FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

"Singing in a choir is an absolutely unique experience. It is one of the most important things in the world. Where else do you have everyone doing the same thing at the same time without the use of special equipment and for a great purpose, and no one is sitting on the bench?"

We are here to create community through practice and performance of choral music. We will develop musicianship skills and perform appropriate and various styles of music, ranging from classical to pop. Choir is a course designed to assist students with

singing a varied repertoire of music alone and with others
reading and notating music
sight reading
critically listening to self and others to analyze and describe music
Forming knowledgeable and well rounded opinions of music and performance.

Franklin’s Choirs

Chorale:

Members of this choir will develop vocal skills and discover their vocal potential by singing several different styles of music. They will learn the basics of group performance and musicianship.

Attire: Black pants, black dress shoes (flats or heels that are no more than two inches), and a solid, black shirt. Scarf or tie provided

Armonia Concert Choir:

Students will learn advanced choral/vocal techniques, sight-reading, and music theory through study and performance of a variety of choral music.

Attire: Black pants, black dress shoes (girls - flats or heels that are no more than two inches), black socks, and a robe to be checked out.

Contemporary ACappella Choir:

Students will learn contemporary pop literature through December. At the first of the year, this group will focus on Chamber music. In March, these students will return to singing contemporary Pop literature.

Attire: We will have a couple of different performance dress looks. It will be more formal in the months of January-March (formal Dresses and Formal tux/vest attire) and a Color theme for the other months.

It is not acceptable to where jeans, short skirts (more than one inch above the knee), revealing tops, tank tops, or athletic shoes. It is not appropriate to wear overstated jewelry or accessories. No perfume or cologne should be worn during a performance.If there is a problem acquiring the appropriate clothing, talk to me at least two weeks prior to the concert date and I will help you.

GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

Respect others opinions, ideas, and comments.
Rehearse silently while other sections are rehearsing
Always have your folder, music, and pencil at every rehearsal.
The choir room is to be free of phones, iPods, iPads, and any other electronic devices.
Water is allowed in water bottles. No food or other drink is allowed during class
Be on time ready to sing.
Warm ups begin when the bell rings.
Hats may be worn, but bills must be turned backwards to allow for clear visual communication.
Hoods may NOT be worn during rehearsal. Visual communication and listening ability is hampered.
Maintain a professional attitude during rehearsal, which means to participate by maintaining focus and concentration.
Be positive and enjoy the music.
Strive to be the best musicians you can be.
MARK YOUR MUSIC WITH PENCIL.
Store your music folder in designated cabinet.
When a substitute/guest teacher is present, the expectations stay the same.

Grading policy

Formative Assessment: Daily Participation, Musicianship growth,, Classwork, Theory, Sight reading, Vocal Independence 40%

Summative Assessment: Final Exam, Concerts and Special Performances 60%

Course materials

A black folder/binder is required for every class. You need it for every rehearsal. Your folder/binder should keep your music, a sharpened pencil, and other paperwork from choir (quizzes, worksheets, announcements, etc.)

Your music will live in the cabinet with an assigned number. You may always take your folder home as long as you have it in class for the next rehearsal. Armonia Choir members will pick their folder up in the choir room and mark attendance sheet before meeting in the auditorium.

Concerts and performance attendance policy

Choir is a performing art, and you are an artist. Therefore, all singers are perfected to perform at all concerts and special performances. Your art, choral music, is not complete without you.
Performances are mandatory, so plan ahead and make every effort to be there.
As soon as you know of a concert or performance, you are responsible to tell your parent or guardian about it and getting a ride if you need it. (If you need a ride, I may be able to connect you with someone who lives near you. The sooner you tell me, the easier it will be for you to get to your concert.)
If there is a serious schedule conflict, I will accept a note or a phone call from your parent or guardian to excuse the absence. This must happen at least two weeks prior to a scheduled performance.
Should an emergency arise such as illness, and you can’t attend a performance, then a parent/guardian must call or write me to excuse you.
An unexcused absence from a performance can drop your grade as much as 25%.