CHORAL HANDBOOK
VOCAL MUSIC
DEPARTMENT
CANNON FALLS
PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2009-2010
SUE FRANKE-CLARK
DIRECTOR
GRADES 7-12
PURPOSE
It is the philosophy of the Cannon Falls Vocal Music
Department that teacher and students must work together in order to maintain
and further enhance the tradition of musical excellence. Music has unique qualities that make it a
most desirable medium of organized aesthetic education. People universally respond to music and can
find satisfaction and meaning through experience with it. Although abilities vary, every person can
find enrichment and enjoyment not only as a consumer, as also as a producer of
music. Who can question the importance of
aesthetic experience in the life of a human being? Who can deny the prevalent
influence of musical art in all cultures throughout history? Who can challenge the fact that music lends
itself to organized instruction, group participation and enhances
interdisciplinary learning? Therefore, I
believe that schools and teachers are responsible for providing:
1. an environment which promotes aesthetic appreciation,
expression, and creative thinking skills.
2. an awareness of music as a leisure activity and a life-long
skill.
3. musical experiences that are free from sacred, secular, sexist,
ethnic, physical, and cultural bias.
4. opportunities that generate student confidence which will
develop a positive self image.
5. an awareness of career opportunities in the music field.
6. a curriculum that promotes sequential musical maturation.
7. a relaxed atmosphere for critical analysis of individual and
ensemble performance.
8. an interdisciplinary approach to musical knowledge, skills,
and abilities.
9. proper assessments that will monitor choral and individual
development.
10. communication
with parents and community to keep them knowledgeable of program expectations and the importance of
their involvement.
11. exposure
to technology as it relates/affects music.
12.
performance opportunities that
will demonstrate mastery of music skills as deemed by the performance
repertoire.
Professionals in the choral
art cannot impugn the urgency for aesthetic education in today’s world when
there is a pervasive tendency to stress the material, and the technological,
and the intellectual facets of life, and to deemphasize spiritual and human
values.
COURSE RATIONALE
Music reflects the values
and behaviors of society. Music has
multiple functions in all cultures.
These functions are:
a. emotional
expression
b. communication
c. validation of
social institutions and beliefs
d. promoter of
social concerns and issues
e. self-identity by
relating to cultural heritage
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
A. Be prompt and
prepared.
a. Be in your
assigned seat before class begins with a music folder.
b. Pencil in music
folder.
c. Be
ready for the day’s activities.
d. Bathroom or
locker privileges will not be allowed during class time.
B. Show a concern for
learning.
a. Listen to
instructor and each other.
b. Follow
instructions promptly.
c. Accept
responsibility for behavior.
d. Remain on task,
participate (no sleeping, talking, eating, drinking, gum, homework, passing
notes, cell phones, i-pods or disc-mans).
e. Study your part
while others are rehearsing, mark your music.
f. Sharpen your
sight-reading and music reading skills.
Learn to recognize intervals and work on counting.
g. Practice proper posture. It promotes mental alertness and good breath
support.
h.
Study and practice good singing techniques. Attention to clean diction-pronunciation, and
articulation; deep breathing and solid support; correct vocal production.
i.
Recognize the sound of quality vocal production. Beautiful tone is rich, resonant, and
free.
It is steady with firm breath
support; it is controlled with a relaxed, open throat; it is full
with a vowel placement; and the voice has a wonderful resonance
throughout the entire vocal range. You
can achieve it.
C.
Show appropriate social skills.
a.
Use appropriate voice, tone, and language.
b.
Respect opinions and viewpoints of others.
c.
Display courtesy and tact.
d.
Refrain from all harassment.
e.
Raise your hand if you have a question or comment.
D. Show
positive and productive character.
a.
Respect property and the environment. Keep the room clean and do not deface music,
etc.
b.
Use of the telephone, only with permission.
c.
Maintain high expectations, work hard.
d.
Be cooperative.
e.
Maintain a positive attitude. Attitude more than aptitude will determine
your altitude. Be aware of negative
remarks. Allow the director to direct
and do the job. Leave personal issues at
the door. Treat others as you would like
to be treated. Accept suggestions for
improvement positively.
f.
Be honest.
g.
Enthusiasm! The only thing more contagious than
enthusiasm is the lack of it. T .E . A . M . Together everyone
accomplishes more!
USE OF THE VOCAL
MUSIC ROOM
I welcome and encourage students to
use the facilities during their free time.
It is understood that the time will be spent in a legitimate musical
endeavor. A pass will be issued to the
student or students. The choir room is
not to be used as a locker. Keep all
personal belongings in your assigned school locker. Leave valuables at home. Ladies, do not leave
your purses unattended.
