Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Choral Department
Student Handbook
2017-2018
Email: leilanivel@ksu.edu Phone: (913)-991-8291 (Change to work phone) Website: [Insert Web]
Table of Contents
Welcome Letter..3
Choral Department...4
Program Goals
Mission Statement
Program Content..5
General Expectations...6
Required Material....7
Attendance Policy....7
Attendance at Required Events
Performance Etiquette
Grading Policy.....8
Private Lessons....8
Uniforms/Concert Attire..8
Choral Department
Awards....10
Choir Leadership Team..11
Fundraising....13
Vocal
Health...13
FORMS:
Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug Policies and Contract...16
Booster Club Membership.17
Uniform Contract.......18
Choir Leadership Team..19
Student Questionnaire........21
Parent/Guardian and Student Commitment...22
Travel
Form....23
2
Dear Parents/Guardians & Students,
This handbook is designed to foster the success of the Choral Department, inform the students
and their parents if all there is to know of the department, and address questions and concerns
that may arise throughout the school year.
I am excited to lead in the formation of a choir program that will earn the respect of the larger
community through the diligent efforts of students, parents, directors, and administrators.
As a choir student, each of you accepts membership into an organization we will build together
upon pride and commitment to excellence.
As a choir parent, each of you accepts the responsibility of understanding the expectations of
your child in this choir program and supporting his or her endeavors to the fullest extent.
Please take time to read the handbook thoroughly and complete, by the due date, the signed
paperwork acknowledging that you have read the handbook completely, and please note that you
are responsible for all information presented, including the schedule as presented on the Choir
Calendar and all graded participation requirements.
I hope that you will find this handbook a valuable resource for all things choral, but should
further questions arise, please dont hesitate to visit our official website:
Sincerely,
3
[Insert Choir Logo Here]
Choral Department
Program Goals
Give students the opportunity to perform in an ensemble that requires both group and
individual discipline.
Create literate and fluent musicians out of the students.
Provide a continuous study of vocal technique in both choral and individual settings.
Explore creative ideas, concepts, feelings, and history behind all music approached.
Encourage the students to create their own melodies and arrangements in demonstration
of compositional skills.
Provide opportunities for performance, musical and personal growth and creative self-
expression.
Create consumers of music both as a performer and a listener who has the proper
knowledge to evaluate a performance in a depths.
Mission Statement
4
Program Content
Musical
Music Literacy
Reading and notating musical language
Note names
Musical symbols
Music Theory
Learning and using the math of music - how music is structured and composed.
Composition
Sight Reading
Comprehending musical language and correctly using the voice to express it in
sound.
Use of Solfeggio
Using different notation systems
Ear training
Vocal Production
Learning and using techniques that effectively and efficiently create a healthy and
[proper vocal production.
Breathing
Phonation (creating sound)
Diction (pronunciation)
Vowels and consonants
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
Resonation
Ensemble skills
Using the voice effectively with others
Learning to effectively and cooperatively work together
Musicianship
Use of musical techniques to create more aesthetically pleasing musical
experiences
Emotion in music
Individual musicianship
Music History
Evolution of music
Composers
Performers
Multicultural music
5
Modern music history (Twentieth-century popular music).
Non-Musical
Discipline
Proper behavior and preparation
Healthy relationship with teachers and fellow students
Teamwork skills
Working towards a common goal
Working together to solve problems
Social skills
Time management skills
Meeting deadlines
Eliminating procrastination
Punctuality
General Expectations
You must
Required Material
6
1 3-ring black hard cover binder (with folder pockets inside)
Pencil(s)
Music (to be issued to students in class)
Students will be receiving music during the initial weeks of school, so the students choir binder
will be needed in class ASAP to protect music. The very first materials check (see Grading
section) will be in class on Friday, September 2nd, 2016, and by that point, the choir binder will
be a daily requirement, along with a pencil. Students are certainly welcome to bring their
materials BEFORE the official grade checkthey will be able to take home their music that
much sooner.
Students are required to keep this binder in good condition, as it may be used for performance
onstage. In addition, the choir binder is a house for expensive music that is LOANED to the
student. Writing, stapling, coloring, painting, drawing, and other things considered hazardous to
be binder will not be permitted. If at any time in the school year the director deems that a
students binder is unfit and needs to be replaced, another binder must be provided.
