2007 - 2008 CHHS Choir Handbook
CHHS PERFORMING CHOIRS
JAZZ CHOIR — 8th period (2:07-3:35pm)
Jazz Choir is a small ensemble of freshmen through senior men and women that specialize in pop and jazz literature and choreography. This ensemble is active throughout the year with many performances in the community. Membership in Jazz Choir requires an audition as well as being a member of one of the other choirs offered at CHHS.
PANTHER CHORALE — 3rd period (11:42-1:59pm)
The Chorale is an auditioned choir comprised of junior and senior men and women with a well-developed vocal production, a high level of sight reading skill, and an outstanding academic record. Music will include mixed choir literature as well as women's and men's selections. The women will combine with Concert Choir women to form the Select Women's Choir. The men will combine with Men's Choir and Concert Choir men for performances as well. Mr. Detrick is the primary director of this choir. Membership requires attendance at a weekly men's or women's sectional rehearsal held outside of regular class time.
MENS CHOIR — 2nd period (10:06-11:34am)
Mens' Choir is comprised of freshmen through seniors who are experiencing membership in choir for the first time or whose voices and/or sightreading skills need strengthening. In addition to Men's Choir literature, this group will combine with the Varsity Treble Choir to perform as a mixed choir. Mr. Detrick is the primary director of this choir. Several outside-of-class rehearsals will be required to adequately prepare for performances.
VARSITY TREBLE CHOIR — 6th period (10:06-11:34am)
Varsity Treble Choir is an auditioned choir comprised of freshman through senior women with past singing experience, an above average level of sightreading skill, and an exemplary academic record. Ms. Heine is the primary director of this choir. In addition to performing treble choir literature, this group will also combine with the Men's Choir to perform as a mixed choir. Several outside-of-class rehearsals will be required to adequately prepare for performances.
CONCERT CHOIR — 7th period (11:40-2:00pm)
Concert Choir is an auditioned choir comprised of Sophomore through Senior men and women with a well-developed vocal production, excellent proficiency in sightreading, and an outstanding academic record. Music will include mixed choir literature as well as women's and men's choir selections. The women will combine with the Chorale women to form the Select Women's Choir. The men will combine with the Men's Choir and Chorale men for performances as well. Mr. Detrick is the primary director of this choir. Membership requires attendance at a weekly men's or women's sectional rehearsal held outside of regular class time.
BEL CANTO SINGERS — 4th period (2:05-3:35pm)
Bel Canto Singers is comprised of freshman through senior women who are experiencing membership in choir for the first time or whose voices and/or sightreading skills need strengthening.
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CHOIR CODE OF CONDUCT
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Students with 1) unexcused absences, or 2) excessive absences in general will perform portions of the choral literature being worked on for the directors for a grade. A passing grade must be made for the student to be allowed to perform with the choir.
ADDITIONAL REHEARSALS/ACTIVITIES
Students will be given adequate notice of all additional rehearsals and activities outside of the regular class period. These rehearsals and activities are course requirements and are vital to the success of the choral program. Every effort will be made to minimize the amount of out-of-class time required. Therefore, unexcused absences from these activities will be treated in the same manner as an unexcused absence from class, and will affect the student's grade. Unexcused absences include work. In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the sponsors of the activities. The sponsors will then determine the student's obligation. For any given period of preparation leading to a concert, more than two (2) absences may result in the student not performing with the choir.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE
Concerts are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. Choir members are expected to be present for the entire time of each required concert. An unexcused absence from a concert will lower the student's grade dramatically. Absences and tardies will be excused for cases of medical emergency or death in the family. Prior notification of any conflict with a required concert or rehearsal is required. Acceptable forms of parental notification include a signed note, a phone call (817-305-4726), or an email (Danny.Detrick@Gcisd.net). It is the responsibility of the student to keep up with required events.
REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE
The single most important factor in the overall success of any choir is the work it accomplishes during its rehearsals. A positive attitude towards director and fellow choir members is vital. Good concentration on the present has to take precedence over past classes or experiences as well as future classes or experiences. A pencil in hand is required. Please mark your music diligently. This allows you to be a responsible choir member by keeping up with the progress of the music. The "SINGER'S CHECKLIST" is posted in the choir room to remind students of the prioritized list of factors which will ensure successful rehearsals on a daily basis.
