Spring Lake Park High School Choir Student and Parent Handbook

2015 - 2016

Welcome!

Welcome to the Spring Lake Park High School Choir Program! It is exciting to teach choir and

work with a great group of students. I hope this year will be the best year yet for you in school

and your participation in choir.

This handbook is to communicate to students and parents the Spring Lake Park High School

Choir Program’s information, goals, and expectations. Please take time to review the infor-

mation so that all is clearly understood. It is my goal that this year’s choirs will be the best

choirs ever at Panther High.

Along with reading the handbook, every choir student and parent will need to sign the

Choir Handbook and Participation Agreement, and also sign the Music Loan Agreement.

These documents are to help insure that all students and parents in all choirs understand costs

and expectations and will make every effort to attend performances and activities.

Because it includes a parent signature, it also serves as a good reminder to the parent that they

will need to make arrangements to insure their child will successfully participate at all

performances. When one student is absent the choir’s sound suffers. It is difficult for the

director and the other choir members to adjust to their absence. We all depend on each other.

It is my sincere and heartfelt hope that your child’s experience in the Spring Lake Park High

School Choir Program will prove to be fun and educational.

Have a great year!

Mr. Wressell

Please feel free to call or e-mail with any questions.

Office - 763-600-5289 / Cell - 763-458-3848

Email - jwress@district16.org

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Choir Program Mission

The Mission of the Spring Lake Park High School Choir Program is to guide each student in reaching their

full singing and musical potential with high expectations and no excuses.

Choir Program Culture

We seek to accomplish our mission through providing a safe, healthy, and respectful learning environment

that encourages success in high musical standards, exploration, appropriate risk taking, openness, and

creativity. We fully support and align ourselves with District #16’s mission, which is: “High Expectations,

High Achievement for All. No Excuses.”

The Choir Process

The SLPHS Choir Program seeks to implement its mission by guiding each student to:

Develop a healthy and skilled solo and ensemble singing voice to enable the student to sing

with confidence in varied solo and ensemble settings including improvisation as a life long participant.

Gain an understanding of the music elements, fundamentals, history, and cultures that are needed

to perform music with confidence, authority and authenticity.

Develop healthy and respectful relationships with the director and other students so to develop mature

work habits with a deep understanding of leadership, personal discipline, teamwork and unity.

Develop an appreciation for and a basic understanding of how choral music gains meaning through it’s

beauty and truth with considerations to the culture it is created in.

Classroom Environment

The best classroom is one where mistakes are acceptable and people feel safe and free from negative

sarcasm, ridicule, belittling, condescension and bullying. We will make every effort to create a safe and

respectful learning environment that encourages exploration, appropriate risk taking, openness, and creativity.

Classroom Supplies Needed

Classroom supplies needed: 2 (soft lead) No. 2 pencils and a re-closable water bottle.

Maintaining Vocal Health

The voice is a complex mechanism made up of a delicate and intricate system of muscle and tissue. This

delicate system is subject to many influences. These influences may be internal such as allergies, other physi-

cal ailments or disabilities, or they may be external such as overuse or abuse.

The SLPHS choir program is committed to promote the healthy use and development of the voice.

Proper warm-up, care in teaching healthy singing techniques, hydration (drinking water frequently), avoid-

ance of undue vocal stress and living a healthy lifestyle with sufficient sleep are the foundations of

our program.

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Sacred Music Policy

The SLPHS choirs sing selected music with both sacred and secular texts. In choosing music we select the

best music based on its musical and educational content and value. Our aim is to show sensitivity to the

traditions of different cultures. The choir program neither promotes or inhibits religious views as we select

music from a variety of cultures and genres.

Minnesota State High School League Eligibility

All students in choir are required to abide by the State High School League Fine Arts Eligibility Rules.

This means that for a student to be eligible to participate in concerts, tours etc. Students are to refrain from

any use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs.

Performance Wardrobe / Polo or Tee Shirt

It is important for choirs to present themselves properly in concert. For our major concerts the choirs wear

formal wear; each student is responsible for their concert wardrobe. Women wear formal dresses and men

wear tuxedos. Women are responsible to provide flesh colored nylons and modest and practical black dress

shoes with no tall heals, men are required to have dark socks and black shoes. Prior to the concert perfor-

mances the wardrobe will be on hangers and organized and it is expected that when the concert is completed

students will again hang up the wardrobe and it will be organized.