Regarding music, students may be issued choir octavos throughout the year. These octavos are
borrowed property. After a concert is over, students will be required to turn their music in. All
musical markings on the music must be made in pencil (erasable pens are NOT acceptable).
Markings will be erased when the music is turned in. If the music is lost, torn, or returned with
permanent markings, students must pay the replacement cost for the octavo
Attendance Policy
Attendance at Required Events
The student will receive full credit for being at required events, dressed as required, with all
materials needed for the event. The student will receive only partial credit for an excused
absence from a required event (there are exceptions). As choir is a performance-based class,
concerts are an integral part of the educational experience and cannot be replicated by written
work or other such assignments. Excused absences include, but are not limited to: student illness;
family emergency; required academic or athletic function that was on the calendar prior to the
orchestral event being scheduled (i.e. make up games scheduled for concert nights may not meet
this requirement, so check with coach).
NO CREDIT IS GIVEN FOR AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A REQUIRED EVENT.
Performance Etiquette
7
Students will be instructed in proper performance etiquette throughout the program. This is a
skill that is transferable to professional growth in any field and is, therefore, very important to
the educator(s). The main issue of which parents and students need to be aware is that in order to
receive credit for performances, students must stay for the entire performance. Extenuating
circumstances may be discussed with the teachersee grading policy below.
Grading Policy
The Choral Department grading policy holds students accountable for what is learned in class as
well as out-of-class. Although choir is a performance-based class, a rich academic education can
be gained from learning about all aspects of music and choral singing. The following grade
guidelines follow these aspects.
1. Daily Participation.........................................................................................................40%
Attendance
Preparation
Behavior
Musicianship
2. Performance Attendance and Etiquette ........................................................................30%
Performance attendance
Performance behavior and etiquette
3. Written Assignments......................................................................................................15%
In-class worksheets, quizzes and tests
4. Musicianship Assessments.............................................................................................15%
Sight-reading assessments
Current music assessments
Private Lessons
Students are not required to have private lessons in order to participate in the vocal program.
However, if the student wishes to take a solo to contest, the student must have a minimum of two
(2) rehearsals with the teacher (unless that student is taking outside vocal lessons.) These
rehearsals will take place during school hours if possible, but if not, the student and the teacher
will schedule a time to rehearse and the student must be present and punctual. The student will
be expected to practice their solo outside of rehearsal using their own musicianship and an
accompaniment track provided by the instructor/accompanist. It is up to teacher discretion to
schedule more rehearsals prior to contest.
If a student wishes to take private vocal lessons, the student and parents should contact Ms.
Haffner via email, phone, or in person, and together they can either set up lessons with Ms.
Haffner or with another qualified instructor in the community.
8
Uniforms/Concert Attire
Formal concert attire is the property of the Choral Department, is loaned to the student, and must
be returned at the end of the year. All students will be issued formal uniforms during the first
semester.
Dress hemming is scheduled to be done (all at once, in bulk) during choir time at some point
during the first semester. Students who miss the official dress hemming date on campus (or
neglect to pay their choir fee in full) will need to make arrangements to have their dress hemmed
at an alteration site of their choice prior to the first concert where formal attire is required.
NOTE: No other alterations may be made on the dress (taking in the waist, raising the shoulders,
etc.) These types of alterations completely change the sizing of the dress, and when reissued for
subsequent years, the actual sizing will not correspond with the sizing on file. A fee will be
charged if a student alters the dress (apart from hemming).
Students are expected to keep all items well laundered throughout the year.
9
Failure to return any part of the uniform in good condition and at the appropriate time will result
in a fine and/or replacement fee for the uniform.
Unless instructed otherwise, students are expected to wear full formal concert attire for every
choral concert. Failure to wear full formal attire will result in a grade deduction for that
performance.
