Emerald High School
CHORUS HANDBOOK
2017-2018
Ms. Susan Ashby, Choral Director
Emerald High School
Choral Department
150 By-Pass 225 Greenwood, SC 29646
[email protected]
Dear Parents and Students,
My name is Susan Ashby, and I am the new choral director at Emerald High School. It is my pleasure to welcome you back to another school year, and to the Emerald High School choral program! This year is sure to be very exciting, as we have many challenges and opportunities awaiting us. I look forward to working with you and your children to make the choral program at Emerald the very best that it can be be!
As a parent, your support through concert attendance, fundraising events, and words of encouragement are greatly appreciated throughout the school year. I hope that all of you will be willing to volunteer in order to ensure success for every student involved in the choral program. Additionally, parents and family members who are interested may join the EHS Choral Booster Club by filling out the membership form located in the back of the handbook. Local businesses may also join our Business Patron program, which is located on the booster club form. Please be sure to indicate the student’s name on the form so we know who receives credit for the patron.
This handbook contains a wealth of important information about our program, procedures, and policies. Please take the time to read over them carefully. Your signature on the last page signifies that you and your child have read and understand all of the information contained in this handbook. Please keep this as a reference for the entire academic year.
Please feel free to contact me at anytime with questions, concerns, ideas, or just want to get involved.
I look forward to meeting each of you!
Sincerely,
Ms. Susan Ashby
EHS Choral Director
Click Below for the EHS Calendar:
calendar_ehs_chorus_2017_2018.gdoc
PLEASE DO NOT MISS CONCERTS & IMPORTANT REHEARSALS!
MARK YOUR DATES NOW!!
NO EXCUSES!
General Chorus Information
Conferences:
If a parent/guardian wishes to schedule a conference, they may contact me via email ([email protected]), by phone
(864-9415730), or by sending a note to school with your child. I will respond to your request as soon as possible.
Fundraising:
The Choral Department will hold several different fundraisers throughout the course of the school year. The money raised from fundraising is one of the facets that will help to make this program great, and allow us to participate in choral activities and purchase needed items for students throughout the year. Be on the lookout for our Krispy Kreme Fundraiser, Cookie Dough sales, etc.
Why is fundraising necessary for Chorus?
This money will help to pay for:
- Sound Equipment, uniform costs, sheet Music, Piano Accompanists, Choreographer (Show Choir)
- Professional musicians during performances, Folders, Programs, Choral Condenser Mics
- Festivals, Trips, and Travel, Concert Programs/Supplies, Attend a booster club meeting for more info!
The choral program is also in need of support and volunteers..
Please observe all fundraiser turn-in dates carefully. Parent volunteers will handle all features of fundraisers, including money handling. If a student is late turning in money/forms/orders, it puts a strain on those handling the logistics. For certain fundraisers, orders may not be able to be met if orders are turned in late.
There will be a fundraiser that correlates with each payment due for our spring trip (upon approval by the School Board). Students may elect to raise funds or pay on the appropriate deadline.
All student profits from fundraising will go into the student’s individual account. Students may pay any of their chorus fees (trips, wardrobe, etc.) with this money. Monies raised will carry over until the students is no longer enrolled in chorus. The money in a student’s account may not be transferred to another student.
Solos:
Many things go into making a good soloist: appropriate tone quality, size of voice, expressiveness of voice and face, stage presence, intonation, the ability to ‘sell’ a song to the audience, etc. Soloists may be chosen by the director because I know that s/he can perform the solo well and it is a good fit for them. Other times auditions will be held. Solos are not chosen based on seniority. The goal is to select the soloist who is best fit for the song.
Section Leaders:
Section Leaders will be selected based on their auditions for each performing group. Section Leaders will maintain their role for one semester. At that time, others in the section may ‘challenge’ the existing section leader for their spot. During the challenge process, an excerpt from the concert repertoire will be selected for performance. Students are graded based on a rubric. Attendance to school, night rehearsals, and performances will also play a factor in the rubric. The student earning the highest score will be the section leader for the next semester. Only the current section leaders will be listed in the concert program for the corresponding semester.
Music Folders:
Each student will need to bring a 1-inch black binder (with pockets) and a pencil to EVERY rehearsal/class. Each chorus member will be assigned a folder “slot” to store their binder and music. The student will be responsible for the music assigned to their folder. When music is lost or not returned, the student is responsible for paying the replacement fee. Students are free to take folders home to study. Students wishing to check out single copies of music should see the director. A replacement fee will be charged to students who fail to return the music at the end of each semester.
