Falmouth High School Choir Handbook

2014-2015

Todd Fruth

Choral Director tfruth@falmouth.k12.ma.us

www.fhschorus.com

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Table of Contents

Welcome 2-3

Overview 2

Why study music? 3

Mission 3

Classroom Routines and Expectations 3-6

Grading Policy 4

Attendance Policy 5

Dress Policy 6

FHS Choral Boosters 6

Calendar of Events 7

Acknowledgement Form 8

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Welcome! I am honored that your child has decided to join the choral program at FHS for the coming year. I approach my work seriously, and I want you to know that I am here to help your child develop to his or her fullest potential—musically, and otherwise. I look forward to the many exciting opportunities planned for the coming year. This handbook was created to help your student succeed. It explains the mission of the program, the expectations of each student, and other pertinent information. Please take time to read through it, and when you are finished, please sign and return the Acknowledgement Form (p. 8) and the costume cleaning fee by Friday, September 12. Students will receive a daily participation grade of zero after that date until the form has been returned. Sincerely,

Todd Fruth Choral Director

Overview The Falmouth High School Choral Department consists of two curricular ensembles—the FHS Chorus and the Repertory Singers. The Chorus is a non-auditioned group open to the entire school. The Repertory Singers are an advanced, mixed-voice singing ensemble. Students audition in November to become a part of the group for the following year. There are several extra-curricular activities available for choir students, as well. Soulfege, a mixed-voice a cappella ensemble, performs arrangements of popular songs from a variety of genres. The group rehearses after school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. In order to be eligible for the group, students must be participating in a curricular music ensemble at FHS. Additionally, we are planning a dramatic musical production for the spring; details are still to be determined. This event would be open to the entire school. There are three major concerts that take place over the school year: our Winter Concert in December, All-Choral Night in March, and the Spring Concert (a joint concert with the instrumental ensembles) in May. These three events are required for all students. Students can also participate in the Choral Cabaret, an informal concert featuring popular music that will take place in January.

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Why study music? I. Music is a Science. It is exact, specific, and demands exact acoustics. A conductor's score is a chart or graph, which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once and with a precise control of time. II. Music is Mathematical. Rhythmically, it is based on divisions of time into precise fractions which must be done instantaneously, not worked out on paper. III. Music is a Foreign Language. Many musical terms are in Italian, German, or French, and music notation itself is a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. IV. Music is History. Music reflects the cultural context of the time and place where it was written. V. Music is Physical Education. It requires fantastic coordination of fingers, hands, arms, and facial muscles, and extraordinary control of the back, stomach, and chest muscles, which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets. VI. Music is all of these things, but most of all, Music is Art. It allows a human being to take abstract symbols and techniques and use them to tell a story, to express an idea, and to connect with a listener. Studying music helps a person to become more sensitive, compassionate, and open-minded.

Mission By the end of the year, it is my hope that your child will: 1. Perform a variety of high-quality music from different time periods, cultures, and genres 2. Learn the principles of basic vocal technique, including proper posture, breathing, relaxation, tone production, and vowel formation 3. Engage deeply with the cultural, historical, and theoretical contexts of the music being studied 4. Develop skills essential to ensemble singing, including blend, balance, and performance behavior 5. Learn basic elements of music theory, including dynamics, tempo, articulations, and harmonic and rhythmic concepts 6. Develop musical independence, including the ability to sight-sing using the movable-do solfege system 7. Connect to a community of people who are working toward common goals and positive experiences

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Classroom Routines and Expectations In order for a choral group to function efficiently and harmoniously, each member of the ensemble must agree to behave in a respectful, responsible manner. Failure to abide by classroom expectations will result in deductions from the daily rehearsal grade and a teacher detention. -Be respectful at all times—to the teacher and to other students in the room. This means that students may not talk while the director is working with another section of the choir. They may use this time to study their own part in the music or listen critically to the other section(s). (1-10 points deducted) -Students need to be in their proper positions with their folders and a pencil when the bell rings. At the end of the class period, students need to return their folders to their proper spot. Students will lose participation points for the day if their folders are not returned to their slots. There will be periodic “pencil checks” to ensure students have pencils available to write notes in scores. Students also must not remove their folders from the room; students will be charged $5 for each lost piece of music. (5 points deducted) -Any phones, iPods, or other electronic devices are prohibited unless otherwise mentioned. If used, they will be confiscated until the end of class, and students will receive a teacher detention. (10 points deducted) -No food, soda, candy, or gum will be allowed in the choir room at any time, though water is allowed. Detentions will be assigned after one warning. (5 points deducted) -In accordance with the student handbook, students will receive a teacher detention for every third unexcused tardy to class. -Students must request a pass in order to use the restroom. Only one student is allowed to be out of the classroom at a time. Students should try to use the restroom before class begins. -Students are expected to be active participants in the group – to attempt all that is asked of them, even if it seems new or different. Students are also encouraged to find ways to connect their musical experiences outside of school to what happens in school, and vice versa.

