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Choral Music Handbook

by Tim Marsden

Red Oak High School
Choral Music Handbook
2012-2013

Strive for excellence,
Embrace the tradition!

Welcome to the Red Oak High School Choral Music Program.  It is with great enthusiasm and excitement that I welcome you.  I am glad you have chosen to sing with us and look forward to an outstanding year together.
The purpose of the Red Oak Choral Music Program is to help each individual develop- musically, socially, and personally.  We believe that being in music classes helps build self-discipline, confidence, dedication, and learning how to work with others toward a common goal.  As performance oriented groups, we strive to the best we can be in all respects.
Procedures and Rules
1- Have a positive attitude at all times!  Smile.
2- Be kind and courteous. Use respect.
3- Be in your seat/place ready to rehearse when the bell rings.
4- Food and beverage are not allowed in the auditorium or vocal room.  Water bottles only!
5- Talking during the rehearsals should be kept to a minimum.
6- No cell phones out during school hours!
7- Stay focused on class instruction at all times.  Refrain from doing other class work during instruction.

Concert Attire during performance for Concert Choir is robes provided by the school.
Women are to wear a dress or skirt underneath with nude (skin colored) nylons and black shoes without decorative buttons or clasps.  No heels so high that you can’t walk in them and no flip-flops.
Men are to wear black dress pants, black shoes, black socks, and a white shirt under their robes.
**Please Note:  Students not properly dressed, will not be allowed to perform.**
 

Earning Your Grade
Attendance and Full Participation
Singers are expected to be present at all rehearsals and to participate fully in those rehearsals.  In a vocal ensemble, every member is needed in rehearsal in order to have a productive rehearsal.  Vocal music students must make a commitment to give 100% effort in every rehearsal.
Attendance is required at all performances and extra rehearsals (outside of the school day).  Any student who must be absent MUST bring a note from home explaining the nature of the absence.  Students absent from performances will be given an appropriate alternative assignment in order to provide an opportunity for make-up work.  Performances are an important part of each student’s grade!

Loss of points will occur based on:
-poor classroom participation                                                                                              -poor classroom discipline  
-Use of cell phones in class                                                                                                          -Tardy to class, not associated with a class conflict.                                                                                     -Students with consistent daily attendance issues may be removed from select ensembles.

Testing
Students will be directly assessed by their abilities to sing their parts independently, with accuracy of pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and articulations, using a healthy and appropriate vocal production.  Testing will take place each quarter.

Concert Etiquette
1) Be respectful of the performing ensemble and others seated in the performance hall.  Noise is distracting to all.
2) Please do not exit and enter the performance hall during a performance.  Wait for an appropriate pause.
3) Polite applause is most appropriate and encouraged.

Evaluation
Daily Work and Participation40%                     

Concert/Performances 40%                                            

     Tests/Exams 10%                

      Assignments 10%

Lettering
Each student involved in the Red Oak High School Vocal Music Program has the opportunity and potential to earn a Vocal Music Letter.  The criteria are explained below.
All of the following are REQUIRED to letter:
1. Attend all performances, concerts, and functions that are deemed required for whatever ensembles you belong to.
2. Have NO unexcused absences from any rehearsal/class.
3. Have NO absences for any performance.
4. Have no more than two tardies per quarter.
Four of the following “extras” are required to letter:
1. Sing a solo or in a small ensemble at District Music Contests.
2. Have NO absences whatsoever.
3. Have NO tardies whatsoever.
4. Accompany at a choir or chorus performance (on piano).
5. Attend a summer vocal music camp.
6. Attend the All-State Concert in Ames.
7. Perform a solo at an outside of school event (church, talent show,etc.)
This needs to be approved by a director in advance.
8. Study private voice or piano throughout the school year.
9. Participate in a church or community choir.
10. Participate in State Piano Contests.
11. Give 4 hours of service to the choral department.  Jobs should be approved in advance by the director.  (Examples:  technical assistance for performances, filing music, decorating for an event, sorting robes or other costumes, etc.)
12. Participate in Minnisingers.
13. Participate in Barbershop or another Vocal Ensemble.
14. Audition for All-State
15. Participate in the Musical.
16. Attend a musical event outside of school.  Students must submit a program. (Examples- musical theater productions, symphony concerts, operas, etc.)
The above requirements must be met each year in order to letter.  It is then possible to letter numerous times throughout one’s high school career.