SINGER'S CHECKLIST
1. EYES - At the top of the list is a reminder of where the student is looking at any given time during the rehearsal. The two acceptable places are the director or at the music being rehearsed.
2. POSTURE - Every choir member is responsible for maintaining good singing posture. Just as an athlete would not try to play basketball while laying down, a good singer does not try to sing while slumping in their chair, crossing their arms and legs, or any thing else which inhibits them from their best performance. Correct posture allows the singer to develop and exercise a healthy and beautiful tone.
3. HANDS - While sitting or standing, the position of a singer's hands is important. Acceptable places are holding music, placed on one's own legs, or by one's side.
4. FEET - While sitting, a singer will have their feet squarely placed on the floor. Singers do not rehearse with their legs crossed. While standing, weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.
5. BREATHING - This factor precedes singing because air intake is the basis of all healthy singing. Preparing to sing by taking a deep, relaxed breath will greatly improve a singer's tone and stamina.
6. SINGING - The ultimate goal of any rehearsal is to maximize the amount of time spent singing. It is imperative that singers are demonstrating attention to Items 1-5 before the director will proceed to No. 6.
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CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be in your assigned seat with folder and pencil when the bell rings.
2. Do not talk without permission.
3. Keep your hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.
4. No gum, food, candy, or drinks are allowed. [This includes before and after school.]
5. No grooming in the choir room.
CONSEQUENCES
If a student fails to follow one or more classroom rules, the director is assuming they have temporarily forgotten what the rules are. The director is more than willing to remind students of what they have forgotten. After several reminders, however, it becomes apparent to the director that a student's "I forgot..." is really an "I don't care...".
Be aware that repeated reminders will be viewed by the director as an "I don't care" and will result in temporary removal from the choir room, parent conferences, detention, disciplinary referrals, and permanent removal from the choir program at the discretion of the director.
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GRADING POLICIES
DAILY GRADE - 50%
Each week is worth a total of 100 points. Therefore in a six week period there is a total of 600 daily points. The point value for any given day is 600 divided by the number of days in the six weeks. The daily grade is determined by the student's 1) level of participation during class (on-task behavior, posture, singing, etc.) and 2) following the classroom rules. Common deductions from the daily grade are: tardies, gum, bathroom, no music, no pencil, time out, food, sent to office, talking, unexcused absence.
CONCERT & REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE - 30%
Participation in rehearsals and performances outside normal school hours is a necessary part of choir courses. Attendance is required for the entirety of all performances and pre-scheduled rehearsals. Performances are listed on the Calendar of Events. Rehearsals either before or after school will be few and scheduled with plenty of advanced notice.
An excused absence from a choir rehearsal or concert will require the same criteria as an excused absence from school: personal illness where the student has been absent from the entire school day, death in the family, or family emergency. The absence will not be excused if the parent has not communicated with the director PRIOR to the event. It is imperative that the parent contact the director regarding the absence, as these rehearsals and concerts are a part of the student's grade. The choir office number is 817-305-4726.
AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE WILL RESULT IN A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF THE SIX-WEEK GRADE.
**In the case of a six-weeks which does not include any concert or extra rehearsals, the six-week grade will be averaged with this formula:
Daily Grade (70%) X Assignment/Tests (30%)
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ASSIGNMENTS & TESTS - 20%
Assignments will be completed and tests administered to monitor progress in the subject. Special emphasis will be placed on monitoring individual sight reading skills through taped testing.
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USE OF FINE ARTS FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT
CARE OF CHOIR ROOM
We are fortunate to have a very nice facility. We need to make the care and maintenance of our choir room, it's auxiliary rooms, and our auditorium a daily priority. Remember, there will be no food or drink in the room, with the exception of bottled water.
AUXILIARY ROOMS
There are two closets and a two offices within our choir room. Do not enter these rooms without permission. Likewise, we are fortunate to have several practice rooms along two of the surrounding hallways for our use as well as the band program. Do not enter these rooms without permission.
STAGE/AUDITORIUM You are not to be on the stage or in the auditorium unless you are accompanied by one of the fine arts directors or teacher.
