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RICE LAKE HIGH SCHOOL

Choral

Department

Handbook 2016-2017

Welcome to the Rice Lake High School

Choral Department!

Please take time to read ALL of this with your family! You are responsible for ALL information in this handbook!

Susan Franco, Choral Director School Phone: (715) 234-2181 Ext. 5163

Email: francos@ricelake.k12.wi.us

Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent.

-Victor Hugo

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Rules & Expectations 3

Discipline Plan 4

Attendance Policy 4

Grading Policy 5-7

Warrior Rehearsal Expectations 8

Attendance at Performances 8

Concert Etiquette 8

Laude Points 8

Concert Attire 9-10

Letter Program 11

Choral and Music Curricular and Extra Curricular Courses 12

WSMA Honors Choir and District & State Solo & Ensemble 13

Choral Event Calendar 14

All District Music Calendar 15

Music Boosters 16

Communication 16

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General Rules and Expectations The success of a choir depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and

cooperation of each student. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. Be patient, attentive, careful,

and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are

essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful.

Students are expected to:

1. Be Respectful

Respect students, teachers and music equipment.

Do NOT us your cell phone during rehearsal unless we are doing an activity that requires a

music app.

2. Be Ready

NO GUM!

Bring pencil, music and textbook to class every day.

Be ready to listen and/or sing when asked.

3. Be Responsible

Be responsible for your own behavior and act accordingly.

Take care of school and personal property, in this case, uniforms, music, textbooks, rehearsal

space and instruments. Students will be expected to pay for lost or damaged music and folders.

Students will be assigned uniforms and the correct items need to be turned in at the end of

each school year.

Keep the classroom and practice rooms clean and organized.

School Policy on Riding Home from School-Sponsored Events

Students must ride to school-sponsored events on the bus, but may ride home with their parents

from a school sponsored event if the teacher receives a note that the parents(s) will be taking the

student(s) home and the teacher sees the parent(s) before they depart. Mrs. Franco will carry a sign-

out sheet at events away from home for parents to sign their kids out.

If a student wishes to ride home with someone other than his or her parent, including another

student’s parent, this needs to be approved by Mr. Pacholke before leaving for our event.

Students will not be allowed to leave with anyone other than their parents without written

approval from Mr. Pacholke.

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Discipline Plan All disciplinary acting taken for inappropriate behavior will follow this procedure:

1. The student will receive a verbal warning concerning expected behavior.

2. The student and I will make an appointment to meet and discuss his or her behavior in order to

develop a plan for improvement.

3. If our plan does not effectively change the behavior, the student and I will meet with his or her

parents or guardians to devise another plan.

4. If the problem persists, we will involve the administration.

* Some behaviors are totally inappropriate for the classroom and dictate immediate removal from

the classroom without a reminder or warning being issued. Also, chronic violation of classroom rules that

infringe upon the rights of others to learn may indicate a more deeply rooted problem that requires special

attention.

Attendance Policy Attendance of all choir students is required at all rehearsals and performances. This is one of our most

fundamental working principles. We cannot be effective without every member of our team. We are only

as strong as our weakest link. Everyone is important.

If a student has a medical emergency or is unable to participate due to a medical concern, he or she should

bring in a note from a parent.

The performance calendar is published in the spring before the school year begins. Students and families

are expected to make accommodations to follow this schedule. Again, this is the only way for our choir to

be effective as a group. I do the best to avoid scheduling conflicts with other school activities. If you

become aware of a conflict, please let me know at the earliest possible date in writing so I have time to try

to resolve the issues.

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Grading Policy for RLHS Music Department Performance Courses: Band and Choir

Mastery Dispositions vs. Performance Dispositions

Mastery-Oriented

Students

Performance-Oriented

Students

Main interest is in learning the

skill/content.

Main interest is in appearing

competent or better than

others regardless of level

achieved.

Willing to take on difficult tasks

beyond present capability.

Stick to tasks that are familiar,

known quantities.

View mistakes as learning

opportunities.

View mistakes as evidence of

lack of competence and

therefore to be avoided.

Tend to understand time

management and goal setting. Tend to be procrastinators.

Not afraid to take risks.

