfortheApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsdepartment.
CHAMBERCHOIR
415041514152
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(1.5credits)
Meet:Tuesdaysbeforeschool.
Prerequisite:MembershipinChoralEnsemble/Audition
Rules
1. Cometoclassreadytosingwithfolder,chorallog,andpencil.
2. Takecareofbusinesspriortobeginningofclass(water/bathroom)
3. Berespectfultoself,others,andteacher.
4. Befullyengagedinclasswithsingingandattitude.
5. Nofoodorgum.
6. Havefun!
Procedures
StartingClass:
1. Classbeginswhenthebellrings.Ontimemeansyouareinyourseatwith
folder,chorallog,andpencil.Studentsnotintheirseatswillbemarkedtardy.
Studentsnotintheirseatwithin5minuteswillbemarkedabsent.Studentsnotin
theirseatwithin10minuteswillbemarkedtruant.
2. Backpacksshouldbeplacedatthesideoftheroom.
3. YouwillknowwhenitistimetostartclassorbeginsomethingnewwhenMs.
Janaszshandisintheair.Studentswillrespondbyplacingahandintheair.
4. Classbeginswithwarmups.Quietlystandandcheckposturewhenyouhear
thepianoorseeMs.Janaszshandintheair.
5. AttendancewillbetakenbysectionleadersviapostitsandputonMs.Janaszs
computer.
DuringClass:
6. Therewillbeaneedonoccasiontomovearoundtheroomandstudentsshould
feelfreetodosoduringgivenactivities.Studentsareotherwisetoremainin
theirassignedspotduringrehearsal.
7. Rehearsalswillrequirebothsittingandstanding.Pleasebepromptinstanding
andsittingwhenaskedtodosoinordertocontributetoasmoothrehearsal.
8. Bathroombreaksneedtobekepttoaminimumduringrehearsal.Ifyouneedto
usethebathroomusethebathroomsign.Ms.Janaszwillindicateifitisagood
timetoleavetheroom.
9. Waterbreakswillnotbeallowed.Studentsareencouragedtobringawater
bottletoclass.
10. Ifastudentneedstoleavetheroomforanyotherreasontheyneedtoraisetheir
hand.
11. Anystudentleavingclassneedstohavepermissionandneedstohaveeitherthe
bathroompass,agreenpass,goldpassorbluepass.
12. Studentswhobecomeillduringclasswillneedabluenursespass.
13. Anystudentthatneedstoleaveearlywithanypass(yelloworgreen)needsto
showMs.Janaszthepasspriortothebeginningofclass.
14. Cellphonesarenotallowedinclass.ReffertotheP.E.D.Policy
15. Excessivetalkinginclassisnotallowed.Excessivetalkingwillresultinlossof
dailyparticipationpoints.
16. Pencilsarerequiredforrehearsal.Donotwriteinpenonanymusic.
Ms.Janaszwillprovideapenciltoeachstudentatthebeginningoftheyear.
Pleasesharpenpencilspriortothebeginningofclass.
EndingClass:
17. Attheendofclassmusicneedstobeputinyourfolderandinyourfolderslot.If
musicisbeingcollectedattheendofclassmusic,pleaseplacemusicneatlyon
thestand.
18. Pleasereturnchairstotheiroriginalspotintheroom.
19. ClassisdismissedbythebellorbyMs.Janasz.Studentsarenottopackup
earlyorwalktothedoor.
StudentWork:
20. ChoralLogsshouldbeplacedinyourappropriateclasscubbyevery
Thursday/Friday.Anycoursework/formswillbeturnedintothesamecubby.
21. ChoralLogsnotturnedinwillnotbegraded.Studentsmaystillturnintheir
ChoralLogforcredit,butwillneedtodosothenexttimetheyarecollected.
Pleasemakenotethatyouareturninginlateworkaviapostitonthefrontof
yourlog.Thisletsmeknowthereissomethingnewtograde.
