[High School]

CHOIR HANDBOOK
2015-2016 ACADEMIC YEAR

Miss. Holler
[HIGH SCHOOL] Kaitlyn.Holler@sckans.edu

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Letter
Teaching Philosophy.................................................................................................................2
[High School] Choir program Mission Statement.............................................................2
Ensemble Information
Ensembles...................................................................................................................................4
Leadership Roles........................................................................................................................5
Audition process........................................................................................................................6
Concert Dress.............................................................................................................................7
Ensemble Outings.....................................................................................................................8
Expectations/Guidelines
[High School] Choral program Goals...............................................................................10
[High School] Choral program Expectations...................................................................10
Attendance Policy....................................................................................................................11
Grading Policy.........................................................................................................................11
Lettering Procedure.................................................................................................................12
Fundraising...............................................................................................................................12
Parent Information
Choir Boosters.........................................................................................................................14
[High School] Music Department Directory....................................................................14
Voice Teacher Contact Information....................................................................................14
Calendar....................................................................................................................................15
Forms........................................................................................................................................16

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Welcome!
If you are reading this, it means that you have joined the [High School]
Choral program. On behalf of previous/current members and the staff of the music
department, we welcome you! The instrument that will be placed in your hands has
the power to transform your life in ways that no other endeavor can. In addition to
musical accomplishments, this year you will achieve:
Patience and persistence with difficult tasks;
Develop a curiosity within the world of music;
Create an effective, excited, and experienced musician;
Throughout this document we will discuss student expectations, ensemble
goals/requirements, and other things. By joining the [High School] Choral program
you have shown an interest in bettering yourself as a vocalist and musician.
Please join me in what I know will be a transformative experience for all of us!
Musically Yours,
Miss. Kaitlyn Holler
Music Director
[High School]

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the [High School] Choral program is to foster a positive musical
environment for all the students of [High School] and the surrounding community.
Students within the [High School] Choral program learn team work skills, multitasking, on top of musicianship; through singing, these students will learn skills that
will last them a lifetime.

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ENSEMBLE
INFORMATION

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ENSEMBLES
Concert ChoirConcert Choir is the choir that combines all members of the [High
School] Choir program. It is a [High School] Choir requirement that all students
wanting to be involved within the program must participate in Concert Choir. This
ensemble meets during [Period] on [Weekdays]. Concert Choir is a non-auditioned
group, but a vocal screening will take place for Miss. Holler to assess where your
talents will be most useful within the group. The types of music this group performs
range from Mozart to Matchbox Twenty.
Womens ChoirWomens Choir is for women grades 10-12. This ensemble has no
limit to the number of members, so any female is eligible to join! Members of this
group sing pieces varying from early sacred works to something that can be heard on
Todays Top 40. Ensemble members are required to maintain a 3.0 Cumulative GPA.
The group meets every [Weekdays] during [Period]. *Audition requirements can be
found below.*
Mens ChoirMens Choir is for men grades 9-12. Any male at [High School] is
eligible to join this group. The repertoire consists of Barbershop tunes, small sacred
works, and many more! Participation in this ensemble requires a cumulative GPA of
3.0. This ensemble meets every [Weekday] from [Period]. *Audition requirements can
be found below.*
Select ChoirThis particular group of men and women is limited to 12 singers,
three per part (3 sopranos, 3 altos, 3 tenors, and 3 basses). The pieces sung by this
group are contemporary A Cappella tunes, vocal jazz, and early Renaissance and
Baroque works. To maintain membership in this ensemble students are to maintain a
cumulative GPA of 3.5. This particular ensemble meets [Weekday] from [Time].
Members of this group will also be expected to do performances outside of the
scheduled performances (e.g. Singing Valentines during February). *Audition
requirements can be found below*

