handbook official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. sight-read complex melodies and...

23
Welcome to the Vocal Music Program at Mater Dei High School. We are so excited that you chose this dynamic program and we are confident that you will find this decision very rewarding. Beyond learning the fundamentals of good singing and ringing, you will also learn the benefits of teamwork and, hopefully, find a place you can call home. It is our goal to present a choral program of the highest quality, and, with your dedication and passion, we can achieve this and much more. We pride ourselves with our outstanding tradition and it is up to each of you to carry on this strong tradition of musical excellence. As you will see with the pages to follow, there is a lot to know. This handbook outlines the rules and expectations of the choral music program as well as explains the grading process and major events for the year. Please complete and return the last two pages of the handbook by Wednesday, September 9. If you have any questions or concerns after reading this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will see that all you questions are answered. A mandatory meeting of all parents and students is scheduled for Thursday, September 3 at 7pm in the LeVecke Center. At this meeting we will discuss our major events for the school year including Madrigal Feast, festivals, field trips and schedule. Thank you again for choosing to sing or ring with us this year. With the commitment and talent I have seen in you already, I can say that I am eager as ever to start rehearsing. Sincerely, Scott Melvin Justin Miller Executive Director of Performing Arts Director of Choral Music [email protected] [email protected] Amanda Bistolfo Associate Director of Choral Music [email protected] 1

Upload: others

Post on 19-Jul-2020

3 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

!Welcome to the Vocal Music Program at Mater Dei High School. We are so excited that

you chose this dynamic program and we are confident that you will find this decision very rewarding. Beyond learning the fundamentals of good singing and ringing, you will also learn the benefits of teamwork and, hopefully, find a place you can call home. It is our goal to present a choral program of the highest quality, and, with your dedication and passion, we can achieve this and much more. We pride ourselves with our outstanding tradition and it is up to each of you to carry on this strong tradition of musical excellence.

As you will see with the pages to follow, there is a lot to know. This handbook outlines the rules and expectations of the choral music program as well as explains the grading process and major events for the year. Please complete and return the last two pages of the handbook by Wednesday, September 9. If you have any questions or concerns after reading this handbook, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will see that all you questions are answered. A mandatory meeting of all parents and students is scheduled for Thursday, September 3 at 7pm in the LeVecke Center. At this meeting we will discuss our major events for the school year including Madrigal Feast, festivals, field trips and schedule.

Thank you again for choosing to sing or ring with us this year. With the commitment and talent I have seen in you already, I can say that I am eager as ever to start rehearsing. !!Sincerely, !! !Scott Melvin Justin Miller Executive Director of Performing Arts Director of Choral Music [email protected] [email protected] !! Amanda Bistolfo Associate Director of Choral Music                  [email protected]  ! !

! 1

Page 2: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

!!!Table of Contents !!

1………………….. Letter from the Directors !2………………….. Table of Contents !3………………….. Basic Objectives !5………………….. Parent Expectations !6………………….. Grading Policy !11………………… Choir Officers !13………………… Cost Overview !14………………… Financial Support !16………………… Costume Rental Policy !17………………… Chaperones !18………………… Contact Information !19………………… Important Dates !20………………… Handbook Contract !21………………… Handbook Worksheet  !!!!!

! 2

Page 3: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Why We Do What We Do… !Music is a unique and essential part of the human experience. Music education preserves the history of cultures and fosters a lifelong enjoyment and love of music. Active support and participation in music enriches and enhances the quality of life. !Mater Dei High School promotes the musical development and growth of the complete student. The creative process of musical performance helps students develop higher level thinking skills applicable to all areas of learning. The sequential development of musical skills provides opportunities for cognitive and aesthetic growth, social interaction, emotional and personal expression, and discriminating judgment. Each student will be encouraged, through high standards of performance, to achieve his/her full musical and intellectual potential. !Objectives !Students will:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the physiological workings of human vocal production.

2. Sing with proper intonation, appropriate interpretation and acceptable enunciation.

3. Gain confidence and poise in order to prepare and perform solos from classical and popular literature.

4. Sing with confidence, a wide variety of choral music ranging from folk song to French art song. Performances range from formal concerts to adjudicated festivals.