For less formal performances we have choir students purchase polo or tee shirts. The cost ranges from $15 -

$20. All choir members who do not already have one are required to purchase the polo or tee shirts.

If students have financial issues we can confidentially help.

Choir Boosters / Fundraising

The Spring Lake Park High School Choir Boosters is an organization of parents that gives support to the

SLPHS Choral Program. Booster meetings are open to all choir parents. Booster meeting dates and times

are published in September. Each year the choir fund-raises to help support tours, concert and contest accom-

panists, program needs, and other miscellaneous expenses

Soloist Selection Policy

As a part of concert programming there will occasionally be musical selections programmed that will

require a male or female soloist. This provides a great opportunity to showcase an individuals vocal

talents and abilities.

As a rule the solo opportunity will be announced and an audition criteria will be established. The

audition will be held and a person and an alternate will be selected. The nature of a solo (meaning one voice)

is that one person is ultimately selected to sing it in the concert. As one person is selected others are not.

Students are encouraged to accept directorial decisions with maturity and grace and support whoever is

selected.

If there are two or more soloists that sound equally as good, then other criteria may be used to make the

selection. This criteria would include (but not be limited to): years in choir, service to the choir,

contest participation, year in school etc.

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Singing the National Anthem at Athletic Events

Students wishing to the sing the National Anthem at SLPHS sporting events are required to pass an

audition. Details and steps to sing an anthem at an SLPHS athletic event are as follows:

Step 1 - Qualify by singing for Mr. Wressell (after School or 4th Hour Academic Time)

Requirements: 1. Words Correct and Clear 2. Notes accurate 3. Sung with dynamics and drama 4. Some

stylization is allowed but care should be taken in not overdoing it 5. An all ages audience should be considered.

Step 2 – Sing for your Choir (This may be waved in certain instances)

Select an Athletic Event

1) – Select a date and game that works in your schedule.

2) – Sign up (write your name) for the game on the sign-up sheet posted, on the choir room door, and check the

pending column. (When you return the form signed we will check the confirmed column)

3) – Inform Mr. Wressell

4) – Fill out “Anthem Request Form” and turn in to Mr. Wressell / With Parent Signature

2 days prior to the event/game you intend to sing at. We will then check “confirmed.”

5) – Sing Anthem – It should be understood that Mr. Wressell will not be there to help.

Event Protocol

1) Secure/get a pitch pipe from Mr Wressell (if needed)

2) Arrive between 15-20 minutes early.

3) Inform the announcer that you have arrived.

4) Make sure that the announcer has your name correct and can pronounce it correctly.

5) Make sure how you will receive the Microphone and that the power will be on (“mic is live”)

6) Be ready to go when your name is announced

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Solo / Ensemble Contest Participation

One opportunity that choir students have is to participate in the Minnesota State High School League State Vo-

cal Solo/Ensemble Contest. You may check the calendar for this years date, time, and place.

Students prepare for contest by selecting a solo, duet, trio, or small group to perform. All selections are subject

to the director’s approval. Selections should be “art song” repertoire and not popular songs or hymns (sacred art

songs are acceptable).

Once the student prepares a piece they are assigned a 10 minute time slot in an assigned room to be judged.

Judges are qualified experienced voice teachers who have attended State High School League training. Their

job is to be critical but fair and supportive.

There is an accompanist’s fee of $25 for those who decide to use the accompanist we arrange for. You are

also welcome to use someone of your choice, provided they are qualified. Small ensembles may equally split

the fee accordingly. This fee includes rehearsals.

Some may view this fee as high but it is actually a bargain considering the qualifications of our accompa-

nists and the amount of time spent with the students. Because of the need to track the history of costs and

what accompanists we use the fee should be paid to Mr. Wressell and a check for the total of all the students

will be given to the accompanist.

Contests are open to the public and many parents come to watch their children. Ratings are Superior, Excellent,

Good, and Fair. Video taping a contest performance is allowed. Awards are given for Superior and

Excellent rated performances.

The Concert Chorale Tour

The Concert Chorale has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada. On tour The Chorale

performs concerts, has master classes with well known conductors, participates in choir exchanges with high

schools and colleges and competes in choral festivals and competitions. The cost range of tour is $250-$1200

depending on location and transportation. Students raise tour funds through part-time jobs, fundraising activi-

ties and parental support. The Chorale travels with strict discipline, security and competent chaperones.

