Chorus Handbook
by Michael Richards
Greetings
I am very excited to begin my second year here at Seneca Grade School. We have a lot of fun and exciting activities planned for chorus this year. Please read the following handbook with your student and contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
In my choir, students will be expected to:
-Perform music from a variety of periods and cultures
-Read music proficiently, including sight-singing
-Critically listen to a wide variety of styles of music
-Evaluate their own performances using musical language
-Realize the role of music in our society as well as other cultures
I feel that singing in a choir is an excellent opportunity for students work as part of a team, gain self-discipline, develop self-expression, and build self-esteem.
I am excited to be here at Seneca with such great faculty and administration. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to having a great year.
Mr. Richards
michaelr@sgs170.org
(815) 357-8744 x3311
Overview
In chorus, we will build on skills that were learned in previous music courses. In addition to music theory, students will also learn about vocal health, voice building, ensemble singing, and teamwork.
After reading and reviewing the handbook with your son or daughter, please be sure to sign and return the back page and have your student return it no later than Thursday, August 27.
Typical Rehearsal Format
The students will come into the room and find their seats in a timely manner. In order to reach our full potential we need to use every possible moment for music making. Once students have found their seats we will begin our warm-ups.
Warm-ups will have physical, mental, and musical components. In order to prepare for an effective rehearsal, singers need to warm-up not just the voice, but the mind and the body. There will frequently be sight-singing examples as part of the warm-up routine.
After warm-ups, we will begin practicing anywhere between 3-5 pieces a rehearsal. It is necessary to practice many different pieces in a rehearsal in order to keep the singers fresh (and entertained!).
Occasionally there will be written assignments, quizzes, and a quarterly test as part of the chorus grade.
Class Expectations
1. Show up to class ready to work.
2. Be on time.
3. Gum and food are not permitted in the choir room (this is both a sanitary as well as a health issue)
4. Students will have a folder (provided by the school). Inside the folder will be; a pencil (no pens except on written assignments), music, and 5 sheets of notebook paper.
5. Students who are unable to sing during a rehearsal due to illness will be required to fill out a rehearsal evaluation form.
Proper Rehearsal Etiquette
1. Rehearsal starts when the director reaches the podium or piano.
2. Raise your hand and ask questions if something is unclear.
3. Limit talking during the rehearsal (with so many students this year, this is key).
4. Maintain a positive attitude.
5. Listen to all instructions and follow them accordingly.
6. There are no penalties for wrong notes, only for poor effort!
Concert Schedule
Throughout the year, we will have concerts to demonstrate concepts we have learned. This is one of the most exciting parts of singing! Please note the following dates of concerts. Students are required to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time, unless told otherwise. If extra time is needed before the concert, I will notify parents via e-mail, or phone if necessary.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 7:00 pm (Graduation)
Attendance at concert is mandatory. As an ensemble, we need all of our members present at the performance in order to be our best. If there is a conflict with one of these dates, please let me know as soon as possible. Except for emergencies, I must be notified, in writing, at least two weeks prior to the concert. If you must miss a concert, I will work with you to find an assignment that will help you make up the missed points. If no notification is given, no make-up assignment will be given.
Grading
Students receive a grade for chorus each quarter. This grade counts towards grade point average. The grading system is as follows:
55%-Daily work-Students can earn up to 10 points daily for rehearsal participation. In order to earn a full 10 points students must be attentive, and show effort for the entire rehearsal. I assign 5 of the 10 points to the group as a whole, and the other 5 points for individual effort.
15%-Tests and quizzes-Every few weeks students will have a quiz on concepts we have covered in class. A study guide will be distributed prior to any test or quiz. Tests will be given near the end of each quarter and will comprehensive. (You need to remember what we did 1st quarter even when it’s May). Students will be notified of all quizzes one week in advance, and two weeks in advance for the test.
15%-Concert Attendance-Students must attend all concerts in order to receive full credit. If a student misses a concert (without notifying me prior), they will automatically receive a B (100% total-15% missing the concert = 85% B. If a student needs to miss a concert I need to be notified in writing at least two weeks in advance.
10%-Skills Tests-Once a quarter students will be required to sing either a section of a song or a sight-singing sample in a small group. These tests will be administered during the normal rehearsal time and will be announced at the preceding rehearsal. Be sure to know all of your music and practice at home if necessary.
5%-Self Evaluation/Concert Evaluation-Students will be required to evaluate their performance in rehearsals or in concerts once a quarter. This will be a written assignment to be completed in class. In order to receive full credit, students must put thought into their response to the questions asked.
Optional Choral Events
Throughout the year, there are extra performance opportunities that come up. These activities are not required of all students.
- IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest-Saturday in March (still to be determined, 2010 All Day- This event allows singers the chance to perform for a judge, either as a soloist or as a member of a small ensemble. Students will receive comments and ratings from a distinguished judge. We have the opportunity to host Solo and Ensemble this year. We will need plenty of parent volunteers. Any help will be greatly appreciated. You will receive updated information as the contest nears.
- Chorus Day-Date to be determined (February-March 2010) All Day with an Evening Concert-The choir members will work with students from surrounding schools and a guest conductor. It is a great opportunity for the students to meet other musician (many of whom will be joining them at Seneca High School) and work with a renowned conductor. We are also hosting this event this year, and will need parent volunteers. Once dates and times have been set, you will be notified.
Haunted Trails
As usual, we will be going to Haunted Trails in Joliet at the end of the year! We will be going on Monday, May 17, 2010 at 3 pm. This is a fun way to end the school year. The same standards apply as last year. Students may only attend if they have a cumulative grade of A or B in Chorus and/or Band for the year. If a student is in both band and chorus, he or she must have an A or B in both classes in order to attend. Miss Kirk and I would like Haunted Trails to be a reward for hard work. Haunted Trails is a privilege to those who work hard. There is no reason why everyone should not qualify to attend. If everyone works hard, then everyone will be able to attend. Once Miss Kirk and I find a date, we will notify the students and parents.
Supplies and Music
Folders and music will be provided for the students. Students are required to have a pencil and at least 5 sheets of notebook paper in their folder. There may be folder checks throughout the year as part of the daily work grade.
I look forward to working with all of the students this year. I hope to help them grow not only musically, but also as people!