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LEADERSHIP ROLES
Choral Council: The Choral Council is made up of students in Concert Choir as well as one of the
other [High School] Choral program ensembles. These individuals meet outside of scheduled
rehearsals with Miss. Holler to discuss student concerns, possible trips/concerts/activities/fund
raisers that the Choral program can participate in, and also help make decisions on the theme for the
Fall Variety Show. Members of this group are voted on by the participants in Concert Choir at the
end of each academic school year. Those nominated must have a Cumulative GPA of a 3.5, be
involved in at least two of the [High School] Choral Program ensembles, be a respectful and
upstanding chorister, and have the ability to attend all scheduled meetings. Below are the roles and
responsibilities of each member.
President: The president must be a rising upperclassmen (junior or senior) who has been
involved with the [High School] Choral program for at least two years. They will lead all
group meetings, be the liaison between students, Choral Council, and Miss. Holler, will help to
assist Miss. Holler during rehearsals when asked, as well as helping to create the annual fund
raising event.
Vice President: The vice president must be a rising upperclassmen (junior or senior) who has
been involved with the [High School] Choral program for at least two years. They will
assume tasks of the president if the president is absent for any meetings, will handle student
involvement and concerns, is tasked with promotion and collaboration of the group with other
student organizations, and also helps Miss. Holler with creating folders for the year and
organizing the Choral Music Library.
Secretary: The secretary must be, at least, beginning their second year of participation with
the [High School] Choral program. The secretary is tasked with recording all meeting
minutes, keeping attendance of choral program students at [High School] Choral program
events, as well as publicity for the concerts, events, etc.
Treasurer: The treasurer must be, at least, beginning their second year of participation with
the [High School] Choral program. The treasurer will keep track of the choral account, any
spending the organization does, as well as fund raising. He/She must be capable of simple
algebra, and will give Miss. Holler monthly updates of the status of their records and the
account.
Section Leader(s): Section Leaders are needed in every ensemble offered within the [High
School] Choral Program. There is one section leader per section (1 Alto section leader, 1 Bass
section leader, etc.). Section leaders in one ensemble will not always be the section leader in another
ensemble. These individuals should be in their third year with the [High School] Choral program,
must be confident on their parts within every piece, and in good standing within their other classes,
including choir. Section leaders are asked to help take attendance of their section, help to lead any
sectionals that may happen throughout the year, and be a voice for their section about any struggles
their group may have. These leaders are chosen by Miss. Holler, and are subject to change in
between semesters.

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AUDITION PROCESS
All auditions are held during finals week during the spring semester, and again two weeks before
school begins. A sing-up sheet for available times will be posted outside of the Choral room door
at least two weeks prior to auditions. Contact Miss. Holler for alternative accommodations.
Concert ChoirThis group is open to all students at [High School] and the surrounding home
schools. The audition process is just a way for Miss. Holler to see and assess your abilities vocally;
THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONALLY AUDITIONED GROUP.
Womens ChoirThis group is open to all women at [High School] and the surrounding home
schools. Entrance into this group consists of the following:

Sight reading
Note Identification
Melody Recall
Rhythmic Identification
Time Signatures

*Information and help is available upon request.*

Mens ChoirThis group is open to all men at [High School] and the surrounding home schools.
Entrance into this group consists of the following:

Sight reading
Note Identification
Melody Recall
Rhythmic Identification
Time Signatures

*Information and help is available upon request.*

Select ChoirThis group is open to all students at [High School] and the surrounding home
schools. Entrance into this group consists of the following:

Sight reading
Note Identification
Melody Recall
Rhythmic Identification
Time Signatures
Key Signatures
Harmonization
Jazz Sight Reading