The National School Choral Award is given to the choir member who is most involved in choral
repertoire through a variety of choral experiences, both in school and outside of school. It is a
recognition of a student who has truly dedicated themselves to experiencing as much choral
music and as many choirs as they had the opportunity to try. The student should be:
The Outstanding Chorus Member is given to the student whose dedication to the musicianship of
the choir goes well above and beyond the call of duty. They are often a section leader or a strong
member of their section. This award is given to a person whose intent is to continue in Music
Education after completing high school. Their attributes also include:
Fred Waring was an outstanding conductor and arranger of choral music. He was the leader of a
group called The Pennsylvanians and later The Fred Waring Chorale. He was highly
instrumental in bringing chorale music into the forefront of American entertainment. The Fred
Waring Award is given to the student who portrays the following attributes of an exceptional
choir member:
10
Portrays qualities of leadership toward the choir as a section leader and/or a dedicated
events co-coordinator
Shows high moral values
Portrays high academic achievement
Choir Leadership Team
Our choir leadership team is a great way to get involved in our program, up your resume, and
learn great leadership skills for the future. The program relies heavily on student leadership to
make this program strive. If you are interested in being on the leadership team please fill out the
form at the end of the handbook and get it back to Ms. Velasco no later than Friday, August 31st.
President/Vice-President
Lead Choir in Directors Absence
Warm-ups
Lead Class Sightreading
Lead Sectional Rehearsals
Resolve Minor Conflicts Within the Choir
Check Up on Students Who Miss Rehearsals or Performances
Represent the Students in the Choir to Botetourt County School Administration and
Parent Board
Newspaper, Newsletter, and Media Submissions for:
Upcoming Events
Recent Past Notable Events/Accomplishments
Invite Folks from the Community and Retirement Communities in the Area
Maintain Facebook Group Page
Assist director on trips
Fundraising
Train Future Leaders
Notify Director of Supplies Needed and Equipment that Needs Repair
Oversight of Classroom Maintenance
Performance Equipment Set-up/Breakdown
Communication to, from and among students
Recruiting
Secretary(s)
Bulletin Board Currency and Maintenance
Document Creation and Formatting for:
Information Forms
Brochures
Performance Programs
11
Advertising Posters
Musical Documents
Classroom and Travel Attendance
Lead Choir in Presidents Absence
Warm-ups
Lead Class Sightreading
Lead Sectional Rehearsals
Resolve Minor Conflicts Within the Choir
Record Minutes of Meetings
Gather information for Choir Webpage
Classroom Event Planner
Assist director on trips
Fundraising
Train Future Leaders
Notify Director of Supplies Needed and Equipment that Needs Repair
Oversight of Classroom Maintenance
Performance Equipment Set-up/Breakdown
Communication to, from and among students
Recruiting
Librarian
Create record sheets for each student
File music
Label music
Collect scores and count them in according to the Record sheet
Create Practice Recordings for each piece of music being rehearsed on music notation
software
Fundraising
Train Future Leaders
Notify Director of Supplies Needed and Equipment that Needs Repair
Oversight of Classroom Maintenance
Performance Equipment Set-up/Breakdown
Communication to, from and among students
Recruiting
Resolve Minor Conflicts Within the Choir
Lead Sectional Rehearsals
12
Fundraising
Train Future Leaders
Notify Director of Supplies Needed and Equipment that Needs Repair
Oversight of Classroom Maintenance
Performance Equipment Set-up/Breakdown
Communication to, from and among students
Classroom Set-up/Breakdown
Recruiting
Resolve Minor Conflicts Within the Choir
Lead Sectional Rehearsals
Fundraising
To raise funds for traveling, contest fees, awards, concerts, etc. we will be hosting fundraisers
throughout the years. We will try different one in our beginning years to figure out the best fit for
our community. If you are interested in helping be apart of this or have any ideas or thoughts to
contribute, please indicate so on the parent form.
Vocal Health
Vocal health is very important to the success of our program. Voices must be healthy in order to
perform at their peak and to avoid further damage. Vocal health instruction will be delivered
throughout the year, but here are some quick tips to ensure the safety of your voice at all times.
1. Vocal Hygiene:
a. Use proper warm up routines before singing.
b. Limit talking time.
c. Do NOT yell at sporting events, concerts, etc.
d. Avoid vocal fry, in other words, speak at a higher, lighter pitch.
e. Avoid speaking over loud noises.
f. Avoid smoke of any kind.
g. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar as they will dry out the vocal folds.
h. DRINK WATER! You should drink plenty of water, at least 8 glasses a day.
i. Avoid environmental dryness and dust.
j. Avoid bad posture at all times.
k. Avoid unhealthy or inadequate sleep routines.
l. Employ effective stress management routines for you.
m. Never try new singing techniques without consulting your teacher.
