The following handbook is provided to ensure a
successful year for each individual student as well as for the entire choral
program.
The
choral program at GHS provides an opportunity for singers to study and perform
high caliber choral music, study proper vocal techniques and musical skills,
and share their vocal talents with our community. All students who have a sincere interest in
singing are invited to participate. Discipline,
dedication and professionalism will be encouraged in order to reach the highest
degree of musical success. These
standards are carried through to rehearsals, attendance and performances. It is
important to remember that a successful performing ensemble must function as a
team and that each member must strive for his/her personal best in order to
achieve the highest standard of excellence.
Each member must strive to reach their potential and never settle for
second best.
Parental
participation is necessary to assist in the administration of the choral
program as well as to encourage continued success of the singers. Please consider signing up to be a member of
the Choral Booster Club.
Choral
Philosophy
Music
in the curriculum can be summarized as follows:
Ø To provide,
promote and encourage interest and participation in choral music.
Ø To develop the
individual voice and an understanding of its relationship to a choral ensemble.
Ø To foster
confidence and creative self-expression.
Ø To increase
music literacy, musicianship skills and knowledge.
Ø To develop an
appreciation for the aesthetic beauty and musical artistry.
Ø To encourage an
understanding and appreciation of our cultural heritage.
Ø To provide a
source of enjoyment and enhance the quality of life.
Ø To experience
and appreciate all types and styles of music.
Ø To assist each student
in representing themselves and their school with the highest standards of
musical performance through individual behavior and performing to the best of
each singer’s ability.
Ø To prepare the
student for the experiences available in higher education and to encourage
future musical leaders.
Ø To instill the
value of effort, sacrifice, cooperation, conformity, fellowship,
self-discipline and dedication.
Ø To contribute
to a balanced program of cooperation, respect, discipline, dedication and
responsibility.
Ø
To always strive to best serve the interests of
the student, school and community.
I. COURSE
DESCRIPTIONS
Freshman Singers- No
pre-requisite- 9th grade students
·
Intermediate
chorus available as a separate class for young men and women in order to address
the vocal development of the changing adolescent voice.
·
Non-
auditioned ensemble for 9th grade students with varying levels of
experience. Students are encouraged to
participate both semesters.
·
Provides
choral students who like to sing the opportunity to gain basic music literacy,
part-singing skills, musicianship skills and choral techniques.
·
Singers
will be encouraged to develop an appreciation of quality choral music of many
styles and cultures.
·
All
students participate in one formal concert per semester, special activities
(such as Coffee House, Dinner Theatre) and State Choral festival in the spring. All
Performances are required and are for a grade.
·
Students
meeting the eligibility requirements will have the opportunity to participate
in Region Chorus.
·
Students
will have the opportunity to audition for the Freedom Alive Show Choir.
·
Students
meeting the eligibility requirements will be able to participate in the spring
Chorus Trip.
·
Students
are required to purchase chorus attire. (Fundraising will be available)
Advanced Chorus- 10th, 11th, and 12th
grade students
·
Pre-requisite: Must have at least one semester of Freshman
Singers, or Mixed Chorus with a passing grade of a B or higher. Any exceptions must be approved by the
chorus director. All students are
encouraged to participate both semesters.
·
The
class will emphasize the further development of the choral skills and
techniques developed in the previous choirs.
·
All
students will be expected to continue to challenge their own music literacy,
vocal independence, breath control, intonation, diction, vocal balance and
blend.
·
All
students participate in one formal concert per semester, special activities
(such as Coffee House, Dinner Theatre) and several Choral festivals in the
spring. All Performances are required and are for a grade.
·
Students
who meet the eligibility requirements will have the opportunity to participate
in Region Chorus.
·
Students
who meet the eligibility requirements will have the opportunity to audition for
All-State Chorus.
·
Students
will have the opportunity to audition for the Freedom Alive Show Choir.
·
Seniors
and/or entire Chorus will be asked to perform for Graduation.
·
Students
meeting the eligibility requirements will be able to participate in the spring
Chorus Trip.
·
Students
are required to purchase chorus attire. (Fundraising will be available)
Freedom Alive Show Choir- 9th- 12th
grade
- Auditioned Choir: Auditions are Tues., Wed., Thurs, Aug. 29th-31st, 4-
·
Students
must be a member of Freshman Singers or Advanced Chorus for both
semesters. (Any exception to this rule must
be pre-approved by the director prior to audition)
·
After
school rehearsals are mandatory and expected.