Tend to quit or give up when

they perceive they are not good

enough.

5 Performance Skill Levels

(Based on the National Standards for Music)

Advanced-A Superior performance,

outstanding in nearly every detail. Pre-

college/college level musician.

Accomplished-An excellent performance,

minor issues. Accomplished high school

musician.

Proficient-A good performance, lacking

finesse and/or interpretation. A beginning

high school level musician.

Intermediate-A fair performance, basic

weaknesses to overcome.

Novice-A beginning level performance,

weaknesses to overcome.

Category Weighting

Performance Skills(Playing/Singing) 50%

Musical Understanding (Aural and

Written Theory) 25%

Goals/Planning/Reflection 25%

Rehearsal Contributions (No Count) 0%

Rationale for the shift to

Standards-Based Assessment and Grading:

To move toward more authentic, performance-based

evaluations that will provide feedback on progress and

proficiency levels and are individualized to the ability

level of each student. Formative feedback will be

frequent and explicit.

Goals:

To implement and assessment and grading program

based on best practices in education.

To build every student’s belief that he or she can

learn, to build each student’s sense of academic

optimism and to insure that each student

understands his or her progress toward each

achievement standard.

To create independent musicians creating quality

performances.

To improve student achievement by assessing for

learning.

To teach students to set goals, manage their time and

practice, create practice and achievement plans, and

reflect on growth.

Learning Dispositions

Mastery-Oriented vs. Performance-Oriented Grid

Students will be encouraged to have mastery-oriented

learning dispositions. This will be a focus of

rehearsals, sectionals and possible lessons.

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Four Levels of Skills Achievement from the

National Model Cornerstone Assessments

Level 4 Exceeds Standards/Show Growth A

Level 3 Meets Standards B

Level 2 Approaches Standards C

Level 1 Emerging Skill Development D

Assessment Types: Formative and Summative

Students will be assessed using formative assessments,

which will provide explicit feedback to help them

improve on the designated skills. These assessments

will not be graded, but will be assessed. Feedback will

appear in Skyward, but will not count toward the final

grade. The purpose of these assessments is to track

progress and keep students and their families

informed about individual growth.

Grades will be completely differentiated and

appropriate for each student and will be based on

each student’s weaknesses (two performance skill

weaknesses, one written theory weakness, and one

listening weakness). Each student will be placed on an

achievement continuum based on his/her current

level of ability (novice, intermediate, proficient,

accomplished, or advanced). The appropriate rubric

for that skill level will be used to assess growth on

areas in need of improvement.

Daily work and formative assessments will not be

graded, but will be entered into Skyward as “no

count” entries to show progress on learning targets.

Grades will only count on summative assessments.

There will be small summative assessments testing

individual skills and larger quarter/semester

summative assessments testing all learning targets. All

assessments and goal sheets/practice

plans/reflections can be improved and resubmitted

since the goal is student achievement and growth.

Retaking assessments or correcting goals/practice

plans/reflections can only be done until the last two

days of the quarter. Final grades are based on

completion of requirements and summative

assessments.

Summative Assessments

Summative assessments will be given to

determine growth on the learning targets. Final

grades will be based on summative assessments.

Summative assessments can be retaken until the

last two days of the term when final grades need

to be determined.

Students who reach Level 4 (Exceeds

Standards/Shows Growth) in their weak

areas and complete all performance

requirements for the course will earn an “A”.

Students who reach Level 3 (Meets

Standards) and complete all performance

requirements for the course will earn a “B”.

Students who reach Level 2 (Approaches

Standards) and complete all performance

requirements for the course will earn a “C”.

Students who reach Level 1 (Emerging) and

complete all performance requirements for

the course will earn a “D”.

All other students will earn an “I” for

insufficient evidence of learning until they

demonstrate skills achievement or grades are

due. Once grades are due, the “I” will be

changed to an “F”.

Assessment Rubrics

Click here to see the rubrics that will be used to

assess and grade student progress. These rubrics

include descriptions of each achievement level on

each learning target. There will also be a copy of

this document in Google Classroom for student

access.