Personal Belongings:
All Book bags, purses, cell phones, and any other personal belongings (aside from music folders, chromebooks-when needed, pencils, and paper) are to be stored away in the in the front or back class. Students not properly storing their materials during class will be disciplined accordingly.
Outfits and Rental Fees:
All students will need to have the required dress for performances. See below for the requirement for your ensemble.
EHS Concert Choir (Advanced Chorus) & EHS Mixed Chorus:
All chorus students may choose 1 of 2 options: - 1. Attire Rental (Pay $40 per school year to rent chorus attire which will be returned.)
- 2. Purchase/Own It! (Pay a $75 one time fee, to be worn each year in chorus.)
Students will be measured at the beginning of the school year, and the outfits will be issued before the first concert to make sure they fit properly. The rental attire will be stored at the school until the day of performance. Students are responsible for any lost or stolen items.
***ALL students must provide their own black dress shoes, & black dress socks or hosiery.***
Male Attire:
Males will wear a white tuxedo shirt, a black tuxedo vest (Advanced Chorus members only), black tux pants, a cummerbund (Mixed Chorus members only), and a bowtie.
Female Attire:
Long, black concert chorus dresses (from the Southeastern company) and white pearl necklaces.
Shoes should be black closed toe only with a minimal heel.
The Viking Voices (Show Choir) - (After-School Auditioned Group)
Male students will be required to purchase the required performance attire: a black dress shirt, black dress pants, and a long gold or purple tie. ($75) Students must provide their own black socks and shoes.
Female students will be required to purchase a purchase a purple show choir dress ($75). Students must provide their own nude dance tights, and nude character shoes.
All Students - Uniform Guidelines:
- All students are responsible for keeping their outfits clean and looking their best for ALL performances.
- Shirts need to be wrinkle-free (ironed if possible) for the performances.
- Students and parents are responsible for minor repairs on outfits if needed (ex. Replacing a button). The rented items are to be turned in as they were checked out.
- The outfits or any part thereof are to be worn only for EHS choral events.
- Please note: Shirts, Pants, vests, dresses, and pearls must be those issued through the department. Failure to comply could result in removal from a performance.
***It is absolutely essential that everyone in a performing group dress and groom themselves uniformly. Jewelry, make-up, clothing, and hairstyle need to not call attention on one individual. Ultimately, the group image is more important than individuals. Student’s concert dress is a portion of their performance grade.***
Discipline:Philosophy:
As participants in a choral ensemble, each member must display self-control and self-discipline to promote cohesiveness of the ensemble. As a team we will work together to reach our goal – making music. Disruptions in the class that prevents the learning process will not be tolerated.
Classroom Expectations:
Students will be expected to:- Show respect to the director, other teachers, and classmates at all times.
- Follow all aural or written instructions when given the first time.
- Refrain from talking while music is being made, or directions are given.
- Assume the proper sitting/standing posture when singing.
- Be in their correct seat and ready to work with all materials when the tardy bell starts ringing.
- Place all personal possessions up and away from distractions (including purses, cell phones, and other books/work from other classes).
- Refrain from chewing gum, eating any food, or drink anything other than water in the classroom.
- Throw away all personal trash, straighten up chairs, and help keep the chorus room neat.
- Adhere to all school-wide rules as stated in the EHS Student Handbook.
If a student chooses to break classroom rules:
1st consequence – Verbal warning by teacher and daily behavior points lost.
2nd consequence – 2nd verbal warning by teacher and personal conference with teacher after class.
3rd consequence – Student removed from situation, conference with teacher after class, parent contact.
4th consequence – Referral to Assistant Principal.
Tardies/Absences:
I will strictly uphold the attendance/tardy policy of EHS as stated in the Student Handbook. Tardiness to class will affect daily participation points (see ‘grading’ for more information). Absenses and tardies to rehearsals are outlined in the Rehearsals and Performances section.
Restroom Use:
Students may not use the restroom for the first or last 20 minutes of class. You are encouraged to use the facilities between classes and at lunch. Students excessively using the restrooms will serve a mandatory 15 minute make up time before or after school to gather the information they missed in class. Students with medical excuses to use the restroom should notify the teacher and present a doctor’s note before class begins. This should also be on file with the school nurse. Failure to make up time missed will result in a loss of daily points until the makeup time is completed.