5. Sing with accuracy and tone, their designated part of a choral piece alone and with a small ensemble of singers on different parts.

6. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure (form and design) of music. 7. Using specific musical descriptors, describe music of the various historical

periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above

average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing in master classes and work with professional and aspiring vocalists from

colleges and universities. 10. Identify specific intervals by number and quality, both aurally and from the

printed score. 11. Learn to transcribe complex rhythmic and melodic patterns up to eight

measures in length. 12. Learn to identify and explain the use of form in a major choral/orchestral work.

Subsequently, each student will perform this choral/orchestral work with full professional orchestra.

! 3

Page 4: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

13. Learn to identify choral and vocal music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern musical periods and explain the differences therein.

14. Attend concerts of professional and non-professional choral/vocal ensembles throughout the Southern California area and beyond.

15. Learn to recognize the vast opportunities the professional and amateur musician has in an ever-changing world of multimedia.

16. Critique personal performance using advanced musical terms. 17. Listen and respond to music accurately and intellectually. !!

Course Content

1. Music Theory a. Major and Minor Scales b. Tetrachords and the Circle of 5ths c. Interval Identification – Written and Aural d. Advanced Rhythmic Notation e. Augmented and Diminished Chords f. 7th, 9th, and 11th Chords g. Proper Voice Leading and Chordal Analysis

2. Vocal Development a. Proper Vowel Production b. Proper Posture c. Bel Canto technique d. Intermediate Alexander Technique

3. Music History a. Acute Knowledge of Historical Performance Practice b. Historical context of Performance Literature

4. Preparation for concerts, masses and festivals 5. Application of Method through Performance !!!

Supplemental Materials 1. Essentials of Music Theory. By Andrew Surmani, Karen Farnum Surmani, and

Morton Manus. Alfred Publishing. 2. The Structure of Singing. Richard Miller. Schirmer Pub. 3. The Jenson Sight Singing Course. David Bauguess. Hal Leonard. 4. Various Choral Octavos and Major Works. Past literature includes compositions

by Francis Poulenc, Wolfgang A. Mozart, Franz Schubert, Ralph Vaughan Williams, Joseph Haydn and many more.

5. Tenuto - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tenuto/id459313476?mt=8

! 4

Page 5: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

6. Theory Lessons - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/theory-lessons/id493157418?mt=8

7. ForScore - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/forscore/id363738376?mt=8 8. ReadRhythm - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/rhythm-sight-reading-trainer/

id396302174?mt=8 9. Notion - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/notion/id475820434?mt=8 10. ForScore - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/forscore/id363738376?mt=8 ! !!

The Role of the Parent !Much of the success realized by the students in their musical activities is due to the home environment established by their parents. !The role of the parent should be an active one that demonstrates a sincere interest in the educational welfare of the student. This interest will be exemplified by the parents by: !

• Urging the student to explore the possibilities of music as a means of greater educational and life enrichment. !

• Providing the means whereby the interested student may study music. !• Showing an interest in the student’s progress by encouraging regular practice at

home and additional study through private lessons. !• Encouraging the student to participate whole-heartedly in the activities of the

musical organization of which they are a member. !• Keeping informed of the progress of the school music program and participating in

and encouraging the advancement of its standards. !• Maintaining a channel of communication and participation with the music staff and

Choir Advisory Board. !With participation, support and encouragement, the choral music program at Mater Dei will continue to grow and build upon its tremendous legacy. But more importantly, these students will have a wonderful musical, educational and social experience which they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.   !!!

www.materdei.org/choir  

! 5

Page 6: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

STUDENT CONDUCT AND GRADING POLICY !Rehearsals !

First and Foremost, treat each other kindly and with respect. If you follow this tenet, the following “regulations” will come naturally. !!

• Each class will begin with prayer. This may be in the form of a song, reading from the Bible, devotional, or personal intentions. Prayer may sometimes be lead by class members. !

• BE ON TIME!!! If you are more then 10 minutes late to class report directly to the dean’s office. To be on time means to be in your seat with ready to sing before the bell rings. !

• Treat each rehearsal like you would a performance! The more productive our rehearsals are, the better our performances will be. YOU PERFORM LIKE YOU PRACTICE! !

