PURPOSE

To provide an atmosphere for each student to successfully participate in a fulfilling musical experience, on both a personal and ensemble level, while learning and performing representative choral literature.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to: 1. Sing using correct vocal technique 2. Read, write, interpret, and execute basic musical notation. 3. Perform ensemble literature within the choral idiom.

CLASS REQUIREMENTS

This course is a year-long commitment and will consist of a combination of the following activities: full group rehearsals, sectionals, lectures, demonstrations, guest clinicians, guest artist performances, singing tests, written assignments and quizzes, and public as well as school performances. There will be 1-2 lunch rehearsals per performance as needed. The following is expected of every student: 1. Regular attendance and positive, active participation in

rehearsals, as well as all dress rehearsals and performances. 2. Individual practicing and mastery of assigned music. 3. Work to develop skills in musical interpretation. 4. Diligence in keeping good vocal habits. 5. Respect for other singers, as well as student leaders. 6. Completion of all assignments.

MATERIALS

Each student will be expected to have the following materials daily: 1. Pencil(s) 2. Music 3. Musical Handouts 4. 3-ring black 1” binder

In addition, students will be using the performance outfit: see information on page 3.

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be calculated using the following criteria:

1. Participation/Attendance—30% Points will be awarded to students for daily attendance (5 pts.

per day). Tardiness and/or absences will affect scores. Students who do not bring materials to class will lose all points for the day.

2. Music History/Theory/Quizzes—20% All students will complete a weekly theory or music history

assignment, and will take a weekly written quiz in class. 3. Blog/Review—20% Students will be keeping their own blog which will involve

writing about listening examples twice weekly in class.

In addition, students must attend one live music performance and write one review per semester (also blog-based). These can be professional, community, or high school performances of classical, musical theatre or jazz idioms; no popular music performances will be accepted. Students are encouraged to attend performances at other local schools. Reviews must be completed by Monday, December 10 (Fall semester) and Monday, May 20 (Spring semester).

4. Performances/In-Class Performance Testing—30% Students will be tested regularly for mastery of ensemble

repertoire and sight-reading skills. Students can expect to complete individual sight-reading or music examples every week in class.

Performances: All students are expected to participate in all dress rehearsals and performances. Students receive points for punctuality and participation; tardiness/absences will have a significant impact. Performances are generally in the evenings and may include weekend times/dates. Please read more specifics regarding performances on page 3.

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Estetica C O U R S E D E S C R I P T I O N & G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N

Anne-Marie Katemopoulos, Director

Prep: 7th • Telephone: 408.535.6300 x64391 • Email: missk@amkmusic.com Website: www.amkmusic.com

Remind: Text @estetica to 81010

2018-19 Field Trip Permission and Class Information Form Students will be transported to performances either on foot or via private vehicle, school bus or public transportation, depending on the performance venue; this serves as the year-long permission form for all local performances. For all performances outside the immediate Lincoln area, parent drivers or busing/public transportation will be used. Specifics for all performances will be given on a case-by-case basis online at www.amkmusic.com).

Please detach, sign and date this form and return it by Friday, August 24, 2018.

I have read this document and understand the class requirements and policies. I give permission for my student to participate in [non-tour] class field trips and activities. Student Last Name__________________________________________________ Student First Name _______________________________________

Parent Name (please print clearly) ______________________________________ Parent signature ________________________________________

Best phone number _________________________________________________ Parent email ____________________________________________

Emergency contact 1 name ___________________________________________ Phone number _______________________________________

Emergency contact 2 name ___________________________________________ Phone number _______________________________________

List any medical/physical conditions we should be aware of: _________________________________________________________________________

Does your student have medical/medications information on file with the school nurse? (Circle one) Yes / No

Please read this thoroughly and return the permission slip on the back page by Friday, August 24.

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Ensemble(s) (please circle) Estetica / Chamber Chorale / Bellissima

PROGRAM COSTS

This year, we will be raising money as the Choral Program to cover all student expenses for the year, which include pre-concert meals, performance attire, (non-tour) field trips, program enrichment activities and so much more. The total amount which we must raise for this year is $12,000 (the equivalent of $75/student).

