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HANDBOOKCHOIR

The Iowa Wesleyan Choir 2

Mission Statement 2

Vision Statement 2

Current Director 3

Membership 4

Attendance Policy 5

Rehearsal Expectations 6

Sectionals 7

Performance Procedures 7

Tour Etiquette 8

Performance Attire 9

Council Responsibilities 11

Notes 13

Contact Information 14

CONTENTSTABLE OF

The Iowa Wesleyan Choir is a mixed vocal ensemble of approximately forty voices. This group performs for special ceremonies, concerts, and

worship services.

“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:19 (NIV)

The Iowa Wesleyan Choir is a long standing collegiate ensemble, rich in the tradition and heritage of the United Methodist Church, and dedicated to learning and performing choral music from all major historical and

stylistic genres.

Our vision is to empower students to passionately engage in leadership and service through music.

STATEMENT

STATEMENT

CHOIR

MISSION

VISION

IOWA WESLEYANTHE

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Blair Buffington is the Director of Choral Activities at Iowa Wesleyan University, where he is a faculty member and conducts the Iowa Wesleyan Concert Choir and Primae Voces. A native Iowan, Mr. Buffington received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Wartburg College and his master’s degree in Choral Conducting and Voice from Truman State University. There, as a graduate student, he maintained a private voice studio and conducted the university’s chamber choir. Mr. Buffington made his international conducting debut in 1995, and has experience directing choirs at the high school, collegiate, church and community levels. He is an active soloist and frequently works as a choral and vocal clinician. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

DIRECTORCURRENT

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When a student holds a position in the Iowa Wesleyan Choir, they are making a commitment to the ensemble and all of its rehearsals, performances, activities, rules, and regulations. Each member of the choir plays a crucial role and is held to the highest of personal standards. This includes physical, emotional, and spiritual standards when representing Iowa Wesleyan University and the choir.

It is important for group members to reach out to, and communicate with, each other on a regular basis. Mutual respect and understanding within the membership of the group allows us to achieve unity and produce emotionally expressive and motivating music. It takes hard work and dedication to make every rehearsal and performance successful. Building and maintaining confidence and trust in those around us ensures this success.

MEMBERSHIP

INSP

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These policies apply to in-class rehearsals, performances and rehearsals scheduled outside of class.

1. Be at every rehearsal and sectional meeting during the term.

2. More than three absences, legitimate or otherwise, may result in the reduction of a student’s final grade by one full letter for each missed event.

3. Members will be recorded tardy if they are not in their seat and ready to sing when rehearsals or sectionals begin. This applies to members who are in the rehearsal area, but not in their assigned places at rehearsal time.

4. For every two recorded tardies, an absence will be added to a member’s participation grade.

5. An absence immediately before or after a scheduled break counts as a double absence. Please be aware when planning rides home and back around breaks.

6. An absence within the week before a performance counts as a double absence.

7. A member absent from any performance or dress rehearsal without prior permission from Professor Buffington may receive a failing grade for the semester.

8. Please refer to the calendar for any special rehearsals and performances.

9. Please be prepared for any unscheduled performances that may arise in the semester.

10. If a choir member is temporarily unable to sing due to illness, please alert a council member and Professor Buffington. A seat at the front of the room will be provided for that member to listen and take notes during the rehearsal.

POLICYATTENDANCE

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1. Each rehearsal begins at 12:00 pm MWF, and 12:30 pm TR every week. All choir members should be seated with their folders, music, and pencils, ready to sing.

2. All choir rehearsals are required. If a choir member must miss a rehearsal for any reason, he or she must contact Mr. Buffington and the secretary prior to the rehearsal. Please refer to the Attendance Policy.

3. Have a pencil with you at all times during rehearsal. Changes in scores and schedules will not be announced multiple times. If you need help with marking, ask a fellow choir member outside of rehearsal.

4. Please number all measures of each piece of music. When new music is handed out, each measure is to be numbered by the following rehearsal. Binder checks may happen at any time.

5. No talking of any kind is allowed during or between numbers, or when the director is working with a particular section. Please raise your hand and wait to be addressed if you have a question or comment that is beneficial to the entire ensemble.

6. Attention should be given to the person in front of the choir during announcements.

7. Do not hum the pitch that is given to start pieces, as it is distracting. If a member does not hear the pitch, they are to keep their head down so the pitch can be given again.

8. Choir members are not to leave the room during rehearsal. Take care of all personal needs before rehearsal begins.

9. There is no food, candy, gum, or soda allowed during rehearsal. However, water is allowed and encouraged.

10. There is absolutely no use of cell phones allowed. Please turn off or silence all electronic devices before rehearsal begins.

11. Lost music will result in a $25.00 fine or the cost of replacement, whichever costs more.

EXPECTATIONSREHEARSAL

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PROCEDURESPERFORMANCE

1. All performances are mandatory. Missed performances may result in a failing grade.

2. Warm-ups are scheduled for one hour before a performance, unless otherwise stated. See rehearsal expectations.

3. The choir will proceed together quietly to the concert site and wait for a time to enter in a professional manner.

4. Follow performance directions as quickly and accurately as possible.

5. Members of the ensemble should keep their eyes on the director at all times during a performance.

During the required sectional practice, members of the ensemble are expected to correct and clarify trouble spots in the music. There will be a monthly sectional time for each voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). The same respect and attention given during rehearsals is expected during sectionals. Attendance is taken at every sectional.