Click here to see Assessment Rubrics

Assessment Rubric

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SPECIFIC LEARNING TARGETS Student Performance Skills (SPS) Performance Skills grades will be weighted more heavily than the Student Musical Understanding Skills because this is a performance based course. Performance Skills Students will be assessed on the following performance skills.

Tone-resonance, control, focus, consistency, clarity of sound.

Intonation-accuracy to printed pitches

Rhythm and Pulse Accuracy-accuracy of notes/rests, duration, pulse, steadiness, and correct meter

Technique-artistry, attacks, releases, control of ranges, musical and/or mechanical skills.

Interpretation, Musicianship-style, phrasing, tempo, dynamics, emotional involvement.

Articulation (winds)-clarity of the execution of each note

Sticking (percussion)-quality and control of the execution of each note

Other Performance Factors-choir of literature, appropriate appearance, poise, posture, general conduct, mannerisms, facial expression, memory

Scales-perform full-range chromatic and major or minor scales in all twelve keys by memory (scale assignments determined by achievement level)

Rudiments (percussion)-perform required rudiments with correct sticking and technique

Sight-Reading-ability to apply music literacy skills to read and perform new music after one minute of preparation

Sight-Reading Process: 1. Play the scale that corresponds with the key

signature. 2. Clap and count the rhythms. 3. Play it or sight-sing it once before completing

the official performance. 4. Perform for judge(s). Goals/Planning/Reflection 1. Complete Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Sheet 2. Complete Biweekly Reflection Sheets 3. Create a practice plan incorporating appropriate

practice strategies

Student Musical Understanding (SMU) Written Theory Skills Students will be assessed on the following written theory skills:

Written Theory Skills

Identification of pitches on the grand staff

Note names and values (whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, dotted half, dotted quarter, dotted eighth).

Rest names and values (whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth, dotted half, dotted quarter, dotted eighth)

Time signatures

Identification of road map directions: repeat signs, D.C., D.S., Fine

Ties and slurs

Identify and define dynamic markings

Identify and define tempo markings

Identify and articulation markings

Flats, sharps, natural signs

Whole step/half step

Enharmonic pitches

Tetrachord building

Scale building (major, natural minor, harmonic minor, melodic minor)

Key signature (identification and writing)

Chromatic scale building

Solfege

Circle of 4th/5th

Rhythm Analysis Aural (Listening) Theory Skills Students will be assessed on the following aural theory skills:

Interval Recognition (ascending only)-identify the interval you hear

Chord Recognition-identify the major, minor, augmented, diminished chord you hear

Rhythm Dictation-write the rhythm you hear

Rhythm Identification (visual identification while listening to rhythm)

Scale Recognition- (visual identification while listening and aural identification)

Pitch Differentiation-identify higher or lower, sharp or flat

Rehearsal Contributions See rubric for rehearsal expectations.

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Warrior Rehearsal Contributions Rehearsal expectations/contributions will appear in Skyward as an achievement level to reflect student contribution,

but will not be figured in final grades (“no count”). See the Warrior Rehearsal Contribution rubric for expectations.

Students should be aware that lack of positive contributions to rehearsal directly affects learning and therefore has

an effect on formative and summative assessment results which will affect grades.

Attendance at Performances Performances at concerts are mandatory, since this is a performances based course and performing for an audience

is the culmination of our achievement on our standards. Performances are our final assessments of our

achievement on the current repertoire and they provide an opportunity to demonstrate our achievement under new

conditions that encourage students to apply their skills in a real-life situation. This requires performing at their

highest ability level.

Students who miss concerts for any reason, will receive an incomplete (I) showing insufficient evidence of learning

of those performance standards until they perform in front of the music staff to demonstrate those skills. Students

will be assigned appropriate music for this performance and will be assessed on achievement of music standards.

The “pre-concert playing exam” achievement scores are tied to the final performance and will therefore not be

entered into the grade book until the final performance is complete.

Students may redo this performance exam until the last week of the term, since final grades are due to the office.

After this point, any incomplete (I) grades will be replaced with an “F” due to insufficient evidence of achievement.