2. Aural Health:
a. Wear ear plugs at loud events.
b. Keep audio volume at low levels.
13
3. Basic health care: staying generally healthy is important for singers because we use our
whole body as an instrument.
a. Exercise regularly.
b. Eat a balanced diet.
c. Again, DRINK WATER!
d. Avoid physical and mental fatigue.
4. Standard Rules for Colds:
a. Get plenty of rest.
b. Drink plenty of fluids, avoiding sugar and caffeine. Fluids will think mucous, reduce
fever, and more.
c. Speak as little as possible, sing only with teacher supervision for proper placement.
d. Reduce dryness in the throat through throat lozenges.
e. Choose decongestants carefully! Look for decongestants that do not dry the mucous
membranes of the nasal passages and throat. Contact teacher for suggestions.
f. Avoid vigorous coughing to clear passages, it is better to use steam to break up mucous
and avoid dryness and irritation.
For more information see:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=10&cad=rja&uact=8&v
ed=0ahUKEwj06LPq29rXAhVj8IMKHZjbBfIQFgheMAk&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsweetadelin
es.com%2FImgUL%2Ffiles%2FTheVocalLessonPlan.doc&usg=AOvVaw21aNh7MUvY1wKPs
tMZzY-2
Or https://sites.google.com/a/ripon.k12.wi.us/ripon-middle-school-choir/vocal-health
14
15
[Insert Name] PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The [Insert Name] Public Schools and [Insert Name] _________________________High School are committed to provide a wide
variety of wholesome, well supervised extra-curricular activities. We encourage each and every student to become involved and
participate as representatives of his/her school.
The following policy will apply to each student who represents his or her school in any extra-curricular activity. Students participating
in any [Insert Name] School District extra-curricular activity must have a signed tobacco/drug/alcohol contract on file in the
principals office. The signed contract will be in effect during the students enrollment in a [Insert name] school.
Board of Education policies JICH and JICG expressly prohibit the use, possession, transfer, or sale of any alcoholic or cereal malt
beverage, restricted substances, or tobacco on school property or at school activities.
Students participating in [Insert Name] High School extra-curricular activities are expressly prohibited from the use, possession,
transfer, or sale of any alcoholic or cereal malt beverage, restricted substances, or tobacco. Violation of this restriction by any
Shawnee Mission student will, in addition to consequences set forth by the board of education, result in the following consequences
listed below. Students in violation of this contract are encouraged to seek appropriate counseling or treatment.
A. FIRST OFFENSE
IN SEASON VIOLATION:
A conference including a building administrator, the student, parents/guardians of the student, and the coach or sponsor will be
conducted. If verification is found to be sufficient by school administration, the student will be suspended from participation in all
extra-curricular competition/practices for the remainder of the current season.
A conference including a building administrator, the student, parents/guardian of the student, and the coach or sponsor, will be
conducted. If verification is found to be sufficient by the school administration, the student will be placed on immediate administrative
probation. Students placed on administrative probation are not considered in good standing as described by the KSHSAA Rule 14
and therefore are not permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities. A student may be removed from administrative probation
by completing the following:
Completion of a community service program as designed by the student and parents/guardians and approved by the school
administration. This program shall consist of a minimum of 20 hours of service. The designated program must be completed prior to
the student participating in any extra-curricular competition.
B. SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES
(Offenses are accumulative throughout the duration of the contract)
A conference including a building administrator, the student, parents/guardians of the student, and the coach or sponsor will be
conducted. If verification is found to be sufficient by school administration, the student will be prohibited from participating in extra-
curricular activities for one calendar year after the completion of the due process hearing.
I have read and understand the [Insert Name] School Districts Tobacco/ Alcohol/Drug Policy and the consequences
associated with the policy.
_______________________________ ______________________________
16
BOOSTER CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Please show your support of the choirs by joining the booster club. Your membership provides
much needed financial support (music, supplies, programs, equipment), demonstrates to school
administrators that you care about our childrens efforts, and helps fund college scholarships for
deserving KSHS Choir students.
Your attendance at meetings will help generate new ideas that will continue to move this
successful program to new levels. You will have a working knowledge with the directors and
you will be active in your childs education. You will also be informed of upcoming events and
all the exciting choir news.