A great program does not run itself, so we will be reaching out to families, friends, businesses, community and grants to assist in funding our program budget. Any donation is much appreciated and a donation letter will be provided for tax purposes. Please make checks out to Lincoln High School, or if you wish you may donate online at lincolnperformingarts.com (be sure to indicate LHS Choirs in the donation box). A tally of monies raised will be hosted on amkmusic.com so that you can see how close we are to fulfilling this year’s needs.

If your business participates in matching grants, school funding, or is willing to underwrite a cost for us, please contact Ms. Katemopoulos.

TOURING Going on tour is an optional activity and will have no impact on the student’s grade.

We are still in negotiations about when and where our tour will be this school year. If we take a department tour, more information will come at a later date.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

1. No food, chewing gum, or drinks other than water are allowed during class.

2. Students who persist in disturbing the study of others will be disciplined appropriately per the SJUSD student handbook.

3. Profanity, name-calling, hitting, throwing objects, destroying classroom property or provoking others is unacceptable behavior and will result in OCS or referral immediately.

4. Any student suspected of substance abuse will be referred immediately to Student Services. A teacher-parent conference will be requested, and the student may be asked to leave the ensemble.

5. If the student receives more than one referral, a parent-teacher conference will be requested, and the student may be asked to leave the group.

6. Students are expected to remain quiet during class time, unless they are singing. When not actively involved in singing (i.e. if another section is rehearsing), students are expected to study their music quietly.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Because this is a performance-based class, it will be necessary at times for the students to miss classes in the school day. Every consideration will be given for students to have adequate time to make up other class-work as needed, including going to other teachers during our class period for make-up work.

2. Each student will be checked out and is responsible for his/her own folder of music, and is expected to study music OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME. Students will be expected to pay for lost or defaced music.

3. Miss Katemopoulos’ website, www.amkmusic.com, is the primary means by which information for the class will be disseminated. This will include any and all details for this class as well as for the Lincoln Choral Department. The weekly announcements are updated each Sunday in preparation for the upcoming week. Please make sure that you are reading these weekly.

4. Students must attend four consecutive periods on the day of a performance.

5. All singers are expected to adhere to the school GPA requirement of 2.0 and no more than 2 F’s. ANY singer who does not maintain this GPA for two consecutive grading periods may be dropped from the group.

6. All students are expected to adhere to SJUSD’s academic honesty policy. Students may share information and provide tutoring to other students, but all work submitted for assessment must be their own authentic work.

7. All Estetica students will sing as part of Men’s Ensemble or Women’s Ensemble, with one mandatory extra 3-hour rehearsal per month dedicated exclusively to study of that literature.

2018-19 CALENDAR

Subject to change; most ensembles will add additional performances. Not all calendar listings involve all students. Please consult amkmusic.com for specific information.

AUGUST 24-25 Bellissima Retreat

SEPTEMBER 7-8 Estetica Retreat 14-15 Chamber Chorale Retreat 23 Mattress Fundraiser 28 Real Men Sing Performing Arts Tailgate

OCTOBER 20 Pancake Breakfast

NOVEMBER 2 Performing Arts Day 30 Wintersong

DECEMBER 1 Wintersong 10-13 Winter Concerts

FEBRUARY 28 Choir Pops Con: Sing! Rehearsal

MARCH 1-2 Choir Pops Con: Sing!