Concert Etiquette As performers, you will need to help with this one! Your family needs to know that our concerts are not athletic

events. It is not appropriate to talk, text, or use your cell phone, as this can disturb others around you and the

performers. Absolute appropriate behavior is required when not performing to respect and appreciate all the hard

work that is being performed. You should not enter the concert hall during a piece – instead, enter only during

applause. No food, drink, or candy should be brought into the performance venue.

We record all of our concerts! Noises and distractions can ruin these recordings. Please help educate your families

that we take great pride in our music making, and we expect excellent etiquette from our audiences as well as our

performers.

There will be a post-concert grade entered into Skyward under the Rehearsal Contributions category as these two

sets of expectations are closely related.

Laude Points Students who complete both years of Symphonic Choir and one Class A solo or duet can earn 1 Laude Point. Students who complete both years of Robed Choir and one Class A solo or duet can earn an additional Laude Point.

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Concert Attire

The following guidelines explain expectations for student performance attire. It is the student’s

responsibility to keep the concert attire in professional shape. In other words, don’t leave it lying at the

bottom of a closet or in the trunk of a vehicle. (Let it air out!) There is to be absolutely no smoking in or

around concert attire. Students are responsible for lost or damaged attire.

Concert robes, stoles, skirts and sashes: The school district supplies our students with concert robes,

stoles, skirts and sashes. The robes are dry-cleaned each summer and maintained by the choir throughout

the school year. Students are to respect their assigned garment as school property and treat it with care.

ANY MISSING GARMENTS at the end of the year will result in the student being charged the full

replacement cost of a new garment piece. Many audience members listen with their eyes first, so looking

good is important. Students must supply the following for performances.

Symphonic Choir

Women

1) Black skirt and royal blue sash (assigned and provided by school).

2) Black shoes with closed heel and toe (provided by student). No flip-flops, sandals, or athletic shoes. And

NO heel taller than 2”, flats would be highly preferred.

3) PLAIN White (no other color or embellishments), button down, dress shirt with collar and long or ¾

length sleeves (provided by student).

4) Accessories are limited to small items that do not draw attention away from the ensemble.

5) Hair must be pulled back out of face/eyes. Perfume, sprays and lotions must be used at a

minimum.

Men

1) PLAIN White (no other color or embellishments), button down, dress shirt with collar and long sleeves

(provided by student).

2) Black dress shoes AND black socks (provided by student). No flip-flops, sandals, or athletic shoes.

3) Colored or plain long dress tie (provided by student). No bow tie.

4) Solid black dress pants (provided by student).

5) Accessories are limited to small items that do not draw attention away from the ensemble.

6) Hair must be pulled back out of face/eyes. Cologne, sprays and lotions must be used at a

minimum.

Robed Choir Women

1) Black pants or anything shown under robe must be black (provided by student).

2) Black shoes with closed heel and toe (provided by student). No flip-flops, sandals, or athletic shoes. And

NO heel taller than 2”, flats would be highly preferred.

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3) Accessories are limited to small items that do not draw attention away from the ensemble.

4) Hair must be pulled back out of face/eyes. Perfume, sprays and lotions must be used at a

minimum.

Men

1) PLAIN White (no other color or embellishments), button down, dress shirt with collar and long sleeves

(provided by student).

2) Solid black dress shoes AND black socks (provided by student). No flip-flops, sandals, or athletic shoes.

3) Solid black dress pants (provided by student).

4) Colored or plain long dress tie (provided by student). No bow tie.

5) Accessories are limited to small items that do not draw attention away from the ensemble.

6) Hair must be pulled back out of face/eyes. Cologne, sprays and lotions must be used at a

minimum.

Chamber Choir Women

1) Black formal dress (school provided).

2) Black shoes with closed heel and toe (provided by student). No flip-flops, sandals, or athletic shoes. And

NO heel taller than 2”, flats would be highly preferred.

3) Accessories are limited to small items that do not draw attention away from the ensemble.

4) Hair must be pulled back out of face/eyes. Perfume, sprays and lotions must be used at a

minimum.

Men

1) Formal Tuxedo which includes pants, vest, white shirt, bow tie and jacket (school provided)

2) Black dress shoes (provided by student).

3) Accessories are limited to small items that do not draw attention away from the ensemble.