22. AnymissingworkwillbemarkedassuchonSkyward.
23. Incompleteworkwillresultinlossofpoints.However,pointscanbemadeupby
completingthework.Pleasemakenotethatyoumadecorrectionstoyourwork
viaapostitonthefrontofyourlog.Thisletsmeknowthereissomethingnew
tograde.
24. PleasewriteneatlysoIcanunderstandyourwork.Illegibleworkmaybehanded
backungraded.
25. AnystudentabsentfromclasswillneedtochecktheChoralLogtoseewhatwas
missedfromthedayabsent.Itisthestudentsresponsibilitytotoseewhatthey
missedfromthatday.
NewStudents
26. AnynewstudentthatjoinsduringtheyearneedstomeetwithMs.Janaszto
completeavocalplacement.
Performance Expectations
Allstudentsareexpectedtoparticipateinscheduledconcerts.Theseconcertsarethe
finalassessmentofstudentlearning.Thesearemeanttobemeaningfultimeswhere
studentssharewhatwehavebeenworkingonasachoir.Everymemberisvitaltothe
successofperformances.Pleaseputthesedatesinyourcalendar.
Shouldillnessorafamilyemergencypreventastudentfromparticipating,pleaseemail
Ms.Janaszpriortotheconcert.Amakeupassignmentwillbegiventothestudent.
Pleasenotethatexcusedabsencesarerareandonlyunderthespecificationsabove.
Ifthereisanyothermajorconflictwithaconcertdate,emailMs.Janaszpriorto2
weeksbeforetheconcert.Amakeupassignmentwillbegiventothestudent.
Makeupassignmentscanbefoundonmywebsiteunderthematerialstab.
Grading Policy
Participation/DailyWork50%
Assignments20%
Performances30%
Participation/DailyWork50%
Everystudentbeginsrehearsalwith10participationpoints.
Pointsarelostbynotadheringtothefollowing.
1. ChoralLogEntries*
2. RehearsalEtiquette
a. Beontimewithpencil,folder,andchorallog
(nopackinguporleavingearly)
b. Berespectfultoself,others,andteacher
c. Nofoodorgum
d. Takecareofbusinesspriortobeginningofclass(water/bathroom)
3.Participation
a.Befullyengagedinrehearsal(withsingingandmovement)
b.Makepositivecontributionstorehearsalwithcommentsandattitude.
c.Putalldistractionsaway(bags,laptops,phones,andothercoursework)
Assignments20%
Thesewillbewrittenassignmentsthatwillbecompletedthroughoutthe
trimester.Thesewillincludememorizationassignments,research,and
reflections.
AllassignmentsshouldbecompletedinChoralLog.*
Performance30%
Scheduledperformances(seeschedule)
IndividualLessons
Lessons
Allstudentswillberequiredtotakeoneprivatevoicelessonduringeachtrimester.(10
minutes)LessonswillbeginMonday,September12th.Studentswillsignupfortheir
lessonsonMs.Janaszsdoor.Lessonswillbeheldbeforeschool,duringperiod2and
afterschool.Pleaseseesignupformorespecifictimes.Lessonswillaccountforhalf
oftheperformancegrade(15%).PleaseNote:Failuretoshowupforlessontimewill
resultina0.
*ChoralLog
AllstudentsinchoirwillkeepaChoralLog.
ChoralLogswillbecollectedeveryThursday/Friday.Itisrecommendedthatstudents
keeptheirChoralLogsintheirassignedfolderslottoavoidmissingentries.Students
willberesponsibletokeeptheirLogsuptodate.Studentsmusthaveanotebook.
Important:Ifyoumissclassforanyreason(excusedorunexcused)itisyour
responsibilitytocheckthechorallogoraskaclassmatewhatyoumissed.AskMs.
Janaszifyouhavequestions.
CellPhones/Laptops:Cellphones/laptopsarenotallowedinclass.RefertoP.E.D.
