choral music program handbook 2020-2021 el dorado high …

Choral Music Program Handbook 2020-2021

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El Dorado High School

EDHS Choral Music

@edhschoralmusic

edhschoralmusic.org

http://www.edhschoralmusic.org

http://www.edhschoralmusic.org


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Welcome to the… EDHS Department of Choral Music

Mission Statement: “EDHS Choral Music is dedicated to inspiring all students to be the very best learners, individuals, and musicians they can be. It is a high level of commitment with a high level of expectation, but we believe it is worth every ounce of contribution.”

Expected School-Wide Learning Results: “El Dorado will produce graduates who are…

Honorable - Hawks are individuals of visible integrity who consistently hold themselves to high standard, are accountable for their own actions, and selflessly contribute to uplifting their community

Advocates - Hawks take responsibility for their own achievements and, through their deliberate action and mindful service, strive for the betterment off themselves and others

Well-Rounded - Hawks pursue excellence in a wide variety of academic, extracurricular, and service activities

Knowledge-Seeking - Hawks take an active role in their learning and exhibit a genuine intellectual curiosity in all disciplines

Scholars - Hawks make full use of academic resources and opportunities to work toward their full potential, responding to challenges with determination and resilience


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Course Descriptions “Concert Choir”:

Open to ALL students, grades 9 through 12. This course is a beginning mixed (men & women) choral group (SATB & SAB). Concert Choir is designed for students to learn basic music theory and exposure to performing as large choral ensemble. This course provides students with opportunities to sing music from a wide variety of music styles including: classical, broadway, spirituals, jazz, folk, and contemporary. Students will learn about basic sight-reading, ear training, vocal production and musicianship. Outside performances and events are required including two District Concerts (Winter/Spring), School Holiday Concert (Tinsel), School Spring Concert (PRISM), Farewell Concert, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm.

THIS COURSE MEETS THE UC/CSU "VPA" REQUIREMENT.

Men’s Choir “Chorus”: Open to ALL male students with director permission, grades 10 through 12

Men’s Choir is a year-long ensemble course open to any male singer grades 10-12 with director permission. This course focuses on basic vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading, and TBB choral literature for the beginning/intermediate men’s ensemble. Students will learn to sing in a variety of vocal styles, including classical, broadway, spirituals, jazz, folk, and contemporary. This course also integrates Guitar. Outside performances and events are required including two District Concerts (Winter/Spring), School Holiday Concert, School Spring Concert (PRISM), Farewell Concert, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry


Advanced Women’s Ensemble “Treble Chorus”: Open to female students by audition, grades 10 through 12

Advanced Women’s Ensemble is a year-long ensemble course open by audition only to women grades 10-12. This is an intermediate course focusing on SSA and SSAA literature from all periods of music history. Students develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills, sight reading training, and the interpretation of women’s choral literature. The students are expected to match pitch, excel in sight-singing skills, and present collegiate level performances. They are required to attend “Choir Camp” the week before school begins in which students fine tune concert skills, prepare for festivals, and learn to work together as a team. This ensemble performs for all school concerts, festivals, community events, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm. Prerequisites: All students are selected by audition according to their musical proficiency, vocal ability and motivation. Must have director’s approval.


“Vocal Ensemble”: Open to students by audition, grades 10th through 12

The EDHS Vocal Ensemble is a year-long ensemble course open to advanced male and female singers by audition only in grades 10-12. Students are expected to be the top choral musicians at El Dorado while continuing to develop advanced vocal and musicianship skills. Students study and perform advanced literature for mixed ensembles. The students are expected to match pitch, excel in sight-singing skills, and present collegiate level performances. Private lessons, especially over the summer are encouraged and highly recommended. They are required to attend “Choir Camp” the week before school begins in which students fine tune concert skills, prepare for festivals, and learn to work together as a team. This ensemble performs for all school concerts, festivals, community events, and a possible performance at Disneyland or Knott’s Berry Farm. Prerequisites: All students are selected by audition according to their musical proficiency, vocal ability and motivation. Must have director’s approval.



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Student Expectations Expectations ----> E X C E L L E N C E

The expectations for this choir program are very high. Being a high quality ensemble requires a much higher standard of excellence all around. Every singer is so critical to the success of this choir!

1.) Attendance & Punctuality Concert/Rehearsal/Class attendance and participation is expected from all members because everyone is important to the ensemble. Everyone is essential. Therefore, the only allowable excused absence from a Concert/Rehearsal is due to illness, doctor appointment, family emergency or school-related activity on rare occasions. Student communication with the director is of utmost importance. We will try to avoid all conflicts with games, matches, competitions or tournaments if possible. In the event of a school conflict, Mr. Yoder and the coach or other teacher will work together to create an equitable, viable option for the student.

WORK IS NEVER AN EXCUSE FOR MISSING REHEARSALS OR PERFORMANCES. Schedules will be arranged well in advance of events. School must take precedence over work. Punctuality is essential for creating an environment of mutual respect. In order to respect the time of the director and the ensemble, it is the standard to arrive at all call times or rehearsals on time. This means students should arrive early to be prepared to begin sound checks and rehearsals on time.

2.) Attire & Presentation If we want to be taken seriously and be seen as a group of great integrity and excellence, we must act that way. We must take on the characteristics that we want to be known for and walk in that character. We always work/perform as well as we look and feel. Each group will be given a detailed info sheet on performance attire for that ensemble. Students who are improperly dressed may forfeit the opportunity to perform and lose all possible points for that performance.