Grading Policy Because certain quarters contain more performance opportunities and assessments than others, students’ yearly grades will factor in all assignments and performances over the course of the year, instead of simply being an average of the four quarter grades. Students will take a midterm exam that will be worth 5% of their yearly grade, and a final exam that will be worth 10% of their yearly grade. 30% -- Attendance and active participation at required performances, after school rehearsals, and sectionals. Students must show up on time to all required events (see schedule). Attendance procedures are further explained below.

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30% -- Daily rehearsal grade. Students will begin each day with 9.5 out of 10 points (95%), and points will be deducted for violating classroom expectations as outlined above. Points will be added for exhibiting model classroom behavior. 20% -- Singing tests and SmartMusic assignments. 20% -- Written work, including theory quizzes, classwork, and listening evaluations. EXTRA CREDIT: Students may increase their grade through various means, including attending other musical performances (and writing a review), filing music in the music library, auditioning for music festivals, or other independent projects. All extra credit opportunities must be approved by the director beforehand.

Attendance Policy Because students must actively participate in class in order to grow as a musician, classroom attendance is a key component of students’ overall grade. Unexcused absences from class will result in zero points for that day. Students are allowed three excused absences per quarter before they will begin to receive zero points for their absence. Students can make up excused absences through after school work at the director’s convenience. Attendance at after school sectionals, rehearsals, and concerts is mandatory. Absences will be excused for the following reasons: -Medical emergencies or personal injury -Death in the family -Prearranged absence through the school If a student misses a rehearsal or a performance for one of these reasons, he or she must bring a parental note to the director, who will then determine the validity of the absence. Even if the absence was excused, the student must still make up the event by singing his/her part on the concert repertoire in front of the choir director. If a student knows of a school-related, extra-curricular conflict with a required choral performance or rehearsal, he or she must fill out and submit a Conflict Form at least one week in advance of the conflict. (Conflict Forms are available in the director’s office.) Students may not miss a choir concert, field trip, or contest for a meeting or practice. Similarly, students should not miss their extra-curricular school competitions for a choir rehearsal. Absences will NOT be excused for the following reasons (among others): -Work -Oversleeping -Transportation problems -Family vacations that are not prearranged through the school -Club sports -Driver’s Ed

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Dress Policy Uniforms are provided by the Falmouth High School Music Department and Choral Boosters for the choral students to wear at concerts throughout the year. Girls must supply their own closed toe black shoes and natural color nylons and boys must supply their own black dress shoes and black socks. Girls’ dresses and boys’ tuxedos, shirts and ties are provided. The uniforms are professionally cleaned at the beginning of the school year and as needed. A $25 cleaning fee, payable to the Falmouth High School Choral Boosters, is due by Friday, September 12. If you need assistance with this fee, please notify the choral director and arrangements will be made to have the Choral Boosters assist with it. Each student is responsible for returning every piece of the uniform to the choir room following the performances. These need to be hung and placed on the rack, as they were found prior to the concert. Each student is responsible for loss or unreasonable damage to the uniform while in his or her possession and will be charged accordingly. Please let the choral director know if your uniform is in need of repair. Absolutely no personal jewelry may be worn at our concerts, festivals, and contests, including studs or earrings, rings, bracelets, facial piercings, tongue piercings, and necklaces; watches are allowed. The choir provides any necessary jewelry in order to create a uniform appearance.