Policy
Concert Attire
FreshmenWomen
ConcertBlack
~Blackdressorblackdresspantsandblackshirt(notanktops,jeansoryoga
pants/dressesshouldbewithin23inchesfromthetopoftheknee)
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
FreshmenMen
ConcertBlack
~Blackdresspantsandblackdressshirt(nojeans)
~Blacksocks
~Blackdressshoes(notennisshoes)
VarsityChoir
ConcertBlack
Women:
Blackdressorblackdresspantsandblackshirt(notanktops,jeansoryoga
pants/dressesshouldbewithin23inchesfromthetopoftheknee)
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
Men:
~Blackdresspantsandblackdressshirt(nojeans)
~Blacksocks
~Blackdressshoes(notennisshoes)
WomensChoir
ConcertBlack
~Blackdressorblackdresspantsandblackshirt(notanktops,jeansoryoga
pants/dressesshouldbewithin23inchesfromthetopoftheknee)
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
ConcertChoir
ConcertDress
Women:
~ConcertDressesandPearls
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
Men:
~Tuxes(theschoolwillprovideajacketandbowtie)
Studentsmayneedtobringtheirownwhitedressshirtandblackpantsifwedo
nothaveenoughatschool.
~Blacksocks
~Blackdressshoes
Parent Communications
Itisimportantforstudents,parents,andteacherstoallbeonthesamepageregarding
studentinvolvementinschool.Inchoir,Iseethisespeciallyimportantwhenitcomes
timefordressrehearsalsandconcerts.Yoursupportandencouragementofsuch
functionsisverymuchappreciated.
Therewillalsobeotherperformancesthroughouttheyear,suchassingingtheNational
Anthematsportingevents,910HonorChoir,Caroling,SoloEnsemble,MensA
cappellaFestival,NightoftheStars,AllStateChoir,LargeGroupContest,andthe
ApolloVarietyShow.Someoftheseeventshavebeenplannedsincelastyear,while
othersmaybeaddedtothislist.Theseperformancesarenotrequired,however,they
areenrichmentopportunitiesforsingers.Tostayuptodateonwhatitcomingup,
pleasevisitmywebsite:www.apollochoir.weebly.comandlookunderthemusic
opportunitiestab.
Iwillalsosendoutemailspriortoconcertswithremindersaboutcalltime,concertattire
andanyotherneededinformation.Iwillalsosendanemailifanewmusicopportunity
arisesforyourchildthroughouttheyear.Mostoftheseemailswillhavealinktomy
websiteformoreinformation.
Choir Calendar
Thedatesinboldareforallchoirsorhighlightanindividualchoirthatwillbeperforming.
Foracalendarviewfollowthelinkatthebottomofthepage.
FallConcertOctober17,2016@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenter
(CalltimeTBD)
ChoralConnections(ConcertChoir)@SCSUNovember1,2016@7:30pmDressRehearsal
timeTBD
FallPlayNovember1719@7:30pm,20th@2:30pm,2526@7:30pm,and27th@2:30pm.
HolidayConcertDecember19,2016@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArts
Center(CalltimeTBD)
SoloEnsemble@TechHighSchool(SelectStudentsandChamberChoir)February1,2017
(AllDay)
NightoftheStars@Paramount(AuditionedStudents,ChamberChoir,ChoirsTBD)February
2425,2017@7:30pm
**NOTSDressRehearsalsFebruary2023duringtheafternoon/evening//Timeswillvarybyact
SpringConcertMarch6,2017@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenter
(CalltimeTBD)
LargeGroup@Apollo(ChoirsTBD)DateTBD(March7thor8th,2017)(AllDay)
CLCHonorChoirRehearsal@Alexandria(SelectStudents)March27,20174pm8pm
***(Dismissal2pm,departure2:15pm)
CLCMusicFestival@Alexandria(ConcertChoir)March31,2017AllDay
AMosaicofGifts(DressRehearsal)@BethlehemLutheranChurch,St.Cloud
(ConcertChoir)April29,2017@10:30am1pm
AMosaicofGifts@BethlehemLutheranChurch,St.Cloud(ConcertChoir)April30,2017
@4pm
ApolloVarietyShow(TechRehearsal)May17,20173:305:30,May18,3:305:30//Timeswill
varybyact
ApolloVarietyShowMay19,2017@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenter
EndoftheYearConcertMay22,2017@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArts
Center(CalltimeTBD)
Graduation@River'sEdgeConventionCenter(ConcertChoir)June2,2017@7:30pm
(CalltimeTBD)
Performance Opportunities
~See www.apollochoir.weebly.com for details under the music opportunities tab~
Singing the National Anthem at Sporting Events
9-10 Honor Choir
Caroling
Fall Play
Solo Ensemble
Night of the Stars
Spring Play
Large Group
All-State
Apollo Variety Show
willstillfundraiseinpreparationfornextyear.Informationregardingfundraisingwillbe
senthomeinthenearfuture.
