2012-2013
Lone Oak High School
Choir Handbook
Mr. Christopher Thornton - Director
christopher.thornton@mccracken.kyschools.us
270-538-4150 ext 6165
www.mrcthornton.com
Index
LOHS High School Choir Course Objectives…………………….….…3
LOHS High School Choir Grading Policies…………………………….4
LOHS High School Choir Classroom Rules…………………………….5
LOHS Extra-Curricular Choir Rules…………………….…….…………….6
LOHS Choir Awards……………………………….………………………..7
LOHS Choir Events…………………………….…………………………..8
LOHS Choir Guidelines & Information……………………………………9
LOHS Performance Attire…………………………………………………..10
Parent Letter……………………………………….…………………..….11
Information Sheet………………………………..…….………………….12-13
LOHS CHOIR
COURSE OBJECTIVES
LOHS Choir class is an elective vocal music course for high school students desiring to perform. The goal of this course is to teach students to become better singers and develop an appreciation for vocal music.
The objectives for the year are for each student to:
1. Demonstrate proper singing posture.
2. Demonstrate expanded rib cage breathing.
3. Demonstrate proper breath support.
4. Sustain vocal phrases.
5. Demonstrate correct tone production.
6. Demonstrate vertical vowel formation.
7. Sing diphthongs correctly.
8. Demonstrate correct diction and articulation of consonants.
9. Sight sing musical excerpts of various difficulties.
10. Dictate musical excerpts of various difficulties.
11. Sing degrees of the scale using solfege syllables.
12. Blend and balance with the choir when singing.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of musical terms and symbols.
14. Listen analytically to themselves and critique their performances.
The objectives for the year are for each student to:
1. Demonstrate proper singing posture.
2. Demonstrate expanded rib cage breathing.
3. Demonstrate proper breath support.
4. Sustain vocal phrases.
5. Demonstrate correct tone production.
6. Demonstrate vertical vowel formation.
7. Sing diphthongs correctly.
8. Demonstrate correct diction and articulation of consonants.
9. Sight sing musical excerpts of various difficulties.
10. Dictate musical excerpts of various difficulties.
11. Sing degrees of the scale using solfege syllables.
12. Blend and balance with the choir when singing.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of musical terms and symbols.
14. Listen analytically to themselves and critique their performances.
LOHS CHOIR
GRADING POLICIES
Grades will be determined each quarter through the following criteria:
1. Sight singing tests / dictation tests / worksheets / written tests / portfolios / rehearsal attendance / web-based software work / concert performances.
These periodical evaluations are 50% of your quarter grade. These evaluations may or may not be announced by the director, so it is to your advantage to be prepared musically for each rehearsal. All portions of this grade are weighted equally. All grades are based on percentage.
2. Participation and Effort.
These all-important qualities comprise 50% of your quarter grade. The director will determine this portion of the grade from an evaluation in the following areas:
A. attendance (absences/tardies from class meetings and rehearsals)
B. positive attitude/behavior/effort
C. class readiness (folder/music out, pencil checks, preparation)
PERFORMANCE ABSENCE POLICY: To be excused from a performance, the director must have at least TWO weeks notice prior to the performance date (except in the case of sudden illness or emergencies). Notification must be made by the student’s parent. In the case of another school event scheduled on the concert date, the absence from the concert will be excused and the student will take the End of the semester exam. The director and principal reserve the right to grant or refuse excused absences.
1. Sight singing tests / dictation tests / worksheets / written tests / portfolios / rehearsal attendance / web-based software work / concert performances.
These periodical evaluations are 50% of your quarter grade. These evaluations may or may not be announced by the director, so it is to your advantage to be prepared musically for each rehearsal. All portions of this grade are weighted equally. All grades are based on percentage.
2. Participation and Effort.
These all-important qualities comprise 50% of your quarter grade. The director will determine this portion of the grade from an evaluation in the following areas:
A. attendance (absences/tardies from class meetings and rehearsals)
B. positive attitude/behavior/effort
C. class readiness (folder/music out, pencil checks, preparation)
PERFORMANCE ABSENCE POLICY: To be excused from a performance, the director must have at least TWO weeks notice prior to the performance date (except in the case of sudden illness or emergencies). Notification must be made by the student’s parent. In the case of another school event scheduled on the concert date, the absence from the concert will be excused and the student will take the End of the semester exam. The director and principal reserve the right to grant or refuse excused absences.
