West Hancock High School

Vocal Department

Choral Music Education has a long-standing history of enriching students in the curricular classes. All research shows that students who participate in music receive higher scores in school, on standardized tests and in post-secondary education. Through participation in the choral program, students learn not only the techniques of good singing and music literacy, but team work and self-pride as well.

Rehearsal Expectations

A. Timeliness

1. By starting on time we improve ensemble and individual performance as we maximize our rehearsal time.

2. Set a standard for the ensemble and district, as this behavior indicates the ensemble is important to us as individuals.

B. Focus

1. By restricting conversation to musical and rehearsal matters, we improve performance as an ensemble and an individual.

2. Set a standard for the ensemble and district, as this behavior indicates the ensemble is important to us as individuals.

C. Respect

1. By refraining from personal put-downs, offensive language and unnecessary comments, we improve ensemble and individual performance as we can approach the music with a positive attitude.

2. Set a standard for the ensemble and district, as this behavior indicates the ensemble is important to us as individuals, and we are willing to resolve problems outside rehearsal time.

3. By taking the time to keep our room free of debris, we improve ensemble and individual performance as we reduce delays in rehearsal.

Choir Room Expectations

1. Students are only allowed in choir room when an instructor is present or specific permission is granted.

2. Students must ask permission to use telephone.

3. Students must ask permission to use stereo, computer or piano.

4. Students should knock and wait for permission to enter director’s office.

5. There will be no gum, food or beverage other than water allowed in the choir room.

6. Cell phones and other distractions must be put away.

7. Sing with a purpose every day. KNOW YOUR WHY.

Grading Policy

A. Daily Points (50% of grade)

Each day you can receive up to five points toward your daily grade. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Class Participation/singing, posture, warm-up exercises, sight-reading exercises, written music quizzes, behavior, effort, responsibility, respect of self, others and equipment, preparedness.

a. Students may begin losing daily points when they disregard the above expectations.

b. Students will be responsible for folder and music at the end of the year. Fees will be assessed to any damaged folders or music.

B. Performances (35% of grade)

Performance attendance is mandatory for all students in choir.

1. Each performance is worth 100 points (large group contest is worth 150.) Missing a performance without a pre-approved excuse will result in a zero.

2. Missing a performance for an excused reason will require a pre-excused note (approved by administration and director).

3. Concert dates are listed on the calendar, and any extra performances will be announced with as much advance notice as possible. Conflicts with those dates need to be reconciled ahead of time.

4. Performance grades will be earned by using (but not limited to) the following list: behavior, effort, professional attitude, timeliness, concert dress.

a. Assigned uniforms will be required for all performances.

1. Women must wear closed-toe black dress shoes. Men must wear black socks and black shoes. Hair must be out of face so the audience/judges can see facial expressions. No large earrings, bracelets, jewelry that can be seen.

b. In the instance of a school-sponsored performance, school-appropriate attire will be expected.

C. Lessons (15% of grade)

All students in choir are required to attend voice lessons.

1. Every student is required weekly lessons.

2. Lesson times will be posted in and out of the choir room, as well as given to each classroom teacher.

3. If lessons are missed, grades will be lowered accordingly. If a student is late to a lesson, grade will be lowered or zero given based on timeliness.

4. Extra lesson times are available for those needing extra help or those rehearsing for honor choir, all-state, ensembles, etc…

Classroom Rules and Procedures

Students will be seated by sections. The director reserves the right to hear each student individually to place them in sections. Students will come into the room promptly, get their folder and go to their seat. When warm-ups have begun, students will be expected to give 100% of their attention to the director for the rest of the class period.

Rehearsal Format:

Attendance and Warm-ups

Skills practice (sight-reading, rhythm, note identification, solfege, etc…)

Read through music, rehearse parts or sections

Review

When the director is rehearsing with individual sections, the sections not rehearsing are to follow along in their music. They are not to sing along, talk or move around the room.

Discipline issues are rare and far-between in a music room, but if any should occur, the school-wide procedures listed in the handbook will be followed.

Choir Officers

President:

Duties include presiding over daily announcements, welcome/introduction at concerts, coordinate National Anthem singers for events, assisting in warm ups and rehearsals with guest teachers, and representing the concerns and needs of your fellow choir members by being an open and responsive leader. This person will also head organizing choir t-shirt designs, White Elephant gift exchange, end of the year banquet, team building activities and any other events that may occur. Must have leadership ability and choir membership for at least two years.

Vice-President:

Duties include assisting the president (including acting as president when president is unavailable), uniform maintenance, assisting in warm ups and rehearsals with guest teachers, being involved in departmental volunteer activities, and representing the concerns and needs of your fellow choir members by being an open and responsive leader. Qualifications include leadership ability and membership in a WH choir for at least one year.

Librarian:

Duties include the maintenance and upkeep of the choral library. This will include cataloguing and distributing music and entering music into the choral library spreadsheet. This person will also pass out and collect music and be involved in departmental volunteer activities. Qualifications include excellent organizational skills as well as good communication.

Historian/Publicity:

Duties include taking photos and notes for choral webpage as well as newspaper and/or press releases. Must coordinate having a camera at all choir-related events (organizing a student or parent during concerts), assist in maintaining choir webpage, create/maintain bulletin boards and choir photos, posters/messages to media and public.

Sections Leaders:

Section leaders for each voice part will be determined after the director meets with and listens to each choir member. Duties include helping individuals within the section with music as well as working with director regarding problems with music.

All of the offices require a great deal of responsibility. Nominees must be able to attend meetings and above all must be dedicated, responsible choir members.

Concerts and Important Dates

Saturday, September 8^th: All-State Workshop; 8:30AM; Belmond-Klemme HS

Saturday, October 20^th: All-State Auditions; Hampton

Tuesday, October 23^rd: 5-12 Vocal Concert; Britt; 7:00PM

Monday, November 12^th: NCICDA Honor Choir; NIACC

Monday, November 12^th: Veteran’s Day Program; 2:00pm

Thursday-Saturday, November 15-17^th: All-State Festival-Ames

Monday, December 17th: HS Winter Concert-7:00PM

January 12-14^th: Dorian Vocal Festival; Luther College

January 20-21^st; Meistersinger Honor Festival; Wartburg College

Music Booster Supper-TBA

Friday, February 8^th: Note-able Night-7:00pm

Friday, February 22^nd: TIC Honor Choir; NIACC

Saturday, April 6^th: Solo/Ensemble Contest-TBA

Tuesday, April 30^th: 9-12 Vocal Spring Concert-7:00PM

Friday, May 3^rd: Large Group Contest-TBA

Sunday, May 19^st: Commencement/Graduation-2:00pm

Extra-curricular Activities (as listed, not required, dates rotate and fluctuate)

National Anthem at athletic events

All-State Auditions

Opus Auditions

TIC Vocal Festival (bi-annually)

Real Men Sing (on a rotational basis)

NCICDA Honor Choir

Dorian Vocal Festival

Solo/Ensemble Festival

Electos

Lettering

Each student needs 8 points to letter.

Points will be carried over from the previous year(s).

Ways to earn points:

Attend ALL performances (this is required to letter)

Participating in any honor choirs

Participate in Festivals

Audition for All-State/Opus

Member or Alternate for All-State/Opus (4 points)

Perform National Anthem

Sing a solo at a concert

Serve as a Choir Council member

Perform at Solo/Ensemble

Member of Electos

Participate in fundraising events

Take lessons during summer

Perform for a non-school related event (hobo days, HCLT choir)

Perfect lesson attendance (no make-ups or Freebies)

Perform as an accompanist for choir event

Emcee for Notable night