EachtrimesterinanensemblewithagradeofA
EachtrimesterinanensemblewithagradeofB
EachtrimesterinanensemblewithagradeofC
Perfectattendanceforentireyear
20
Thisincludesall
rehearsalsand
performances.
Perfectattendanceforonetrimester
Willbeawardedforeach
trimesteraccountedfor
SectionLeader
Mustleadsectionals
outsideofclasstime
AuditioningforHonorChoir
ParticipationinHonorChoir
10
ParticipationinSolo/EnsembleFestival
10
Pointswillbeawardedfor
participationinsoloor
smallensemble
SingingNationalAnthematschoolevents
20pointmaximum
Attendingoutsideperformance(withproof)
20pointmaximum
Auditioningforasoloinperformancerepertoire
Auditionwillbeprivate
Privatevoicelessonsoutsideofschool
10
Pointsawardedper8
lessonstaken
Singinginacommunityorchurchchoir
10
Awardedforentireyear
Participationinsummermusiccamp
20
Pointsawardedforany
discipline
Specialevents/instances
XXX
Pointsawardedatdirector
discretion
StudentContactInformationForm
PleasefilloutthefollowinginformationandsigntheChoralCommitmentForm.
ReturntoMs.JanaszbyFriday,September16,2016.
ChildName:___________________________________________________
Parent/GuardianName(s):_________________________________________________
BestContactPhone:______________________________________________
BestContactAddress:____________________________________________________
PreferredEmailContact:__________________________________________________
ChoralCommitmentForm
I,________________________(StudentName)havereadandunderstandthechoirrules,
procedures,andrequirementsformychoralclass.
__________________________(StudentName)isabletoparticipateintherequiredchoral
activitiesasfollows:
ChoralConnections(ConcertChoironly)@SCSUNovember1,2016@7:30pm
FallConcertOctober17,2016@7:30pm
HolidayConcertDecember19,2016@7:30pm
NightoftheStars@Paramount(ChamberChoironly)February2425,2017@7:30pm
SpringConcertMarch6,2017@7:30pm
AMosaicofGifts(DressRehearsal)(ConcertChoironly)April29,2017@10:30am1pm
EndoftheYearConcertMay22,2017@7:30pm
Graduation(ConcertChoironly)June2,2017@7:30pm
Student
Signature____________________________________________________Date_____________
Parent/Guardian
Signature__________________________________________________Date_______________
Pleaselistanyquestionorconcernsthatyoumayhaveinthespacebelow:
UniformContract
(WomensChoirandConcertChoirOnly)
ConcertAttiremustbereturnedingoodconditionattheendoftheschoolyear.Replacement
feesareasfollows:
WomensConcertDress:$75
MensTuxJacket:$75
MensTuxPants:$35
I,__________________________________,committo:
Maintainconcertattireingoodcondition
Takecareoftailoringandrepairsasneeded(informingMs.Janaszwhensuchisdone)
CleanmyuniformasinstructedontagbeforeIreturnitattheendoftheschoolyear(Tuxes
mustbeturnedintobedrycleaned)
Paythefullreplacementvalue(asseenabove)ofanymissingordamageditemsbeforeI
graduate.Seniorsmustreturnconcertdressattirepriortograduation.
ParentSignature__________________________________Date______________
StudentSignature_________________________________Date______________