Chorus Handbook
by Michael Richards
Seneca Grade School
Chorus Handbook
2010-2011
Michael Richards, director
Greetings
This year is going to be a fun one. We have over 70 students signed up for chorus this year! I hope that each member has a memorable experience. My goals for the chorus are as follows:
Expose the students to a wide range of choral literature
Discuss musical concepts such as: tone color, dynamics, tempo, and pitch
Learn about the history of music we are performing
Teach the students to listen to music critically
Develop vocal technique
Help the students become not just better musicians, but better overall students and young adults
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 have such a large group this year. It allows the students to be exposed to a wide variety of viewpoints and ideas. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I look forward to having a fantastic year.
Mr. Richards
michaelr@sgs170.org
(815) 357-8744 x3311
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 Tuesday, August 31.
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.
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, listening assignments, and journals. In any quarter where there is not a concert, your student may be expected to perform a short excerpt from a piece as an end of the quarter assessment.
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
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 7, 2010 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 7:00 pm (Graduation)
Attendance at concerts 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:
60%-Rehearsal Effort-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.
10%-Journals-Every other week, the students will be asked to write a short journal entry. They will be given a topic about which to write. Class time may or may not be given for these assignments depending on the amount of time needed for actual singing.
10%-Listening Assignments-On weeks when there is not a journal due, the students will complete a short listening assignment. This will be done in class. Listening examples may range from choral singing to jazz to world to rap.
15%-Concert Attendance¬/End of Quarter Assessment-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. As previously stated, I will have the students perform a short excerpt to demonstrate their knowledge of that section. The excerpt will be announced no less than one week prior to the assessment.
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 may be extra performance opportunities that come up. These activities are not required of all students.
o Chorus Beginning of the Year Picnic-1pm-3pm, Saturday, September 18th, 2010. With such a large group this year, I thought it would be a good idea to have some time to get to know each other a little better. On September 18th, we will have games, sports, music, etc. It is not a mandatory event, but I hope to see as many students there as possible. Family is invited to join us as well. Please bring a sack lunch to enjoy.
o Solo and Ensemble Contest-Saturday in March or April (still to be determined), 2011 All Day @MVK - 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. You will receive updated information as the contest nears.
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 16, 2011 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. If everyone works hard, then everyone will be able to attend. It is a great reward for a year of hard work.
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.
Calendar
Date Activity Time Location
9/18/2010 Beginning of year picnic 1pm-4pm SGS South Campus
*12/17/2010 Winter Band/Chorus Concert 7 pm SGS South Campus
Late March-Early April Solo & Ensemble Contest All day MVK
Early-Mid April LaSalle-Peru High School Musical During the school day L-P High School
*5/3/2011 Sounds of Motown Concert 7 pm SGS South Campus
5/16/2011 Haunted Trails Trip 3 pm Haunted Trails, Joliet, IL
*5/24/2011 8th Grade Graduation 7 pm SGS South Campus
Denotes a mandatory event
Acknowledgement Form
Please fill out this form and return to Mr. Richards by Tuesday, August 31.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me:
michaelr@sgs170.org
(815) 357-8744 x 3311
I have read and understand the guidelines set forth in the choir handbook.
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Student name
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Student signature
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Parent name
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Parent signature
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Parent email address (if applicable)