Rules and protocols are well established prior to the tour

Day Tours

The SLP choirs on occasion will also go on day tours to local colleges and high schools. Minnesota is

known throughout the world for great choirs. We are within driving distance of the world’s most prestigious

choirs at colleges and high schools. We have had many choir exchange concerts with neighboring schools.

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Choir Course Synopsis

The following synopsis applies generally to all choirs. Specific learning targets are aligned with the National

Music Standards and are posted and communicated to students and are available to parents.

Course: All SLPHS Choirs

Learning Targets: The SLPHS music department has adopted curriculum that aligns with the

National Music Standards set by the state and federal Departments of Education.

Learning experiences are centered around the following areas -

Performing Music

1. I can read and perform music in compound and some mixed meter with choir course specific difficulty.

2. I can read and perform music with rhythms with choir course specific difficulty.

3. I can use a key signature to determine tone center (do) in major modes.

4. I can perform with appropriate balance and blend in a standard 4 (SATB) to 5 part ensemble.

5. I can perform with appropriate vocal tone appropriate to the style of music.

6. I can sight read major and minor melodies with specific choir and age appropriate skill level difficulty.

7. I can utilize appropriate rehearsal skills, conventions, and etiquette to prepare for a performance.

Creating Music

8. I can compose, notate, and perform an original melody using a given text, in a major mode

based on given criteria.

9. I can develop an artistic intent including how audience and occasion affect my artistic choices and explain

choices based on intent.

10. I can improvise using the notes of a major scale for 8 measures, without playing any notes outside of the

key using Solfege (Do, Re, Mi etc.) or a given text.

Responding to Music 11. I can analyze and critique musical performances, including my own, using the grading rubric provided.

12. I can use music terminology that my teacher uses and that appears in my music.

13. I can communicate the impact that music has on me.

Understanding Music

14. I can analyze how the personal, social, cultural and historical contexts of 20th Century, American

popular, classical, opera, Folk music of multiple continents, and jazz music influence the creation, interpre-

tation, and/or performance of the music.

15. I can analyze how elements of music including melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, tone color, texture,

form and their related concepts are combined to communicate meaning in the creation of, performance of,

or response to music.

16. I can synthesize and express an individual view of the meaning and functions of music.

Texts and Resources: Printed music is provided. Curricular assignments are handed out collected in class

by paper copy or digitally

Instructional Methods: The Instructor selects music that fits and challenges the choir that they will enjoy

singing, it is written and/or arranged well.

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Course Synopsis (cont.)

Performances: The choirs perform concerts during the school year. Please be advised that there is

an admission/donation charge to the choir concerts at the high school. Funds go to support the choir pro-

gram. All students and parents will receive a calendar of choir events at the beginning of the school year. Stu-

dents are expected to arrange their schedule to attend all performances scheduled for the choir. All perfor-

mances are mandatory unless prior arrangements are made or in the case of an emergency. Any unex-

cused absence from a performance will lower a grade one full letter.

Grading

The students will be graded in two specific areas: (1) Academic Performance and (2) Career and Life Skills.

The Final grade will be a sum of the two areas with Academic Performance receiving 90% of the weight and

the Career and Life Skills area receiving 10% of the weight. See the break down below.

Academic Performance (90% of the Final Grade)

This grade will be based on -

1) Summative Assessments - (Assessment of Learning) Assessments (tests and quizzes) that measure what a

student “really knows” or “really doesn’t know” at a specific point in time.

2) Selected Formative Assessments – (Assessment for Learning) Process orientated experiences (selected

worksheets, singing tests and group projects)

Career and Life Skills (10% of the Final Grade)

This grade will be based on -

(1)Selected Formative Assessments (Worksheets, some singing quizzes and other in-class work that would not

be a significantly weighted test or assessment.

(2) Preparedness - How prepared am I for class?

(3) Persistence - Am I willing to work hard, stick with it and pay the price to succeed?

(4) Proactivity - Am I engaged in monitoring my own progress, actively contributing to discussions and

activities and am I taking initiative to support positive outcomes of my learning and the learning of others I

team with?

Here are some statements that reflect the criteria that will be used for assessment in the Career and Life Skills

I have all the materials I need for participation in rehearsal including my music folder and pencil .

I have all of my music and folder for the rehearsal.

I have a pencil in my folder for marking my music.

I am in my chair with the above criteria met and ready at the start of warm ups.

I have the ability to stop and start during the rehearsal process.

I respond appropriately to critique from my director, peers and other clinicians or teachers

working with my ensemble.

I will show respect to my director, ensemble and rehearsal space through word and action.