Tuesdays- 6:30-8:30p.m. And Wednesdays- 3:45-5:00p.m.
·
Members
are expected to participate in 10 to 20 performances each semester. (Some after
school performances, and some during the school day.)
·
Members
are expected to purchase show choir attire. (This is in addition to their
Advanced Chorus or Freshman singers attire)
·
Members
are expected to be a member of this group for the entire year. No student will be allowed to only
participate 1 semester. This is a year
long commitment.
II. Requirements for Membership
Attitude: A positive, cooperative attitude is the most
important quality for a chorus member to have.
It is the basis upon which all fine things will be accomplished. It is the key to excellence. The word carries with it the implication of
punctuality, dependability, concentration, conscientious effort, dedication,
and open mindedness. This attitude must
go beyond the individual; it must become the collective spirit of the chorus.
Musicianship: Musicianship may be defined as "the
conscious understanding of the organization of music-pitch, rhythm, dynamics,
tone color, and structure." It is a
vital factor in the success of any chorus.
This is why the time spent on the development of musicianship is so
important! Each section and each
individual must be confident and secure in its part. A chorus can be no stronger than its weakest
member. Much time is wasted if notes
must be drilled and re-drilled. The
rehearsal becomes drudgery. Competent
musicianship enhances the choral experience and makes singing a joy!
A Good
Ear: All of us can significantly improve our
ears through conscientious, diligent practice.
Singing well in tune is one of the primary hallmarks of an excellent
chorus. The collective realization of
the necessity to sing in tune is absolutely essential.
A Good Voice: While it is nice to be blessed with a
naturally fine voice, this factor is probably the least important ingredient
which goes into the development of an excellent chorus. A cooperative attitude, sound musicianship,
and a discriminating ear are far more important qualities. The fine voice can be developed if the singer
brings these other qualities to each rehearsal.
III. Rehearsal and
Performance Standards
A. Participation: All members are expected to participate fully
in all class time rehearsals. Students
are expected to provide positive
participation.
B. Conduct: All students are expected to
demonstrate appropriate behavior at all times.
1. All students are to be in their assigned
seats with their music ready, pencil in hand, and ready to begin the rehearsal
when the tardy bell rings.
2. All books and materials not dealing with the
work at hand are to be placed on the floor under the chairs, or designated
areas.
3. No
food or drinks in the chorus room. (Clear water bottle with
a top is the only exception)
4. No GUM in the room at any time.
5. No one is to play the piano without the
director's permission.
6. Talking is not permitted when the director or
any other person is before the chorus.
7. Disruptive behavior will not be
tolerated.
8. Show respect for teacher, self and others at
all times.
9. Folders
must be returned to the proper slot after rehearsal.
10. Have FUN creating music!!!
C.
Consequences: Referrals and parental contact will be
used to enforce the rules stated.
1. The consequences for a student’s choice not
to follow the guidelines will be the same as stated in the school handbook.
2. Repeated Offenses – Parent Conference and
review of eligibility for Chorus.
D. Attendance: regular attendance is absolutely necessary
for the achievement of excellence. After
school rehearsals and performances are for a grade.
1. Class
Attendance: Please keep in mind that it
is impossible to make-up a missed rehearsal.
2.
Tardiness:
Rehearsals will begin promptly when the tardy bell rings. Any student not in their assigned seats, ready to begin the
rehearsal, will be considered tardy.
Excused tardies must be verified by a pass.
3.
After school rehearsal attendance: Extra rehearsals will be scheduled close to
performance time if necessary. Prior
notice will be given, and attendance is expected.
4.
Concert/ Performance attendance: All performances are mandatory. Prior notice will be given.
E.
Care of
Music: School owned music is purchased by the
school for use by the Choral Department and is loaned to students for use while
in Chorus. It is not the property of the
student and must be treated as borrowed material or as any other textbook. A fee of $2.00 per missing piece of music
will be assessed. This will be placed on
the student obligation list. Students
are to use PENCIL when writing in their music.
F. Instructional
Materials:
1.
Students are issued a folder/binder to be used
as personal rehearsal folders. Each
folder should contain all current choral pieces and worksheets. Binders are to be kept in the choral room at
all times. The binders will be checked and graded periodically throughout the
semester.
2.