4) Hair must be pulled back out of face/eyes. Cologne, sprays and lotions must be used at a

minimum.

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Choral Lettering Program In-School Activities: Out of School Activities: 200 Points 100 Points

Selection and Participation in WSMA * Attended Summer Music Camp or Clinic

State Honors Treble or Mixed Choir (100 pts. per week)

* Performing in a Community Theater

100 Points

Attend an Honors Choir or Festival 50 Points

Perform in School’s Musical or * Private Piano Lessons (50 pts. per semester)

Renaissance Festival * Private Voice Lessons (50 pts. per semester)

Perform a *1 Solo or Ensemble at District * Selected for a music scholarship

* Auditioned for a performing group, theater or

50 Points Per Event scholarship

Perform in Choir Concert * Participation in a performing group

Perform in Voice It Up, Jazz Choir (50 pts. per semester)

or Rhythm Show Choir * Participation in a Master Class-Singing

Audition and/or selected as alternate for

WSMA State Honor Treble or Mixed Choir 25 Points

Receiving a 1 rating on a Solo or * Attendance at a professional, college, high school

Ensemble at District or State Festival (not your own), or middle school performance.

Music Librarian (50 pts. per semester- Staple the program to your point’s sheet.

semester. At least one hour a week) * Membership in a community or church musical

Uniform Manager (Robes and Skirts- group at least 80% of time (25 points per

50 pts. per semester) * Membership in a rock, country, jazz or alternative

Honor Point Secretary (50 pts. per semester) performing ensemble-singing. (25 points per

Selected for Chamber Choir semester)

* Attendance at a Master Class as an audience

member

40 Points Per Event

Receiving a II rating on a Solo or Ensemble

at the Solo/Ensemble Festival

Audition for Chamber Choir

Accompany Solo or Ensemble event(s)

20 Points Per Event

Singing the National Anthem at Sporting

Events throughout the school year

Forms like this will be available from Mrs. Franco and must be turned in by the end of the month, for those

points to be counted toward lettering. This is the student’s responsibility.

Date of Event Activity/Event Points Awarded

* Students need to turn in 1000

points to letter in choir. *

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Curricular Performance Ensembles Symphonic Choir (Grades 9-10) Prerequisite: Audition and/or consent of director

All choir members in grades 9-10 will enroll in this performance ensemble. Vocal techniques, music theory and music history are included in the studies of this course. Students will learn the importance of their contribution in preparing performances and they will gain an appreciation of the process involved in creating musical excellence. Students perform in four concerts a year and participate in Large Group Music Festival. All choir students have the opportunity to participate in the solo/ensemble festival, Rhythm Show Choir, and Voice It Up-Vocal Jazz.

Robed Choir (Grades 11-12) Prerequisite: Audition and/or consent of director All choir members in grades 11-12 will enroll in this performance ensemble. Vocal techniques, music theory and music history are included in the studies of this course. Robed Choir offers students an opportunity to engage in the performance and understanding of distinctive and challenging vocal literature in an enjoyable and encouraging environment. Students will learn the importance of their contribution in preparing performances and they will gain an appreciation of the process involved in creating musical excellence. Students perform in four concerts a year and participate in Large Group Music Festival. All choir students have the opportunity to participate in the solo/ensemble festival, Rhythm Show Choir, and Voice It Up-Vocal Jazz.

Chamber Choir (Grades 9-12) Prerequisite: Audition ONLY This ensemble cannot be found in the course guide. It is an auditioned ensemble of 9-12 students. There are only 16 available spots for 4 basses, 4 tenors, 4 altos, and 4 sopranos. It is an elite group that rehearses on Monday mornings and during the regularly scheduled choir times. This group is self-taught ensemble and performs very challenging pieces of music. Watch at the beginning of the school year for audition times.

Extra-Curricular Performing Ensembles Vocal Jazz-Voice It Up This ensemble meets once a week on Wednesdays before school. They perform a cappella music based on popular songs.

Rhythm Show Choir This is an all-female ensemble that rehearses a couple times a week before and after school. They perform intricate choreographed dances to music while singing memorized music from all eras.