• Quiet talking is allowed in between each song, but NEVER while you or another section is rehearsing. It is inappropriate to talk while the director is directing the class or a member of the class. This includes sectional rehearsal, no matter who is in charge (i.e. student director, section leader, etc.). This should not limit the fun of rehearsals, but add to the efficiency of our rehearsal time. !

• Warm-ups are designed to teach good singing technique. Always take the exercises seriously and try to improve each time. !

• If a student is put in charge of rehearsal, treat that student with respect. !• It is each member’s responsibility to work on and memorize the music outside of class

time as well as during rehearsals. Mandatory weekly sectional rehearsals will be scheduled by section leaders. !

• You must be present at each assigned sectional or your grade will be affected. If you miss a sectional you must arrange a make-up time with your section leader. !

• Follow directions the first time so they do not have to be repeated. !• Always keep a positive attitude and cooperate with each other, even when things get

frustrating. We’re all one big choral family! !

! 6

Page 7: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

• Learn to be very flexible both musically and organizationally. There will be times when extra rehearsals will be called before important performances. Whenever possible you will be given two weeks notice before extra rehearsals or performances. !

• If you have a sore throat and should not sing that day in class, you still need to participate by mentally singing along with the group. If you are not well enough to participate, stay home or go to the health office. Also, you must give a note excusing you from singing to the director BEFORE class begins, signed by a parent or guardian. !

Performances !• All performances are mandatory functions. These include ALL festivals and

competitions, ALL school masses, the Fall and Spring Concerts, Madrigal Feast, Coffeehouse and any other community and school performances which are scheduled. Our rehearsals each day are designed to work toward the goal of a performance. We will work hard each day to establish a strong choral tone which is dependent on every voice. If you do not attend a performance, you will not only lessen you own musical experience, but the musical experience of the rest of the choir as well. !

• You may only miss a performance for a family emergency or conflict, a religious conflict (i.e. confirmation) that is unavoidable or because of ill health. Financial excuses will not be accepted as the students and parents will be given ample fundraising and financial aid opportunities throughout the year to cover the cost of the program. Work is also not a valid excuse. If there is a problem with an employer, please have them contact Mr. Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo. If you are not present at a dress rehearsal or concert, your grade will be seriously affected and you will be required to schedule a meeting with Mr. Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo. !

• Be on time. You are responsible for getting yourself to the meeting place on time. If you are ill and cannot attend a performance or dress rehearsal, it is YOUR responsibility to contact Mr. Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo BEFORE the rehearsal or performance. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! !

• As a member of the Mater Dei Choral Music Department, you are in the public spotlight. Because of the number of performances we will have in our community, each member of choir must demonstrate appropriate behavior and maturity in and out of uniform. Always remember that you are a representative of your school, community and must always conduct yourself with class.

• With the exception of some performance in the community, all students will always travel by bus to and from performances according to school policy. !!!!

! 7

Page 8: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Grading Policy !Choir is a participation-oriented class; therefore, most of your grade is based upon participation. To get an A in this area, you must not only participate in each concert, dress rehearsal and class period, you must also participate actively and appropriately so that you improve. Your improvement means the program as a whole will improve. !Methods of Evaluation

1. Daily Participation 2. Attendance at performances 3. Weekly Theory assignments 4. Quizzes and Tests 5. Written Critiques and Observations 6. Music Preparation 7. Performance Exams 8. Performance abilities and skills !

Grading Scale Participation 15% Theory Assignments 15% Performances 25% Vocal Assessment 25% Semester Exam 20% !Late Work 10% per day 20% per weekend Maximum of 5 days late, thereafter late work will not be accepted ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

! 8

Page 9: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Concert Etiquette !• No talking during a performance. Always give other groups the same attention you

would like. !• If you must leave to use the restroom, do so only between groups. Never interrupt a

performance by getting up in the middle of it. Return to your seat after the group performs and during the applause. Countless breathtaking performances have been ruined by someone opening or closing a door on the way to and from the bathroom in the middle of it. !

• Listen to and watch other performances carefully. It’s a good opportunity for you to learn and they deserve respect. !