LOHS CHOIR
CLASSROOM RULES
1. No gum, candy, or food are allowed in the classroom.
2. No backpacks, tote bags, purses, etc. must be stowed in a designated space along the wall in the classroom.
3. Report any inability to sing, due to illness or injury, before class begins on that day. Your participation level for that day will then be determined by the teacher.
4. Take any necessary breaks at the restrooms or water fountains BEFORE class begins.
You may bring bottled water in to the classroom.
5. Keep a pencil in your choir folder for use in marking music.
6. Dictation tests must be completed in pencil or they will not be accepted.
7. Late homework is not accepted.
8. Choir students will be expected to attend some after-school rehearsals in preparation for upcoming performances. Mr. Thornton will announce required rehearsals as needed. Attendance at required rehearsals will be graded. Students who attend optional choir rehearsals will be awarded accordingly.
9. Students enrolled in choir class will be allowed 1 unexcused absence from out-of-school rehearsals in preparation for a concert and 3 unexcused absences from out-of-school rehearsals in preparation for the choir’s performance at contest. Any unexcused absence that occurs in excess of the above stated allowance will result in the student not being allowed to perform in the given event.
10. Students who are dismissed from participation in the winter concert, spring concert, or choir contest for any reason will be given an alternative assignment to complete.
2. No backpacks, tote bags, purses, etc. must be stowed in a designated space along the wall in the classroom.
3. Report any inability to sing, due to illness or injury, before class begins on that day. Your participation level for that day will then be determined by the teacher.
4. Take any necessary breaks at the restrooms or water fountains BEFORE class begins.
You may bring bottled water in to the classroom.
5. Keep a pencil in your choir folder for use in marking music.
6. Dictation tests must be completed in pencil or they will not be accepted.
7. Late homework is not accepted.
8. Choir students will be expected to attend some after-school rehearsals in preparation for upcoming performances. Mr. Thornton will announce required rehearsals as needed. Attendance at required rehearsals will be graded. Students who attend optional choir rehearsals will be awarded accordingly.
9. Students enrolled in choir class will be allowed 1 unexcused absence from out-of-school rehearsals in preparation for a concert and 3 unexcused absences from out-of-school rehearsals in preparation for the choir’s performance at contest. Any unexcused absence that occurs in excess of the above stated allowance will result in the student not being allowed to perform in the given event.
10. Students who are dismissed from participation in the winter concert, spring concert, or choir contest for any reason will be given an alternative assignment to complete.
LOHS CHOIR
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES RULES
1. Any action that requires punishment from local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies will be dealt with as follows;
a. The student is dismissed from all remaining extra-curricular vocal events pending resolution of sentence, including jail terms and community service.
b. The director reserves the right to substitute for any student participating in an ensemble at contest who is involved in a legal case within 3 weeks of an extra-curricular music event. This is to help insure fairness for other members of the ensemble and enable them to perform regardless of a case's outcome.
2. Absences from rehearsals detract from the total ensemble effort and need to be kept to a minimum. Each student will be allowed two unexcused absences from rehearsals for an extra-curricular event. Upon a third absence, the student will be dismissed from the event.
Excused absences: 1. School sponsored activity
2. Family emergency
3. Excused absence from school
4. Doctor or Dentist appointment
3. Punctuality to rehearsals is a reflection on personal work ethic and attitude. Tardies will be tallied. An accumulated total of 50 minutes of missed rehearsals will equal one unexcused absence.
4. All extra-curricular choir activities are subject to Lone Oak High School's eligibility policies.
a. The student is dismissed from all remaining extra-curricular vocal events pending resolution of sentence, including jail terms and community service.
b. The director reserves the right to substitute for any student participating in an ensemble at contest who is involved in a legal case within 3 weeks of an extra-curricular music event. This is to help insure fairness for other members of the ensemble and enable them to perform regardless of a case's outcome.
