Handbook

Concert Attendance

Concert attendance is a course requirement. Choir follows the same policy as both the band and orchestra programs at Oakestown. Performances in music classes are the culminating activity of several weeks’ work: they are the equivalent of a unit test or project in a core academic class. Because a large part of performing music is the experience of doing so in front of a live audience, this experience cannot be duplicated. For this reason, attendance at all concerts is mandatory.

We are aware that illnesses and family emergencies do occur. Certain situations will be considered excused provided the parent/guardian contacts the teacher by the day following the performance. For a pre-arranged absence, a guardian must contact the music teacher at least two weeks before the performance to excuse the absence. Pre-arranged absence forms from the main office are NOT considered parent notification. Please note that certain conflicts (babysitting, birthdays, practices/rehearsals for other activities, etc.) will not be excused. These concert dates are given far in advance to help you organize your schedule around performances.

If a student does not follow appropriate classroom rules and becomes a discipline problem before or during a concert, they may not be allowed to sing at the performance. 

Uniforms

Our concert attire helps give our group a professional look on stage. Uniforms are a requirement for all Oakestown music students when they are performing and/or representing the Grandville Music Department. If you are not dressed in proper attire, you will not be allowed to perform.

Uniform: Grey G Music Department polo (new design rolled out in the 2021-2022 school year), long black dress pants, black socks, and solid black shoes.

Physical order forms will be sent home with your student the first week of classes. If you have difficulty attaining the appropriate uniform, please contact me ASAP, otherwise it is expected that the student will have the appropriate uniform for our scheduled concerts.

Sheet Music & Choir Folders

All sheet music, pencils, and folders will be provided to the student. Students will be assigned a choir folder at the beginning of the year. They are expected to have their folder, music, and a pencil with them for class every day.

Fundraisers

We will be doing one donation based fundraiser in the fall to help raise money for music, field trips, and other general classroom needs. Participation in the fundraisers is completely voluntary. 

Classroom Expectations

It is expected that each vocal music student has elected to be in this program because of a sincere desire to participate with his/her best effort throughout the school year. And contrary indication may result in loss of performance privileges and/or dismissal from the choral program. Students will learn from studying, rehearsing, and performing a variety of styles and genres of music. Students will show improvement in their ability to accurately match pitch, sing with good tone, and maintain an interest in the study of music. Other expectations are as followed:

Rules

1. Be Respectful

2. Be on Time

3. No Food or Drink

4. No Disruptive Talking

5. Have a Positive Attitude

This can be a very difficult time in a young singer's life as their voice begins to change. The difference in tone and sound from day to day can be enormous. As changes in the voice occur, it is important to always lend your support and respect to other students in the choral program. If any negative language or bullying occurs regarding effort or vocal performance outside of constructive feedback, the offending student will be removed from the classroom and disciplined according to the offense. It is important to have an atmosphere of teamwork and respect in the classroom and it begins with how the students treat each other.

Private Voice Lessons

For many, we would recommend challenging your child to try private voice lessons. Many voice teachers in the area have private studios for students and offer half-hour or hour-long lessons. Private lessons help your child to become an independent singer, to feel more comfortable with their voice, and include performance opportunities such as District and State Solo & Ensemble. Please inquire for recommended vocal teachers in the nearby area.

Thank you very much for your support. We look forward to a wonderful year of music!