There are six (6) levels of membership. Check which membership you prefer and make your
check payable to: MCHS Choir Booster Club. Each member will receive a Booster Club card
that will be needed to redeem your tickets for the various performances.
17
18
Choir Leadership Team- Form
19
20
21
22
Parent/Guardian and Student Commitment
The preceding informational guidelines, rules, and expectations are needed to provide a safe and rewarding learning
experience for your child during the school year. Your signature indicates that you have read and understand our
basic procedure that will be followed, and that you received the calendar of events. Please remove this page after
signing and return to Ms. Velasco no later than Friday, August 31st 2018.
All parents/guardians, you MUST fill out the information below. Thank you.
PHONE
Home Phone: ________________________________ Parent Cell Phone: __________________________________
Additional Phone Number (if applicable): ___________________________________
Do you have texting? If so, are you willing to be contacted through text? (circle one) YES NO
EMAIL
Parent email(s) (write it in the blocks below for clarity)
CHAPERONE
Are you willing to chaperone for trips and events on a case-by-case basis? (circle one) YES NO
Do you offer any services or have any skills that you could possibly lend to our organization? (Photographer, guitar
player, videographer, artist, carpenter, decorator, crafts, etc.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
23
High School CHOIR
Consent to Travel - Medical Release Form
Student Name ________________________________ Grade _______________________________________
Fathers Name Home Phone Number ____________________________
_________________________________ Work Phone Number ____________________________
Address ______________________________________ Cell Phone Number _____________________________
City _________________________, Zip ____________ Home Phone Number ____________________________
Mothers Name _________________________________ Work Phone Number ____________________________
Address ______________________________________ Cell Phone Number _____________________________
City _________________________, Zip ____________
HIGH SCHOOL IS NOT LIABLE FOR INJURY TO STUDENTS. EACH INJURED STUDENT IS
RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF ALL MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.
ALTERNATE EMERGENCY CONTACT:
Name _____________________________________ Doctors Phone Number _____________________________
Name ______________________________ Health Phone Number _____________________________
Information Please circle yes or no 3.Has he/she ever had a concussion/been knocked
1. During the past 12 months: unconscious? Yes No
a. Was he/she hospitalized? Yes No 4. Has he/she ever has a convulsion? Yes No
b. Did he/she have any injuries requiring medical 5. Is he/she now under a doctors care? Yes No
attention? Yes No 6. Is he/she missing any paired organs
C. Did he/she have any illness lasting more than 1 (eye, kidney, etc.)? Yes No
week? Yes No 7. Is he/she wearing any removable dental appliance
2. Do you know of any reason why there should be a limit (bridge, plate, retainer)? Yes No
in his/her participation in this activity? Yes No 8.Is he/she allergic to any medication
(aspirin, tylenol, etc.)? Yes No
I DO HEREWITH AUTHORIZE THE MEDICAL TREATMENT OF THE ABOVE NAMED MINOR IN THE EVENT OF A MEDICAL
EMERGENCY; WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR OF THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, MAY ENDANGER HIS/HER
LIFE, CAUSE DISFIGUREMENT, PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT OR UNDUE DISCOMFORT IF DELAYED. I WILL ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY
FOR FINANCIAL COST INCURRED IN RELATION TO THE TREATMENT OF MY CHILD.
THIS RELEASE FORM IS COMPLETED AND SIGNED OF MY OWN FREE WILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF AUTHORIZING TRAVEL AND
MEDICAL TREATMENT UNDER EMERGENCY CIRCUMSTANCES.
References
24
http://www.shadowcreekchoir.com/uploads/8/6/0/5/86055180/shark_choir_handbook_20
16_2017.pdf
http://kentschools.net/rhschoir/files/2013/09/High-School-Choir-Handbook-2016-
2017.pdf
http://www4.smsd.org/jeffreybishop/docs.htm
http://www.marinavocalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Uniform-Rental-
Contract-2014-2015.pdf
https://sites.google.com/a/bcps.k12.va.us/james-river-high-school-choir/student-
information
http://www.pulaskimusicboosters.com/choir-awards
https://www.ahschools.us/cms/lib/MN01909485/Centricity/Domain/4532/Choir%20Hand
book%201718.pdf
25