Ashley’s Future High School

Choral Handbook
Director of Choirs: Ms. Ashley Starkston
Starksad@dukes.jmu.edu
(571) 330-703

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 Welcome!
Dear Choir Students and Parents,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! I hope you all are looking
forward to spending a wonderful year together making music together as
much as I am. This handbook is for your reference so that you are aware
of the policies and expectations in my classroom and there are no
surprises. Please make sure you read through this carefully and
thoroughly, and feel free to contact me by email at any time with
questions or concerns.
Please look over the dates of our required choral performances for
this school year on page ___. If there are any conflicts with your
student’s schedule and one of our performances, please contact me
as soon as possible so that we may assist your child with a make-up
assignment to maintain their grade.
Once you and your student have both finished reading through the
student handbook please sign the Statement of Understanding, Student
Information, and Parent Volunteer pages and turn them in by ____. By
signing you are indicating that you both understand the policies of my
classroom.
I am dedicated to making sure every student reaches their full
potential in music and I thank you for allowing your student to
participate. I am very excited for this year with all of these wonderful
students. Thank you for supporting our choral program!
Sincerely,

Ms. Ashley Starkston

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 Policies and Procedures
1. Students will respect all people, including themselves, and
all property, including their own, at all times.

2. Students will adhere to the ___ code of conduct and student

handbook at all times. Failure to do so will result in
disciplinary action.

3. All students are expected to participate every day in class.

All students are required to have their music, water, a
pencil, and their tuning fork every rehearsal for full
participation points.

4. Gum, food, or any other consumable items, besides water,

are not permitted during class time or rehearsals unless
otherwise specified.

5. When using instruments in the classroom (ukuleles or any

other instruments we decide to use), no students will touch
or play an instrument that is not theirs. Instruments require
special care that only someone trained to handle it will
know. It is also disrespectful to take something without
asking.
I expect every student to have a good attitude during class time
and be ready to participate and respect one another. We want to
build a culture of support and trust in our music classroom for
all students!
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 Our Social Goals
• Creating a safe and supportive environment.
• Exploring and growing in our own musical identities.
• Supporting and sharing success among all students.
• Transferring all learning throughout music and everyday life.

Our Academic Goals

• Students will….
o Read music proficiently with rhythm and note accuracy.
o Demonstrate musical knowledge through __(some
assessment)__.
o Perform music in a variety of languages and styles.
o Learn about music history and demonstrate knowledge
through __(some assessment)__.
o Participate in all class activities with healthy vocal habits.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive

expression of humanity. It’s something we are all
touched by. No matter what culture we’re from,
everyone loves music.”
-Billy Joel
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 Grading Policies
1. Class Participation – 35%
i) Students are expected to follow all class rules and
regulations.
ii) Students will lose participation points if they are not prepared
for class. (Music, water, pencil, tuning fork)
iii) Students will lose participation points for unexcused
tardiness.
2. Classroom Assessment – 15%
i) Weekly Quizzes on Musical Skills such as…
(a) Musical Notation
(b) Rhythmic Exercises
(c) Sight Reading
(d) Musical Vocabulary
ii) Weekly Practice Journals (to be given in class)
(a) For at-home practice students will practice one hour or
more during the week.
(b) Parents must sign off on the Practice Journal
3. Performance Assessment – 50%
i) Students must attend all performances and outside rehearsals for
full credit.
ii) Must be dressed appropriately
(1) Women
a. Black Choir Dress ($30)
b. Black Tights
c. Black Closed Toe Shoe (1.5in heel or less)
(2) Men
a. Black Dress Pants
b. Plain White Button Down Shirt
c. Black Socks
d. Black Shoes
e. Black belt

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 Music Policy
Music is expensive and needs to be treated with respect. Students
will receive a number at the beginning of the semester and will receive
music with that same number. If the student loses or badly damages their
piece of music they will be charged an additional fee to replace the lost
or damaged music.

Electronic Devices Policy

Students are not allowed to have any electronic devices out during
class periods unless specified by an IEP. Students who break this rule
will be given the opportunity to put their electronic device away. If they
take the device out again it will be taken by the teacher and the student
will get it back at the end of the class period. The student will also lose
half of their participation points for that class period.

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 Calendar of Events (tbd)
• September
o 22nd- All forms due
• October
o 15th- Honors Choir Audition (Seniors)
• November
o 15th- Musical Auditions for Wicked
o 25th- Bake Sale Fund Raiser Due
• December
o 14th- Winter Holiday Concert
• January
o 15th- District Choir Auditions
• February
o 18th- District Choir (Lakeview HS)
o 27th- State Choir Auditions (Juniors and Seniors)
• March
o 22nd- State Choir (Lakeland HS in Lake County)
• April
o 16-20th- Spring Trip
• May
o 1st- Wicked Musical
o 18th- Spring Concert
• June
o 14th- Graduation

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 Statement of Understanding
We have read the Chorus Handbook, and understand the expectations
involved in the ______ High School Chorus Department.
We understand that there are three required performances:
Winter Holiday Concert on December 14th, the Spring Concert on May
18th and Graduation on June 14.

_________________________________
Name of Student (please print)

_________________________________
Signature of Student

_________________________________
Name of Parent/ Guardian (please print)

_________________________________
Signature of Parent/ Guardian

_________________________________
Date

Please return this Statement of Understanding to Ms. Starkston

on or before _________.

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 High School Chorus Department
STUDENT INFORMATION
NAME_________________________________ GRADE___________

ADDRESS_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

TELEPHONE______________________________________________
HOME CELL
EMAIL___________________________________________________
(All information is sent to you via email; please print your address clearly.)

PARENT/ GUARDIAN INFORMATION

PARENT/GUARDIAN’S NAME_____________________________

TELEPHONE______________________________________________
HOME CELL WORK ext.
EMAIL____________________________________________________
(All information is sent to you via email; please print your address clearly.)

PARENT/GUARDIAN’S NAME_____________________________

TELEPHONE______________________________________________
HOME CELL WORK ext.
EMAIL____________________________________________________
(All information is sent to you via email; please print your address clearly.)

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 HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS DEPARTMENT
PARENT VOLUNTEER SURVEY
2018-2019
Parent(s) Name(s)___________________________________________
Student’s Name_____________________________________________
Grade_________ Chorus Period # _________
Address___________________________________________________
City ______________ State _____________________ ZIP _________
Home Phone #________________ Cell Phone #___________________
Email Address______________________________________________

We all have special talents! Here are some of the areas we will need
help with this year:
Check off as many areas in which you would like to assist.
___ Help with bake sale
___ Assisting during class rehearsals with clerical work
___ Chaperoning
___ Photography
___ Set-up and/or clean-up for events
___ Uniforms
___ Ushering Concerts
___ Medical assistance on trips (LPN, RN or MD)
___ Other (please specify) _____________________________

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