Chamber Singers

What we'll learn...

The overall aim of the music program is based in the belief that music and the arts can significantly contribute to students' creative and original thought, social growth, performance opportunities and love of learning.

Throughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to develop thinking and vocal music skills through:

• Performing music - singing and playing instruments

• Describing music - listening, writing, discussing and analyzing

• Establishing connections - to content of various subject areas, history, and "real-life" personal connections

Rehearsal Expectations

Be on time and prepared. Do not stop at your locker or socialize in the hallway – you will be late. All students must be in their seats at the beginning of class or will be marked tardy. We don’t have a lot of time together-every minute counts!
Consistent and active participation from EVERY VOICE!! In order for you to improve your singing skills and learn the repertoire, you must practice everyday. Consistent participation is required from every voice. This does not include talking when you shouldn’t be. If there is a valid health reason why you are unable to participate, please present a note of explanation from a parent, the health office, or an administrator. Verbal excuses WILL NOT be permitted.
Respect and support each other. Rehearse with a sense of class and professionalism. Respect each others’ ideas and contributions. Remember, the way you rehearse is the way you will perform! So work together!!
Be positive!! The success of the choir depends on the individual contributions of its members. Positive contributions will advance our musicianship and the choir as a whole; negative contributions will destroy them.
No food, candy, gum, or beverages allowed in class or on stage. Water bottles (with CLEAR WATER ONLY) should be brought to class, but are not allowed on stage. If a student is eating or chewing gum during a rehearsal, half of their points for the day will be lost. If a student is eating or chewing gum during a concert, they will automatically lose ONE FULL LETTER GRADE.

Be Aware of These Things

VOICE LESSONS. ALL CHOIR MEMBERS are required to complete at least 1 lesson with Ms. Condon before the end of TERM ONE. Your first lesson will likely be one-on-one, but lessons after that will mostly be in groups/sections. After term one, if you are in Chamber Singers, a minimum of 1 lesson per term will be required to receive full marks in the course.
- - Your lesson will occur during the school day, in a 20-minute time slot during 4th block, B lunch or after school (if necessary).
  - Initially, we will assign your first lesson, after that, we will create "sectional lessons" to offer you more opportunity to work on your choir music. Check your schedule and ASK YOUR TEACHERS FOR PERMISSION BEFORE YOU SIGN UP! If you must miss or if don't have teacher permission, RESCHEDULE ASAP!!
  - If you miss a lesson, you have until the end of each Term to make it up, so be responsible!
  - Individual voice lessons can be scheduled in place of sectional lessons AND/OR as students choose to have them.
  - FYI - I'm more than happy to work on music for school or for any other event! Just ask! Let me help you learn more about your voice! :-)
More opportunities for performance: Synergy Show Choir (Fall & Winter/Spring), Singing the National Anthem at sporting events, Singing in Wisconsin (Fall), Carthage College Lakeside Choral Festival (Fall), Musical (Feb.-May), Solo and Ensemble (March), and Community Performances throughout the year

Performance Expectations

Students are REQUIRED to participate in all performances, including those outside of the school day. The absence of even one choir member in concert adversely affects the performance and the morale of the choir as a whole. A calendar of events is attached.
- Conflicts with work-schedules are NOT a valid reason for being absent. Conflicts with other school activities will be handled on an individual basis. An unexcused absence at a concert may result in a failing grade. Out of respect for your fellow choir members, clear your schedules early to avoid conflicts with choral events!
Show professionalism always. If a student is talking on stage, eating, or chewing gum during a concert, they will automatically lose 15% of their concert grade. Concert etiquette and decorum are to be taken extremely seriously. Your behavior reflects your peers, your family, your school and your community. When you are onstage, you are an ambassador to your school and your choral program – it is a privilege to perform as part of this choir, treat it that way!
Be dressed in proper concert attire for all concerts.

ABSOLUTELY NO athletic shoes, denim pants, ripped clothing, or white socks to be worn in concert by any member of any choir. If you forget your attire or are dressed inappropriately, you will not be allowed to perform and will receive a zero for the concert. PLEASE be conscientious of how you present yourself and responsible for your concert attire!

**Failure to return your concert attire at the end of the year will result in a $60 fine through the HHS Main Office.

**ALL choir students are required to purchase a Polo Shirt for fall concert & field trips

**Students have the OPTION to purchase additional choir spirit wear – sweatshirts, T’s, baseball shirts etc. - through Burghardt's Sporting Goods. Info to be posted ASAP.

Materials Needed

BRING A PENCIL EVERYDAY!!! The only markings that should appear in the music are with ERASABLE PENCIL!!
Students will be assigned a FOLDER with music for class. Students will need to share folders and will be responsible for the folder and its contents.
If you take your folder home, you are expected to bring it back.
- Chamber Singers: Failure to return your folder & music and/or causing damage resulting in a replacement folder will cost each student $20.
- Charger Singers: Failure to return folder & music will result in a fee TBD by amount of music lost.

Grading

The choir grade is determined from an average of participation, written work/skill development, and performance grades.

Course Term and Semester Grading will be calculated as follows:

Daily Rehearsal (full class, sectionals, individual) : 70%

Written and Skill Work: 10%

Performances: 20%

Assignments: You will be required to complete written and online assignments (on Google Classroom and Sight Reading Factory). These assignments will range from vocabulary tests, to journal entries, to sight-reading etc. You will also be required to complete “Sight Reading Factory” activities 3 times/semester.

In most cases, you will be given one school week (5 days) to complete a written assignment. This will allow those without Internet access at home to complete assignments at school.

Homework & Make Up Policies

Homework must be turned in on time to receive full points. For every day an assignment is late, a drop of 10% will be applied BEFORE grading. BE RESPONSIBLE!!
When a student is absent from class/rehearsal/voice lessons (NO MATTER WHAT THE REASON) it is the STUDENT’S responsibility to find out what was missed and make it up before the end of the grading period!!

BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT

Behaviors that interfere with others’ right to learn are disruptive. Examples of disruptions are: talking during class, annoying others, horseplay, not participating, moving out of your assigned seats, back talk and failure to follow instructions.
Consequences for negative behavior will be reflected in your rehearsal grade. Additional assessments will be made by the teacher, peers in sectional rehearsals, and self-evaluation. AGAIN, BE RESPONSIBLE AND RESPECTFUL! We want to be a group of happy, successful singers-not a mediocre mob of unruly children!