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Classroom Policies and Procedures

Classroom Behavior - Students are to be respectful to the director, to one another, and to school property.

Talking – Students are encouraged to recognize when it is appropriate to talk in class. Note the following -

1. Instruction and Lecture time - students listen / no talking.

2. Rehearsing Music time - talking allowed by permission/raised hand.

3. Class Discussion - talking allowed by permission/raised hand unless otherwise directed.

4. Freetime- students talk freely.

Tardiness - Students should be in the classroom when the bell rings. Students not in the classroom when the

bell rings will be marked tardy and will lose 2 pts (out of 5) of their daily rehearsal grade.

Entering the Classroom – Upon entering classroom, students are encouraged to retrieve their music folder

and going to their assigned seat.

Leaving Class at the End of the Period - Students are excused from class only by the director, and may not

leave the classroom before they are excused.

Student to Student Criticism - With the practice of developing student leadership there are times when a

student leader feels a need to directly correct or criticize another student. It is not appropriate for

students to criticize another student singing ability, other than correcting a note. Even though comments can

be made with the best intentions, they are generally perceived as belittling and condescending. Criticisms need

to be brought to the attention of the director privately to be handled in a appropriate manner.

Playing the Piano or Other Instruments in class - Piano or instrument playing is by permission only.

Gum - Gum is never allowed in the classroom. Student who chew gum during class will be asked to

dispose of gum, and then at the discretion of the director, discipline will be assigned.

Food or Pop - Food and beverages (other than closed container water) are not allowed in class.

Use of the drinking fountain and restroom break during class – is by permission only

Student request to not to sing due to a sore throat – Students occasionally ask not to sing due to a sore

throat. It should be noted that it is more difficult to sing with a sinus infection than with a sore throat. Sinuses

clog up the passages that allow for resonance of the voice. Unless the infection is actually IN the vocal cords,

singers normally can still sing. If a student makes this request my normal response is “I understand that you

won’t be up to your usual performance today. Just do the best you can.” Participation by listening and follow-

ing along with the music is still expected. When a student is unable to sing at all, they will be required to fill

out an Rehearsal Observation Form.

Grooming, Hygiene and Protocol for Rehearsal and Performance - Students are expected to be well

groomed with hair style off the faces and good hygiene. Students should make a habit of showering and using

deodorant. Students should not, under any circumstances, use perfume or scented lotion as it can cause

allergic reactions. For concert performances to achieve visual uniformity, students are asked to refrain from

wearing attention grabbing jewelry.

Student Leadership

Choir leadership is not to be taken lightly. Choir leaders represent the vocal music department as a whole, not

simply a single ensemble. All choir leaders must be self-motivated, responsible, and dependable. They must

be able to take the initiative to lead their fellow students toward the success and betterment of the choir. Each

year each choir is unique to its leadership structure.

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Senior Leadership

When a choir student reaches their senior year and has participated in choir for 3 or more years, they have

shown commitment and dedication to choir. They know what’s expected and the rewards of hard work. They

serve an important role in leading the choir. The other students look to the seniors as role models. They also

play an important role in helping to select the song for commencement.

Choir Awards Banquet

Each year the choir holds it’s annual awards banquet at the local banquet facility. Each student is recognized

for their contribution to the choir program. The cost for the banquet varies each year. The banquet includes a

quality meal and your child‘s smile when they are recognized for their accomplishments. Senior awards,

Outstanding Student awards, All Conference Choir Awards as well as Varsity Letters and State High School

League Contest awards are given out. At an appointed date you will receive an invitation for the banquet.

Lettering Requirements

A SLPHS Choir Letter Certificate is awarded to a student when they earns 1000 points in the following:

Choir Class 200 Points / Trimester (C grade or above)

Concerts 100 Points / Concert

Day Tour 25 Points

Overnight Tour 50 Points

Solo & Ensemble Contest 150 Points

School Musical 100 Points (50 hrs. min.)

Extra Curricular Choirs 50 Points

Outside Solo Performance 10 points each - w/pre-approval

Talent Show Performance 50 Points

Honors Choir 50 Points

All State Audition 50 Points

All State Choir 100 Points

Leadership 100 Points

Choir Aide 50 Points / Trimester

Each additional 500 points qualifies the student to purchase a bar or a pin. The director

reserves the right to exercise discretion in awarding or withholding points or letter, if warranted.

