Expectations, Policies, and Procedures

Course Expectations, Policies, and Procedures

WHEN ENTERING THE CLASSROOM –Alwayscheck the door and the whiteboard for announcements and instructions. Enter the room ready to make music. Do this by immediately picking up your folder and heading to your seat. When you hear the appropriate signal from the piano, stand to begin warm-ups.

A PENCIL IS REQUIRED for each rehearsal. It’s not a bad idea to keep one in your folder. Also, each student must have one SPIRAL BOUND NOTEBOOK (or a binder of paper) that you can leave in the classroom for your listening journal.

DURING SECTIONALS-When Mrs. Cie is leading a rehearsal with a small section of the choir, you are to be following along in your music noticing how your part relates to the part that is being rehearsed. This is NOT a time for talking, doing other schoolwork, or wandering the halls. All time in class is to be spent thinking musically!

TALKING INTERFERES WITH THE CREATIVE PROCESS – When instructions are being given, demonstrations are being performed, and work is being done, you are to be quietly listening and concentrating. When we are singing, we are focused only on the music at hand. When we stop singing, wait silently for the next instruction. Resist the temptation to process out loud!

IF YOU NEED TO LEAVE THE ROOM – For bathroom purposes, you will come forward and give your cell phone to me as your pass. For any other reason, find an appropriate timeto come forward for me to sign your planner. Examples of appropriate times-when we are switching from one piece of music to the next, during a silent assignment, at the beginning of class, when switching sectionals, etc. Use your best judgment-minimize interruptions!

IF YOU HEAR A MISTAKE – Raise your hand and say, “Mrs.Cie, I think our section is having trouble with measures 25-30.” I will address that particular section to try to fix any problems. If you still hear someone singing something incorrectly, come to me after classand let me know what you hear. I will make note of it for the next rehearsal. Your ears are very valuable and as I only have one pair, I can’t hear everything -your input is important. Just be careful that you don’t accidentally insult your peers. You are a team! IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE and know how to fix it, put a hand in the air for a second or two so I know you are aware and know what to do to correct the mistake.

REFER TO VOICE PARTS, NOT GENDER - When discussing or asking questions about a particular section, be sure to refer to that section by voice part and not by “traditional” choral gender roles. When referring to the Sopranos and Altos, avoid saying “girls” and when referring to Basses, Tenors, and Baritones, avoid saying “guys” out of respect for all Skyline Choir students.

PRACTICE RESPECT – Respect yourself, your classmates, school property and your teachers. Your behavior in the vocal room is an important part of your learning process and practicing respect is an important lesson in life. You’ll be amazed at how far it will take you!

NO GUM, FOOD, OR DRINK IS ALLOWED – we need to keep our mouths free of obstacles during choir and voice classes. However, water bottles with lids are allowed and encouraged, as hydration of the vocal chords is important.

MUSIC MATERIALS ARE COSTLY – Folders may be distributed along with music. Use music materials as if you personally had to pay for them. If you do lose your folder or music you will have to pay for its replacement.

CELL PHONES MUST STAY IN YOUR BACKPACKS, POCKETS, OR PURSES – except when in use for specified assignments (follow posted signs!) or when you’re giving it to Ms. Cie as a bathroom pass. No talking, No texting, no social media!

COMMUNICATION IS NECESSARY – I guarantee that I’m way scarier if a problem were to arise from a lack of communication than I am if you talk to me up front about any conflicts, issues, or concerns.

PROFESSIONALISM IS ONE OF THE MAIN GOALS OF CHOIR-Practice it at all times.

Do everything to the best of your ability. Make beautiful music.YOU WILL SUCCEED!

Attendance Policy for After-School Events Including Performances and Rehearsals

All potential absences(except illness and emergency) must be discussed with Mrs. CieChanskiAND PUT IN WRITING as SOON as you know there might be a conflict.Students MUST complete an alternate assignment when an absence occurs.