Money Collection:
Money for Chorus payments may be made daily in the Chorus room. Students should give their payment to Ms. Ashby or their section leader in a sealed, marked envelope with their name, what the payment is for, and the amount enclosed. The money will be turned into the office daily.
Rehearsals and Performances:
Attendance at rehearsals and performances outside of the school day are REQUIRED of students enrolled in the EHS choral program. These rehearsals are held outside of the school day because these are often the only times we can work with outside musicians and/or choreographers – and it takes extra time to produce a quality concert. The exact dates of these rehearsals are listed in this handbook. It is important to note that all choral ensembles are co-curricular classes. Students will be graded for events during the school day and for after school activities as well (including weekend obligations and graduation commencement).
Acceptable excuses for missing a rehearsal or performance:- Missing the entire day of school the day of rehearsal or performance due to sickness. A SIGNED doctor’s note must be brought to school the NEXT day.
- Death in the immediate family.
- Compromise with another SCHOOL activity (notice must be given and every means of “working it out” exhausted by the student before this excuse will be considered) THIS EXCUSE IS ONLY FOR REHEARSALS, NOT PERFORMANCES!
At the beginning of the semester dates are carefully set with important school activities in mind to minimize conflicts. Should a conflict arise, the director should be contacted immediately. It takes dedication from every member of the ensemble to produce a quality performance.
Additional notes about performances:
- All school rules apply at rehearsals and performances.
- Students and parents will be provided with reasonable notice of any additional rehearsals and performances that are not already in this handbook.
- Failure to attend or tardiness to rehearsals may result in removal from performances at the discretion of the director.
- Failure to achieve a reasonable knowledge of performance repertoire can result in removal from the performance at the discretion of the director.
- The director reserves the right to remove any student from a performance for not meeting basic behavioral standards, including, but not limited to, in or out of school suspension from any teacher, and breaking of classroom rules in class repeatedly.
- An alternative assignment will be assigned for students not performing who have an excused absence (based on the school’s policy). This assignment will be intended to take the same amount of time to complete as attending the concert. (e.g. if a student misses two performances, they will have approximately 4 hours of make-up work to complete outside of the class time.) Note: It is not an option for a student to opt-out of the concert.
Work is never accepted as an excuse to miss a rehearsal or performance. Many students successfully schedule their part-time job hours around choral events. However, sometimes a choice has to be made between being in a choral ensemble and having a part-time job. The time to make that decision is BEFORE you sign up for classes.
Chorus Membership:
Membership in any musical organization at Emerald High School is a privilege and an honor. Treat your participation in choir as such. The Choral Department needs to build a reputation of students who are committed to excellence and unafraid of hard work. You should love to sing and have a desire to grow and become a better musician. Your instrument is with you at all times. You can't disassemble it and put it away in a case. Treat it well. Exercise it wisely and constantly strive to make ever more beautiful sounds. Discipline yourself to become the finest possible musician you can be. Your full participation in the Choral Music Program is expected. This not only means classroom rehearsal and school concerts, but also includes festivals, competitions, extra scheduled rehearsals, and fundraising events. Attendance at all scheduled performances of the Choral Music Department is required of each member of each choir.
As a choir member you are expected to behave like ladies and gentlemen, not only while in concert dress, but also during all rehearsals, field trips, and other school activities during the day. Your behavior at all times reflects not only on you, but on the entire Choral Department and Emerald High School.
Grading Policy:A student’s nine weeks grade will be determined using the following categories and percentages:
Non-Performance nine-weeks:
Rehearsal/Ensemble Skills – 50%
Upon entering class daily, students can earn up to 20 points based on the rubric below. These points will be labeled by the date of the class in the gradebook. At the end of the 9 weeks, they will be averaged to equal 50% of the student’s nine weeks grade. Below is the breakdown for earning these points on a daily basis:
1.Being in your seat when the bell rings, ready to work, items put away: 1 point
2.Have a pencil/music folder/necessary materials for class: 5 points
3.Use Solfege hand signs/Takadimi/rhythm patching: 5 points
4.Not distracted by other students or technology: 2 points
5.Posture: 2 points
6.Singing with energy and effort: 5 points
Total=20 points
Below is a breakdown of each component:
1,2,4-Ensemble - The student contributes positively by giving attention to and responding to director’s cues. Students exhibit appropriate rehearsal etiquette. MCH 1-1.6; MCH 2-1.6; MCH 3-1.6
3-Solfege/Takadimi - The student demonstrates proper use of solfege syllables and Curwen hand signs. Students accurately patsch and chant Takadimi rhythms. MCH 4-3.1
5-Posture - The student sits/stands with their spine vertically aligned with both feet on the floor, folder held up approximately 8-10 inches away from body allowing them to see the director and music. MCH 1-1.2 (SC HS Music Standards)
6-Expression - The student communicates energy and emotion through the face and body while singing. MCH 4-1.3
Students will receive a grade of zero (0) for missed class time rehearsals. Students may miss two classes without penalty per nine-weeks. After two missed class rehearsals, students will receive a zero (0) for the absence that day. All written coursework and singing tests must be made up within TWO WEEKS for full credit.
