Sample High School

Choir Hand Book

2017-2018
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the Sample High School Choral Music department! We have an exciting
year planned, and each and every one of our students will play an integral role in the success of
our program. This year we have many very exciting things planned for your students to
participate in. It is our goal to help your student(s) grow as a musician through various
performance settings, as well as by giving them insight into the styles of different musical eras
including the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern Eras. We also look
forward to working with your student to improve their vocal technique, through exploring vocal
production as both an art and a science.
Please read through the entirety of this handbook carefully. We will hold all expectations in
this handbook throughout the year, and the students are expected to know and follow them. In
this hand book you will find:
My teaching philosophy
SHS Choirs mission statement
Ensembles
Grading Policy
Attendance Policy
Ensemble Audition Requirements
Uniform Policy
Other Forms
The first GRADED assignment for the students will be for the students to complete and
return the following pages in this handbook BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017:

Acknowledgement page
Emergency medical form
I hope that you will find the information in this handbook very useful in the year to come!
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me through email at
name@email.com or on my office phone at (xxx) xxx-xxxx.

I look forward to a terrific year!

Sincerely,
Mr. James Flaherty
Sample High School
Director of Choirs
 Mr. Flahertys Teaching Philosophy
In my program students of all ability levels will work to become the best musicians they
can be. All students have the ability to perform in my ensembles as long as they are willing to
put in the work required of them. Students in my choir can expect to be exposed to a variety of
musical styles and time periods to expand their knowledge in music. As well as this varied
section of choral repertoire, students will be expected to learn a wide array of vocal techniques
to improve upon their own abilities at all levels in the choirs. On top of being able to perform a
wide array of music, students in my class will be expected to Create, Perform, Respond and
Connect in accordance with the National Standards for Music Education. Students will
accomplish this by learning musical theories in the context of the varied repertoire that they
will be guided through by me. My classroom will be a safe space for students musical
education, and for the free emotional expression without the fear of judgment or any reason.
Students musical education in my class will be valued for four reason. The first of these reasons
is for the scientifically proven fact that music education does not hinder an education in the
core subject but instead helps to support it. Second for the inherent emotional outlet for
students that is almost therapeutic and crucial for students well-being in an intrinsic reward.
Music education is also to be valued help create well rounded individuals which is an overriding
theme in our childrens education, and in our culture that is so engulfed in music through our
history and popular culture. Most importantly music education in my class is to be valued
because music on its own is worth to study for the sake of study. All of these states that I hold
to be truths in my classroom and will be upheld, and I am willing to discuss these at any time
for any reason should there be any concern.

SHS Choirs Mission Statement

In the SHS choral music department we are looking to nurture into becoming
accomplished musicians. We will provide the students with opportunities to develop their
singing, performance and musicianship skills. The SHS choral music department will be a safe
environment where students can grow in their leadership, creativity, and self-esteem. All
students in the SHS choral music department will be treated, and will treat others with respect,
regardless of any aspect of who they are.

Ensembles
Concert Choir
Sample High Singers*
Chamber Choir*
Sample High Singers*
Varsity Show Choir*
JV Show Choir*
*Auditioned ensembles. See audition requirements.
 Grading Policy
Students will be evaluated based on attitude, effort/improvement, tests and quizzes,
attendance at required events, and post-performance reflections. Parents/Guardians are
encouraged to consult with the director at any time in regards to their students progress. The
following items will be the focus of the instruction in this choir program:

Music Literacy and Theory

Vocal Technique and production
Music History, and the culture that surrounds it
Ensemble Skills
And the critical thinking skills as they relate to the aesthetic appreciation of the art
form.
Grades will be assigned in three weighted categories, with assignments and quizzes given as
need to measure growth as a musician, and to test their understanding. The way these areas
will be weighted is:
1. Performance/Required Attendance- 50%
Because choir is a performance based subject, students who are enrolled in
choirs participation in these performance is MANDATORY. The live performance
is the way we will be able to assess the skills and knowledge that we are
developing every day in class. Also in our ensembles every voice is equally
important, and therefore if one voice is missing than the overall quality of the
ensemble is diminished
Students will receive 100 point for each of our concerts, and to earn full credit
students will arrive with all of the materials need for performance as instructed
by Mr. Flaherty, in concert attire.
15 points will be deducted if a students is tardy to the call time established by
Mr. Flaherty, both in the handbook and in class information
25 points will be deducted if the student does not have the correct performance
materials, or concert attire
If a student is seen not displaying proper concert etiquette (i.e. talking, texting,
extraneous movement) the student will lose 5 points for each occurrence
If a student fails to attend a performance, without getting permission in writing
from Mr. Flaherty they will receive a ZERO for that performance. If the student is
given written permission from Mr. Flaherty to not be in the performance, an
alternate assessment will be given.
2. Assignments/Quizzes- 30%
Students will be given assignments and quizzes routinely on everything from
sight-reading abilities to knowledge of performance repertoire. Students may
also be given worksheets as homework to help solidify understanding on new
 materials covered in class. Students will be given written assignments following
each major performance. Each written assignment will be given a rubric to allow
for clear understanding of what is expected of them.
3. Daily Participation-20%
Students participation is vital to the entirety of the ensemble to be able to reach
its highest level of success, and therefore will weigh heavily into the grade of the
class. Students will begin each day with 3 points, losing a single point with each
instance of nonparticipation, including:
Missing music
Missing pencil
Gum/candy
Tardiness to class
Use of cell phones and other electronic devices unless instructed*
Not singing**
Talking out of turn
Mr. Flaherty also reserves the right to deduct points for other issues of non-
participation following a verbal warning based on his own discretion.
*Students will occasionally be asked to use cellphone or other devices as recording
tools, or for research
**Students who are unable to sing due to poor health will be expected to sit and
observe the rehearsal and fill out a rehearsal evaluation, which will be found in the
binder on Mr. Flahertys filing cabinet, and is to be returned to the same binder.
 Attendance Policy
As a member of SHS Choirs, students have an obligation to be in attendance at school,
rehearsals and their performances to be able to reach our highest levels of success. The work
that is done is rehearsal and performances cannon be reproduced, and students who miss
rehearsal and performances will have a difficult time keeping up with their fellow class mates
1. All members of SHS choirs are expected to have good daily attendance at the school.
Students who are frequently missing school are frequently missing rehearsals, and not
able to support the rest of the choir.
2. Students will be expected to make a portion of time from excused rehearsal absences by
watching a recording of the rehearsal, and filling out a rehearsal reflection form found in
the binder on Mr. Flahertys filing cabinet to earn participation points for that day.
Rehearsal videos will be made available only to students who make the arrangements
to make up that time.
3. Rehearsal absence, and tardiness will be dealt with in conjunction with SHS attendance
policy, found in the student handbook
4. Performances will count be excused for the following reasons:
a. Medical emergencies or personal injury (requires signed note from doctor)
b. Death in the family
c. Another extracurricular event which was approved at least one month prior to
the concert
5. Students will be given an alternative assignment should they be excused from a
performance
6. Examples of unexcused absences from performance will include, but are not limited to:
a. Work
b. Oversleeping
c. Transportation issues
d. Babysitting
e. Mr. Flahertys Discretion
7. Students with an unexcused absences in a performance will receive a ZERO for that
event, and will not be allowed the opportunity to make up the points
8. Chronic absenteeism from school, multiple unexcused absences from performances,
and multiple tardies may result in:
a. Grade Reduction
b. Loss of performance status
c. Removal from all SHS Choir social activities
d. Complete removal from SHS choir program
 Ensemble Audition Requirements
For auditioned ensemble a panel of no less than will make all decisions on students
admittance into ensembles. Students are expected to show up to their designated audition
time to perform selected audition excerpts, which will be discussed 2 weeks prior to audition.
Students will also be expected to turn in a completed background information form at the time
of their audition. Failure to be at audition during designated time without contacting Mr.
Flaherty will result in dismissal from audition process. Students will be dismissed from
auditioned ensemble should they fail to comply with aforementioned policies.

Uniform Policy
Students will be responsible for purchasing their own uniforms. All choirs, excluding the
commercial music ensembles will perform in the same uniform. The uniform for the women will
be a black, short sleeved, floor length, concert dress. The men will be wear black Tuxedoes with
white wing tip collar tuxedo shirts, blue bowties and vests, with the men in Concert Choir
adding an orange pocket square. Tuxedoes and dresses will be ordered by the school after
measurements are taken by local tailors, and will be paid for by the students, which will be
separate from their annual choir fees (Men- $115, Women-$80). Choral uniforms are only to be
worn for choral performances, and any damages done to the uniforms will require the students
to purchase a new tuxedo or dress. Men will be provide their own black dress shoes, and plain
black dress socks, Nike socks or outlandishly designed dress socks will not be permitted.
Women will provide their own black closed toed shoes. Heels should not exceed 1 to 2
inches. Women will not be required to wear stockings but should they choose to they must be
flesh toned. Students will be allowed to keep their tuxedoes and dresses after they leave the
choir program. Commercial music ensemble uniforms are to be decided on by the members of
the ensemble, and then approved by the director. Students failing to meet the approved
uniforms in CME performances will immediately be removed from the ensemble If there is an
issue with students being unable to afford these fees, please contact Mr. Flaherty.
 Calendar

Date Event Place/Time Who is involved?