MUSIC OFFICE
The director’s office is NOT
a student lounge. Do not help yourself
to the contents of the office without permission of the director. Usually I am in the classroom, but when I am
in the office, you are welcome to see me at anytime. Please respect my space.
ATTENDANCE
In order to create
responsibility and self-discipline, it is necessary to practice promptness and
good attendance. Irregular attendance or
tardiness by a student not only retards his/her own effectiveness, but also
interferes with the progress of those students who are regularly prompt in
attendance, thereby limiting the growth of the group.
EXCUSED ABSENCES FROM PERFORMANCE/ACTIVITY
Serious
illness, death in the family, or actions considered beyond the student’s
control. Written verification by
the parent is required. An alternate
assignment will be given to make up the points.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES FROM PERFORMANCE/ACTIVITY
All other absences are
considered unexcused. If you have a job,
be sure to make arrangements with your employer for a substitute at least two
weeks in advance
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Student employment is a
mixed blessing. It gives freedom of having money for a car and social
life. It helps family financial
situations in some cases, and it gives a sense of being independent and grown
up, as well as teaching responsibility.
Jobs can also create some real problems, such as conflicts in rehearsal,
performance obligations in music groups, and the rest of your school work. Too many hours, scheduling conflicts,
uncooperative bosses, and transportation problems are sure to be encountered. Every student’s first job is to attend high
school, including school activities and functions. Future collage admission counselors, and
future employers, are more impressed with how active students were in their
high school organizations, than with how many hours they worked at a part time
job.
REHEARSAL DISCIPLINE
Excellence in performing can
only be achieved through excellence in rehearsal.
1st
Violation -verbal warning.
2nd Violation-Loss
of daily points and if necessary 30 minute detention in choir room before
school (7:30-8:00), or after school (3:00-3:30.
Detention is to be made up within two days. If the student does not serve the detention
within two days, it becomes an office detention (1 Hr.).
**Severe Clause- Student
will be sent directly to the office for fighting, vandalism, insubordination,
swearing or anything that interferes with the running of the class. The student may also be suspended from class
for 5 days resulting in a loss of 50 daily points.
*****Remember you are here
to sing – not to socialize. If you have
a concern or a suggestion you wish to discuss with me, see me after class or
make arrangements for another time.
Choir is a class like any other and your attentiveness and cooperation
along with 100% participation is necessary for a great musical experience. Excellence requires hard work and
dedication. I am here for you. Please feel free to come in to ask questions
and for individual help.
DAILY SCHEDULE
1.
Physical warm-ups
2.
Vocal warm-ups
3.
Sight reading
4.
Attendance
5.
Announcements
6.
Rehearsal of music
7.
Music is put away at the end of the hour.
GRADING
5 POINTS Daily
participation and attendance.
25 POINTS Required lessons
25 POINTS Required rehearsal or community gig
(Baccalaureate and Graduation are mandatory for senior choir members)
75
POINTS Required
contest/concert. If a concert/contest is
missed, an appropriate project/assignment will be assigned. The student has one week to complete the
project/assignment.
50 POINTS Vocal
Clinic. If a clinic is missed, an
appropriate project/assignment will be assigned. The student has one week to complete the
project/assignment.
40 POINTS Graded Solo 4th Quarter
50-100 POINTS Quarterly Singing Tests. Learn
and know your music.
-3 POINTS Unexcused
tardiness. If more than half of the
period, all 5 daily points are deducted.
Excessive tardies will be reported to the
office
-5 POINTS Absent
from class whether unexcused or excused.
School activity and/or family vacation are exempt.
-50 POINTS Five day suspension from class; 10
points / day
Each student will be voice
tested at the beginning of the year.
Singing tests will be given each quarter for high school students.
Grading Scale: Percentage
A 96-100
A-
93-95
B+ 89-92
B 86-88
B-
83-85
C+ 80-82
C 75-79
C-
70-74
D+ 67-69
D 64-66
D-
61-63
F 60 and below
ELIGIBILITY
Students must maintain
eligibility standards. Students who use
alcohol, tobacco, or drugs shall be declared ineligible according to the State
High School League rules. Students must
maintain satisfactory academic progress as stated in the High School League
rules. In addition to the MSHSL rules
for students wishing to participate in school activities, the following
academic requirements must be met: A
student must be passing all credit classes.
If at the mid-quarter or quarter grading period, a student has received
an “F” in any subject, he/she will be allowed 10 days to raise the failing
grade to passing. If the grade is not
passing after 10 days, the student will be declared ineligible and not
permitted to participate in any activities, performances, or contests until the
start of the next grading period.
Grading periods are mid-quarter and quarter.