Students will need to purchase: 3-hole punched paper divider, #2 pencils
(mechanical pencil preferred), dry-erase fine point markers, dry erase eraser
(a sock or small rag works fine), notebook paper, and a 3-hole punched thin
plastic pencil/zipper pouch. An individual
white board will be provided for class use.
3.
Students must have a pencil in their binder at
all times. The director will occasionally check for pencils.
Each choral rehearsal involves…preparing the mind and body,
working on proper choral breathing (breathing motion/ steady airflow), working
on proper voice/tone production (tall unified vowels, clear, crisp consonants, resonance,
placement, registration), blending voices for proper choral tone (listening and
adjusting, group conformity), learning to read music (rhythm, tonal, melodies),
and learning basic musicianship skills (dictation, composition, error detection,
aural skills).
IV. Grading Procedures:
Grades will be determined by:
1.
Daily observation of Vocal Production
(Posture, breathing, pitch, diction,
rhythm, and tone)
2.
Worksheets in the area of music theory and vocal
technique.
3. Misc.
Grades such as:
a.
Returning completed handbook, agreement, field trip forms, etc by the assigned
date.
b. Using only
pencil for all classroom activities, having materials ready when class begins, and
returning music folders/binders to their assigned slot.
4. Periodic written quizzes and tests as well as
a nine-week exam covering vocabulary, musical notation, vocal production, and
choral technique.
5. Periodic performance exams as well as a
comprehensive nine-week performance exam covering: Performance of music which has been rehearsed
and individual vocal testing in the areas of vocal production and sight reading
skills. Testing may be done individually or in small groups of up to 3 on a
part.
6. Semester
Exam: knowledge and skills
7. After-school rehearsals, Concerts,
District/State Choral and Solo/Ensemble Festivals, etc.
8. All performances/ concerts are graded.
9. Grading Breakdown- Class work/Participation- 30%,
Tests/Quizzes- 20%, Rehearsals/Concerts- 50%.
V. Eligibility
Requirements: in order to participate in the following events, (State Choral and
Solo/Ensemble Festival, Region Chorus, Chorus sponsored spring Trips,
All-State, Ensembles, Solo's, etc.) a
student must meet these requirements:
A.
All financial obligations (Uniforms, fair-share,
fund-raisers, etc.) must be paid a minimum of three weeks prior to the event.
B.
Display appropriate behavior in the chorus room
as well as in the school.
C.
Musically accomplish the required selections.
D.
Abide by
the Schools Conduct and Code Book
E.
Attend after-school rehearsals: Students will be
notified in advance of all dates and times concerning these rehearsals. In order to foster positive student growth in
such a limited amount of time, it is imperative that students who wish to
perform with the choir be present at these rehearsals. When a student misses a rehearsal that
student negatively impacts the other students.
F.
Attend all concerts and performances.
VI. Chorus Uniforms
Formal
Attire: For Freshman Singers and
Advanced Chorus
Men: Black
Tux jacket, Black tux pants, white tux shirt, black tie/vest, black socks, and black
shoes. Women: Formal Black Chorus dress, black dress shoes (no really high heels). Unnecessary jewelry will not be allowed! Please have hair out of your eyes!
These uniforms will be purchased,
and students will be measured for outfits during August. The students will be asked to purchase their
uniforms with an approximate cost of $80. The students will be able to use
fundraising money to help cover the cost.
VII. Fair Share: Adequate
financing is essential to provide a successful and meaningful choral
curriculum. Although an allotment of
money is available through the school system for some music and supplies, the
chorus, through its fundraising activities, must raise additional capital to
support the year's program. Each student
is responsible for earning his/her "fair share", to aid in the yearly
chorus expenses. Students may meet this
obligation through participating in fundraising projects. The "fair share" amount for each
student is $30.00. Students not fully
meeting this "fair share" expense through participation in
fundraising activities may make up the difference in a cash donation. It is essential to achieve participation from
each student to insure that funds are available for group performances and
activity expenses. Students who have met
their budget for the year are encouraged to work for their Chorus Attire, Chorus
Trip expenses and/or help other students meet their "fair
share". Failure to pay the
"Fair Share" amount will result in an obligation being submitted to
the administration. In addition students
will no longer be eligible to participate in any Performing Choir.
VIII. Awards
A.
Awards Given
1. Outstanding
Musician -awarded to student(s), one per chorus who have exhibited outstanding achievement,
attitude, work ethic, citizenship, and cooperation. Must
meet the requirements listed below.
Selected by Classmates.
2.
