Choir Handbook
2022-2023
Vocal Music Handbook
Stillwater High School
Dana Ayers, Director of Vocal Music
405.533-6450, ext. 5386
dayers@stillwaterschools.com
Vocal Music Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome P. 3
Expected Behavior P. 4
Attendance P. 4
Vocal Music Fee (due 10/1) P. 5
Concert Dress P. 5
Fundraising Opportunities P. 5
Additional Opportunities P. 6
Course Syllabi
Pioneer Chorale P. 7
Concert Choir P. 10
Parent/Student Acceptance Form (return by 9/2)
Here We Go!!!!!
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Stillwater High
School’s Vocal Music program! I am very fortunate to have been
the director of the choirs at SHS for nine years, and with your help,
I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that has been established in the past. Stillwater has two specific vocal music courses and one general fine arts class, and I’m sure you will find yours fun and fulfilling! The following are taught by me at Stillwater High School:
Pioneer Chorale – large mixed auditioned ensemble 10th-12th
Concert Choir – small auditioned travelling 10th -12th choir
Music Appreciation – experiencing and learning about music
Please know that this document is geared toward face-to-face,
traditional learning. In the event of a transition to virtual learning, I
will utilize Google Classroom and Meet as much as possible.
I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you! My office
door is never closed, so if you have questions, feel free to stop by. I
welcome you to become part of our Stillwater Vocal Music family!
Mrs. Ayers
Expected Behavior:
Excellent performance is not an accident. It is the result of the daily pursuit of excellence and consistent improvement. The following behaviors are expected from everyone every day:
· Participate enthusiastically every day.
· Be in your assigned seat (or logged in) with your music folder and pencil before the bell rings. Excellent performance is only achieved if everyone is ready to work when the bell rings. Students who are consistently tardy will be behind in classwork and will cause disruption. If a teacher keeps you late, please bring a pass from the office. Unexcused tardies will result in a lowering of the daily possible grade (5 points per day)
· Spit out your gum before you sit down. Cough drops are acceptable and are typically
available in the room.
· Water is available for purchase. You are welcome to bring a personal water bottle to leave in the room. Per SPS policy, it must be clear (see-through), marked with your name and should remain in the room.
· If you are ill or otherwise unable to sing, please let me know before class starts.
· No Cell Phones! If I see your cell phone after the bell rings, you can be assured that I will collect it from you and will take it to the office.
· Please write on the music with pencil only! An exception to this will be the All-State music. All students who are auditioning for All-State Choir will be expected to yellow highlight their part in each of the four audition songs.
· Respectful behavior is due to everyone, by everyone. NO EXCEPTIONS. Class disruptions will be dealt with through parent phone calls, office referrals and closed campus. A disruption is disrespectful to the class and teacher and cannot be tolerated.
Attendance:
In the Classroom
Points are earned daily for attendance and for achieving the above items while exhibiting positive
rehearsal behavior. These points will be recorded as daily grades. Excused absences can be made up but it
is the student’s responsibility to speak with the teacher the first day returning to class following an excused
absence in order to make arrangements for the same. School activity absences will be considered exempt. Unexcused absences and tardies will result in a student’s inability to earn any daily points.
At Performances/Contests
Concerts and dress rehearsals are similar to nine-weeks and semester tests in other classes. Your
personal attendance is mandatory and cannot be made up. Family emergencies (death in the family, extreme
illness of the student) must be cleared with the director before the concert. Unexcused absences (anything
other than those excuses listed above) will result in a Zero for that event. Failure to maintain a passing grade
that results in an inability to attend an OSSAA or other competition will be considered an unexcused absence
and will be graded as such. It is imperative to the success of our program that students keep their academic
grades high. In classes such as Pioneer Chorale and Concert Choir, consistent ineligibility may result in a
request for removal from that class.
Vocal Music Fee:
There is a mandatory vocal music fee of $30 for all Pioneer Chorale students / $45 for all Concert Choir students due by October 1st. The fee includes rental of the choir uniform (concert dress), maintenance of the supplies, applicable general contest fees, purchase of music, and help with contest transportation for the year. If there is a problem, please have a parent contact Mrs. Ayers.
All students will be required to rent the choir uniform from the SHS choir program (see below).
