Ipswich Choral Music Student Handbook 2017-2018 School

Year

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STUDENT HANDBOOK 2017-2018

Welcome to Ipswich Choral Music!Home of the TIGERS

Instructor: Charlene Blondo

Website: www.musicbyheartstudio.weebly.com

Email: Charlene.blondo@k12.sd.us

The Mission of the Ipswich Choral Music Department isTo provide all students a personalized learning environment to foster meaningful experiences in the performance, understanding, and appreciation of the discipline and art of music.

We Value Music's unique ability to improve the human condition. Musical citizenship and collaboration - serving and connecting with others

through music. Creativity, innovation, and diversity of perspectives. Discipline, commitment, and perseverance. Individuality in musical expression.

This student handbook contains important information necessary for the success of each student enrolled in middle school and high school choir in the 2017-2018 school year. Read through it carefully and keep it as a reference and/or bookmark it for future reference.

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Table of Contents

Course Description

High School Choir 4

Middle School Choir/Music 5

Music Events 6

Classroom Expectations and Procedures 7

Grading Policy 10

Performance Opportunities 13

Awards 14

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High School Choir Course DescriptionHigh School Choir is a one year (two semester), one credit elective course offered to students in grades 8-12. The program is designed to increase knowledge of music theory, music history, multicultural music, and develop individual musicianship. In doing so, students have opportunities to perform with the large choir ensemble; elect to perform with smaller ensembles such as the Girls’ Choir, Boys’ Choir, Jazz Choir; and enroll in private vocal lessons. Students have the opportunity to audition for South Dakota All State Chorus and South Dakota Honor Choirs.

Rehearsals are held every day for 44 minutes. The choir performs for Homecoming Coronation, Veteran’s Day, Snow Queen Festival, Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Regional Large Group Contest, Pops Concert, and Graduation. Other performance opportunities include Small Group Contest, SDMEA sponsored events, and various local and regional events.

Students who are enrolled in choir may also enroll in the intern program. This program provides students the opportunity to explore more activities in music, including assistant director of elementary and middle school musicals, stage manager, technical director, costuming and staging, music composition, recording, choral conducting, accompanying, private guitar, and classroom aide. These intern positions are tailored to fit individual student needs and goals.

Instruction will be a combination of guided individual and group projects, lecture, listening projects, hands-on exploration and creating. The course will explore vocal anatomy and health, efficient choral warm-ups, study and practice of appropriate vocal production, music theory, music history, American music, modern music, multicultural music, and musicianship skills.

The activities in this course will provide students with a foundation in how music is written, how music has evolved in all parts of the world, how to communicate expressively and intentionally through music. The activities will provide students with the opportunity to understand how music through time has had immense significance in the lives of people throughout all generations around the world. The students will be able to apply what they learn to the music of today and their personal musical experiences.

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Middle School Choir Course DescriptionMiddle School Choir/Music is an optional course for students in grades 6-7. The program is designed to increase knowledge of music theory, music history, multicultural music, and develop individual musicianship. In doing so, students have opportunities to perform with the large choir ensemble; elect to perform with smaller ensembles such as available; and enroll in private vocal lessons. Students have the opportunity to audition for South Dakota Elementary Honor Choir, and volunteer to participate in the SDMEA Music Festival as well as the NWMS Music Festival.

Rehearsals are held every day for 44 minutes. The choir performs for the Winter Concert, Spring Concert, Pops Concert, and the spring musical production. Other performance opportunities include SDMEA sponsored events, NWMS Festival, and various local and regional events.

Instruction will be a combination of guided individual and group projects, lecture, listening projects, hands-on exploration and creating. The course will explore vocal anatomy and health, efficient choral warm-ups, study and practice of appropriate vocal production, music theory, music history, American music, modern music, multicultural music, and musicianship skills.

The activities in this course will provide students with a foundation in how music is written, how music has evolved in all parts of the world, how to communicate expressively and intentionally through music. The activities will provide students with the opportunity to understand how music through time has had immense significance in the lives of people throughout all generations around the world. The students will be able to apply what they learn to the music of today and their personal musical experiences.

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2017-2018 Music Events

September??? All State Chorus Auditions11th Coronation 7pm – HS Choir15th Homecoming Parade30th Gypsy Days

October4th NSU Choral Workshop10th NWMS Festival – 6th-7th grade12th SDSU Choral Prep Day – All State Chorus13th Groton Marching Festival17th Drama/Music Club Performance 7pm27th-28th SD All State Chorus & Orchestra, Sioux Falls28th Elementary Honor Choir, Sioux Falls

November10th Veteran's Day – HS Choir – 10:00 am21st MS/HS Talent Show – 7:00 pm

December1st-2nd North Area Honor Band2nd-3rd Aberdeen Living Christmas Tree**Registration due on 15th for SDMEA Festival Choir7th Elementary Concert – 2:15 pm, 7pm11th MS/HS Concert 7 pm

February7th Small Group Contest, Aberdeen – HS Choir***March2nd-3rd MS All State Band5th SDMEA Festival, Mobridge – elementary13th MS/HS Spring Concert 7pm23rd MS Musical “Aladdin” 7pm28th Large Group Contest, Aberdeen – HS Choir

