Choir Class Policies

Freehold Township High School
Music Department
Talent - Respect - Dedication
Edward Gattsek, FTHS - Music Director
732-431-8460 x3051
egattsek@frhsd.com

Choir I, II, III, IV (and honors)

Student Procedures, Requirements, and Grading Policies

Purpose: The purpose of this class is to perform a wide variety of choral repertoire.  Students will work to improve individual skills while at the same time learning to contribute to a large ensemble.  Every student will commit to the rehearsal, private practice, and performance times that are required of an exceptional musical ensemble.  The student has made a commitment to attend at all rehearsals and performances, regardless of personal schedules. Each student in the choir is counting on every other student to be present, have their parts learned to the best of their ability, and to strive for improvement.

Choir/Chorus - This ensemble is the “core” of the vocal music program at FTHS. This ensemble consists of students from freshman to senior singing soprano, alto, tenor, or bass.  Students of all class levels and abilities comprise this group. Members perform regularly in such events as the Homecoming FB Game, Holiday Concert, Spring Concert, and Graduation, as well as various performances. Attendance at a few after school rehearsals and at dress rehearsals is a required component.

Choir Classroom Rules

1. Be on/join the REMIND & Google Calendar: Both you and your parents need to be on the appropriate REMIND. Also have the calendar synched on both student and parent phones.  If needed, please see Mr. G for help with this.

2. Bring Required Items: Always bring your folder/binder, sheet music, a pencil, and proper equipment (water bottle, etc.) to every rehearsal and performance.

3. No Talking: Avoid talking or disturbances during rehearsals. Subdued talking is allowed only with the director’s permission or when they are not at the podium.

4. No Eating or Gum: Chewing gum or eating is not allowed during rehearsals, performances, or in the band room.

5. Be on Time: Be seated or standing in formation at the designated time. Late arrivals will be marked tardy.

6. Posture: Maintain good posture—avoid crossed legs, slumping, or slouching.

7. Setup Music: Before rehearsals, read the whiteboard at the front of the room and arrange music in the correct order as instructed. Do not write on the whiteboard or change the posting board without permission.

8. No Loud Behavior: Loud talking, shouting, or horseplay is prohibited.

9. No Electronics: Personal electronic devices are not allowed during class, rehearsal, or performance. Follow the FRHSD/FTHS cell phone policy.

10. Sign Out: If you need to leave the room, sign out in the logbook. No hall passes for the first 15 minutes of class unless it's an emergency.

Grading Policy – FTHS Choir Class

All grading policies of the Freehold Regional High School District are strictly applied. The students enrolled in the FTHS Choir are graded primarily on development and improvement of musical skills, attendance at and participation in rehearsals and public performances. Singing Tests, program notes, student effort, student written self-critique and reflection, classwork, homework, outside reading, mid-term exam, final exam and other evaluative methods as listed in the course proficiencies may be used to assess student progress. Given each student’s level of proficiency, emphasis is on the following areas:

Posture (seated), Posture (standing), Breathing, Phrasing, Rhythmic Accuracy, Intonation, Tone, Dress Code, Rehearsal Etiquette, Ensemble Technique, Note Accuracy, Articulation, Attendance

Product/Major Assessments: 60%

1. Attendance at all rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory for credit.  If the student fails to attend the dress rehearsal, he/she will receive a failing grade and may not perform.  

   • An unexcused absence carries a penalty of a zero (0) for that day’s activity (rehearsal or performance) and may result in an additional ten (10) points off the student’s final marking period grade. Only in cases of extreme emergency or extreme illness will a student be excused from a performance. 

   • The marching band rehearses after school: Tuesday Nights 5:30 – 8:30pm and Wednesday After School until 5:15 pm.  Be sure to check band calendar for up to date info.  

   • The Concert Band meets most Wednesdays after school.

   • Dress rehearsals usually occur the day or 2 before a performance and are mandatory in order to perform. Failure to attend will affect a student’s “performances, tests, and quizzes” portion of the marking period grade also.  

Complete page for - Attendance Policy

2. Tests and quizzes will be given during each marking period. 

3. Students may use their notebooks for tests and quizzes.

4. Students may not share answers with each other on tests and quizzes.

5. Dress Code -  

• Option A - White tops (with sleeves), black pants or skirt (below the knee when seated); or All Black Dress (below the knee when seated, with sleeves) Black Shoes (avoid high heels, no boots)

• Option B - White tops, UNDERSHIRTS, black pants, black calf socks (no short sneaker socks) and black shoes. Ties optional. 

Please choose the concert attire that you feel most comfortable wearing.  

Students may not participate in a performance without satisfying the appropriate dress code.

Process/Minor Assessments: 40%

1. Students will remain active and productive contributors to the creative and learning processes.  

2. Students will complete "rhythm sheets," "do-now" work,  homework, or other written work.

3. Assessments for progress on a given work will be conducted -  individual performances, technique & part preparation, group work, mini projects

4. When the instructor is providing the lesson, students must remain quiet. Raise your hand when you have a question.

5. Students will refrain from doing work from other classes while in music class.

6. Students will come to class each day with their instruments, sheet music, pencil and other appropriate music creating materials.