Men who have their own tux elements may utilize those for a reduced fee. Any alterations needed must be completed at the student’s expense and MAY NOT involve the cutting of material.
Failure to return choir uniforms in good condition will result in a $250 replacement fee.
Concert Dress:
Ladies’ Uniform
Black velveteen top
Black tuxedo pants
Black character shoes - No slides or “mules” (may be heels or flats)
Black socks or hose
Pearl necklace. No bracelets, necklaces or dangle earrings, only pearl or small stud earrings, please
NO perfume, please!
Racerback bras, sports bras and / or bras that show with the uniform will not be allowed. Student
may not be able to perform if undergarments are showing and grades will be lowered accordingly.
Men’s Uniform
Black dress shoes with black dress socks that cover the ankles. No tennis shoes.
Black tux pants
White wing-tip collar tux shirt
Black tux jacket
Black cummerbund and bow tie
Fundraising:
All fundraising activities are “To Be Determined” until further notice.
Additional Opportunities ______________
OKMEA 2022-2023 High School All-State Choir
Grades 10-12 may audition for the All-OMEA Mixed & Women’s Honor Choirs Saturday, October 29th for round one and Saturday, November 12th for the final round. Both of these auditions will be held virtually. Concert Choir students are required to audition. The entry fee is $15. There is an acceptance fee and hotel fee for students who make it into this honor choir.
OCDA 2022-2023 High School All-State Jazz Choir
Grades 10-12 may audition for the All-OCDA Vocal Jazz Choir on Tuesday, November 15th. This is a live
audition at First Baptist Church, Moore. There is an audition fee of $15. There is an acceptance fee and hotel fee for
students who are accepted into this honor choir.
National Anthem performance at home SHS basketball games and wrestling matches
In the past, the choir has provided National Anthem singers for athletic events and assemblies (schedule TBA). Sign-ups will be held through choir class. Students must be able to sing the National Anthem “straight” for Mrs. Ayers (with no added notes) and the student must be able to stay in the same key singing the correct words. Singers must demonstrate a high level of competency and must represent Stillwater High School with a high standard of excellence.
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is a small (14-18 member) group of students. This group performs a wide variety of music such
as jazz, pop and music from the baroque and renaissance era. Auditions for the following year will be held
during class and announced the last week of class for the following year.
All-State Clinic – Highly Suggested
There are a variety of All State Clinics available for interested students in the early fall. Participation in these is voluntary and at the student’s expense. Free and regular practice sessions will also be offered by Mrs. Ayers in the choir room during lunch periods throughout the month of September. Music will be provided.
Rankonesport.com:
All choir students are required to go to the Rankonesport.com website and fill out all necessary forms
(everything except an actual physical exam). This is a requirement of OSSAA and must be completed in a timely fashion (by Sept. 2nd).
Since the physical exam is not required of choir students, the final instruction will say “Out of Compliance”. That is fine as long as ALL of the other forms are filled out, initialed and signed on-line by both the student and parent.
Choirs / choir students will be notified during regular choir class time if there are
extracurricular events they might be performing for in the community. Some might involve only
Concert Choir, some might involve only Pioneer Chorale, and some might involve only section leaders.
The performance calendar does not include dates for fundraisers. All fundraising activities
are TBD. Once scheduled, they will be announced regularly in class and posted hard copy and on-line.
Pioneer Chorale Syllabus 2022-2023
Dana Ayers, Director
dayers@stillwaterschools.com
405.533-6450, ext. 5386
Course Description
A choral ensemble designed to encourage choir students
in grades 10-12 to enjoy singing, voice exploration and performing choral music of a variety of styles and periods. Vocal production, music literacy, sight-reading, listening skills, performance skills, music performance assessment skills and competitive performance skills will be stressed. Students are expected to participate all year.
There is a choir uniform fee of $30 (see p.5)
Learning Outcomes
(Course Goals)
The purpose of this course is to present an opportunity for students to participate, learn, and perform in a non-auditioned choir. Selected choral compositions, both secular and sacred, from a wide variety of historical styles and periods as well as diverse cultures will be explored and performed.
