Footnotes

HHS Performing Ensembles 2013-2014 (FOOTNOTES)

Footnotes is a mixed-voice chamber ensemble, offered as a 1/4 credit course and open to Chorus members in grades 10-12 by audition. It can be described as a cross between an honors course and a varsity sport. As such, members must meet or exceed the general requirements and expectations for Chorus, possess advanced musical and vocal abilities, and display qualities of independence, reliability, team spirit and leadership.I. Objectives:

To provide singers with advanced musical and vocal skills the opportunity to perform more challenging and varied repertoire, in a smaller ensemble setting.

To augment the singing experience through the incorporation of dance/movement in the performance of jazz and/or Broadway musical repertoire.

To be "musical ambassadors" for the school by performing for special school and community functions, visiting elementary/middle schools and local senior centers, and touring periodically to domestic/international festivals or venues.

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 relationships between music and other arts.

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

7. Students will demonstrate appropriate ensemble participation skills.

III. Requirements:

1. Footnotes members must be enrolled in Chorus -- Chorus rules and expectations apply to Footnotes. In addition, Footnotes members are expected to provide leadership for other Chorus students. Membership is by audition each spring. Criteria are: musicianship level, independence/reliability, vocal level, leadership ability, and rehearsal/group work ethic. Seniority by age and/or years in Chorus may be a factor when other aspects are equal.

2. Rehearsal -- Footnotes meets one class period weekly. Members must attend the weekly rehearsal (conflicts with another class must be resolved through Guidance procedures; there are no E-days.) Rehearsals missed for holidays or other schedule changes will be made up during after-school hours and an extended special rehearsal prior to the Fall Concert is required. Any extra rehearsals will be announced well in advance. If Footnotes commits to a major tour, an additional schedule of special rehearsals will be required. Individual singers who miss a rehearsal must make make-up arrangements.

3. Concerts -- Footnotes performs in the three major Chorus concerts, as well as alone in special performances. Attendance at all performances is required (see Chorus Standards for dates and limited excusal procedures.)

4. Review/Paper -- There may be written requirements from time to time (see Chorus requirements).

5. Forms/Permission Slips -- A variety of paperwork may be required to facilitate the Footnotes performance schedule --- academic class excusals, transportation permission, trip documents, etc. Prompt return of required forms is essential and will affect your grade (see Chorus requirements). Note: Footnotes members must meet their responsibilities in other classes when being excused for special events. Failure to do so may adversely affect both the individual and the group.

6. Test/Exam -- Concert performances serve as periodic evaluation of student achievement. There will also be a scheduled mid-term singing exam. The final exam will consist of participating in quartet auditions for next year's ensemble.

7. Attendance -- see Chorus requirements (in addition to those listed above) Because Footnotes has more limited rehearsal time in which to learn more difficult repertoire, regularity and promptness are essential. Members must also make attendance at special events a priority, and arrange their schedules and commitments accordingly.

8. General -- As Footnotes participate in off-campus and possible overnight activities, members must exhibit a high level of trustworthiness, dependability and self-motivation. Also, due to the tight rehearsal and extra performance schedule, members must be willing/able to put in time above and beyond the basic requirements when deemed necessary.

!V. 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:

Footnotes is a performance-based, ensemble class. Within an ensemble context, individual achievement is balanced with group considerations. Grading is based upon rehearsal and performance effort/accomplishment and adherence to the requirements of section II above. As Footnotes is an advanced ensemble, it is expected that all members will work and perform at the highest level. Failure to achieve this standard may be grounds for dismissal from the group.