*Information and help is available upon request.*

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CONCERT DRESS
Please see below for [High School] Choral ensemble dress. Choir robes will also be
checked out at the beginning of the school year, and will be returned after each
concert. This attire should be worn underneath robes during EVERY concert. Note
the different attire needed for the different ensembles, as well as the clothing for both
men and women.
Women:
Black dress/skirt/slacks
If wearing a dress/skirt it must be knee length
Tights/Panty Hose/Dress socks should be black
Shirts should be button down and quarter length sleeves
Heels/Flats must be closed toed without any decorative material/design
ALL clothing should be free of any sparkling/dangling/eye catching things
Jewelry must be pre-approved by Miss. Holler
Men:
Black shoes/socks/slacks/shirts
Shirts should be button down with no excess buttons and the sleeves full
length
Pants should NOT be jeans or have more than four pockets (2 in the front, 2
in the back)
Shoes should be made out one consistent material and DRESS SHOES
Socks should be black and at least crew cut length
Ties are provided by the school and will be handed out/taken back before and
after each concert
Jewelry must be pre-approved by Miss. Holler
Select Choir:
Will also need to have a(n) [School Color] accent color that is pre-approved
by Miss. Holler before each concert
Women are also asked to purchase character shoes (The school will provide a
means of purchasing these shoes; ask Miss. Holler if any questions about this
requirement)

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ENSEMBLE OUTINGS
Occasionally the [High School] Choral program goes on outings to perform and talk
about what we do as a group. These outings may require students to leave campus for
a certain amount of time (occasionally overnight). The procedure for preparing for an
outing is outlined below:
Students will be informed verbally of the possibility of an outing.
Student will be sent home with a consent form explaining and outlining the
outing that should be signed by parents/guardians.
Students are to bring back this form by decided deadline, or they will be unable
to attend.
Miss. Holler will email all of the [High School] teachers informing them of
the outing and students that will be missing class.
Students are to contact the teacher(s) and attain all make-up work that may be
needed.
Outing:
On these trips students are to remain respectful to Miss. Holler as well as the
people we are performing/visiting.
Students should always show a positive attitude and willingness to learn new
concepts.
When watching a performance, students are to remain quiet and respectful.
Students are to dress in semi-formal dress during outings (Miss. Holler will
explain in more detail as the need arises).

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GUIDELINES
AND
EXPECTATIONS

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GOALS
For success as a group and individuals, goals should be set to help keep everyone on
track, so we have a clear path as a group, and we can create a next step for the years to
come. Please take a moment to read the following goals of the [High School]
Choral program. After taking this one of these courses Students Will Be Able To
(SWBAT):
Identify notes names as well as note durations.
Show competence of the musical terminology (ex. Time signature, Tempo
markings, Key signature, etc.)
Exhibit understanding of historical content of pieces given (ex. Composer,
Style, Meaning of the Text, etc.)
Understand/use vocal terminology (ex. Larynx, Sob Quality, etc.)
Explore different vocal qualities within a variety of repertoire
Develop reading and aural skills needed for choral singing

EXPECTATIONS
Students within the [High School] Choir program have expectations just like any
other classroom. Those expectations are outlined below.
Students should always bring a pencil, water bottle, and paper to the choir
room.
Students should arrive to class on time.
When entering the choir room, students should be quiet.
Students must not talk during Teacher Talk Time.
Students must respect other students personal items and personal space.
Students will keep an open mind and willingness to explore within the
classroom.
Students should follow all other [High School] student expectations.

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ATTENDANCE
Attendance is key to the success of the [High School] Choral program. We need
everyone to be able to perform our best! Miss. Holler must be notified 24 hours in
advance for an absence to be considered excused. See below for policies:
Make-up Work: Make-up work will be assigned at the discretion of Miss.
Holler. These can consist of, but are not limited to watching a musical
performance (concert, opera, musical, etc.), a paper about a musical concept, or
a quiz created by Miss. Holler.
Unexcused Absences: Grace will be given in the event of an emergency (i.e.
Family issues, Hospital admittance, etc.). Otherwise, students grades will be
docked by 10 points for every unexcused absence, and no make-up work will
be available.
Tardies: Two grace tardies are given each semester. The third tardy will result
in an unexcused absence.

GRADING
Just like any other class, the [High School] Choral program gives grades, and has a
policy to follow as well. See the policy below:
Grading Components
Attendance....................................................100
Participation..................................................200
Performances................................................400
Worksheets/Quizzes/Papers.....................500
Extra Credit...................................................???

