University High School
Choral/Vocal
Handbook
2008-2009
University High School Choral/Vocal Department
Chorus Website
The University High School now has an official website. Please log on to HYPERLINK "http://teachers.ocps.net/uhschoralprogram" http://teachers.ocps.net/uhschoralprogram for up-to-date information about concerts, requirements, fundraising, and many other details about the UHS Choral program.
Contact Information
Justin Chase Brigitte Emenheiser
Justin.Chase@ocps.net Brigitte.Emenheiser@ocps.net (407) 482-8775 (407) 482-8775
Course Objective
The University High School Choral Department provides a performing outlet for highly motivated and dedicated students interested in becoming more involved in the choral art. Class activities will include performing and listening to music from many different styles and time periods, music theory, and sight-reading skills. Performances will occur periodically throughout the school year both on and off campus.
Textbooks/Materials
The materials used in chorus classes will include music for ensembles as well as for individuals. The student is responsible for any lost or damaged materials. Students will need the following items by Friday, August 22nd at the latest:
Pencil
Three-ring binder, black, (at least 1 inch thick) with pockets
Students are also encouraged to bring a bottle of water to class everyday for healthier singing.
Classroom rules
Be in your seat with materials ready by the time the bell rings to begin class.
No food, drink, or gum allowed in the classroom (with the exception of bottled water). Please make sure any food, drink, or gum is disposed of or put in your backpack BEFORE you enter the chorus room.
Be considerate of other students and your instructor by eliminating unnecessary talking.
Be respectful of other students and your instructor.
Behavioral Expectations
C.A.R.E
Communicate - Attend all rehearsals and performances - Respect property and each other - Execute rehearsal procedures
There are certain guidelines that will help to guarantee the success of the choral program here at University High School. By following these guidelines we can help to maintain a positive and disciplined classroom atmosphere.
Communicate
Call or email if you are going to be absent
Let us know well in advance about any schedule conflicts
If you would like some extra help, just ask. If we can’t help you we’ll find someone who can.
If you are ever troubled or unsure about something that has to do with this program, please come talk to us. Our door is always open.
Attend all rehearsals and performances
Be at all rehearsals and performances on time… which means early! There’s a difference between being present and being ready.
Being absent from a rehearsal or performance is not like missing a class such as English or History. When even one member of a performing ensemble is gone the total musical experience is diminished for all.
Don't think of chorus as just a class, but rather as planned, sequential rehearsal/coaching sessions for the singers.
Attendance at rehearsals is essential. Attendance at all scheduled performances and concerts is mandatory to keep your position in both small and large ensembles and to pass the course.
The following statement is quoted from the 2008-2009 University High School Curriculum Guide under the chorus class description:
"Many performance opportunities will be provided. Attendance required for rehearsals and performances beyond school hours.”
SHOWING UP and ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING are two different things. Please look at the following guidelines regarding being "present" at every rehearsal. Very often students who receive less than an “A” in chorus ask why they have received a lower grade, even if they have been in class and have attended all concerts. Most of the time, the reason for the lowered grade is one of the factors below, so please read them carefully.
Have a positive mental attitude.
Concentrate and work on the task at hand.
Give a positive effort during EVERY rehearsal.
Have your music and pencil at every rehearsal. If you do not have the proper music it is your responsibility to see a librarian to obtain it.
Use correct posture and breathing while singing
Refrain from food, gum, or drink (besides water) in the classroom before, during, or after rehearsals
Make sure the voice is in good working condition. If the singer is not singing full voice or is having vocal problems they should notify the director IMMEDIATELY upon entering the classroom. The singer is not expected to sing when having vocal difficulty but will have to follow along in the music and write a written summary/critique of the rehearsal.
Maintain total musical and personal responsibility within the ensemble.
Tardies
The following policy will be used for tardies, as is outlined in the UHS Student Handbook. Being tardy means entering the classroom after the bell has rung. Even if your backpack and music is in the classroom, if you are not in the classroom by the time the bell has rung you are considered tardy. Students who arrive to class more than 20 minutes after the bell are not considered tardy, they are considered absent. The following policies will be enforced per semester:
1st offense - Warning
2nd offense - Parent contact (written notification to be signed and returned)
3rd offense - Parent contact and a detention. Detention must be served within
3 days of a students’ third tardy
4th offense - Detention/Referral (consequence given by administrator)
5th offense - Referral and F for Life Skills Grade. Your Life Skills
grade makes up 25% of your total grade for the class.
Subsequent offenses may result in suspension.
Respect property and each other
Do not touch what is not yours
Respect the right of others to learn, and the teacher to teach, by not causing an interruption to the rehearsal. Use your good judgment to always know what time it is. Is it time to visit or time to work?
Look at the person speaking to you.
