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Choral Handbook
Welcome to the *high school* music family! I am so excited to begin the year and promise that
your students will grow not only as musicians but also as people by providing opportunities for
independent thinking, self-expression and creativity, and a community where the focus lies in
the music.
Student Expectations…………………………………………………………………………………….2
Teacher Expectations…………………………………………………………………………………....2
Grading Policy…………………………………………………………………………………………….3
Classroom Responsibilities and Expectations………………………………………………………...5
Performance Opportunities and Events………………………………………………………………..7
Calendar………………………………………………………...……...……………………………….8
Forms to Fill……………………………………………………………………………………………….9
It is going to be a busy year as we have many adventures ahead of us: field trips, choral
competitions, concerts and more! Parents are key to every music organization throughout the
United States. Your commitment to attend performances and events provides the students with
a tremendous sense of belonging and support. Thank you for supporting your child and the
students of *high school* music department! I am making a concerted effort this year to use the
internet and email as a first line of communications for any volunteer work that you could be
involved in that supports students and music program. At the bottom of this packet is a Parent
Volunteer Survey that you can fill out and turn in to me to take action now!
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to work with your child. I look forward to the
year to come and meeting you at our performances, parent-teacher conferences, or somewhere
in the community. A warm-welcome to you and your child with open arms to the family here at
*high school.*
Musically yours,
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Student Expectations
Socially
A safe and supportive environment
A place of nourishment for your musical identity
A culture of traditions, values and shared successes
Flow
Academically
Your students will enhance their self-expression and creativity in music by learning a variety of
skills that meet the county, state, and national standards for music education.
Teacher Expectations
Attitude
Making sure that the energy of the student is channeled into the music, where they put
individual effort to support the group as a whole
Participation
Music is experiential. Being in the moment at all times creates the best experience for students.
Respect
We are an Ensemble that must work together to achieve our goals.
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Grading Policy
Rehearsal Participation and Contribution: 50%
Performance Attendance and Contribution: 35%
Quizzes and Assignments: 15%
Grades (50%) are earned by meeting the Classroom Responsibilities and Expectations.
Students can earn 100 points weekly for putting forth their best effort and contributing to the
productivity of the rehearsal. An ensemble is unstoppable when every student works together in
order to maintain a high standard of musicianship that defines *high school* Choir.
- Tardiness
- Talking when inappropriate
- Chewing gum
- Not singing
- Not participating
- Lack of focus
- Disrespectful attitude
- Poor posture
- Missing music
- Causing distractions
- And other things at the discretion of the director
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Chorus students will not be excused from rehearsals except in cases of extreme emergency or
illness. Work, appointments, detention, meetings, homework, vacations, etc. will not be valid
excuses for missing a rehearsal. A written note from the parent/ guardian is due upon the
student’s return from any excused absence due to an emergency. A doctor’s note is due upon
the student’s return from any excused absence due to illness. If you anticipate an unavoidable
absence from rehearsal, please submit a written request to the director for approval prior to the
absence. Those on athletic teams/clubs should communicate their practice/game/meeting
schedule with Ms. Norville before the season begins to find a workable compromise. I am
thrilled to have students involved in many activities at *high school* and believe strongly that
you should have the opportunity to participate in all you can! Communication is the key!
Grades (35%) are earned by being present, on time, in proper uniform, and participating
positively and fully. Points can be deducted for each occurrence of the following: tardiness, not
in full chorus uniform, inappropriate behavior, or lack of musical focus. Mark your calendars now
for the concerts and dates which are the required performances in chorus. Please do not plan a
vacation during school time, missing classes and concerts can have a negative effect on your
musician’s grade. If getting a ride to these performances might be a problem, arrange a ride you
can count on, or let Ms. Smith know at least a week in advance so that she can help you find a
ride. With the given amount of students in choir, the chance that someone lives near you is very
likely!
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Grade (15%) will be an average of the grades for all written and oral quizzes and assignments.
Students will be graded based off of solely their own personal development, without the
comparison of other students in the class. Examples of different assignments involve song-
writing, music theory assignments, sight-singing, music writing prompts, music dictation and
composition. The purpose of these activities is to reinforce concepts that have been identified
through the choral music.
Extra Credit: Students can earn extra credit for attending ANY performing arts events on or off
our campus. Just bring the program and briefly tell me about your experience.
C.A.R.E.
Communicate
Call or email if you are going to be absent
Let Ms. Smith know well in advance about any schedule conflicts
If you would like some extra help, just ask!
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1. Warning
2. Conference with the student and director to develop a plan for solving the problem.
3. Phone call/conference with parent or guardian.
4. Referral to administrator.
6
Choral Calendar
7
Statement of Understanding
We have read the Chorus Handbook, and understand the expectations involved in
the *high school* Choral Department; including Conduct, Rehearsal
and Concert Attendance, Grading Policies, Concert Etiquette, Communications
We understand that there are three required performances: Date, date, date
_________________________________
Name of Student (please print)
_________________________________
Signature of Student
_________________________________
Name of Parent/ Guardian (please print)
_________________________________
Signature of Parent/ Guardian
_________________________________
Date
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Student Information
Name _________________________________________ Grade ________ _____
Address _____________________________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________________________________
Home Cell
Email _______________________________________________________________________
(all information is sent to you via email, please print your address clearly)
Guardian/Parent Information
Guardian/Mother’s Name _______________________________________________________
Telephone ___________________________________________________________________
Home Cell Work ext.
Email________________________________________________________________________
(all information is sent to you via email, please print your address clearly)
Telephone ___________________________________________________________________
Home Cell Work ext.
Email________________________________________________________________________
(All information is sent to you via email, please print your address clearly.)
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Guardian/Parent Volunteer Survey
*Date*
Guardian/Parent(s) Name(s)_____________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________
___ chaperoning
___ photography
___ uniforms
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