Oostburg High School Vocal Jazz and

Pop

2016-2017

Handbook

Director: Jenna Howell

Contact Info
jenna.howell@oostburg.k12.wi.us
(920) 564-2346 ext. 1154
Welcome to Vocal Jazz and Pop! This class is open to all interested students
who wish to experience the non-traditional, contemporary side of vocal
music education. Students enrolled in this choir will be grouped into
ensembles that best fit their skill and experience level as well as be able to
enjoy large-group arrangements. Much of this class will be spent preparing
for the Vocal Jazz component of our local Solo and Ensemble/State
competition in the Spring.
Grading Practice: Pass/Fail A passing grade will be given to those
students who attend all scheduled performances and who actively
participate during each rehearsal.
Here are our goals for the year:

To be able to recognize and define a variety of music symbols, terms,

and notation
To be able to evaluate different contemporary musical styles
To be able to distinguish and adapt ones role within unison, two-part,
three-part and four-part jazz and pop arrangements
To be able to recognize and apply proper vocal techniques throughout
rehearsal time
Taking part in performance opportunities as they arise within the
school calendar, with attention to proper concert etiquette, stage
presence and performance expectations
Developing a sensitivity towards composers intent and meaning
through musical text
To be able to incorporate jazz scat syllables and non-traditional vocal
techniques into practiced repertoire

A note concerning Vocal Labs: Due to schedule restraints, labs will only
be required for those high school choral students also enrolled in Voice
and/or Concert Choir. In other words, students only enrolled in Vocal Jazz and
Pop are not required to attend a lab in order to satisfy a passing grade in
this class. However, if extra help within repertoire is needed, the student
may be asked (or can request themselves) to schedule a lab.
This class satisfies the following National Standards for Music
Education:

Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music

Reading and notating music
Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
Evaluating music and music performances
Understanding music in relation to history and culture

In order to achieve all of our goals and be the best group we can be,
these guidelines should be followed:

Be on time and prepared for class

Always be positive and prepared to practice difficult and unfamiliar
vocal techniques
Bring other class materials to work on, in the case that your particular
group is not being rehearsed with on a particular day
Don't disrupt class by making excessive noise or being distracting
during rehearsal
Always be your best musician!
Respect yourself, respect others, respect your director!
No food or drink (with the exception of water) will be allowed in the
choir room

Materials Needed:

Folder and pencil for every rehearsal

Performances:
Students will attend every scheduled performance. Only family emergencies
and illness will be considered for an excused absence. In the case of a
conflict, the student can turn in a written excuse prior to the scheduled
performance. If a written excuse or phone call is not submitted for the
performance, the student will be considered unexcused. Grading for each
performance will be based upon: arriving to concert before call time, proper
dress attire, and professional behavior at all events. In the case of an
emergency, please call (920) 564-2346 ext.1154 and leave a message.
Concert Attire: TBD according to performance setting