2. Absences from rehearsals detract from the total ensemble effort and need to be kept to a minimum. Each student will be allowed two unexcused absences from rehearsals for an extra-curricular event. Upon a third absence, the student will be dismissed from the event.
Excused absences: 1. School sponsored activity
2. Family emergency
3. Excused absence from school
4. Doctor or Dentist appointment
3. Punctuality to rehearsals is a reflection on personal work ethic and attitude. Tardies will be tallied. An accumulated total of 50 minutes of missed rehearsals will equal one unexcused absence.
4. All extra-curricular choir activities are subject to Lone Oak High School's eligibility policies.
LOHS CHOIR
AWARDS
1. School Choral Award: given to an outstanding junior or senior vocalist who has demonstrated exceptional musical skills and demeanor.
2. Music Department Award: given to an outstanding junior or senior for exceptional work and demeanor in both the vocal and instrumental departments.
3. Outstanding Choral Student: given to the top student enrolled in choir class. Based on class G. P. A.
4. Service and Leadership Award: given to those students who have helped to strengthen the vocal music program through four years of outstanding service and leadership.
2. Music Department Award: given to an outstanding junior or senior for exceptional work and demeanor in both the vocal and instrumental departments.
3. Outstanding Choral Student: given to the top student enrolled in choir class. Based on class G. P. A.
4. Service and Leadership Award: given to those students who have helped to strengthen the vocal music program through four years of outstanding service and leadership.
LOHS CHOIR EVENTS SCHEDULE
1st SEMESTER
|
2nd SEMESTER
|
LOHS CHOIR
GENERAL GUIDELINES & INFORMATION
1. CONTEST SOLO/ENSEMBLE REQUIREMENT
Students must perform with the choir at contest to be eligible to perform in other vocal events at contest.
2. NATIONAL ANTHEM
The "Star Spangled Banner" is an anthem that embodies honor and respect for our country. Students who perform it at athletic events are expected to dress in an appropriate fashion. No hats or revealing/inappropriate apparel of any kind will be tolerated.
3. First District Choral Festival / KMEA ALL-STATE
It is an honor to be selected for attendance at First District Choral Festival and KMEA All-State. Students will be selected through audition. Selected students must attend additional mandatory rehearsals after school in order to attend these events. The director reserves the right to replace or deny attendance to any student for any reason.
4. SOLOS
Concert solos will be awarded on an audition basis. However, any individual who is chosen to All-State Choir will automatically be given a solo at one of the concerts throughout the year.
Students must perform with the choir at contest to be eligible to perform in other vocal events at contest.
2. NATIONAL ANTHEM
The "Star Spangled Banner" is an anthem that embodies honor and respect for our country. Students who perform it at athletic events are expected to dress in an appropriate fashion. No hats or revealing/inappropriate apparel of any kind will be tolerated.
3. First District Choral Festival / KMEA ALL-STATE
It is an honor to be selected for attendance at First District Choral Festival and KMEA All-State. Students will be selected through audition. Selected students must attend additional mandatory rehearsals after school in order to attend these events. The director reserves the right to replace or deny attendance to any student for any reason.
4. SOLOS
Concert solos will be awarded on an audition basis. However, any individual who is chosen to All-State Choir will automatically be given a solo at one of the concerts throughout the year.
LOHS CHOIR PERFORMANCE ATTIRE
1. Students will need to purchase a uniform. Ladies will wear black dresses, Black closed toe dress shoes (no heel). Men will wear tuxedos and black dress shoes. Dresses and tuxedos will be available for purchase at the beginning of the school year. COST OF THE UNIFORM WIL BE SET BY THE DIRECTOR and will be kept as low as possible. Our fundraising efforts throughout the year help to offset the actual cost of the uniform. UNIFORM IS MANDATORY AND REQUIRED AT ALL PERFORMANCES!
2. Students will purchase their uniform at the beginning of the year. Uniforms will cost $70.00. If needed, Students may exchange their uniform at the beginning of each year for a larger size.
