Chorus

HHS Performing Ensembles 2013-2014 (CHORUS)

The objectives of Hanover High School performing ensembles are: to develop each student’s musical skills to the greatest degree possible,

to build self-confidence while striving for personal and group excellence,

to develop a sense of community and commitment within the group, and

to develop professionalism in all aspects of performance.

I. OBJECTIVES:

To rehearse and perform a wide variety of styles and forms of choral music

To develop each student's musical skills and understanding to the greatest degree possible (includes music reading, vocal technique, special opportunities such as All State)

To develop a community spirit within the group (to have fun, provide an emotional outlet, develop personal relationships) and contribute to the greater HHS and Upper Valley communities

To build self-confidence through achieving personal and group excellence

To develop professionalism in all aspects of performance ---- on stage and in rehearsal

II. CORE COMPETENCIES:

1. Students will perform by singing a varied repertoire of music.

2. Students will read music.

3. Students will listen to, analyze and describe music.

4. Students will evaluate music and music performances.

5. Students will understand music in relation to history and culture.

6. Students will understand relationships between music and other arts.

7. Students will demonstrate appropriate ensemble participation skills.

III. REQUIREMENTS:

1. Rehearsal ---- rehearsal/class is scheduled four days per week with Footnotes meeting on the X-day.

A weekly schedule will be posted indicating full and sectional rehearsals. It is your responsibility to check the schedule for the appropriate times and locations.

In the weeks preceding a major concert, the full chorus may meet on the X day, or during special rehearsals for which you may be excused from a class. Monday 6th Period will meet on Tuesday (X) if there is no school on Monday.

An extra afternoon or evening rehearsal prior to a major concert may be required (usually only before chorus/orchestra concert). Adequate prior notice will be given.

EXPECTATIONS: Professional manner in rehearsal includes

-participation in warm-ups/vocalizing

-alert and attentive attitude

-good singing posture

-seating arrangements (usually sectional)

-good individual effort and consistent participation

-music/folder on hand and taken care of

-use of pencil to make notations in music

Please Avoid - food in rehearsal area

-gum chewing

-unnecessary talk/chatter

2. Concerts -- Students are required to perform in all scheduled concerts as a condition of enrolling in chorus. The only acceptable excuses for missing a concert are illness and extreme family emergency.

Concert schedules are established at the start of each school year, and performers are expected to arrange other priorities (recreation, college visits, vacations, etc,) so as not to conflict. This applies to any special rehearsals. An unexcused absence from a concert or special/dress rehearsal will result in the grade being lowered by one full grade. (PLEASE NOTE: regular school-sanctioned absences do not apply -- see handbook.)

If a parent and/or student believes there are extreme extenuating circumstances impacting on a pending absence from a concert, an appeal of the prescribed consequence (grade level drop) may be made first to the teacher and secondly, if still unresolved, to a panel of music department staff and administration.

Attire: there will be a specified group attire for each concert (varies)

3. Concert Review/Paper - There will be a minimum of one or two review/papers due each quarter-----the requirements vary. Failure to turn in the paper will effect your grade (B+ would be the highest grade possible). Late papers lowered one grade per day.

4. Forms/Permission Slips - It is important to return forms/questionnaires and permission slips on time. Failure to return or lateness will effect your grade (see 3 above).

5. Music reading/theory - From time to time written exercises may be required. These exercises will mainly be related to the music we are singing. Grading as papers (see 3 above).

6. Exam - You will perform in a small-group exam at the end of each semester in a group of your choice. You will be graded on evidence of preparation and general musical understanding of our concert repertoire rather than on vocal sound per se.

7. Attendance - Attendance rules follow those of the school (see Handbook). Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each rehearsal. Rehearsal begins promptly. If you are late, sign in and give a note to Patty or a designated attendance person. Three unexcused tardies equal a cut. In addition to the consequences in the handbook, one cut results in the lowering of your grade by two increments (i.e. A to B+). Chorus is a performance based class---your presence in rehearsal is critical.

IV. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:

Music students are expected to uphold high standards of responsibility, honor and integrity in accordance with the HHS Academic Honor Code and Academic Integrity Policy. Students are expected to abide by the rules of the HHS handbook.

V. EVALUATION:

The quality of your individual participation in rehearsal is the biggest determinate of your grade. Due to the participatory (rather than paperwork) nature of the class, teacher observation of your involvement and contribution is the basis of your rehearsal evaluation. Our goal as a group is to perform to the best of our ability, always striving for excellence. To that end EACH INDIVIDUAL must put forth his/her best effort. A grade of C or D may be "passing" but does not reflect the commitment to fellow singers or the group that we need to achieve meaningful musical experiences. Grading will be based upon the following: *(8 units of 12.5% each)

1. Attendance (see above)

2. Rehearsal participation - 2 - 6/8 (25%-75%)

3. Concert performances/Dress rehearsals - 0-2/8 (0-37.5%)

4. Review/Paper - 1-2/8 (12.5-25%)

5. Permission Slips/Questionnaires/Forms - 0-1/8 (12.5%)

6. Reading/Theory exercises - 0-1/8 (0-12.5%)

7. Vocal Exam (small group) -0-1/8 (0-12.5%)

*percentages may shift in a given quarter due to circumstances (i.e. if there is no concert, then rehearsal percentage will be higher)

VI. ORGANIZATION:

OPPORTUNITIES to be involved in chorus in addition to singing:

Section Leaders, Ticket/Concert assistance

Qualified volunteers may serve in other positions per Director's approval.

EMERGENCY DAYS (two per SEMESTER*) may be taken for special, unforeseen circumstances. Notification slips are on the wall in the chorus room and should be completed prior to rehearsal. THERE WILL BE NO EMERGENCY DAYS DURING THE 2 WEEKS PRIOR TO A MAJOR PERFORMANCE. *Seniors may have a discretionary day with prior director's approval.

VII. RELATED OPPORTUNITIES

1. Footnotes - participation by audition (usually in June), must be a member of Chorus (1/4 credit class)

2. Soarthroats/Hilights/DaChords - school-sponsored/student directed male, female, mixed groups, participation by audition (usually September), no credit

3. Other - volunteer ensembles for special events in school and community (B-ball and hockey games, caroling, etc.)

4. Concert/Jazz Allstate - Students may audition for these special statewide festivals

Summary Info

What To Expect:

To enjoy singing and being part of a large ensemble

To explore a variety of musical styles and languages

To learn basics of singing technique and music reading

To be challenged vocally and musically

To have opportunities to perform (full chorus, solos, special ensembles)

To have opportunities to provide leadership

What's Expected of You:

Respect for others in the group, the facilities and staff

Your best effort -- focus during rehearsal and performance

Consistent attendance and promptness

Personal improvement as a singer and musician

Periodic assessment/assignments

Responsibility -- folder, pencil, forms/goldenrods

Enthusiasm!