• Never shout across the room to friends, family, or someone on stage. !• Always  applaud  each  song  to  show  your  respect  and  appreciaCon.  !• When  it  is  your  turn  to  sing,  sit  at  the  edge  of  your  chair  and  wait  for  the  cue  to  stand.  

Walk  confidently  to  the  stage.  !• Never  take  your  eyes  off  the  director.  It  is  very  unprofessional  and  distracCng  from  your  

performance  if  you  let  your  eyes  wander.  !• Never  talk  while  on  the  risers.  It  is  very  unprofessional!  AKer  each  song,  stand  sCll,  smile  

and  accept  the  applause.  !• Always  act  professionally  in  uniform,  even  when  you’re  not  performing.  !• Warm-­‐up  Cme  before  concerts  is  never  open  to  family  and/or  friends.  This  is  the  final  

Cme  for  us  to  focus  on  the  performance.  Doors  will  be  open  to  the  public  one  half  hour  before  the  concert  begins.  !! !

Music  !- Each  choir  member  will  receive  music  through  their  iPads  this  year.    For  this,  students  will  

be  provided  a  download  code  for  the  app  forScore.    This  app  will  be  invaluable  to  us  in  rehearsal  and  I  so  look  forward  to  experimenCng  with  it  this  year.    Each  choir  member  will  also  receive  a  black  folder  for  use  at  Madrigal  Feast.    You  are  responsible  for  the  music  and  the  folder  and  are  required  to  return  it.  If  the  music  or  folder  is  lost,  you  will  be  responsible  for  replacement  costs  ($22).  !!

www.materdei.org/choir  ! 9

Page 10: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Private Instruction !If you feel you are ready and interested in taking private voice lessons please see Mr. Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo. Each of you is urged to study privately and we have made available voice classes on campus after school to teach Mater Dei students. See Mr. Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo for more details. Below is a list of websites and schools that are dedicated to teaching strong and healthy vocalism: ! www.nats.org

www.scvachoral.org/ www.choralnet.org/ www.acda.org www.chapman.edu www.fullerton.edu www.csulb.edu www.uci.edu !!

Choir Room !• No Food or drink in the choir room except water. Only during lunchtime may you bring

in food. !• No gum! EVER!!! Serious singers do not chew gum while singing. !• Do not write on the board unless you ask for permission first. !• Sound cabinet, TV/VCR are off limits. !! !

Miscellaneous !• The office is off limits to all students, unless you are invited or need to speak with Mr.

Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo !• The choir room and storage rooms will be kept clean at all times. Be responsible for

your own trash. !• Do not put anything on the piano. No food, drinks, backpacks, folders, etc. !• You are encouraged to bring a clear bottle of water each day to rehearsal. !!

! 10

Page 11: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Choir  Officers  !!This is a general description of all officers. !Student Directors The student directors are appointed by the choir directors. They must be returning seniors to the department. They will work with each of the ensemble Presidents to coordinate activities and events. They act as chairpersons for choir officer meetings. They conduct rehearsals when the director is not present, and may conduct at selected performances. They are the editors of the monthly Choir Newsletter. They must attend all Choir Advisory Board meetings and assist the director with all choir activities. !President This is a director-appointed position. If it is an intermediate or advanced ensemble, He/she must be a returning member of the of the choral program. He/she helps to co-ordinate activities and events and delegate authority when needed. He/she makes sure everyone in their ensemble is informed of all activities and events. He/she acts as social chairperson for the ensemble which means they must plan their own choir’s unity nights and get-togethers. They lead rehearsals when a director is not present. !Vice- President This is a student-elected position. He/she assists the director by coordinating volunteers for set-up and take-down as needed. He/she assists the President as needed as well. The Vice- President is in charge of publicity for their ensemble(posters, etc.). !Handbell Manager This is a director-appointed position. The handbell manager will run rehearsal in the absence of the director, help coordinate special events and performances and oversee maintenance of the bells and the bell library. !Secretary This is a student-elected position. He/she keeps minutes at Choir Officer meetings to report to the ensemble. He/she also takes attendance at each rehearsal and performance. !Historian This is a student-elected position. He/she will keep photos and videos of each of the choir’s performances and activities. He/she must be able to provide his/her own equipment. Historians will make a picture book at the end of the year to be displayed at the End-of-the-Year banquet. He/she will also decorate and organize the choir board outside the choir room. !!!

