Mixed+Choir+Manual

 =Hot Springs High School = = Mixed Choir Handbook = = = = = =2008-2009 = Mrs. Shannon LivesayChoral Director

Contents
Welcome Objectives Classroom Routines and Expectations Consequences Grading Attendance T-Shirts Welcome to the Hot Springs High School choral program! It is an honor and a privilege to become a member of our performing group. We have a fine reputation and we intend to keep it. 1. To emphasize the development of singing and music reading skills necessary to make an enjoyable contribution to a quality choral organization. 2. To enjoy making music. Music is fun, but there is no fun in mediocrity. To ensure the success of the group, each student, parent and director must realize his/her responsibilities. Each must be willing to sacrifice individual desires for the betterment of the choir. 3. To have a good attitude about choir. The amount of satisfaction and fun you receive from your choir will be no greater than the amount of hard work and enthusiasm you are willing to consistently contribute. Your attitude will have a direct impact on your achievements. 4. To understand the importance of proper conduct, consideration of others, and courtesy as a vital part of the choir. **CLASSROOM ROUTINES AND EXPECTATIONS** Self-discipline is an important element of choir rehearsal and performance. Students must realize that they are a member of a group or team with an excellent reputation. Their behavior during school classes and at public performances reflects on both Hot Springs High School and the Vocal Music Department. Please remember the following basic rules: ** 1. Respect yourself and others! ** 2. 100% positive participation will prevent disruptive behavior. Criticizing another student’s voice or effort __is not allowed.__ 3. Be on time in your seat, with your folder and **pencil** in hand, ready to begin when the second bell rings. 4. When we are ready to rehearse-you are quiet and ready. 5. Students are expected to leave all food, gum, and drinks outside of the room. Students may bring containers of water into the choir room. 6. No books, gym bags, etc. will be allowed on the risers. Leave all supplies on the bookshelves and pick up your folder as you enter the classroom. Students are expected to take all of their belongings with them each day when they leave the choir room. 7. You will be issued you own choir folder and music, and these should not be lost or damaged in any way. Students will be responsible for them, just as they are responsible for textbooks in other classes. Lost or damaged music or folders must be paid for by the student. Students are encouraged to take music home for practicing purposes. 8. Students may not play the piano or adjust any sound equipment unless they have been asked to accompany the choir. 9. Proper concert etiquette will be observed at all performances. 10. Students should have a sharpened pencil at the beginning of each class. It is a good idea to leave the pencil in you choir folder. **CONSEQUENCES** Any student who does not follow the rules listed will receive the following consequences: 1. Director / Student conference 2. Parent phone call 3. Office referral 4. Removal from the group **GRADING** Grades are an important part of choral music education, and it is important for each member to be acquainted with the expectations of the HSHS Choir Department grading system. A minimum of seven grades will be given during each grading period. Grades will include but are not limited to the following: 1. Daily participation-daily rehearsal grades will be determined by attitude, respect, cooperation, effort, and attendance. 2. Skills-the choir member will be expected to improve individual musical skills. An evaluation of this improvement will include taped individual sight-reading tests, and written quizzes. The choir member will be evaluated on improvement of his/her ensemble skills during daily rehearsals. 3. Performances-**__all__** performances are mandatory. Failure to attend a choral performance may result in failure of the course for the semester, if the absence is unexcused. A performance is considered an examination of the material that has been covered in the singer’s class. **ATTENDANCE** As a member of the Hot Springs Choral Department, you have an obligation to your fellow choir members to be at school, at all rehearsals, and at all performances on time, prepared, and with all necessary equipment. We are not tolerant of poor daily attendance. 1.All students are expected to have excellent daily attendance at school. 2. Attendance at concerts scheduled outside of the regular school day is **required and graded.** An unexcused absence from a concert will result in a failing grade. 3. Absence from a concert will be excused for the following reasons:* Medical emergencies or personal injury,Death in family 4. Examples of unexcused absences include but are not limited to: 5. A parent must call if you are going to miss a performance. School 745-4147 or Home 890-0444 6. Chronic absenteeism from school, unexcused absence from performances, and tardiness may result in:
 * WELCOME**
 * OBJECTIVES**
 * Work
 * Oversleeping
 * Transportation
 * Babysitting
 * Grade reduction
 * Loss of performance status
 * Removal from choir **T-SHIRTS**