Director’s Choice Award- awarded to one student per chorus ensemble who
exhibited outstanding
achievement, attitude, work ethic, citizenship, cooperation, and
leadership. Must meet the requirements below.
Selected by director.
B.
Certificate of Participation-awarded to every
Performing Chorus member who meets the eligibility requirements listed below.
C.
Eligibility for Awards.
1.
No unexcused absences from a chorus performance,
concert, after-school rehearsal, or Festival.
Complete follow-through on all commitments.
2.
"A/B" average for the year in Chorus.
3.
Abided by all Conduct rules.
4.
Must have paid all financial obligations
(Uniforms, fair-share, fund-raisers, etc.)
IX. Common Questions:
Q. Why
are students required to attend concerts?
A. Attendance requirement help the students
learn to be responsible. We work as a
team… and all members are important. It
is also our opportunity to show the community and our parents the beautiful
choral music that is being produced.
Performing on a concert is the end result of a lot of rehearsal effort
and preparation.
Q. Why do choirs sing in foreign languages?
A. We study music from many different countries
and cultures. Composers usually set
music to words from their native country.
These words actually add to the beauty and character of the piece. Singing in foreign languages gives us a
learning tool to focus on proper vowel sounds and exercise the mind. The audience may not understand the words,
but the musical deliverance should keep their attention.
Q. What about the singing of sacred music?
A. In 1967 the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a
decision that stated that public school choirs may study and sing sacred music
as long as it does not advance or inhibit religion. “Sacred music… may be included in the
curriculum, as long as it is presented in a prudent and objective manner. For instance, the study of art history would
be incomplete without the study of the Sistine Chapel and the study of
architecture requires the examination of Renaissance Cathedrals.”
X. Concert Etiquette:
Students: When performing, you are representing your
chorus, your school, and yourself. Give
it your best at all times!
1.
Every time you sing, think of how you can add to
our choir’s outstanding reputation, not take away from it.
2.
Stand with proper alignment and keep your hands
at your sides.
3.
NEVER talk during any performance.
4.
Keep your eyes on the director. Always concentrate your face should reflect
the meaning of the text; decide what you music communicate to the audience.
5.
Sustain the mood of the song until the director
drops her hands.
6.
Enjoy yourself and think of what joy you can
give to the audience.
7.
Remember to smile during the applause. Show the audience that you are proud of your
accomplishments.
Audience: Adhering
to a few concert etiquette rules will make the performance more enjoyable for
all who attend the concerts.
1.
Turn off all cell phones and pagers.
2.
No talking during a performance.
3.
Take crying children out of the performance
hall.
4.
Clap and show your appreciation after every
song.
5.
Stay around and let the students know how much
you enjoyed the performance, and let them know that you are proud of them.
6.
Invite friends and family. Performing to a large crowd enhances the
quality of performance that the students present.
XI.
Choral Department
Website
The
website will be established soon. It
will consist of the following:
1.
Calendar: upcoming rehearsals, performances, festival,
fundraisers, and trips.
2.
E-mail:
direct link to the director’s e-mail.
Students and parents are encouraged to e-mail any questions or concerns.
3.
Awards
and Honors: details of our past and
present outstanding achievements.
4.
Photos: Photos of performances, tips and other points
of interest.
5.
Handbook: parent and students can access any
information
XII.
Tentative Schedule of Events
· Show Choir Auditions: Chorus room
Open to All Freshman Singers and Advanced Chorus Members
Tues., Wed., Thurs, Aug. 29th-31st,
4-
(Sign up for 10min. audition
time)
·
Coffee House:
Cafeteria
Show Choir, Freshman Singers and Advanced
Chorus
Thursday, October 19th,
·
All State Auditions:
Open to eligible Advanced Chorus Members (after school rehearsals required)
November 2nd- 7th (Exact Date and Time to be determined after registration)
· Chorus Christmas Concert: Auditorium
Show Choir, Mixed Chorus, Freshman Singers, and Advanced Chorus
Thursday, December 14th,
·
Regional Chorus:
Open to selected Freshman Singers/Advanced
Chorus (after school rehearsals required)
Freshman Singers: January 19-20,
Advanced Chorus: January 26-17, Easley 1st Baptist
· Lander Choral Festival: Advanced Chorus
All day- Saturday, February
3rd
· Dinner Theatre: Show Choir, Freshman Singers, Advanced Chorus
Thursday, February, 22nd-
·