Shasta High School
Choir Handbook
2012-13
Director: Gavin Spencer
E-mail:
Phone: 241-4161 Ext. 15530
Shasta Choir Website:
Shasta High School
2012-13 Choir Handbook
PHILOSOPHY
The SHS Choir Program is dedicated to teaching students musicianship, leadership, teamwork and citizenship. The focus of our ensembles is to achieve a high level of learning and performance, develop an appreciation for music and become quality citizens in our community. These attributes are developed from daily preparation, mutual respect and hard work.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
In order to work as an ensemble, we must work together as a team to be successful. Teamwork requires cooperation, respect and commitment. Everyone is important to the team. Each student’s participation grade will be based on the following rules:
1)Respect EVERYONE.
2)Be on time.
3)Show respect for the classroom, instruments, etc.
4)Be prepared every day with your folder, a sharpened pencil and any handouts given during class.
5)Give your best effort every day.
6)ABSOLUTELY NO FOOD OR GUM is allowed in the classroom. The ONLY exception is BOTTLED WATER.
7)As a member of the Choir Program, students are expected to follow all rules, regulations and policies in the Shasta High School Student Handbook. At the discretion of the director, a student violating any of these rules may be removed from the Madrigal Dinner or Spring Musical.
POSSIBLE ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS
Daily Classroom Participation (5 points per day)Approx. 450 Points
Performances200 Points
Quizzes100 Points
Sight Singing Test10–50 Points
Small Group Part Testing50 Points
Final Exam100 Points
Grading Scale
A90 – 100% D60 – 69%
B80 - 89%FBelow 60%
C70 – 79%
The grading scale for each semester is set. However, the number of points in each quarter will vary upon the number of tests, performances, etc.
FOLDERS AND MUSIC
Students will receive a quality music folder and several pieces of sheet music throughout the school year. They are required to sign a Folder Contract in which they agree to care for the music and folder. It states in the contract that a damaged or missing folder will result in a $10.00 fee. The minimum charge for each missing piece of sheet music will be $2.00.
PERFORMANCES
ATTENDANCE AT ALL PERFORMANCES IS REQUIRED!
Performance dates are listed in this handbook, so please plan ahead! An ensemble is dependent on all its members. Performance is the culmination of classroom learning and a large percentage of a student’s grade. Students are required to wear their performance wear exactly as instructed in order to participate in a performance. For example, a student wearing tennis shoes during a formal concert will not be allowed to perform.
If a student isn’t able to attend a performance, please give Mr. Spencer as much advanced notice as possible. Although absences are rarely excused, extenuating circumstances do occasionally occur and will be considered on an individual basis. The following are NOT valid excuses for missing a performance: Work, birthdays, last-minute vacations, visiting relatives, dinner with parents, too much homework, upcoming tests and “I couldn’t find a ride”. Again, please plan ahead and be there for your team.
NOTE: Students in Madrigals and A Cappella are required to attend our Spring Tour, which is tentatively planned for February 28 – March 3, 2013. Although the choir program will supplement a large portion of the cost of the trip, students will be required to pay a reasonable amount to make up the difference. Students in Nightingales, Troubadours and Choraliers also have the option to attend the Spring Tour, but will also have to pay a portion of the cost.
Performance Guidlines:
1)Be on time for all performances. Call times will be given at least two weeks prior to the performance.
2)Demonstrate appropriate behavior as a PERFORMER and AUDIENCE MEMBER.
3)Represent the SHS Choir Program with pride.
PERFORMANCE WEAR
Students are expected to care for their choir uniforms. Girls will receive a black dress and boys will receive a tuxedo jacket, tuxedo pants and bow tie. Since we don’t charge a fee for borrowing uniforms, we expect they will be appropriately hung on a hanger when not in use. However, we do expect students to be responsible for the following uniform accessories:
Boys are responsible for:
1)Tuxedo shirt (not just a white dress shirt)
2)Black dress shoes (no soft leather or tennis shoes)
3)Black socks
Girls are responsible for:
1)Black close-toed dress shoes (No high heels)
2)Black tights.
In addition to the clothing, students are expected to remove all jewelry (watches, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, nose rings, lip rings, eyebrow rings, etc.) and have their hair neatly styled so that it is away from the eyes.
SHS CELL PHONE/MUSICAL DEVICE POLICY
The Shasta High School administration team developed this policy to give students the privilegeof having cell phones on campus and be responsible for them. Please read it carefully. For repeat offenders, the consequences become quite serious.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
It is important for the director, students and parents to work together as a team to achieve our goals. Communication, understanding and commitment are essential for this team to be a success. Please e-mail or call me if you have any concerns or questions. Also, check our website for current information.
Website:
E-mail:
Phone: 241-4161 Ext. 15530
2012-13 Shasta High School Choir Handbook
PARENT/STUDENT CONTRACT
The Shasta High School Music Department feels that communication between teachers, students and parents is imperative for a great program. Therefore, we ask that each parent/guardian and student sign and return this contract to Mr. Spencer no later than Wednesday, August 29, 2012 with any comments or suggestions you might have regarding the choral music program.
By signing below, we indicate that we have read, understand and will abide by the rules and guidlines of the Shasta High School Choral Department. This includes: Classroom Expectations, Folders, Music, Performances, Performance Wear, Grading, Folder Contract and the SHS Electronic Device Policy.
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Student Printed Name
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Student SignatureDate
______
Parent/Guardian SignatureDate
Comments, Suggestions, Questions, etc.: ______
______
______
______
______
______
______
IMPORTANT!
Please sign and return the Parent/Student Contract AND Folder Contract(on reverse side) to Mr. Spencer by Wednesday, August 29, 2012 to receive full credit for this assignment.
SHASTA HIGH SCHOOL
CHOIR FOLDER CONTRACT
2012-13 School Year
Each student is responsible for the maintenance and return of their folder at the end of the term. You will be assigned a number for the class. Your number will correspond with the folder number and the sheet music assigned to you.
Individual sheet music is ON LOAN for the semester. You should mark your music frequently with a pencil for musical purposes and are encouraged to do so. DO NOTmarkyour music in pen, please.
If you do not return the folder in an acceptable condition, you will be responsible for the purchase of a new folder. The cost will be $10.00. You will also be charged for missing or damaged sheet music. The minimum charge per piece of sheet music is $2.00.
A student withunresolved charges at the end of the term will receive an incomplete grade on their transcript.
By signing this contract, you agree to the terms and conditions set forth.
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Student (Print Name)
______Date______
Student Signature
______Date______
Parent Signature
FOLDER NO ______