SECTIONALS

At the end of each spring semester, the choir goes on a tour either internationally or domestically. During this time, we sing for different church services, school choirs, and other events. Along with the performances, the choir is given the opportunity to experience the culture of the cities we are visiting.

TOUR

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1. It is imperative that each member is on time for each event on tour out of respect for the whole ensemble, and for his or her own safety.

2. The support and respect of fellow choir members is very important. Do your best to maintain a positive attitude at all times.

3. Avoid the use of strong or heavy perfumes, including hairsprays and aftershaves. They can damage choir robes or compromise the health of those with allergies.

4. Personal hygiene is very important. Remember to pack, and carry with you, proper products to be as hygienic as possible.

5. When representing Iowa Wesleyan University and the IW Choir, members should conduct themselves with dignity and act appropriately at all times.

6. Members are responsible for their own belongings, valuables, and money brought on tour. 7. All rules about performance procedures and performance attire will be followed on tour.

ETIQUETTETOUR

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1. Each choir member is entrusted with the care and upkeep of their assigned robe.2. Each choir member will be assigned a robe and stole. 3. Robes must be kept clean and damage free.4. No collared shirts are to be worn under the robes.5. Anytime a member is visible to the public, robes must be fully zipped with the collar fastened.6. Hair must be kept off the robes at all times.7. Eating and drinking in the robe is prohibited.8. Getting the robe wet is prohibited.9. Always transport the robe in a garment bag.

ATTIRE

MEN WOMEN

POLO SHIRT

ROBES

PERFORMANCE

All members must wear their designated robes with dress bottoms and shoes unless otherwise specified. Modest jewelry and watches may be worn during performances. Please do not wear anything dangly or gaudy.

Members will be issued one Iowa Wesleyan University Music polo shirt when they become a choir member. Additional shirts are available for a modest charge. Each member is responsible for the care and storage of their shirt(s).

• Black Dress Pants• Black Belt• Black Socks• Black Dress Shoes• Plain Black Leather or Faux

Leather• Flat with no scuffs or tears• Thick rubber soles are

unacceptable• Please do not wear sandals,

flip flops, tennis shoes or boots

• Black Dress Bottoms• Dresses and skirts should

be knee length or longer• Please do not wear yoga

pants, sweat pants, or leggings

• Black Dress Shoes• Closed toe and closed heel• Heels should be no taller

than 2 inches• Please do npt wear sandals,

flip flops, tennis shoes, or boots

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10. Students may only use the robe assigned to them.11. Robes must be returned to the robe closet on the 3rd floor of Old Main after each use and hung up in numerical order with the zipper facing the left side.

In the event that any issued item is damaged, lost, or not returned, the student must reimburse Iowa Wesleyan University the full replacement cost of that item.

Any damage from normal wear and tear, or maintenance issues, must be reported as soon as possible to the choir secretary or robe sargeant.

ROBES CONT’D

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RESPONSIBILITIESCOUNCIL

PRESIDENT• Assists the director with concert and tour logistics• Is a liaison between the director and choir council to the choir • Must have a minimum of four semesters as a member of Iowa

Wesleyan University Concert Choir

VICE PRESIDENT• Responsible for organizing and lining up the choir before

performances• Fills in when President is absent• Assists with logistics for concerts and tour• Responsible for cataloging and filing of choral music• Responsible for distribution and collection of choral music• Must Have a Minimum of two semesters as a member of Iowa

Wesleyan University Concert Choir

SECRETARY• Records rehearsal and concert attendance• Responsible for handouts and other various documents• Records Minutes at Council Meetings• Assists with any various needs of President and Vice President• Must Have a Minimum of two semesters as a member of Iowa

Wesleyan University Concert Choir

SOCIAL CHAIRS • Responsible for group activities • Assists with any logistics for events • Responsible for greeting and assisting visitors• Responsible for group photos and displays

• Completes projects needed for the choir• Brings questions and concerns by the choir members to the council• Serves as Robe Sargeant for the choir• Must have a minimum of two semesters as a member of Iowa

Wesleyan University Concert Choir

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MEMBERS AT-LARGE

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INFORMATIONCONTACT

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTORProfessor Blair Buffington Email: choir@iw.edu Office Phone: 319.385.6354 Mobile Phone: 319.750.3404

COUNCILPresident Brooklyn Fraise Email: brooklyn.fraise@iw.edu Phone: (319) 931- 8752

Vice President Tori Morris Email: victoria.morris@iw.edu Phone: (641) 660- 5135

SecretaryMatthew Whaley Email: matthew.whaley@iw.edu Phone: (319) 520 - 6135

Member At Large Lena HenriksenEmail: lena.henriksen@iw.eduPhone: (319) 750- 7611 Social Chairs Mason Wills Email: mason.wills@iw.eduPhone: (309) 846-8542

Jeremiah Carter Email: jeremiah.carter@iw.eduPhone: (319) 594- 6426

SECTION LEADERSBass Jeremiah Carter & Isaiah Blain

Tenor David Adams & Josh McPhersonAlto Tori Morris & Lena Henriksen

Soprano Brooklyn Fraise & Delaney VanNess

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