Being in class and at extra rehearsals is very important. Music is the only art that exists in time, and if the student is not there to experience what we are doing as a group, it is very difficult to make up. Therefore, if a student is more than five minutes late to an outside rehearsal, and the reason for missing class is EXCUSED, the student will need to make up the number of minutes missed by sight-reading (music literacy) within two weeks of the class missed. This will allow the student to be eligible for full points for the night rehearsal. An excused absence from class will coincide with an excused absence from school. Unexcused absences may not be made up for evening rehearsals. Below is the maximum number of points allowed for a daily grade correlating with the time the student is out of the classroom. The chart provides the amount of time missed and the amount of work required for earning a maximum number of points.
MAXIMUM POINTS IF UNEXCUSED OR
IF SIGHT-SINGING IS NOT COMPLETED
5 – 15 minutes missed – 16 points
16 – 30 minutes missed – 12 points
31 – 45 minutes missed – 8 points
46 – 60 minutes missed – 4 points
36 – 90 minutes missed – 0 points
NUMBER OF EXERCISES TO SIGHT-SING
TO MAKE UP TIME MISSED
5 – 15 minutes missed – must sing 1 exercises
16 – 30 minutes missed – must sing 2 exercises
31 – 45 minutes missed – must sing 3 exercises
46 – 60 minutes missed – must sing 4 exercises
36 – 90 minutes missed – must sing 5 exercises
91-over (extra rehearsal) – must sing 6+ exercises
Please follow the procedure below to insure you receive full credit for your sight-reading examples:
1. Get sight-reading assignment from Ms. Ashby upon returning to school from excused absence.
2. See your section leader for assignment for the missed class. Submit an audio recording.
3. State your name, block, date absent, reason for absence, and how much time was missed.
4. State which exercise you are singing (ex. “ I am singing exercises 1 through 4”).
5. State the number of the exercise and sing. When going on to the next exercise, always give the number of the exercise first.
6. Please indicate when you are finished.
7. Confirm with Ms. Ashby the following day that she has received your file.
Coursework (Assignments, Quizzes, Tests, etc.) - 50%
Written and singing tests are worth 100 points each. Most of these tests will be announced in advance. Singing tests may consist of singing using tape recorders or live, in quartets, trios, individual, etc. They could also include sight-reading or singing music being prepared for the concert. Students will be graded in the following categories: pitch/rhythmic accuracy, intonation, vocal technique, phrasing, dynamics, hand signs, posture, facial expression, and breath support.
Extra Rehearsals-
As discussed previously, extra rehearsals will be minimal and will be mandatory. These extra rehearsals will be worth 100 points, and will count as a test grade. Please refer to “Rehearsals and Performances” for acceptable excuses for missing a rehearsal. If this stipulation is not adhered to fully, the student will be given a zero for that rehearsal day. It is the student’s responsibility to come to me, not for me to come to them. For every 5 minutes a student is late to rehearsal, and/or every behavioral reprimand the student receives during the rehearsal, five points will be deducted from the rehearsal grade. Students must sign in to extra rehearsals (anything other than a regular class period) with the section leaders or on Ms. Ashby’s computer. Once a student checks in, they are expected to go to their seat and be ready to work. Students must use the restroom and get water before they can check in. A student may not check in anyone but himself or herself. A student who checks in another will be charged with Academic Dishonesty. This results in a written referral to their Assistant Principal and a zero (0) for that rehearsal grade.
Performance nine-weeks (changed percentages):
Rehearsal/Ensemble Skills – 40%
See ‘non-performance nine-weeks’ for additional information on participation grades.