Freshman/Women’s Choir helps the student achieve the following learner outcomes:
1. Learn correct breathing techniques.
2. Learn correct singing posture.
3. Learn and apply the method of appropriate vocal technique to improve tone production.
4. Learn to apply the process of the changing voice.
5. Learn beginning music literacy skills and apply them to sight reading exercises and choral music.
6. Enjoy singing music of different styles and cultures.
7. Learn to communicate the intellectual (thinking), emotional, and aesthetic (valuing) qualities of music to a diverse society.
As a result of successfully completing this course, the student will be able to do the following:
1. Better understand his/her vocal mechanism and how to apply this knowledge while rehearsing and performing.
2. Better understand the difference in solo singing and singing in an ensemble (blend, balance, vowel production).
3. Understand and apply his/her knowledge and skill in the area of vocalization.
4. Better understand and apply his/her newly acquired music literacy skills in the areas of sight reading and ear training in rehearsals and performance.
5. Develop a greater appreciation of a wide diversity of choral repertoire.
6. Demonstrate his/her awareness of good intonation and rhythm through rehearsals, public performance and competition.
7. Develop and demonstrate techniques for singing in world languages.
8. Strive for musical independence within each singer so that the individual rises to his/her own level of musical maturity.
9. Demonstrate good stage deportment and posture.
10. Demonstrate group interaction by working together towards common goals.
11. Work independently and in sectionals to learn individual parts.
12. Follow the musical interpretation of the conductor during rehearsals and performances.
13. Develop musical standards resulting in the encouragement of sensitive musicianship through participation in a large ensemble.
14. Appreciate and respect a composer’s rights to the music that he/she has created.
Required Course Materials
1. Pencil
2. Notebook paper
3. Assorted sheet music (furnished by the school)
Choir Uniform
A choir uniform will be provided prior to the first concert once the student has paid the $30 class uniform fee.
Evaluation & Graded Activities
Classroom Work
1. Daily rehearsal grades (25 pts./week)
a. Choir folder with pencil in assigned position on risers when bell rings
b. Rehearsal participation – stay on task; mark music as instructed; fully participate in physical warm-ups, vocalizations, sectionals & full rehearsals
c. Periodic choir folder check for correct marks in music
Performance Grades
1. Attendance and full participation in concerts, contests, and extra scheduled required rehearsals
2. On time to all performances and extra rehearsals
3. In complete proper uniform for each performance
4. Performances serve as examinations.
Rehearsal Expectations
A. Students should be on the risers with their music folder and pencil when the tardy bell rings. Students not on the risers will be counted tardy. NO CELL PHONES, EARBUDS or I-PODS.
B. Students should demonstrate proper singing posture while both sitting and standing.
C. Singers are expected to remain actively engaged in the rehearsal at all times. There is always room for improvement in individual performance. Hard work is expected. It is not optional. There should be NO talking while the conductor is in front of the class.
D. Follow directions…the first time they are given.
E. Please DO NOT write on the dry erase board without permission.
F. The music library, my office and the practice rooms are off limits unless I have asked you to get something from that space.
G. Singers are expected to treat the conductor, teacher, accompanist and each other with utmost respect.
H. Students are responsible for picking up their choir folder before the rehearsal and returning it to the assigned slot after rehearsal. Please have a piece of paper and pencil in your folder at all times!
Scholastic Eligibility
Anyone on probation has one week to raise the grade(s) for performances during the following week.
You must be present at school the day before and/or the day of a school activity in order to participate in that school activity.
If eligibility is a consistent problem during the first semester, the student will be asked to enroll in another class for second semester.
Concert Choir Syllabus 2022-2023
Dana Ayers, Director
dayers@stillwaterschools.com
405.533-6450, ext. 5386
Course Description
Designed for students with a great interest in performance at the high school level and to enjoy singing and performing more difficult choral music of a variety of styles and periods. Music theory, sight-singing, vocal production, pitch, listening skills and a high level of performance are stressed. Choreography may be learned. Historical Performance Practice will be taught and stressed. Various programs, contests, fundraising events and community performances are scheduled. Students are expected to participate all year. Concert Choir is required to audition for OkMEA All-State Choir and one selection at solo and ensemble contest in the spring.
There is a choir uniform fee of $45 (see p. 5)
Learning Outcomes
(Course Goals)
The purpose of this course is to present an opportunity for students to participate, learn, and perform in an advanced level auditioned mixed, women’s and men’s chorus. Selected choral compositions, both secular and sacred, from a wide variety of historical styles periods, genres and diverse cultures will be explored and performed. Students will participate in solo and ensemble competition and have the opportunity to audition for All-State choirs.