CONCERT DRESS
High School students will
wear robes. Black hose, socks, pants,
and shoes. Jewelry such as earrings
(both male and female) unless part of the issued concert attire, watches,
bracelets, necklaces and excessive rings are not to be worn. 7-8 Grade Students will be asked to
dress-up. T-shirt, jeans, and tennis
shoes are not acceptable. Jazz Choir
members will rent their outfits.
CONCERT RULES
1. Choir members
will proceed quietly to the concert site after warm-ups and wait for the time
to enter. This is not a time to be cracking jokes and messing around. It is the time that all concert members are
to be taking into consideration the concert ahead. If the choir is not taking this time to
concentrate, it is very feasible that all of the many hours of hard work will
not be evident to the audience. All
music is memorized.
2.
All members should have their eyes on the director at
all times during the concert. There should be no distractions from choir
members on risers such as coughing, scratching, sneezing, fixing hair,
etc. If a member feels faint, he/she
should simply sit down in place.
3.
Choir members are expected always to practice good
citizenship and audience behavior.
Listen carefully to the other choir, never entering or leaving in the
middle of a selection. Whenever choir
members are performing for the community, they must be aware of the many they
are representing and behave accordingly. Let’s set a good example. Be role models for others.
4.
Attention to good hygiene is always a must. We are very
close to each other on the risers. Showering is good! Deodorant is good! Heavy perfume, cologne, after-shave, or
hairspray is not good. Hair should be
out of the face. We want the face to be
fully visible to express what the composer intended.
5.
It is the responsibility of each choir member to take
good care of the issued concert attire.
Robes need to be hung up appropriately after each performance. Any member showing up for a concert,
performance, or contest in incomplete attire will not be allowed to perform and
the performance will be counted as a missed concert. No jewelry permitted.
6. All concerts are
open to the public. Most of them are
free. Every attempt is made to publicize
our concerts, but many times a personal invitation from a parent or student
will yield the best results.
AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE
Please try to arrive forty
minutes before the scheduled concert time.
Please do not leave in the middle of a selection, or in the middle of a
concert, if it can be prevented. The
concerts are not sporting events. To
talk during a performance shows disrespect to the performing group, as well as
ruining the performance for the other audience members around you. No gum, food or drink in the auditorium.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are always
encouraged from qualified instructors in the area.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
It is the sincere desire of
the director to have more student involvement in the leadership capacity. Section leaders, student conductors,
librarians, officers, etc. will either be appointed or voted upon.
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Concerts-all members of the
performing groups are required to participate in the performance of their
organization as listed in the Calendar of Events.
State Contest (large
ensemble) - each performing group has an opportunity to perform for a rating in
a contest sponsored by the MN State High School League. Three judges provide comments, both verbal
and written. A minimum of two superior
ratings is necessary for a performance to receive a trophy or medal. Each entry
is required to perform one selection from the Approved Music List. This contest is required of H.S. Choir
members.
State Contest (solo and
small ensemble)-students will be encouraged to sign-up if they are interested
in participating. Events possible are
solos, duets, SSA and SSAA ensembles, TTB, TBB, and TTBB ensembles, mixed
ensemble, barbershop quartet, and miscellaneous vocal ensembles.
All-State is the highest
individual honor a high school student can achieve. Auditioning for the group will greatly
enhance the student’s musicianship.
Students, if selected, will have the opportunity to work with nationally
recognized conductors and perform with the best musicians in the state. Students will be encouraged to participate.
7-8 choir students can
audition for the Anacrusis Honor Choir.
Taped auditions are in September.
9-10 choir students can
audition for the ACDA 9-10 Honor Choir. Taped auditions are in October.
11-12 choir students can
audition for the ACDA 11-12 Honor Choir. Taped auditions are in November.
The Jazz Choirs are auditioned
extra-curricular groups. Unscheduled
extra performance activities will come up from time to time. The student is required to attend these
activities. A $10 rental fee is charged
for the costume.
The choir is currently
taking trips on alternate years. The
rules, contract, etc. will be handed out at a later date.
AWARDS AND LETTERS
Students will have the
opportunity to receive awards and letters in choir. A point system is attached at the end of the
handbook. The more a student
participates in vocal music activities the faster he/she will letter. It takes 40 points to letter the first time,
20 points after that. The following is a
sample lettering sheet.
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Lettering ----
Name________________________________
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Freshman Yr.
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Sophomore Yr.
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Junior Yr.
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Senior Yr.
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Grades (A=4pts. B=3pts.