! 11

Page 12: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Librarian This is a student-elected position. He/she is responsible for handing out and collecting all music and keeping track of any music that is lost. Librarians will keep the choir binder section clean and organized. He/she organizes and catalogues the music library. !Section Leaders These are director-appointed positions. Section Leaders schedule and direct sectional rehearsals each week. They take attendance at sectionals and report to the director. They are responsible for the performance and preparedness of their section. It is their job to make sure everyone in their section knows the music. Section Leaders are responsible for being sure each person is at each sectional or has a make-up time scheduled. ! !

Choir Officer Meetings !!The choir officers will meet Wednesdays after school to discuss upcoming events, fundraisers, etc. All officers are required to be at these meetings, unless prior notice is given to the student director or the appropriate choir president. Anyone who wishes to discuss a problem or issue may ask the choir president to discuss that issue or may request to attend the meeting in person. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!

www.materdei.org/choir

! 12

Page 13: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

!Cost Overview 2015-2016

!Chamber Singers and Bel Canto

Cost Breakdown Choir Fees= $450.00 (includes t-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, jacket, tuxedo/dress rentals, meals at extra rehearsals, and Madrigal Feast DVD) !Payment Dates September 15th – $150 October 15th – $100 November 15th – $100 December 15th – $100 !

Handbell Ensemble Cost Breakdown Choir Fees= $425.00 (includes t-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, jacket, tuxedo/dress rentals, meals at extra rehearsals, and Madrigal Feast DVD) Las Vegas Trip= $350.00 (trip cost subject to change until November) !Total= $775.00 !Payment Dates September 15th – $200 October 15th - $200 November 15th – $200 December 15th- $175 – Choir fees due in full this day !

Concert Choir, Cabaletta, Kingsmen, and Vivace Cost Breakdown Choir Fees= $425.00 (includes t-shirt, polo, sweatshirt, jacket, tuxedo/dress rentals, meals at extra rehearsals, and Madrigal Feast DVD) !Payment Dates September 15th – $100 October 15th - $100 November 15th – $100 December 15th- $125 – Choir fees due in full this day !!Payments will be made through FACTS again this year for all choir fees, trip fees and Madrigal Feast. You should be quite familiar with the FACTS program. If you do have questions regarding payments, please do not hesitate to ask Mr. Miller.  

! 13

Page 14: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Financial Support !

It is the goal of the choir program to provide opportunities to offset a large portion, if not all, of your choir fees. We have four opportunities this year: the sales fundraisers, bank fundraisers, the restaurant flyer fundraisers, and the individual group fundraisers. !!

Sales Fundraisers !These fundraisers give your student a chance to participate and cover the costs themselves. Information about these fundraisers will be distributed on a separate handout. Our first sales fundraiser will be the OC Auto Show Tickets and information will be distributed at the first choir parent meeting. ! !

F&M Donation Program !F&M Bank has developed a customized program to help fund youth projects undertaken by schools or other organizations. By opening accounts, personal and business, through F&M, Mater Dei Choir will receive a donation anywhere from $300-$500. Please refer to the enclosed flyer about the program and how you can help support the MD Choir. !!

Fundraiser Mortgage !Families already needing a Purchase Loan or Refinance can use Fundraiser Mortgage to raise funds for the organization of their choice. We will help you find the right mortgage, then upon closing, a check will be made directly to the organization of choice. The amount donated will be .20% of the loan amount. http://www.fundraisermortgage.net/ !Examples $200,000 loan amount = $400 donation $300,000 loan amount = $600 donation $400,000 loan amount = $800 donation $600,000 loan amount = $1,200 donation $800,000 loan amount = $1,600 donation $1,000,000 loan amount = $2,000 donation !! !!!!