Tues., Sept.
WIU District IV Workshop WIU-All Day Interested Students
16, 2014

Thurs, Sept. 9-12 Grade Choir

Stunt Night MHS Gym- 7:00pm
18, 2014 members-required

PORTA School
Mon., October
IMEA District Auditions Interested Students
13, 2014
All Day

Wed., October Fellheimer Aud. 9-12 Grade Choir

HS Fall Choir Concert
15, 2014 7:00pm members-required

Oct. 21-Nov. 4, All Choir students grades

Annual Poinsettia Sale N/A
2014 6-12

Sat., Nov. 1,
IMEA District Festival WIU- All Day Selected Students
2014

Tues., Nov. 11, West Central Conference

WIU- All Day Interested Students
2014 Music Festival

Tues., Dec. 2, Fellheimer Auditorium- 2-5

Poinsettia Distribution
2014 pm

Wed., Dec. 3, Fellheimer Aud. 9-12 Grade Choir

HS Winter Choir Concert
2014 7:00pm members-required

St. Pauls Church

WIU Holiday Festival of Concert Choir and
Sat., Dec. 6, Time: 9:30-11:30am
Choirs Madrigal Singers-
2014
Dress rehearsal required

WIU Holiday Festival of St. Pauls Church Concert Choir and

Sat., Dec. 6,
Choirs Performances: 2:00pm and Madrigal Singers-
2014
Performances 7:30pm required
Jan. 28-31, Selected Students-11-12
IMEA All State Peoria, IL
2015 grade

Mon. Feb. 9, 9-12 Grade Choir

6-12 grade Pops Concert Commons- 5:30-8:00pm
2015 members-required

Place: Warsaw Interested Students

Sat. March 7,
IHSA Solo and Ensemble
2015
Time-All Day Madrigals-required

Place: MHS

9-12 Grade Choir

April 18, 2015 IHSA Organization Contest Time: am performances
members-required

Thurs., May 7, 6-8 grade Spring Choir Mens Ensemble will

Fellheimer Auditorium
2015 Concert perform

Fellheimer Aud.
Mon., May 11, *7:30pm 9-12 Grade Choir
HS Spring Choir Concert
2015 *note later start time due members-required
to athletic conflict

Sat., May 23, MHS Graduation-Concert

Western Hall-7:30pm Concert Choir-required
2015 Choir will sing
 Acknowledgment Form
Parent/Guardian
I,_______________________, hereby acknowledge that I have read the entirety of this
handbook, and verify that I will hold my child to the standard set forth in these policies as they
are laid out before. As a parent should I have any questions about the policies as they are
presented before me I will contact Mr. Flaherty. I, as the parent/guardian of a student in the
Sample High School choral music department agree to support my child in his/her participation
in choir and to help foster the sense of pride, teamwork, and success that they can acquire
through such participation.

______________________________________ __________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Student

I,__________________ understand that my failure to abide by this agreement may result in

appropriate action including: teacher/student conferences, teacher/parent conferences, grade
penalization, discipline referrals, and dismissal from the Sample High School choral music
department. I also hereby accept all of the responsibilities placed on me as a member of the
SHS choral music department, and am excited to start the new year!

______________________________________ __________
Student Signature Date
 Choral Audition Form

Name: _______________________________________________ Telephone #: _____________________

Address: _____________________________________________ Email: __________________________
____________________________________________________ Zip Code: ________________________

Name of Parents/Guardians: _______________________________________________________________

If you work Part-Time, how many hours per week do you work? __________________________________
Choir(s) you are auditioning for:____________________________________________________________
Voice classification (if known): S1 S2 A1 A2 T1 T2 B1 B2
Year in School: 9 10 11 12 Have you been in a choir before: ___________
Do you play an instrument (if yes, what and how long): _________________________________________
Have you studied voice (if yes, with whom and how long): _______________________________________
Briefly state why you want to participate, and what you can do to improve the choir. ___________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
STOP HERE
Please present this form to the instructor upon entering the audition room.
Thank you for your interest in the Lamar choral program.

Key (1 = low, 5 = high)

1. Range: 1 2 3 4 5
2. Tone Quality: 1 2 3 4 5
3. Intonation: 1 2 3 4 5
4 Sight-Singing: 1 2 3 4 5
5. Melody Memorization: 1 2 3 4 5
6. Confidence: 1 2 3 4 5
7. Overall Rating: 1 2 3 4 5

Comments: ____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Accept? ______________ Choir: _________________________________ Voice Part:_______________

_______________________________________
Signature Date