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Primary Objectives:
Students will learn to enjoy singing and use the full capacity of their voice.
Students will sing in a variety of styles of music with a strong foundation.
Students will perform in concerts to the best of their ability and learn proper concert etiquette.
Students will refine their musicianship and singing skills (sight reading, vocal technique, listening skills, study of foreign languages, etc.).
Students will perform in the Mishawaka area and seek to have a positive impact in their school & community through performing music.
Academic Credit:
One Fine Arts credit (1 honors credit for Chamber Choir)
Classroom Rules:
Respect the music.
Respect each other.
Respect yourself.
MHS Cell Phone Policy:
As per the guidelines set forth by Indiana State Senate Enrolled Act 185, it is imperative that all students adhere to the following cell phone policy while in the classroom:
Cell Phone Usage: All wireless communication devices (WCD) must be powered off and securely stored away during class time. This includes any form of visible or audible usage of cell phones, such as texting, calling, browsing, or listening to music.
Disciplinary Consequences: Any student found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary consequences, as outlined in the school's code of conduct.
Confiscation Rights: School personnel, including teachers, have the right to confiscate electronic devices, whether school-owned or personal, if students fail to comply with the cell phone policy or engage in misuse of electronic devices.
Privilege and Forfeiture: Possession of a wireless communication device is considered a privilege that may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy or engages in misuse of this privilege.
Emergency Communication: In the event of an emergency requiring immediate communication with a student, the school will promptly assist by using the available landline in the classroom or contacting the student, a parent, or another responsible adult through school channels.
We believe that maintaining a distraction-free learning environment is crucial for academic success and student well-being. By adhering to this policy, we can foster a focused and productive educational experience for all. Students who do not adhere to this policy will be sent to PSO to follow progressive discipline, as established in the MHS Cell Phone policy.
Grading:
30% Rehearsal Participation
There will be 10 points awarded each class day. If you are on time, prepared, and participate, you will receive all 10 points. You will lose 3 points if you are late without a pass. You will lose 2 points if you do not have your music. You will lose 2 points if you do not have a pencil. You will lose 5 points if you fall asleep in class.
Points will be taken away at the teacher’s discretion for disruptive behavior.
Cell phone use will also result in a deduction of points.
Cell phones are not allowed during rehearsal time. Please see the MHS cell phone policy (above).
Food and drinks are not allowed in the choir room. Water is allowed as long as the cup or bottle has a lid.
20% In-class assignments/Homework
We will regularly participate in in-class singing assignments. No student will ever sing alone during these assignments.
Sight reading assignments will occur at least once per semester.
Written assignments will occur at least once per grading period.
20% of the total points will be automatically deducted for late work. Late work can be turned in for two weeks after the initial due date.
50% Concert Attendance
Concerts are required in all choir classes! Failure to perform at a concert without an excused absence will result in a score of zero. A medical note from a doctor or a detailed note from a parent is required to be excused from a concert. In lieu of performing in a required concert, students will be assigned a 2-4 page paper.
See the attendance section for more information.
Concert Attire:
Concert Choir
Choir Robe (provided)
Black Pants/Skirt
T-Shirt or Tank-top with a wide neck
Black Dress Shoes and Black Socks
Treble Choir
Jumpsuit (provided)
Black Dress Shoes - heels can be no taller than 2"
Show Choir
Costumes (provided)
Rehearsal and Performance Shoes
more information is on Canvas
Chamber Choir
Tuxedos and Dresses (provided)
Black Dress Shoes - heels can be no taller than 2"
Black Socks
***Failure to dress correctly for concerts will result in 50% loss of concert grade***
Class Attendance:
Attendance is incredibly important in an ensemble. We are working to sing as a unit and we need every voice present. Class attendance is necessary to not only learn the music but to learn how we sound as a group. We need to be able to balance chords, breathe together, and learn from each other. Students are awarded daily participation points. This is described in the Syllabus/Grading section, above. If a student is absent they will not receive points for the day.
If a student has missed 10 or more class days leading up to a concert, they will not be able to perform with their ensemble. Students not permitted to perform will be required to complete a make-up assignment. If the absences in question are all excused, the student may ask to sing the concert pieces for the director. If they are able to sing their voice part with correct dynamics and breathing, they will be able to perform with their ensemble.
Concert Attendance:
Check the Choir Events Schedule for all of the required concerts for each class. If you need to miss a required concert, please communicate with the director ASAP. Unexcused absences will result in an automatic 0 for the concert grade. See below for excused absences.
Excused Absences:
Funerals of family and close friends. A parent/guardian should email or call the director within 24 hours of the concert.
Weddings of family and close friends. A parent/guardian should email or call the director within 4 weeks of the concert.
Illness including a fever or the need for medical attention. Requires a doctor’s note and an email or phone call from a parent/guardian.
If something else arises, communicate with the director via email or phone call.
Student Lettering in Choir:
The earning of student letter jacket awards for choir (“M” letter and chevrons) is based on a point system. In order to earn an award for the year, students must have no unexcused absences from required rehearsals/performances. Students must earn 50 varsity letter points during the school year. Points are not carried over from year to year. The points are described below.
50 points - All-State Honor Choir or All-State Jazz member
25 points - Performing as a soloist at ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Festival
20 points - Performing in a non-required ensemble at ISSMA Solo and Ensemble
15 points - Auditioning for All-State Honor Choir or All-State Jazz Choir
15 points - Performing in the school musical
10 points - Participating in multiple ensembles
10 points - Working backstage for the school musical
5 points - Performing in the Living Pictures at Vespers
5 points - Attendance at a school or professional concert/performance in which the student is not participating (verified by bringing in the program to your director)
-15 points - Excused Absence from a required rehearsal/performance
Vocal Leadership Awards:
Two vocal leadership awards are presented for each ensemble in the Spring Semester. These awards go to students who have been active members of their ensemble and are learning, growing, and taking initiative to improve the choir.
John Long Award:
The John Long Award is presented to one senior each school year in recognition of that student’s dedication to the choir program throughout their high school career. The person who receives this award is a leader and a learner.
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