APRIL 24 Senior Showcase TBD CMEA Choral Festival

MAY 1 Classical Choir Finale Concert 17 Jazz Choir Finale Concert

PERFORMANCE APPAREL Estetica will pick a fabric, which will serve as our unifying factor. Ideas on fabric types and colors will be given in class. Fabric swatches must be gathered by students and will be voted upon in class on Wednesday, August 29. Fabric will then be ordered based on pattern needs of students. Ideas for appropriate outfits can be obtained by looking at previous years’ photos in Room 91. Men will wear a black long-sleeve, button-down shirt and black pants, using the fabric for a tie/vest, a decision made by the men in the ensemble. All men will wear the same shirt; we will coordinate this in class. Women: all women will wear black velvet pants or skirts, using the ensemble fabric for either a top or as an accent for a black top (which does not need to be black velvet). Note: be sure that you are not purchasing crushed velvet (remember: velvet will be completely matte, with no shiny patches). Women’s apparel basic parameters: top cannot be sleeveless (must have at least a cap sleeve or be worn with a jacket/shrug) and necklines should not be revealing when bowing. Skirt length cannot be shorter than top of knee. Outfits should be worn with black flats (same as used for Women’s Ensemble). Students who do not follow these parameters will be asked to revise outfits. All outfits must be completed and brought in to class to show Miss Katemopoulos on Monday, October 15. All singers sing as part of the Women’s Ensemble or Men’s Ensemble will wear that outfit as well (women in Bellissima or Chamber Chorale may use that dress). Additionally, Estetica will participate in Wintersong, wearing Renaissance costumes. Students can opt to purchase their own attire if they wish; costumes must be approved by Miss Katemopoulos by October 27.

Women’s Choir, including vocal jazz women: Mandolin dress, made by Stage Accents. It has a black double-layer skirt with a stretch black velvet bodice, and features an empire waist design. Women may opt to purchase the dress, which will then become their own, at a cost of $120.00.

Men’s Choir: Black tuxedo. Students may opt to purchase their own tuxedo shirt and accessories, at a cost of $28.

ACCESSORIES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 1. Shoes: Women must wear black Mary Jane style shoes, or a

similar ballet-style flat (black jazz shoes will also work). These must be worn with black tights (knee-highs are acceptable). Men should wear black dress shoes with black socks (no anklets). Please plan to have these by Monday, October 15.

2. Jewelry: Nothing except stud earrings—no hoops. 3. Hair: Hair must be worn UP and BACK in neat chignons or

buns, off the face; no stray strands or bangs hanging over the student’s eyes, please. Please make sure that hair ornaments are brown or black and only wear them if totally necessary.

4. Makeup: Women are expected to wear light stage makeup: at minimum, eye-liner, blush (as needed) and red lipstick.

5. Hygiene: The most important part of your performance attire is definitely your deodorant. A choir only works when all members can breathe without fear!

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CELL PHONE POLICY

1. Students are permitted to use their cell phones when directed to create study recordings and/or complete blog/homework assignments.

2. If students are caught using their phones without permission or for other purposes, the following policy will be followed:

*First offense: phone will be confiscated and returned to student at the end of the period. •Subsequent offenses: phone will be confiscated and

brought to Student Services, following district guidelines.

DRESS REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

1. Most performances are listed on page 2; please add these dates to your calendars now to avoid future conflicts.

2. All students are expected to participate in all dress rehearsals and performances.

3. Absences will result in a loss of all points. Family vacations, working or babysitting are not considered viable reasons for absence. Requests must be confirmed in writing from the parent two weeks in advance.

Points may only be made up for absences which were pre-arranged as excused. Other absences will be considered on a case-by-case basis with the input of Lincoln administration.

If excused, students must complete a pre-determined number of service hours to receive points. Students must complete hours in the semester that the absence occurred.

4. Absentees from dress rehearsals and final rehearsals leading up to performances may be held from performances at the discretion of Ms. Katemopoulos.

5. Students considering participation in non-Lincoln activities need to double-check with Miss Katemopoulos PRIOR to signing up for the activity. This is simply to ensure that there will be no rehearsal/performance conflicts that are accidentally overlooked by the student, and protects the interests of all involved.

6. Additional performance dates/times or changes in the schedule will be announced a minimum of 14 days in advance. In the event that this is not the case, students with conflicts will not be penalized.

7. Performances are generally in the evenings and may include weekend times/dates.

Checklist for Week One: Bookmark these sites:www.amkmusic.comhttp://lincolnchoirs.edublogs.orgwww.lincolnperformingarts.com

Bookmark the amkmusic.com announcements page and read the opening announcements (then do so every week on Sunday night after 7 pm)

Fill out the student information form online: https://tinyurl.com/LCSingerInfo

Read this document thoroughly, then give to your parent/guardian. Fill out and return the permission form below by Friday, August 24.

Get your binder (and put a few pencils in your binder)

Sign up for Remind (email and/or text notifications for ALL singers (and parents). Use the code in the information section on page 1.