Curricular Music Courses GENERAL MUSIC

General music is offered for the older student who would enjoy reading about, discussing and analyzing music of different styles and cultures. Music history, great composers and social customs are topics to be studied.

INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC THEORY Prerequisite: Must be in Band or Choir and familiar with note reading This is a nine-week course for music students who are interested or planning on studying music in college. This class is college preparatory in nature and it is strongly recommended that students enroll with the expectation of a work load similar to a first year collegiate course. In this class, the study of music fundamentals will lead to chord analysis, composition, ear training and an understanding of all scales.

ADVANCED MUSIC THEORY Prerequisite: Intro to Music Theory and permission of instructor Advanced Music Theory will continue the study of music fundamentals, analysis, ear training and other important theory skills that will be needed in a college music theory class.

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WSMA Honors Choir 9-11th graders who have achieved a very high level of proficiency in singing may choose to audition at UW-

Eau Claire for the High School State Honors Choirs. I can give interested students the required materials

and extra lessons to help them prepare for the audition. Selected students have the life-changing

opportunity of performing with the best student musicians in the state of Wisconsin under a nationally

known conductor, first at a summer camp at UW-Green Bay and then at their big performance at the

Overture Center in Madison in October at the State Music Educators’ Convention. Talk to local students

who have recently experienced this from our choir for more details about the opportunity. I have had the

privilege of serving on staff for High School Honors Choir, so I can provide you with more information

as well. Please see www.wsmamusic.org for more details.

Solo & Ensemble Contest Students who desire an additional challenge may prepare a classical solo and a musical theater solo

or join a small group called an “ensemble” for this competition. The Wisconsin School Music Association

Solo and Ensemble Festival is an excellent performance opportunity for all students in the choir program.

Participation in this event is optional, but highly recommended. The preparation process for this festival

improves individual singing and technique more than any other event. As individual singers become

stronger, so does the choir. Solo and ensemble competition music must be selected from the contest music

list. This is also needed in order to earn a laude point.

This contest relies on the responsibility of each individual student and is not required for the

course. Once you have decided to participate, there is a strict timeline to follow in order to perform in

front of the judge. If the school has already paid for your entry and you decide NOT to perform, then the

fee is charged on to your student account and you are held responsible.

State Solo & Ensemble Contest Students who receive a Superior rating of “I*” on a Class A solo or ensemble, qualify to compete in

the WSMA State Solo and Ensemble Contest held at UW-Eau Claire every May.

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2016-2017 RLHS Choir Calendar

September 23 Home Football - Music Fest-Pep Band/Marching Band Show

October 26-29 State Music Convention/Madison – & Student Honors Performances

November 3 ChorFest - UW-Superior

November 11-13 The Little Mermaid Performances

November 14 High School Choir Winter Concert – 7pm

January 9 Red Cedar Honors Choir-All Day @ Chetek-Weyerhaeuser HS

January 14-16 Dorian Choral Festival-Luther College, Decorah, IA

TBD WSMA High School Honors Auditions – Eau Claire– All Day

February 11 Big Band Bash-Extra Curricular Ensembles

March 6 High School Band (6:30pm) & Choir (7:45pm) Festival Concert

March 14 Large Group Music Festival, Choirs perform at Bethany Lutheran

April 1 High School Solo/Ensemble @ RLHS-All Day

May 6 State Solo/Ensemble Festival – UWEC – All Day

May 31 High School Spring Choir Concert & Awards Ceremony-7pm

June 7 High School Graduation

* Students are to be dressed and ready to warm-up 30 minutes prior to the start time of the

performance. NO LATER. * All dates that are BOLD and ITALICIZED are REQUIRED attendance for High School

Choral Department students.