If you cannot say something positive, do not say anything at all.
Execute rehearsal procedures
When you enter the classroom, please read the board to see the activities for the day and any additional materials (besides music and a pencil) that you might need.
Leave all backpacks to the side or the back of the classroom. The only materials needed at your chair are music, pencil, and water.
Be in your seat, ready to make music, by the tardy bell.
Stop immediately when the conductor stops.
Raise your hand if you have a comment/question/answer.
Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise
If you are not able to participate in the rehearsal please see the teacher immediately when you enter the room. After you see the teacher, please pick up a form to document your non-participation. These forms will be on the bulletin board. A written assignment will also be given.
Please do not ask to leave class for any reason unless you are ill and need to go home.
The bell does not dismiss the class; the director dismisses the class. I will do so when the room is in order.
Discipline Procedures
We do not expect discipline problems in our chorus classroom. However, when a rule is broken or a student behaves inappropriately, we generally adhere to the following procedures:
First offense - Conference with student to discuss the behavior and how it can be managed
Second offense - Contact with parent to discuss the behavior and how it can be managed
Third offense – Referral written and parent contact made
Please note – serious offenses may warrant a referral immediately.
Concert performance and classroom behavior
It is the final decision of the directors as to whether or not a student may sing in a choral concert. If a student has shown a lack of discipline in class or has an inordinate amount of absences, he or she may not be allowed to sing.
Officers
Being a chorus officer is a great way for you as a student to have some ownership over the choral program here at University High School. A description of each of the offices is as follows:
Co-Presidents: Daniel Johanson, Tamir Hernandez, and Richard Connor
Help to organize and plan choir trips and retreat
Conduct meetings and votes
Hold group discussions
Organize and supervise special projects
Organize social events, including Chorus Banquet
Send invitations to performances
Send letters and thank you notes
Organize campaigns for recruiting new students
Coordinate community service/outreach programs
Organize musical events for the chorus directors
Librarians
Tamir Hernandez and her library staff maintain the University High School Choral Library. Tamir will have information for each class to let you know how you can help out in the choral library.
Rehearsal Managers (one per class, determined by directors)
Take attendance
Post daily announcements
Prepare or set up and special items that are needed for rehearsal
Collect or pass out forms, assignments, written work, etc.
Deliver messages to the office, other teachers, etc.
Stage manager/Loading Crew
Responsible for setting up chairs, stands, risers, piano, and any other special items for rehearsals and/or performances.
Responsible for tear-down of stage after a performance
Reserve seats in the auditorium for choirs before a performance (tape off sections)
Uniform managers
Make sure every student has a uniform
Keep uniform room clean
Answer questions about uniforms/concert dress code
Uniform policy
Students who have been a part of the University High School Choral Department in the past should have a uniform to wear. As a reminder to all returning members of the UHS Choral Department, all dresses should be hemmed and all tuxedos should be complete (no missing bow ties or cummerbunds, please!). We expect for all the uniforms to be complete by the first concert.
For new members of the UHS Choral Department:
Women - Dresses are to be purchased by each choir member at a cost of $70. We have several used dresses that we are willing to sell at a reduced cost to you. We will be sizing women for dresses during the 2nd week of class.
Appearance guidelines for women:
Full dress ensemble (black), purchased by students.
Black hose and black, conservative, closed-toe shoes (shoes should ideally be flat. Large heels or platforms will not be permitted).
Hair, if long, should be pulled away from the face.
A conservative amount of makeup may be applied, as long as it is tasteful.
No jewelry shall be worn at performances. This includes earrings, tongue rings, nose rings, rings worn on the hand, bracelets, and necklaces. The only exception to this rule is if you have a wedding band or engagement ring.
Nail polish should be tasteful and ideally, for a concert situation, clear. Please stay away from bright colors that might draw people’s attention during a concert situation.
Please do not wear perfume, sprays, or scented lotions. Some people have an allergic reaction to these substances.
Men - Men are expected to purchase their tuxedo. $54 will buy you a tuxedo shirt, tuxedo pants, bow tie, and cummerbund (black). Tuxedo jackets will be provided by the UHS Choral Department and must be returned at the end of the year. We will be having a representative from Sacino’s Formalwear coming in to measure all new chorus men very soon.
Appearance guidelines for men:
Full tuxedo (tuxedo pants, cummerbund, bow-tie, tuxedo shirt, and jacket) for Concert Choir Men and Men's Chorale.
Black DRESS SHOES and BLACK SOCKS (PLEASE!) for all performances.
Hair, if long, must be pulled away from the face.
No jewelry shall be worn (this includes earrings, tongue rings, rings worn on the hand, bracelets, and watches). The only exception to this rule is a wedding ring.