STEREO
The stereo can be used by students with these guidelines. You must use it for rehearsal purposes or for specific listening work once you have obtained the director's permission. Groups of students are encouraged to rehearse All-State music in the choir room with the stereo. Only serious practice will be allowed.
PIANOS
We have a $15,000 grand piano sitting in our choir room, as well as upright pianos in the Choir Ensemble Room and the Voice Lesson Practice Room. Never set your personal belongings on these instruments. Students may play the piano only before and after school and only with the director's permission.
CHOIR OFFICES
Our offices are our home away from home. PLEASE KNOCK. You will be invited in. If you do not receive a reply, it is most likely that we are in the midst of a conference. Do not continue to knock and do not enter without being invited in.
PHONE
If the phone is not in use, and it does not inconvenience the music staff working in the office, you may use the phone with the director's permission.
BULLETIN BOARDS
These boards are used to share information about upcoming events and Voice Lesson Information. Do not make marks on any materials posted on these boards.
WALL MIRROR
The blinds on the mirror are off limits to all students without permission. Do not fold back the blinds--they are easily broken.
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CHOIR OFFICERS
Choir officers are elected by their fellow classmates on the basis of leadership, service, and participation in the choir program. These students are expected to exhibit outstanding behavior, excellent leadership, and a positive attitude at all times. In choosing your officers, remember that popularity is not the most important criteria! Your student leaders should above all exhibit a desire to serve the needs of our choirs.
PRESIDENT (all choirs)
1. Presides over officer meetings (Chorale President)
2. Initiates and guides officer activities. (Chorale President)
3. Supervises and delegates activities of other officers.
4. Serves as liason between choir and other school organizations and activities.
5. Represents his/her choir in all school functions as the top leader of that choir.
6. Serves as the "right hand" to the director.
7. Is in charge of all plans for the choir banquet.
Anyone running for the office of Chorale President should expect to be responsible for the entire department directly under the director in terms of leadership and responsibility. This person should intend to call the choir room "home" and should not be involved in activities that would interfere with choir. They should be prepared to set up for all choir functions including concerts and fundraisers and be the last to leave with the director.
VICE-PRESIDENT (all choirs)
Assist the President in all activities and preside over his/her responsibilities in case of their absence.
SECRETARY (all choirs)
1. Assists the director with clerical duties both in the classroom as well as before and after school.
2. Assists the director with roll check during class and other choir functions.
4. Keeps up with lists and other items responsible for the organizing of the choir.
LIBRARIAN (all choirs)
1. Assist the director with all library functions.
2. Keep records of all music that is checked out or returned.
4. Check in and file all new music.
4. Keep the Single Copy File up to date.
5. Librarians are responsible for the condition of the library at all times.
HISTORIANS (2)
1. Responsible for taking pictures at all choir activities throughout the year including concerts, parties, fundraising activities, meetings, and trips.
2. Prepare a musical slide presentation for the choir banquet in which all choirs are equally represented.
UNIFORM OFFICER (all choirs)
This officer will assist our Booster Club Officers with maintaining an accurate record of uniforms issued to students within their respective class and serving as the resource person for uniform questions or problems.
Being an officer is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, the director reserves the right to remove anyone from office for inappropriate behavior or attitude.
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UNIFORMS
LADIES
At the beginning of the year, parent helpers will take your measurements and we will order your formal concert dress. These dresses will be issued to you prior to our Fall Concert. You will turn them in after the Spring Concert. Additionally, you will need to provide BLACK DRESS SHOES (low heels preferred), a FULL LENGTH SLIP, and NUDE HOSE.
MEN
At the beginning of the year, Gingiss Formalwear will send a representative out to fit you for your uniform. You will receive tux pants and jacket, a winged-tip tux shirt, cummerbund, bow tie, studs and cuff links. Additionally, you will need to provide BLACK DRESS SHOES (no variations, please) and BLACK SOCKS. We suggest wearing a white t-shirt under your tux shirt.
T-SHIRTS
All choir members will receive a casual t-shirt with special CHHS Choir Department Logo. These shirts will be worn on special occasions and activities when we want to look "uniform" but not formal.
GENERAL
The idea of a uniform is that we appear as a unified group to those who see us. Therefore, additions such as large jewelry will not be acceptable. Ladies may wear small studs in their ears, but no dangling earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. Guys, no earrings, please.