FHS Choral Boosters The FHS Choral Boosters is an organization that exists to lend moral and financial support to the Choral Department at Falmouth High School. The support comes in many forms: managing several fundraising events throughout the year, assisting at concerts and chaperoning on trips, and promoting interest in the community for the choral programs. The Choral Boosters meet in the choir room on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We encourage you to attend. If you have any questions about the group, please contact Lou Ann Burgess at louann@ikitchensetc.com. A devoted group of parent and student officers help to keep the organization running smoothly. Elections for these positions are held in May. Boosters Officers, 2014-2015 Lou Ann Burgess, President [leads meetings, delegates projects] Dana McKnight, Vice President [assists president, plans Boosters social events] Anne Edgar, Secretary [takes minutes of Boosters meetings] Tom Byrne, Treasurer [submits monthly financial summaries, tracks students sales] Student Officers, 2014-2015 Christine Tran, President [go-to for assistance with choral department projects] Jennifer Shevlin-Fernandes, Vice President [assists president, plans choir social events] Kaitlin Cook, Secretary [summarizes Boosters meetings for students, organizes board] Olivia McKnight, Treasurer [plans fundraising projects, encourages students to fundraise]

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FHS Choir Calendar of Events 2014-2015 Items in bold are required. September/October Fall Car Wash: Saturday, September 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Murray and MacDonald Insurance. November Repertory Singers Auditions: Monday, November 17. All day at FHS All Cape Auditions (required for Reps): Wednesday, November 19, 3 p.m. FHS Senior SE District Auditions: Saturday, November 22. King Philip Regional HS December Santa Sing Along (required for Reps): Saturday, December 6, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Junior SE District Auditions: Saturday, December 6 Evening Holiday Stroll: Saturday, December 6 Eighth Grade Tours (Reps only): Tuesday, December 9, 6:30 – 8. Performance at Coonamessett Inn luncheon (Reps only): Wednesday, December 10 Rehearsal for Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 17, 7 p.m. FHS Auditorium Winter Concert: Thursday, December 18, 7 p.m. FHS Auditorium January/February Senior SE District Festival: Friday, January 9 – Saturday, January 10. All-State Auditions: Saturday, January 24. Shrewsbury HS Choral Cabaret: Saturday, January 31, 7 p.m. FHS Cafeteria B All-Cape Festival (required for Reps): Thursday, February 5 – Saturday, February 7. March/ April Tri-M Induction Ceremony: Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m. FHS Auditorium. Junior SE District Festival: Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 7. Taunton HS All-Choral Night: Wednesday, March 18, 7 p.m. Lawrence School (tentative) Musical performance dates: Friday, March 27 – Sunday, March 29 May Rehearsal for Band/Chorus Concert: Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m. FHS Auditorium Band and Chorus Concert: Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. FHS Auditorium Choir Banquet: Tuesday, May 19, 6 p.m. FHS Cafeteria B (tentative) A Cappella Fest: Thursday, May 21, 7 p.m. Lawrence June Awards Night (Reps only): Thursday, June 4, 7 p.m. FHS Auditorium Graduation performance: Saturday, June 6, 10:30 a.m. FHS Field House

The calendar can also be found on the Falmouth High School Choir website, www.fhschorus.com

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Acknowledgement Form

_____________________________________ is a member of _____________________ (Student Name) (Name of Ensemble) We have read and understand the policies and procedures outlined in the handbook. We agree to follow and support these procedures throughout the school year. I also understand the consequences as outlined in the handbook. As parent and student we are aware of the expectations and the process used to promote student achievement. ___________________________________________ ____________________ Student E-mail Address Student Phone Number ___________________________________________ ____________________ Parent E-mail Address Parent Phone Number ___________________________________________ ________________ Student Signature Date ___________________________________________ ________________ Parent Signature Date

A $25 costume cleaning fee is due by Friday, September 12. Checks should be made out to Falmouth High School Choral Boosters. If you need assistance with this fee, please notify the choral director and arrangements will be made to have the Choral Boosters assist with it. Parent volunteers are essential to the success of the music department; stepping up to help just one time can make a big difference, and it’s a fun way to meet the parents of your child’s peers. Please mark the areas where you may be able to assist during the coming year. Thank you!

o Fall Car Wash (September 20)

o Choral Cabaret (October 19)

o All-Cape Auditions (November 19)

o Christmas Tree Fundraiser

o Winter Concert Help (December 18)

o All-Choral Night (March 18)

o Musical (March 27-29)

o Spring Concert Help (May 7)

o Spring Car Wash (May)

o Choir Banquet (May 19)

o Dress & tuxedo cleaning/ measuring

o Baking/ cooking

o Photography

o Publicity

o General Help

o Other: ____________________