No cologne at performances, please, as some people have allergic reactions.
Concert Dates/Calendar
Our chorus dates for 2008-2009 are as follows (dates in BOLD are for ALL UHS Chorus members):
All events at University High School PAC, unless indicated:
Monday, August 18th First Day
Wednesday, September 3rd Cookie Dough Fundraiser Kick-off
Wednesday, September 24th Candlelight taping after school
Saturday, September 27th All-State Musicianship Test – Timber Creek HS
Tuesday, October 7th Concert Choir Dress Rehearsal – First United
Methodist with Orlando Chorale – 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 9th Fall Concert
Sunday, October 12th Fauré Requiem with Orlando Chorale – CONCERT
CHOIR ONLY – 1:00 rehearsal, 3:00 performance
First United Methodist Church
Friday, October 24th All-State Minus One Audition – Boone HS
(This is a SCHOOL HOLIDAY!)
November 6th – 8th ACDA Honor Choir
November/December Disney Candlelight (Dates to be announced)
Monday, December 1st Chanté dress rehearsal with UCF Women – Winter
Park Presbyterian Church 3:00 – 5:00
Thursday, December 4th Britten’s Ceremony of Carols with UCF Women –
CHANTE ONLY – 7:00 – Winter Park Presbyterian
Thursday, December 11th Holiday Concert
January 8th – 10th All-State Chorus, Tampa
Tuesday, February 24th District Festival Concert
February 26th – 28th District Music Performance Assessment –
Winter Park HS
March 30th – April 3rd Spring Break
Thursday, May 14th Spring Concert
Grading policy
Please read over this grading section carefully so you will know exactly what is expected of you. If you have any questions, please feel free to come and talk to us before or after school. By following this grading policy, we can guarantee that all grades given in this chorus class are based on fairness and specific achievable, attainable goals.
40% - Concert Attendance
Please think of your chorus concert as a “final exam” of sorts, where you display all that you have learned over the past grading period.
In your course outline we have listed the dates for all of the chorus concerts. You have no excuse for not knowing a date of a concert. In the UHS curriculum guide, it specifically states that membership in chorus requires attendance outside of the regular school day. If you know that you have a conflict with a concert date, we need a note from a parent or guardian at least three weeks in advance of the concert date.
If you have a last-minute emergency and cannot attend, you are to call us at school or e-mail us BEFORE the concert occurs. The Chorus Department's voice mail is (407) 482-4775. Mr. Chase's email is chasej@ocps.net. We must also receive a reason IN WRITING from a parent or guardian if a concert is missed.
If a student misses a concert and does not notify the directors BEFORE the concert the highest amount of credit a student may earn for the concert is 80%.
20% - Class work
This may be theory sheets, listening activities, part checks, written quizzes or tests, or any number of written exercises that will be done, for the majority, in class. This also includes performance assessments during class, both formal and informal in nature. If students are absent on days when the work is assigned it is extremely difficult to make this work up. Please try to be in class every day.
35% - Rehearsal Techniques
Your rehearsal techniques grade in this class will be determined by your rehearsal participation. The rubric below will identify how your grade will be determined:
A: The student's attention never wavers from the rehearsal. The student exhibits exceptional behavior, providing a role model for others.
A/B: The student listens attentively, needs no teacher reminders to refrain from talking, and follows all the rules for good rehearsal participation.
B/C: The student needs occasional teacher reminders to listen attentively and/or to refrain form talking, may get out of his/her seat, or does not follow all the rules of good rehearsal participation.
C/D: The student needs frequent teacher reminders to sit still, refrain from talking, listen attentively, or actively participate. The student makes it difficult for other students to listen. The teacher may move the student to another seat or remove the student from the rehearsal.
F: The student rarely or never participates in rehearsals. The student makes it difficult for other students to focus on the rehearsal. The student has little or no regard for classroom rules and does not respect other member of the ensemble of the instructors.
In addition to the rubric above, students may be graded on specific rehearsal tasks on specific days. For example, your teacher may announce that today’s grade is based on posture. All students will be evaluated during the class to see if proper posture is being demonstrated. At the conclusion of the class students will be either given an individual or group grade based on performance criteria, which will be given to students in advance
It is important to note while there are four categories of grades, there is no guarantee on how many assignments will be given in each category. It is important to note that students are responsible for making up assignments when they are absent. It is the student's responsibility, not the teacher's, to ask for make-up work THE DAY THAT STUDENTS RETURN.
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Along with the sheet at the end of the handbook that you are required to turn in, there is a new form entitled, “ORANGE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Extracurricular Activity Agreement Form”. This form, new to us this year, is to be signed by every student participating in the choral program. Please read it in its entirely, but basically it states that students must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. to participate in any off campus activities or any in-school activities that mean missing instructional time.