3.) Attitude Performances and class time are meant to be a safe place where we work together toward a common goal. Come with a positive attitude, ready to encourage and love each other in the process.

1. BE ON TIME 2. BE PREPARED 3. BE YOUR BEST

4.) Professionalism Above all else, we are looking to touch lives through music, a medium that we all love and are passionate about. This is NOT about competing or outdoing, but rather contributing to the building of a healthy choir classroom environment. We respect each other with our WORDS and ACTIONS.

*All students and parents are required to sign Choral Program Contract committing to compliance with the above expectations.


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Grading Policy PARTICIPATION – 50%

Choir is a participation-based class. Therefore, classroom participation is the most significant percentage of the total grade for this course. Each student receives 10 points maximum for participation every school day (50 points for a 5-day week).

If a student is tardy, 5 points are deducted from that day’s participation total (5 point maximum).

If a student exhibits any of the following at anytime during a class period, the student will receive ZERO points for that day. Eating while singing, or instead of singing Sleeping instead of singing Doing another teacher’s assigned work (or homework) while singing or instead of singing Socializing / talking instead of singing Not singing when you’re supposed to (yes some students just sit there with closed mouth) Sitting in the wrong section (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) Any other activity, including misbehaving, instead of singing Electronic Devices used without teacher’s permission And any UNEXCUSED ABSENCE will also result in ZERO points for that day.

MUSIC THEORY & WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS – 25%

There will be two exams first semester (none second semester). One the last week of the first quarter, and one during first semester finals week. Each exam will count 25% of the quarter and semester grades.

REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCES - 25%

Rehearsals scheduled outside of a student’s class period and performances are considered mandatory attendance. If a student should miss a rehearsal or performance, it will result in ZERO points for the event. An unexcused absence from a rehearsal will additionally lower the overall letter grade for the semester one full letter grade (ex: B to C). An unexcused absence from a performance will additionally lower the overall letter grade for the semester two full letter grades (ex: B to D). *These deductions will take place after the student’s final grad has been calculated.

Obviously, there are extenuating circumstances that allow for an excused absence from a rehearsal or performance. These include hospitalization, funeral, and a major illness. Most excused absences from a rehearsal or performance will result in the student being assigned a five-page essay paper on a musical topic turned in to Mr. Yoder.


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Discipline Policy

The following are the consequences for broken rules:

1st infraction: Teacher counsels student.

2nd infraction: Detention served in choir classroom

3rd infraction: Formal detention & parent/guardian contact

4th infraction: Referral to Counselor

5th infraction: Referral to Counselor & discussion about class change for auditioned ensemble members

SEVERE CLAUSE: Defiant, vulgar, or profane acts will result in an immediate referral to the Assistant Principal for further disciplinary action.

MEMBERS OF AUDITIONED GROUPS HAVE EARNED A DISTINCT HONOR. IT IS DIFFICULT, DEMANDING, REWARDING, AND A LOT OF FUN. IT IS ALSO A “TEAM SPORT”. MEMBERS WHO FAIL TO MEET REQUIREMENTS HURT THE ENTIRE CHORAL ENSEMBLE! EVERYONE IS IMPORTANT TO OUR SUCCESS.

Photograph/Video Release 2019/20 School Year Policy

I hereby authorize EDHS Choral Music, El Dorado High School, and the Placentia Yorba Linda Unified School District, referred to as “School” to publish photographs and video taken during school activities (school performances, school rehearsals, after school social activities, classroom activities, etc.) of myself and/or the minor child listed on 2019/2020 EDHS Choral Music Commitment Form, and our names, for the use in the schools’ print, online and video-based marketing materials, as well as other school publications.

I hereby release and hold harmless EDHS Choral Music, El Dorado HS, and the PYLUSD from any reasonable expectation of privacy or confidentiality for myself and for my child listed on 2019/2020 EDHS Choral Music Commitment Form. Further, I attest that I am the parents or legal guardian of the child and that I have full authority to consent and authorize school to use their likeness and names.

I further acknowledge that participation is voluntary and that neither I or my child will receive financial compensation of any type associated with the taking or publication of these photographs/videos or participation in school marketing materials or other publications. I acknowledge and agree that publication of said photos/videos confers no rights of ownership royalties whatsoever.

I hereby release the school, it's contractors, it's employees and any third parties involved in the creation or publication of company publications, from liability for any claims by me or any third-party in connection with my participation or the participation of the minor children listed on 2019/2020 EDHS Choral Music Commitment Form.


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Leadership

Director of Choral Music Mr. Ryan Yoder

email: [email protected] phone: 714-986-7580 x11052

edhschoralmusic.org

Choral Music Executive Booster Board President Ken Colby

Vice President Melissa Larson

Treasurer Mike Gualtierri

Secretary Francie QuaasBerryman

Choral Music Student Council President

Bonnie QuaasBerryman Vice Presidents Rebecca Benson Gavin Hamze Secretaries Jacob Nuñez Allyssa Boone Treasurer

Peyton Russel Lead Librarian McKenzie Schmid

Social Media Chair Dalya Jaridly Social Chair Phoebe Martin

Director’s Assistant Hannah Ives

choral music program handbook 2020-2021 el dorado high …

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