Performances/Evening or Extra Rehearsals – 40%
All performances and night rehearsals will be worth 100 points each and will count as 50% of the student’s nine-weeks grade. Unexcused absences from performances may not be made up. If the excuse is deemed ‘acceptable,’ the student must get an assignment from Ms. Ashby and the work must be completed by a given deadline in order for credit to be given.
Coursework – 20%
Same criteria as non-performance nine-weeks.
Semester Grade:
1st/3rd 9-Weeks – 40%
2nd/4th 9-Weeks – 40%
Final Exam - 20%
Non-Performance 9-Wks
Rehearsal/Ensemble Skills – 50%
Coursework - 50%
Performance 9-Wks
Rehearsal/Ensemble Skills – 40%
Performance/Night Rehearsals – 40%
Coursework – 20%
Extra Credit Opportunities:
Students may earn extra credit participation points for various activities throughout the school year. Below is a list of activities that will give students extra credit. Activities are not limited to this list.
Check with Ms. Ashby for approval. Appropriate documentation must be provided to the teacher on the following school day.
- Attend a GHS (Mrs. Jolly) choral concert (5 points)
- Attend a EHS band concert (3 pts)
- Attend a Lander University Chorus performance (5 points)
- Greenwood 50 Elem. or Middle School Chorus Concert/Musical (2 points)
- Attend/participate in a live musical production (HS, community theatre, or professional)
- Church choir events do not count toward extra credit or merit points
Course Content-(All Chorus Classes):
Course Description: Vocal techniques, sight-singing skills, and music theory, as they relate to the choral score, are taught in this class. Attendance at rehearsals and concerts outside of the school day are required in addition to class time.
Course Goals/Objectives:- Students will use basic music theory skills. This includes: note names, treble and bass clef, key signatures, major and minor keys, scales, chords, intervals, note durations and solfege.
- Student will improve vocally through voice lessons in a class setting.
- Students will learn to accurately sing harmony parts independently and in a group. They success will be demonstrated through classroom testing and on the semester concert.
- Student will perform on a public concert demonstration appropriate stage etiquette
Course Key Components:
Vocal Technique-Appropriate high school singing technique, placement of sound, sound production, healthy singing habits.
Breathing-Body alignment to aide in inhale/exhalation process, full/deep (expansive) breathing.
Diction-Diction for singing in English and various foreign languages, articulators/resonators, vowel formation, communication of text.
Sight Reading-Singing a piece at first sight without hearing it, using solfege syllables and hand signs to aide in musical development.
Solfege-Syllables used to aide in music pitch reading, diatonic and chromatic solfege syllables and hand signs. (Kodaly)
Music Theory-Basic music reading skills (note names, staff, clefs, note values, rhythms), intervals, major scales, composition, identify notes.
Rhythm/takadimi-Compose and execute rhythms with accurate precision and consistent tempo.
Etiquette-Appropriate performance etiquette for singers on stage and audience members, Rehearsal etiquette.
Performance-performance attire, stage presence, group performance skills, stage deportment, choreography, hair and makeup.
Repertoire-Each semester repertoire is selected based on the student’s ability level and the performance goals of the group. Repertoire selections include sacred and secular music, foreign languages, and repertoire from the vast collection of musical time periods and composers.
EHS Chorus Extra Opportunities...
A Great Chorus Member will always strive for excellence, be a good friend to others,
and do one or more of the following below:
Have Perfect Attendance for a semester
After School Rehearsals (Be on time for full rehearsal)
Community Performances (Be punctual)
Concert (Be punctual)
Audition & Participate in All State Chorus
Participate in a choral festival competition
Strive to earn a superior rating in a choral festival (performance and/or sight reading)
Strive to earn First Place in a choral festival
Participate in a college vocal camp over the summer
Attend professional music concerts, showing proof of attendance (program)
Choose from the following: Choral (college/professional), jazz, opera, recitals, band, symphony, or musical theatre
Perform a solo on the concert or for a community performance
Perform as a solo the National Anthem for a ball game or event
Work in the choral library after school filing, mending, cleaning, organizing, etc…
Sell ten tickets to a choral concert
Make an A in chorus your first semester in the program
Raise over $100 in profit in a school year for the choir, not the individual
Have parents, family members, and friends join the Booster Club
Audition and Participate in the Community Theatre
Create a backdrop, Help with choreography, costumes
Help in planning the choral banquet
Communication:
Check out the EHS Chorus Website: http://emeraldhschorus.weebly.com
Facebook: @emeraldhschorus
Remind App: Text @mssashby to 81010 or email: [email protected]