Also, when we have a performance, you are expected to be in full uniform from the time you arrive to the time you leave the performance site. (Guys, that means I do not expect you to show up with you shirt unbuttoned and your cummerbund and bow tie off!) We want to take pride in our organization, and our appearance is one way to show a classy attitude.
CLEANING
Students will be issued a clean uniform. All are expected to keep their uniform in good condition. If properly cared for, it will not be necessary for the tuxes and dresses to be professionally dry-cleaned until they are turned in at the end of the year. However, guys are expected to wash and iron their tux shirts after each performance (please!).
FINES
In case of loss or damage, please refer to the replacement costs listed below.
FORMAL DRESS -$65.00
BOW TIE - $7.00
TUX PANTS - $50.00
TUX SHIRT - $25.00
TUX JACKET - $75.00
CUMMERBUND - $12.00
CHOIR FEE
All students will need to pay a $35.00 fee by SEPTEMBER 23. This covers the cost of uniform rental fee and maintenance, choir folder, hospitality fee, and choir t-shirt.
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FUNDRAISING
Students are expected to participate in the fundraising efforts we undertake throughout the year. The choir department's philosophy is that fundraising should be kept to a minimum, but that when we do a fundraiser, we strive for maximum involvement and return on our effort.
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AWARDS AND HONORS
LETTER JACKETS & SCHOOL LETTERS
A student in the Colleyville Heritage Choir Department will earn a school jacket and/or letter for choir if one or more of the following categories are completed.
CATEGORY I - the student has participated in a total of 8 choir concerts at CHHS and has auditioned for the All-State Choir and/or participated in High School Solo & Ensemble competition two times.
CATEGORY II - the student participates in All-State auditions and makes the All-Region Choir (i.e.-places in the top 8 chairs at the second round audition)
CATEGORY III - The student is in their fourth consecutive year of choir at CHHS.
CHOIR BEAU AND SWEETHEART
The Beau and Sweetheart are upper classmen who are elected by the choirs on the basis of friendship, cooperation, and leadership. This award will be presented at the choir banquet.
OUTSTANDING CHOIR MEMBERS
These awards will be presented to students from each of the choirs who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and character.
MOST IMPROVED AWARDS
These awards are given to students from each of the choirs who have demonstrated to most improvement throughout the year.
"GOLDEN VOICE" AWARD
This award is presented to the student who, in the director's opinion, has the most outstanding natural voice in the department.
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GCISD SUPPLEMENTARY MUSIC PROGRAM
PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS
Supplementary music lessons are offered as a supplement to classroom instruction. These lessons are designed to utilize the characteristic literature of the instrument or voice, rather than to rehearse the music a student will be performing in his/her school organization. Participation in these supplemental lessons is optional. Students who elect not to participate in the Supplemental Music Lesson Program will not be penalized in their classroom activities. All students will have access to supplemental music lessons.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Be fully prepared for each lesson.
2. Follow guidelines pertaining to absenteeism. (see also, Lesson Location and Scheduling)
4. Provide documentation of required practice time each week with parent signature.
4. Supply method books and other materials as required by the supplemental music instructor.
5. Meet criteria for student participation in the supplementary music lesson program (i.e. recitals, auditions, etc.)
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Turn in monthly donations to the program on time.
2. Encourage the student to practice daily and sign weekly time cards.
4. Provide reassurance and encouragement to the student regarding recitals, auditions, etc.
LESSON LOCATION AND SCHEDULING
1. During the school day, lessons will be taught at the school in which the student attends.
2. Lessons will be scheduled during the student's band or choir class, lunch hour, or before/after school. No lessons will be scheduled during academic classes.
3. It will be the responsibility of the student to notify his/her supplementary instructor at least twenty-four hours in advance if a lesson is to be canceled - unless, of course, a serious emergency arises. This courtesy is also the responsibility of the supplementary instructor if he/she must cancel a lesson. Excused absences will either be made up, or the necessary adjustments will be made for the following month's pledge.
4. The music directors will aid the student in advising the private instructor of concerts, programs, holidays, etc., which would result in any interruption of the regularly scheduled lesson.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Lessons are $16.50 for one half hour lesson. Parents will give the check directly to the private instructor.
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