! 14

Page 15: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Restaurant Flyer Fundraisers !The following fundraisers support the overall program and help to purchase and maintain materials and reduce fees. Although this money goes to the general fund, these fundraisers are integral to the success of our program. We try to schedule one fundraiser each month at various local restaurants. You will be sent a flyer which you can forward, copy, e-mail and distribute as you wish. When you bring this flyer with you to dine in or pick up your food, the Mater Dei High School Choral Department will receive a portion of the proceeds – usually 15%-20%. This is a wonderful way to meet other parents and students within the choral department, creating connections and friendships throughout the Mater Dei community. !Enclosed in the folder you will find a schedule for the Restaurant Flyer Fundraisers this year. Please place this in a visible place in your home as a reminder of this easy way to participate and support the choir. !!

Individual Choir Fundraisers !The leaders of each choir will be challenged to come up with a fundraiser for their choir. They will work with the Student Directors to get approval for the fundraiser and to execute it. The monies generated from these fundraisers will go toward a cause voted upon by the ensemble.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 15

Page 16: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Costume Rental Policy !DRESSES

• Keep your dress hanging in its labeled garment bag at all times. • Do not crumple it up somewhere to be stepped on and get wrinkled. • All dresses must be clean and pressed for stage use. Anyone with a dirty or

wrinkled dress will not be allowed to participate with the choir.

• No jewelry or other accessories are to be worn while in costume unless provided to the entire choir by the director.

• No eating while in costume! • All black flat or heeled (no higher than 1 inch) formal shoes are required while on

stage. • Black hosiery must be worn while in costume. • Dress replacement fee - $80 !

TUXEDOS • Keep entire tuxedo in labeled garment bag • NO watches, necklaces or other accessories maybe worn during performances at

any time with the tuxedo.

• NO WHITE SOCKS! Black socks must be worn at all times. • Shirts must be tucked in and pressed for all performances. • As needed, the tuxedo must be dry cleaned at your own expense to be used for

every choir event.

• Black tuxedo shoes must be worn during all performances. • Improper use of the tuxedo and its regulations can result in fines or dismissal from

performance. • Tuxedo replacement fee - $200 !

MADRIGAL FEAST COSTUMES • Keep entire garment in labeled garment bag • No eating or drinking (excepting water) • NO watches, necklaces or other accessories maybe worn during performances at

any time.

• Proper socks, leggings or tights must be worn. • Black flat or heeled (no higher than 1 inch) formal shoes or black tuxedo shoes are

required • while on stage. • You must return the costume in full after the final performance. Any items

unaccounted for • require a replacement fee which will be notated on your January invoice

! 16

Page 17: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Chaperones !Whenever the choir goes off campus for an event we are required to have 1 chaperone per every 10 students. Every chaperone needs to be fingerprinted through the school and complete the safe environment training online at www.shieldthevulnerable.org. If you plan on chaperoning at all for any event please contact the fingerprinting office at [email protected] and have your fingerprinting done by the end of September. Please review the Chaperone Intent form at the end of the handbook. If you can chaperone, please check which events for which you are available and return the form along with the other items to be returned. !

Approved Chaperone Responsibilities !1. Stay with the students. Be observant and know what’s going on with the students. 2. Assist the Choir Director and any school representatives as needed and/or

requested. 3. Behave appropriately as a representative of the choir program and Mater Dei High

School. Adjudicators are always watching and they know who the chaperones are. 4. Since chaperones are responsible for the students from the time the group leaves

the Mater Dei campus until the return to campus, chaperones need to abstain from the consumption of any alcohol beverages for the duration of the trip.

5. Know what the trip rules are and follow them. !Chaperone Responsibilities on Overnight Choir Trips !

1. Check rooms, hallways, and common areas (such as pools) at least 15 minutes prior to the designated lights out time. Make sure all students are headed back to their rooms for the evening. This is their last chance to get any snacks they think they may need.

2. Perform a final room check at lights out time. Make sure only students assigned to the room are in the room. Remind students that they are expected to be quiet after this point and respect the other hotel guests. Tape door and frame near the door handle.

3. In the room means in the room. Anyone not in their room will be taken to the School Administrator to determine appropriate disciplinary measures. Chaperones DO NOT administer discipline.

4. Chaperones need to walk the hallways 30 minutes after lights out to make our students are being quiet and are in their assigned rooms.

5. Prearranged sleeping assignments cannot be changed. If there is an emergency and we need to locate a student, we need to be able to find that student ASAP by going to their designated room. We are responsible to know where each student is at all times. Any and all policies and regulations of Mater Dei High School need to be followed during all choir activities. The above guidelines are not intended to nullify any policies or regulations of Mater Dei High School that are currently in place.  