FUNDRAISING
Last year we were very fortunate in that we only had to have one fundraiser to meet our chorus needs. We use the money collected from fundraisers to buy music for the choirs, assist with uniform costs, pay registration fees for our Music Performance Assessment, and pay for buses to attend events throughout Orange County. Additional miscellaneous expenses occur throughout the year that we will need money for as well.
The opportunity to perform in the Walt Disney World Candlelight Processional will be linked to your fundraising. If you are interested in attending and performing at the Walt Disney World Candlelight Processional you will need to sell at least 5 tubs of cookie dough at the beginning of the year OR pay a $25.00 candlelight fee. Disney Candlelight is not a required event, and your participation (or non-participation) in Candlelight does not affect your chorus grade. If you would like to continue to maintain the tradition of participating in Disney Candlelight you will need to either fundraise for our choral program or donate $25.00 as a chorus fee.
If you and your family is in an extremely difficult situation we will be able to help you out, but you must really work hard to fundraise. Please do not tell us you cannot afford a uniform and then not sell any cookie dough. We are more willing to help you out if you make the effort to help yourself out as well.
Vocal Health and Growth
It is strongly urged that all members work to develop their voices while members of the ensemble. It is suggested that the singer take vocal lessons while in the ensemble. Names of voice teachers can be obtained from Mr. Chase or Ms. Emenheiser. The singer should improve from year to year.
Understand Your Voice
Learn how the voice works.
Learn how to use proper breathing techniques and good breath support.
Sing to your ability.
Be patient with your voice - voices need time to grow
Warm Up Your Voice
Always warm up your voice for at least ten minutes before singing, speaking, or engaging in "athletic" voice use.
Stretch and relax your body fully to relieve tension before singing.
Do warm-up vocalization in both your upper and lower ranges.
Body Alignment
Use good body alignment for singing and speaking
Maintain good standing and sitting posture throughout rehearsals.
Keep Your Voice Relaxed
Keep your neck, shoulders, face, and jaw relaxed while singing or speaking.
Do not press or push your voice from the throat.
Sing lighter in your upper range to take the weight out.
Sing lightly when singing through new music the first time.
Take Care of Your Voice
No not sing or engage in heavy voice use when your voice is hoarse or your throat is sore - you could permanently damage your vocal folds.
Do not overuse your voice by screaming or yelling.
Do not sing with excess volume.
Avoid prolonged talking on the telephone.
Avoid whispering.
Do not speak or sing above other people speaking or singing.
Find alternate ways to gain a group's attention.
Make healthy vocal practices a habit.
DO NOT SMOKE.
Environment
Avoid noisy environments.
Avoid smoke-filled environments.
Hydration
Drink seven to ten eight-ounce glasses of water daily. Water is the primary lubricant of the vocal folds. You need added lubrication for efficient vocal-fold lubrication when speaking and singing.
Avoid singing with a dry throat
Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth.
Nutrition
Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
Minimize salt and sugar intake, which can contribute to dehydration.
Avoid caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration, especially before singing or prolonged voice use.
Avoid alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Avoid carbonated beverages.
Rest
Get enough sleep and rest.
Rest your voice when it is tired.
Illness
Wash your hand frequently to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs to others.
Drink lots of water when you are sick.
Try to avoid contact with others who are sick.
Treat common colds right away.
Use a humidifier when you have a cold.
Medications
Be aware that some medications can affect your voice.
Antihistamines and decongestants can contribute to dehydration of the vocal folds.
If your use and anesthetic spray on your throat, it decreases your pain sensitivity, so you run the risk damaging your voice if you continue to sing or speak.
Warning Signs of Vocal Damage
Prolonged hoarseness
Complete loss of voice
Pressed or constricted vocal quality
Unusual breathiness or roughness
Reduced vocal endurance
Pitch change in your voice, particularly loss of range in the upper register
Singing or speaking requires much more effort than usual, or there is an increase in tension
Sound delays or clicks when you speak
Producing more than one pitch at the same time
Responsibility to Music as an Art Form
The performing arts have always been a vital part of our society. You have been blessed with a very special talent. You now have the obligation and responsibility to use that talent for the betterment of our community, and for the development of yourself as an individual.
National Standards for Music Education
Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
Performing on instruments, alone and with other, a varied repertoire of music.
Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
Reading and notating music
Listening to, analyzing, and describing music
Evaluating music and music performances
Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Name (please print): _______________________________
Chorus: _________________________________________
I have read the University High School Chorus/Vocal Handbook in its entirety. I know and understand what is expected of me. I also understand that I must keep a copy of this handbook in my folder for reference throughout the school year. I also understand that I need to be responsible for the dates on the Chorus Calendar within the Handbook.
Student Signature: ________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________