Grading Scale
1000+ - 900 pts = A
899 - 800 pts = B
799 700 pts = C
699 - 600 pts = D
599 pts below = F

Total Points:..............................................1000
Extra credit is given each semester in different musical forms. These points are not
mandatory, but are offered to all students of the [High School] Choral program. Miss.
Holler will inform students when these opportunities are available.

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LETTERING PROCEDURE
Any member of the [High School] Choral program is eligible for lettering. See the
bullets below for the lettering requirements:
Student must be involved with the [High School] Choral program for at least
one year.
Student must take a solo to contest, or audition for KMEA All-State Honor
Choir.
Student must be within good academic standing.
Student must attend all concerts hosted by the [High School] Choral
program.

FUNDRAISING
Fundraising events are hosted every year by the [High School] Choral program. Our
biggest and most important fundraiser is the Fall Variety Show. This event is planned
and run completely by the students of the [High School] Choral program under the
guidance and support of Miss. Holler. During the spring the Select Choir performs
Singing Valentines to the community as well as [High School]. Other fundraising
opportunities are created or decided upon by the Choral Council and Miss. Holler. All
funds go directly to the [High School] Choral program, or, if extra money is made,
to the benefit of the entire [High School] Music department.

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PARENT
INFORMATION

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CHOIR BOOSTERS
Parent involvement is always appreciated and encouraged. We have a specific group
for parents and advocates of vocal music to go that extra mile they are known as
our choir boosters. These boosters help with our fundraising, any concert needs the
ensembles may have, meals that students may need, and other opportunities to lend
that extra hand! For more information about the Choir Boosters contact Miss. Holler.

[HIGH SCHOOL] MUSIC DEPARTMENT

DIRECTORY
As a music educator, I fully support all of the different music disciplines! Because of
that, I felt it necessary to add contact information for all of the music faculty at [High
School].
[Band Director Name]

[Email]

[Office Phone #]

[Orchestra Director Name]

[Email]

[Office Phone #]

[General Music Name]

[Email]

[Office Phone #]

VOCAL INSTRUCTOR DIRECTORY

I offer my own private lessons in Voice, Piano, and Flute, but occasionally my studio
fills, and I cant get in all of the students willing to take. Because of this Ive felt it
important to include other options for students interested in private lessons. Below is
a directory I have created; including contact information for my own private studio.
[Teacher Name]

[Email]

[Phone #]

[Teacher Name]

[Email]

[Phone #]

[Teacher Name]

[Email]

[Phone #]

[Teacher Name]

[Email]

[Phone #]

[Teacher Name]

[Email]

[Phone #]

[Teacher Name]

[Email]

[Phone #]

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CALENDAR
FALL
Fall Choir Concert..................................................................................[Date and Call Time]
Fall Variety Show....................................................................................[Date and Call Time]
Winter Choir Retreat..............................................................................[Date and Call Time]
Winter Choir Concert............................................................................[Date and Call Time]
SPRING
Spring Choir Concert.............................................................................[Date and Call Time]
Spring Choir Retreat...............................................................................[Date and Call Time]
Regional Large Ensemble Festival.......................................................[Date and Call Time]
State Large Ensemble Festival..............................................................[Date and Call Time]
End of the Year Choir Party.................................................................[Date and Call Time]
*Calendar is subject to additions and changes. Students will be notified at least 2
weeks in advance of these changes.*

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FORMS
AGREEMENT FORMS
I, ____________________________________ agree that I have read the [High
School] Choir Handbook and agree to comply with the guidelines and expectations
stated in said handbook.
Signature:__________________________________________ Date:____________
Witness:___________________________________________ Date:____________
PARENTAL/GUARDIAN FORMS
I, ____________________________ as the parent/legal guardian of
____________________________ have read, understood, and agree to the [High
School] Choir Handbook.
Signature:__________________________________________ Date:____________
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Phone #:________________________________________________
Home Address:______________________________________________________
City:_________________________________ Zip Code:_____________________
Secondary Contact:
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Phone #:___________________________________________________________

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