Chamber Choir helps the student achieve the following learner outcomes:
1. Learn to apply essential elements of music and advanced music performance at a high level.
2. Apply advanced sight-singing background to more difficult exercises and choral repertoire.
3. Continue to learn and apply the method of appropriate vocal tone production, through more advanced vocal technique and musicality.
4. Continue to apply the process of the changing voice.
5. Enjoy singing music of different styles and cultures at an advanced level of performance.
6. Learn solo singing skills and audition procedures.
7. Learn to practice class music at home.
8. Learn to communicate the intellectual (thinking), emotional, and aesthetic (valuing) qualities of music to a diverse society.
9. Learn to be a considerate and prepared member of a team.
Objectives
As a result of successfully completing this course, the student will be able to do the following;
1. Understand and apply his/her advanced musicianship abilities in the areas of sight-singing and ear training in rehearsals and performance.
2. Understand and apply his/her advanced knowledge and skill in the area of vocalization.
3. Develop a greater appreciation of a wide diversity of choral repertoire.
4. Demonstrate his/her awareness of excellent intonation and rhythm through rehearsals and public performance.
5. Develop and demonstrate advanced techniques for singing in world languages.
6. Strive for advanced musical independence within each singer so that the individual rises to his/her own level of musical maturity.
7. Demonstrate excellent stage deportment and posture.
8. Demonstrate group interaction by working together towards common goals.
9. Work independently and in sectionals to learn individual parts.
10. Demonstrate the ability to mark musical scores accurately and effectively.
11. Follow the musical interpretation of the conductor during rehearsals and performances.
12. Develop musical standards resulting in the encouragement of sensitive musicianship through participation in a select ensemble.
13. Appreciate and respect a composer’s rights to the music that he/she has created.
Required Course Materials
1. Notebook paper, pencil, highlighter
2. Assorted sheet music (furnished by the school)
Choir Uniform
A choir uniform will be provided prior to the first concert once the student has paid the $45 class fee.
Evaluation & Graded Activities
Daily Grade
1. Daily rehearsal grades (25 pts./week)
a. Choir folder with pencil in assigned position on risers when bell rings
b. Rehearsal participation – stay on task; mark music as instructed; fully participate in physical warm-ups, vocalizations, sectionals & full rehearsals
c. Periodic choir folder & pencil check for correct marks in music
Performance Grade
1. Attendance and full participation in concerts, contests, honor choirs and extra scheduled required rehearsals
2. On time to all performances and extra rehearsals
3. In complete proper uniform for each performance
4. Performances serve as examinations.
5. Any student ineligible for a semester will be removed from this ensemble. If grades are acceptable after one semester, the student may re-audition for the choir.
Rehearsal Expectations
1. Singers should be on the risers with their choir folder and pencil when the tardy bell rings. Students not on the risers will be counted tardy. Being tardy causes you to miss a portion of warm-ups, limiting your ability to get the most out of rehearsal. Rehearsal is not over when the bell rings, but rather when the conductor dismisses the ensemble.
2. Students should demonstrate proper singing posture at all times, both sitting and standing.
3. There should be no talking while the director is in front of the class.
4. Singers are expected to remain actively engaged in the rehearsal at all times.
5. Follow directions…the first time they are given.
6. Please DO NOT write on the dry erase board without permission.
7. The music library & storage rooms are off limits unless I have asked
8. Students are responsible for picking up their choir folder before the rehearsal and returning it to the assigned slot after rehearsal. I hope that you will take your folder home to practice; however, remember to return with it for class the next day. Please have a sharpened pencil, piece of paper and highlighter in your folder at all times!
Scholastic Eligibility
Anyone on academic probation has one week to raise the grade(s) for performances occurring the following week.
You must be present at school the day prior to and/or the day of a school activity in order to participate in that activity. If eligibility is a problem during the first semester, the student will be asked to enroll in another class for second semester. If first semester grades prove to be satisfactory, then the student may re-audition for second semester.
PARENTS / GUARDIANS for BOTH CHOIRS: Please sign and “return” the acceptance form at your earliest convenience but no later than September 2nd. Thank you!