3. Earrings must be smaller than a dime. No multi-piercings, facial, or tongue piercings are allowed at performances.
4. Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring- no necklaces, no bracelets or excessive rings.
5. Keep hair simple, not extravagant – no hair ribbons, bows, or gaudy accessories
6. Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat. Any unusual hair style or hair color that draws attention to an individual is detrimental to our total team effort and is not acceptable for performance
7. Hair shall not cover any student’s eyes. It must be worn short or pulled back so that facial features are clearly visible.
2. Students will purchase their uniform at the beginning of the year. Uniforms will cost $70.00. If needed, Students may exchange their uniform at the beginning of each year for a larger size.
3. Earrings must be smaller than a dime. No multi-piercings, facial, or tongue piercings are allowed at performances.
4. Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring- no necklaces, no bracelets or excessive rings.
5. Keep hair simple, not extravagant – no hair ribbons, bows, or gaudy accessories
6. Hairstyle & color should be conservative and neat. Any unusual hair style or hair color that draws attention to an individual is detrimental to our total team effort and is not acceptable for performance
7. Hair shall not cover any student’s eyes. It must be worn short or pulled back so that facial features are clearly visible.
PARENT LETTER
Dear Parents,
The 2012-2013 school year is upon us and with its arrival has come another year of exciting performances and opportunities for the LOHS Choir. To prepare us for our tasks ahead, there are a few points that I would like to bring to your attention.
In the past few years, I have found it very beneficial to correspond with parents via e-mail. I often send out reminders regarding upcoming events and personal notes to parents. If you receive an e-mail from me don’t assume it is bad news! I may just be reminding you or your student what time the bus leaves for an event or sending a contest performance schedule. I do my best to be a quick responder to e-mails. Please feel free to contact me in this fashion as it is often then easiest and quickest way to reach me. My address is christopher.thornton@mccracken.kyschools.us
My webpage can be found at the school’s website or through the following address: www.mrcthornton.com This site includes the Choir’s handbook, newsletter, rehearsal schedules, special events, and other vocal music information. Please read through the online handbook with your student so that everyone understands the expectations for this year. When you have finished reading the handbook, please sign the accompanying information sheet and return it to me by August 17, 2012.
I encourage students to check the rehearsal schedule on my webpage weekly for updated rehearsal schedules once concert and contest seasons begin. I post these schedules in the hall at school and outside my classroom door, but they are easy to access out of school on the webpage.
I’m looking forward to another rewarding year with the LOHS Choral ensembles. The reputation we have built together is founded upon a disciplined work ethic combined with a great deal of laughter. With your support and a team effort, we can continue our tradition of excellence.
Sincerely,
Mr. Christopher Thornton
The 2012-2013 school year is upon us and with its arrival has come another year of exciting performances and opportunities for the LOHS Choir. To prepare us for our tasks ahead, there are a few points that I would like to bring to your attention.
In the past few years, I have found it very beneficial to correspond with parents via e-mail. I often send out reminders regarding upcoming events and personal notes to parents. If you receive an e-mail from me don’t assume it is bad news! I may just be reminding you or your student what time the bus leaves for an event or sending a contest performance schedule. I do my best to be a quick responder to e-mails. Please feel free to contact me in this fashion as it is often then easiest and quickest way to reach me. My address is christopher.thornton@mccracken.kyschools.us
My webpage can be found at the school’s website or through the following address: www.mrcthornton.com This site includes the Choir’s handbook, newsletter, rehearsal schedules, special events, and other vocal music information. Please read through the online handbook with your student so that everyone understands the expectations for this year. When you have finished reading the handbook, please sign the accompanying information sheet and return it to me by August 17, 2012.
I encourage students to check the rehearsal schedule on my webpage weekly for updated rehearsal schedules once concert and contest seasons begin. I post these schedules in the hall at school and outside my classroom door, but they are easy to access out of school on the webpage.
I’m looking forward to another rewarding year with the LOHS Choral ensembles. The reputation we have built together is founded upon a disciplined work ethic combined with a great deal of laughter. With your support and a team effort, we can continue our tradition of excellence.
Sincerely,
Mr. Christopher Thornton