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2016-2017 ALL District Music Calendar August 28 Rutabaga Parade - Cumberland (HS Marching Band)

August 31 Back-to-School Open House

September 9 Home Football -Marching Band Show

September 23 Home Football -Music Fest-Marching Band Show/Choirs sing National Anthem

October 14 Home Football – Homecoming/Senior Show-Marching Band

October 20 Middle School Band Concert (Grades 6-8) 7pm

October 26-29 State Music Convention/Madison – & Student Honors Performances

November 3 Shell lake Middle School Honors Band

November 3 ChorFest- UW-Superior, All day

November 5 High School ChorFest - UW-Superior

November 11-13 High School Musical-The Little Mermaid Performances

November 14 High School Choir Winter Concert – 7pm

November 28 High School Band Fundraiser – Auditorium Lobby

December 1 Middle School Choir Winter Concert- 7pm @ RLHS

December 5 High School Band Holiday Concert – 7pm

December 8/9 Elementary Holiday Program

December 15/16 Elementary Holiday Programs

January 9 High School Red Cedar Honors Choir-Chetek-Weyerhaeuser HS- All Day

January 14-16 Dorian Choral Festival-Luther College, Decorah, IA

January 16 High School Pep Band Concert – Ole Olson Gymnasium

February 6 Middle School Solo/Ensemble Festival– All Day

TBD WSMA High School Honors Auditions – Eau Claire– All Day

February 11 Big Band Bash-Extra Curricular Ensembles

March 6 High School Band (6:30pm) & Choir (7:45pm) Festival Concert

March 14 Large Group Music Festival @ RLHS & Bethany Lutheran Church (8am-5pm)

April 1 High School Solo & Ensemble @ RLHS

April 25 Middle School Choir Concert (Grades 6–8) 7pm @ RLHS

April 27 Middle School Band Concert – 7pm @ RLHS auditorium

May 6 State Solo/Ensemble Festival – UW-Eau Claire – All Day

May 11 Middle School Show Choir & Jazz Ensemble Tour – All Day

May 15 High School Band Awards Concert-7pm

May 31 High School Choir Awards Concert-7pm

June 7 High School Graduation

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Music Boosters The Music Boosters are a support group made up of band/choir parents and community members who are

willing to help us with our many important activities. We are always seeking more people to help us out with

upcoming events. We need assistance with planning and executing fundraisers, managing uniforms, amongst

numerous other projects. We ultimately would love if every parent who had a student in the program would sign up

to assist in at least one event or make a donation to the music department once each school year.

If you are available to help with any of the “behind the scenes” jobs please contact me. The music

department would not run as smooth as it does without the assistance of volunteers.

Communication I strive to ensure that all choral families have all the information they need about expectations and upcoming

performances and events. This handbook provides most of the information you need for the entire year about our

choir. I will send information via the Skyward email system. I send text reminders to those students and/or parents

who sign up for the Remind App texting service. I frequently update our choir Facebook page. I also include links

to all important information on our band website through the Rice Lake School District webpage. Please utilize

these various options to stay informed.

Email:

The easiest way to get ahold of me is via email at francos@ricelake.k12.wi.us.

Text Reminders-Remind App

Sign up for each of your ensembles to receive text reminders and updates about that group. This app also allows

you to sign up for email reminders.

Symphonic Choir (grade 9-10), visit https://www.remind.com/join/rlsymph

Robed Choir (grade 11-12), visit https://www.remind.com/join/rlrobed

Rhythm Show Choir, visit https://www.remind.com/join/rlhsrhythm

Chamber Choir, visit https://www.remind.com/join/rlchamber

To stop receiving text messages, reply “unsubscribe @rlsymph (@rlrobed, @rlhsrhythm, or @rlchamber)”. To stop

receiving email reminders via Remind, reply with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.

Skyward

Don’t forget to sign up for Skyward Family Access in the office to regularly see how you are doing. I will try to get

you grades entered in a timely fashion, so you know how you are doing at all times. Please contact me if you have

questions or concerns about your grade, and I will do what I can to resolve or explain the issue.

Facebook

“Like” the Rice Lake High School Choir page on Facebook for updated choir announcements and photos.

https://www.facebook.com/RiceLakeHighSchoolChoir

School Website

I try to keep our Choir Website on the Rice Lake Schools webpage updated and will continue to keep it current with

important information. Please check it regularly.

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Please click on the link below and sign the Google Form to indicate that you have seen and understand this handbook. If you do not have a Google account, have your student login

to his or her school Google account. If you would prefer to have a printed copy of this handbook,

email me at francos@ricelake.k12.wi.us and I will make one for you.

Click on the link below

Handbook Signature Page