CDHS Choral Department 2014 – 2015
Additional information available at:
Goals of the CDHS Choral Ensembles
Music elevates and liberates the human spirit. Singing with others helps us to gain a deeper awareness of our own humanity as well as to share this awareness with others. This department is dedicated to:
-Musical and personal growth of its members;
-Representation of CDHS to the public with the highest degree of musical and personal integrity.
In order to fulfill these goals, it is the duty of the conductor to set high standards in the selection of choral literature; thestudent musicians must also set high personal standards of artistic performance.
Letter grade evaluation is based on the following:
- 30% = Preparation/Daily Participation (CP)
- To receive full credit you must be on the risers, with your folder and a pencil (not pen) by the 5 minute bell.
- 20% = Writing/Folder Maintenance/ Homework/Writing (CW)
- We will have 1 or 2 short writing assignments per marking period. Additionally proper maintenance of your folder, and recording rehearsal marks in your music are required.
- 20% = Quizzes (Q)
- You will perform at least 2 small group singing tests on the repertoire that will be graded on the performance rubric.
- 30% = Tests/Performances/Concerts (E)
- Your performance in the concert and in individual vocal tests will be graded on the performance rubric. Attendance at the concert is also measured in this grade.
Mandatory graded events(all take place in CDHS auditorium, unless indicated):
Please check for your ensembles name!!
October 22nd, 20147pmFreshman Fall Concert
October 23rd, 20146-9pmChanson, Men’s Choir, Singers Dress Rehearsal
October 27th, 20147pmChanson, Men’s Choir, Singers Fall Concert
December 14th, 20143pmHoliday Concert (All Ensembles)
February 18th, 20157pmFreshman Winter Concert
March 17th, 20156-9pmChanson, Men’s Choir, Singers Dress Rehearsal
March 19th, 20157pmChanson, Men’s Choir, Singers Masterworks
April 28th, 20156-9pmAll Choirs Dress Rehearsal
May 5th, 20157pmChanson and Men’s Choir Concert
May 6th, 20157pmSingers and Freshman Choir Concert
May 21st, 20156-9pmAll Choirs Dress Rehearsal
May 26th, 20157pmAll Choirs Pops Concert
June 3rd, 20155:30pm callAll Choirs CDHS Graduation Ceremony
Procedure and Policies
Absence from Rehearsal or Concert
Attendance is required at all rehearsals and performances. However, we are aware that absences do occur. Those with excused absences will be REQUIRED to participate in a solo jury, which will entail selected repertoire from the concert. These juries will occur in front of the high school music faculty at an appointed time within four weeks of the concert. Failure to participate in the jury will result in an unexcused absence.
Sudden Unanticipated Absence (Extreme illness or family emergency):
- Contact the choir director at OR 717-703-5360 x429.
- Send/leave an email/message stating your name and reason for absence. Then…
- Place a note in the Choir Box, signed by a parent/guardian, explaining the absence.
Anticipated Absence:
Submit a signed note requesting and absence two (2) weeks in advance of the absence. Appointments, lack of a ride, family vacations, and
Please note:
- Requests for absence will not be excused if they occur inside the two-week window prior to a performance. Please plan ahead.
- Do not tell someone else to tell Mr. Clayton or other staff member about an absence; you must directly correspond with Mr. Clayton regarding your absence.
- Failure to give proper notice will result in the lowering of your grade.
Excused absence
An absence will be considered excused if the reason for the absence is considered plausible. Absences from rehearsals (other than dress rehearsals) will be excused for the following reasons:
-personal illness
-conflict with another CDHS musical ensemble performance
-Mr. Clayton’s discretion
A student who is present in school the day of performance is required to attend the concert unless an emergency has precluded the student attending. A phone call must be made to the director prior to the performance.
ABSENCES FROM PERFORMANCES AND DRESS REHEARSALS MUST BE EXCUSED BY THE CONDUCTOR NO LATER THAN THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE EVENT. ANY ABSENCE WHICH DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA ABOVE OR IS NOT SUBMITTED FOR PRE-APPROVAL WILL BE CONSIDERED UNEXCUSED.
Concert Dress
Each student in Chanson, Men’s Choir and Singers is assigned a choir robe via a number system. It is mandatory that students take extreme care with each choir robe. The following guidelines are established for all CDHS choir members:
- Black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes must be worn underneath robes. Typically the black choir polo is worn as well.
- Students are not permitted to sit on the floor while wearing a CDHS choir robe.
- Students are responsible for returning their assigned robe to the matching hanger, zipping up the entire zipper, and then hanging the robe back on its assigned rack.
- Students must avoid heavy make-up/foundation around the neck area as this leaves a permanent stain on the robes.
- Students should be showered and deodorized before putting a robe on in order to ensure longevity of the garment.
- Water ONLY. No food, drinks, or candy while wearing a CDHS choir robe.
All CDHS Choir students will need to purchase an official CD Choir Polo. These Polos are custom made, featuring the CD Choir crest, and are worn as performance attire. CD Choir Polo orders are taken at least twice a year and the cost is typically $18.00 per unit. Polo sizes must fit loosely; all inappropriate fitting polos will be replaced with a properly fitted size. The following requirements are established for all CDHS choir members:
Polos must be worn with black pants, black socks, black dress shoes(flats for women) , and if applicable, black undershirt.
Men: polo must be tucked-in and black belt should hold your pants up.
No sneakers.
Easy rule: before leaving home, ask yourself: “Is everything I have on black?” If not, then fix it so you can answer yes to the question.
Hair must be out of your face and eyes!!
Central Dauphin Choral Parents Association
The CDCPA is an integral part of the success of the CDHS Choral Department. As a booster organization, the CDCPA is involved with many activities benefitting the students including fundraising, organizing the choir uniforms, planning special events, and supporting and helping organize the musical. I strongly urge you to join and become a member of the CDCPA. The membership form is attached on the back page. Monthly meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month. Thank you!
-----Please detach and sign-----
CDHS Choral Grading Policy and Procedures Signature Page
I have read and understand the CDHS Choral Grading Policy and Procedure pages. I will adhere to the above performance schedule and understand that participation in these performances is mandatory.
______ ______
(Print name of student) (Signature of parent or guardian) (Date)