! 17

Page 18: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Contact Information and Office Hours !Choral Office Hours

!Monday: 9:00am-11:00am Wednesday: 9:00am-11:00am Friday 9:00am-11:00am !

Office Hours are subject to change due to rehearsals and performances. Please contact Mr. Melvin, Mr. Miller, or Ms. Bistolfo to set up

a meeting time prior to arriving on campus. !Scott Melvin Executive Director of Performing Arts Director — Chamber Singers (714) 957-3798 http://www.materdei.org/performingarts [email protected] !Justin Miller Director of Choral Music Director — Bel Canto, Concert, and Kingsmen (714) 850-9559 http://www.materdei.org/choir [email protected] !Amanda Bistolfo Associate Director of Choral Music Director — Cabaletta, Vivace, and Handbell Ensemble [email protected] !Kent Helwig Choral Accompanist [email protected] !Nadia Smelser Head Voice Instructor [email protected]

!!! 18

Page 19: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Important Dates !

These are dates that apply to all Choir members. Please note there are other festivals and performances unique to each individual ensemble that are not listed

here because they are subject to change. !Mater Dei Calendar

!Aug 27, 6pm-9pm Choir Unity Night !Sep 3, 7 pm Choir Parent Meeting !Sep 20, 9 am Family Mass !Oct 11, 7pm Fall Concert !Nov 21, 10am - 4pm Madrigal Feast Rehearsal !Dec 3, 6pm - 9pm Madrigal Feast Rehearsal !Dec 7, 8 and 9 Madrigal Feast Rehearsals 3pm - 10pm !Dec 10, 11, and 12 Madrigal Feast 6:30pm - 10pm !Mar 17, 7:30pm Spring Concert !Apr 11-15 (in class) Choir Auditions !May 14, 6pm Coffeehouse !May 31st, 6pm - 8pm Choir Banquet !!

! 19

Page 20: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Handbook Contract !

I, ___________________________________, and my parents have read and understand this handbook and the rules, expectations, and grading process included. I will uphold the rules and expectations of the Choral Music Department and Mater Dei High School. I realize that if I violate any of the previously mentioned rules, my status in the Choral Music Program may be seriously affected. !Please read each section and initial here. !Student/ Parent ______ / ______ - Letter from the directors !______ / ______ - Basic Objectives of the Choral Music Department !______ / ______ - Student Conduct and Grading Policy !______ / ______ - Cost Overview !______ / ______ - Fundraising !______ / ______ - Costume Rental Policy !______ / ______ - Chaperones !!Student Signature ___________________________________ !!Parent Name (printed)________________________________ !Parent Signature ____________________________________ !Please fill out and return this form and all forms following to the choral office by September 9th. !!!! !!

! 20

Page 21: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

Handbook Worksheet !1. A mandatory meeting of all parents and students is scheduled for ____________ !

_________________ at ____ pm in the LeVecke Center. !2. Name four things you will be able to do after completing this class: !

a.____________________________________________________________________ b.____________________________________________________________________ ! c.____________________________________________________________________ ! d.____________________________________________________________________ !

3. Learn to identify choral and vocal music from the Middle Ages, Renaissance,

Baroque, Classical, Romantic and ____________________________

4. Much of the success realized by the students in their musical activities is due to

the _____________________________________________________________

5. First and Foremost, treat each other __________________________________.

If you follow this tenet, the following “regulations” will come naturally.

6. You may only miss a performance for:

a. !b. !c. !

7. Always ______________________ in uniform, even when you’re not performing.

!8. Do not put anything on the __________. No food, drinks, backpacks, folders, etc. !9. The choir officers will meet every ________________ after school to discuss upcoming events,

fundraisers, etc. !10. Choral Office Hours: !

a. _______________________________________________ !b. _______________________________________________ !c. _______________________________________________

! 21

Page 22: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

! 22

Page 23: Handbook Official 2015-16...periods, styles and cultures. 8. Sight-read complex melodies and four-part to eight-part vocal music with above average note and rhythm accuracy. 9. Sing

! 23