C=2pts )
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1st Quarter
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2nd Quarter
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3rd Quarter
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Individual Honors (3 pts. each)
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Medaling at Section
Contest
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All State Choir Member
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9-10 Honor Choir Member
or 11-12 Honor Choir Member
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Piano Contest Winner
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Dorian Selected Soloist
& Honorable Mention
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Best In Site
Awards/Section Contest
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Lessons Outside of
School (5
pts. each)
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Piano
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Voice
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Other Performing Groups (1 point per activity)
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HVL Choir 2pts.
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Jazz Choir 5pts.
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Solo in any CFHS choir
concert
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Section Contest (5 pts.
for each event)
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Star Spangeled Banner/games
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Choir Trip
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Piano Recital
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Girls Ens. 1pt./sem
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Celebrity Night and/or
Variety Show
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FFA Choir
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Dorian Choir Member
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Baccalaureate Choir
(Seniors only)
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Graduation Choir (Seniors
only)
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Musical/Community
Musical(credit for singing parts only)
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Church Choir and/or
Community Choir
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Performance in the
Community
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Singing Wedding/Funeral
1pt. for each
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CD
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Homecoming Performance
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All State Audition (tried
out)
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9-10 or 11-12 Honor
Choir Audition (auditioned)
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Service (1 pt. Each)
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Section Leader/Choir
Officer
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Folder Help/Music
Filing
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Robes after concert
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Helping at 7-8 concerts
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Set up for Concert
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Tear down after Concert
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Contest, Clinic, HVL
Conference Concert Worker/Tech Crew
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Sold Spirit Books
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Sold World's Finest
Chocolate
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Attendance Takers for
Choir
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Choir Aide (2pts. per
semester)
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School Accompanist
(piano, percussion, brass, etc.)
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40 points 1st letter, 20 after that Total Points
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FUNDRAISING
Some of our basic needs are
budgeted by the School District. However, money for some program enhancements
can only be generated through fundraising.
These enhancements insure a broader experience for all students. It is the hope of the director that every
member of a performing group will realize his/her responsibility to help with
these projects. A percentage of the
fundraiser will go to the student’s credit account to be used during his/her
high school years. The remaining
percentage will be left to the music activity account.
MUSIC CAMPS
Summer music camps are fun
and will provide the opportunity to improve musicianship, meet new people with
common interests, develop leadership potential, and encounter new
perspectives. Information regarding
these camps is plentiful. See the
director if interested.
HONOR CHOIRS
Opportunities to participate
in honor choirs are available to students.
The director will provide you with the necessary information when the
time comes. Currently the H.S. students
attend the HVL Honor Choir and the Dorian Vocal Festival at Luther
College/Decorah, Ia.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
All students who are going
to college should see their director or counselor about auditioning for music
scholarships. Even if you do not plan on
majoring in music, most universities and colleges will still give you money
just to have you participate in their performing ensembles. All of these scholarships require a prepared
audition, as well as a recommendation from your director. Plan ahead.
Participating in music ensembles while in high school is the best
strategy for obtaining these scholarships.
Music Department Activity Dates 2009-2010
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9/28/2009
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Coronation
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7:00
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10/2/2009
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Homecoming
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7:00
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10/23/2009
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7-12 Band-Choir Concert
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7:00
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10/28/2009
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HVL Rehearsal Byron
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6:30
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11/2/2009
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HVL Rehearsal Byron
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6:30
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11/9 /2009
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HVL Rehearsal/Concert at
Cannon
Falls High
School
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4:00Rehearsal 7:00Concert
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11/11/09
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Veteran’s Day Assembly
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school day
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11/20-22/2009
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Musical
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12/7/2009
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Band Holiday Concert
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7:00
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12/14/2009
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6-12 Choir Holiday
Concert
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7:00
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12/21/2009
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Band Choir Concert
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7:00
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1/9-11/2010
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Dorian Vocal Festival, Decorah, IA
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2/6/2010
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Celebrity Night
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7:30
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2/3/2010
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HVL Band Clinic ZM
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2/10/2010
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HVL Choir Clinic CF
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3/9/2010
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Large Group Contest
PI
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3/9/2010
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6-12 Band Concert
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7:00
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3/18/2010
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6-12 Choir Concert
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7:00
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3/19/2010 ???
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All-State Auditions Eastview HS
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No trip 2010
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Choir Trip
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4/9/2010
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HVL Jazz Band Festival
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4/13/2010
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Solo/Ensemble Contest
K-W
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1:00
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4/18/2010
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Slice of Jazz
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6:30
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5/4/2010
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9-12 Band Concert
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7:00
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5/13/2010
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6-7-8 Choir/Band Concert
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7:00
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5/16/2010
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Baccalaureate
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7:00
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5/31/2010
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Memorial Day Parade
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5/26/2010
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