Approved absences–Absences will be determined approved providing that all conflicts are discussed by September 20!Approved absences(discussed with Mrs. Cie within the first week of each trimester or at the beginning of the school year) can be made up for up to 100% of the grade.

Unapproved absences – Anything (except illness or emergency)not discussed and not submitted in writing within the first week of each trimester. Examples of unapproved absences may include work schedules (employers MUST excuse students for required school functions), doctors’ appointments, accidentally falling asleep, social events, not having a ride (see Mrs. CieChanski if a carpool is necessary), homework, and so on. Driver’s Education classes are NOT excused for all dates listed on the syllabus. Illness and emergencies should be discussed with Mrs. CieChanski ASAP. Not showing up for a rehearsal or concert and then saying, the next day, “oh, I didn’t feel good.” is not acceptable. Also unacceptable is handing in a note on the morning of the rehearsal or performance or handing in a note the day after a rehearsal or performance is missed (emergencies are an exception). In the case of anunapproved absence, the makeup assignment must be completed and can be made up for up to 80% of the grade.

Absences due to illness (as indicated by excusal through powerschool on the day of the event or the day after)or emergency can be made up for up to 100% provided that proper documentation has occurred (powerschool, email, discussion with Mrs. Cie).

Always see Mrs. CieChanski regarding school athletic eventsto help navigate the District Music/Athletic Policy (see below).

If a makeup assignment is not completed for any absence, the student will receive a failing grade for the rehearsal or performance missed.

Parent and student cooperation is appreciated and necessary for the success of this vocal program.It is very important that every member of each choir is present at all scheduled rehearsals and performances, as we each play an integral role in a performance. Students-YOU are responsible for your own success! Adhering to this attendance policy is a reflection of what it means to be professional in the music world and professionalism, coupled with exceptional work ethic, is something we should all strive for!

Scheduled Rehearsals– After school rehearsals, scheduled regularly during the week before performances, are mandatory. Please avoid conflicts and treat conflicts with after school rehearsals in the same manner you would treat conflicts with performances. Discuss allissues with Mrs. CieChanski. Please see the attached calendar of events for all scheduled rehearsals and performances.

Emergency rehearsals– These are rare and all should attend. Mrs. CieChanski will be, of course, more flexible with conflicts in these cases.

Again, all potential absences (except illness and emergency) must be discussed with Ms. CieChanski AND PUT IN WRITING within the first week of the trimester or at the start of the school year. * If you miss a concert or scheduled rehearsal due to an unapproved absence, you will only be able to make-up up to 80% of the grade for the missed time, which will result in a significant grade reduction. Failure to complete the makeup assignment will result in a failing grade.

Thank you all for your cooperation!

Course fees, costs, and required materials

Because this is a co-curricular course (meaning-we have in school and after school events), there is some cost involved. If you have any questions or concerns regarding fees, please do not hesitate to contact me. Payments are expected at the Mandatory Registration on September 25.

Uniform Rental Fee $25.00

Character shoes (Bel Canto, A Cappella) $35.00

Choir T-shirt $15.00

Skyline Blues Members*

Participation Fee $225

SB T-Shirt $15.00

Bel Canto Travel (Bel Canto). Up to $300*

A fee of approximately $300/student may be assessed for trips related to travel (ACDA, MMC). Fundraising, scholarship info, and other details to be released soon.

Skyline Blues Travel (Skyline Blues). Up to $1000*

A fee of approximately $1000/student will be assessed for trips related to competing (ie. Advancing to ICHSA Finals). Fundraising, scholarship info, and other details to be released as events occur.

Optional Spiritwear available online atwww.sunrisewebstores.com

Soloists and self-directed small ensembles who wish to participate in Solo and Ensemble will be responsible for all fees involved, including the accompanist fee (when applicable).

A pencilis required for each class period. Also, each student must have one spiral bound notebook(or a binder of paper) that you can leave in the classroomto use as your Listening Journal.