Classroom Management

Choir members will be expected to participate appropriately every day. The following steps will be taken to

maintain classroom discipline. All offences and consequences are within a given trimester and with each new

trimester students start fresh.

First offense: Verbal warning.

Second offense: Choir Detention (15 minutes to be made up within two weeks)

Third offense: Referral to office made with parent/guardian notification

Fourth offense: Referral to office Parent notification, conference with Dean of Students and a

Behavioral Contract will be established. Offenses beyond this will result in

more severe consequences which may include dismissal from class.

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Choir Program Offerings

Varsity Choir Grade 9 - 12 - Sings 2,3 &4 part music,

- Vocal Evaluation required

- Sings at a high quality level of artistry

Concert Chorale Grades 10 –12 - Sings 4 - 8 part music

- Audition required

- Tours Nationally

- Sings at a superior level of artistry

Parkaires Vocal Ensemble - Sings 4 - 8 part music

- Audition required

- Performs regularly

- Sings at a superior level of artistry

Contest Solos and Ensembles

- Open to men and women in official class choirs only.

- Rehearse as needed

- Sing a variety of art music (no pop music)

- Permission of director

- A $25 accompanist costs if our accompanist is used

Men’s and Women’s Extra Curricular Ensembles

- Rehearse as needed

- Sings 4 - 8 part music

- Vocal Evaluation required / Open to Non-Choir Students

- Perform as group dictates

- Appropriate level of artistry

- Men’s Group Meets After School

- Women’s Group Meets After School

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Choir Handbook and Participation Agreement and Music Loan Agreement

Parents and students are to sign the “Agreements” below and those on the back of this page. This helps the

director to know that each student and parent will have read the Choir Handbook and know expectations.

Please sign both sides of this sheet and return it as soon as possible

Choir Handbook and Participation Agreement

Membership in the Spring Lake Park High School Choir program and choirs (Concert Chorale, Varsity Choir

and Parkaires) offers valuable learning experiences and requires that each student accept responsibility.

As a Spring Lake Park High School choir member, I ______________________________________agree to

(Print Student Name)

uphold my responsibility as a member of the Choir Department and do my best to follow the rules and

guidelines of listed below.

Arrive to class/rehearsal on time, with my music, a pencil, and a good attitude.

Refrain from gum chewing or eating food in the choir room. And being respectful of choir property.

Be responsible for keeping all dates, as given to me by the director open and clear of other responsibilities,

unless I have already discussed in advance an absence with my director.

Maintain your enrollment in all three trimesters in your respective ensemble(s) for the full year.

Attend all scheduled concert performances, rehearsals and sectionals unless excused in advance by my

director. Arrive between and an hour or 45 minutes prior to the performance time for any concert.

I understand that I will always be given at least advanced notice before any required activity, and that re-

hearsals and performances will be announced in advance. Therefore, it is understood that jobs and work

are not acceptable excuses.

Memorize my music and words on schedule.

Maintain a respectful image in class and school; behaving appropriately and not using profanity.

Work to be a leader, maintaining a good attitude even through difficult times.

Maintain a healthy life style, get a good night sleep, eat properly (no spicy foods prior to performance days)

Make sure that I am appropriately dressed, according to the Choir Handbook, for performances with good

grooming, hygiene and making every effort to look my best.

Maintain the best class/rehearsal and concert behavior only speaking when appropriate.

Respect the Director, other choir students and student leaders, listening attentively and following directives.

By signing below, as a student and Parent/Guardian, I acknowledge the receipt of the Choir Handbook,

understand its expectations, and understand and agree to abide by the guidelines.

___________________________________ _________________________________

(Student Signature) (Date) (Parent/Guardian Signature) (Date)

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Music Loan Agreement

Just as you check out library books and then are responsible for their safe return, in choir, music will be

checked out to you. The safe and “healthy” return of these is expected. Below is our music loan agreement ex-

plaining the student’s responsibilities when receiving choir music.

Choir Music Pledge -

I receive and promise to use the choir music under the following conditions:

1. I will return this folder, music and materials to the school when notified, or at the end of the year, in

good condition with allowances made for wear caused by careful use.

(Markings in pencil are acceptable)

2. If this music or materials is lost or damaged by carelessness or avoidable accident, I will pay the

replacement value of the folder and music of $20.

3. Marking in pen, tearing, or defacing this music and materials will be considered as cause for

replacement.

By signing I agree to the above terms of this agreement:

______________________________ ________________________________

(Student Signature) (Date) (Parent Signature) (Date)

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