AprilAuditions due for 2017 Elementary Honor Choir

(grades 3-5 may audition)14th 5th-7th Instrumental Contest, Aberdeen26th Elementary Concert, 7pm

May3rd Pops Concert and Awards 7pm – MS/HS Choirs12th Graduation 2pm – HS Choir

MS and HS Choirs – requiredHS Choir – required

MS – requiredAll State Chorus – required

Elementary – required/and auditions

***There may be other events and/or opportunities throughout the year that are not

listed. ***

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Classroom Expectations and ProceduresAttendance - Attendance is critical for the success of each individual student as well as the

entire ensemble. Each student is important. Attendance is expected for all performances, sectionals, and additional rehearsals scheduled outside of the regular class time. Although makeup work is available for the students to earn the points they miss from an excused absence, the quality and success of the ensemble performance is challenged when someone is missing. In addition to that, students who are absent miss out on their performance assessment, musical experience, and personal growth as musicians.

Tardiness - Students are expected to arrive at class, sectionals, and additional rehearsals on time. Students are also expected to arrive to the music room on time as determined by the instructor prior to any required performance and trip. Any unexcused tardiness will be reported and dealt with according to the school wide policy. Students must bring a note from a teacher, administrator, or parent if they are going to be late for any reason, otherwise the tardiness is unexcused.

Absences from Performances - Students are responsible for informing the instructor of any planned excused absence from required performances. Sudden absences due to accident, illness, emergency, etc. are excused and need to be communicated to the instructor as soon as possible following the required performance that was missed. In the case of any excused absence, students must submit a makeup assignment in order to receive a grade for what was missed. Makeup assignments will be posted on the instructor’s website.

Absences from Sectionals - Students are responsible for informing the instructor of any planned excused absence from required sectionals. Sudden absences due to accident, illness, emergency, etc. are excused and need to be communicated to the instructor as soon as possible following the scheduled sectional rehearsal. Students must schedule a time with the instructor to make up the sectional rehearsal. Excused absences from sectionals include any other school events that require the student to be absent.

Unexcused Absences - Students with an unexcused absence will not receive credit for makeup work.

Cell Phones - Cell phones are not allowed. If any cell phone is detected, the instructor will turn the cell phone in to administration and action will be taken according to school policy and procedure. Noncompliance will result in deduction of points and eventually behavior referral for repeated offenses.

Back packs - Back packs are allowed in the classroom only as allowed by district determination. If students are permitted to bring backpacks to class rooms, they

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must be placed in a designated area of the music classroom so that they will not become a safety issue in case of immediate evacuation and so they are not a distraction to the learning environment. Noncompliance will result in deduction of points and eventually behavior referral for repeated offenses.

Gum - Gum is not allowed in the music classroom. It prohibits proper vocal production and is a choking hazard while singing. It is also unsupportive of maintaining a clean learning environment. Noncompliance will result in deduction of points and eventually behavior referral for repeated offenses.

Food & Beverage - No food is allowed in the music classroom unless during a special circumstance determined by the instructor or administration. No beverages are allowed in the music classroom except water. Noncompliance will result in deduction of points and eventually behavior referral for repeated offenses.

Students are responsible - for having a pencil in their choral folders at all times.

Students will be issued a choral folder. These folders must be maintained and returned at the end of the year in good condition. If a folder is lost or is damaged the student will be charged replacement cost. High School choral folders are $12.00 to replace; middle school choral folders are $9.00 to replace. All fees will need to be paid prior to checking out at the end of the school year.

Students are responsible for all music distributed throughout the year. If a student loses or damages music, the student will be charged replacement cost. The cost of music varies. Students will be charged for each piece of music that is lost or damaged. All fees will need to be paid prior to checking out at the end of the school year.

Eligibility - Students are expected to maintain eligibility. If a student becomes ineligible and thus unable to participate in required performances, it is considered an unexcused absence. At this time eligibility will be dealt with as a case-by-case basis.

Extra Credit - Students may not do extra work to receive extra credit for any points lost.

Participation - Students are expected to give 100% participation each day. Participation includes, but is not limited to: full singing (not lip singing and/or mumbling), following along in music, answering questions, asking questions, participating in class discussion, practicing proper posture, completing assignments, attending sectionals, and not talking out of turn. Non-participation will result in loss of daily participation points. Continued non-participatory behavior will result in a behavior referral.

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Assignments - Students are expected to complete any assignments on time as they would for any class.

Dress Code - Students will need to wear dress clothes for most concerts, contests, and festivals. Students must be prepared to dress accordingly. When the performance attire is to be dressy, jeans, shorts, tennis shoes and flip flops will not be allowed. Performance attire must also follow the school dress code guidelines. Choosing not to comply with the assigned dress code for each performance will result in a deduction of performance points.

Communication - Students are responsible for communicating with the instructor any concerns they have at any time. Students need to communicate any special circumstances they have that may make it difficult for them to fulfill the expectations outlined above.

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Grading PolicyEvent Points Details

Daily 10 Students automatically are given daily points. Dailypoints are lost if a student arrives tardy (unexcused tardiness), and non-participation. Daily points are assumed 10 total per week.

Assignments varies Details for each assignment will be given when theassignment is introduced. Assignments will be explained in class and will also be accessed on the instructor’s website.

Sectionals 15 Students will be scheduled for sectional rehearsal1x per month. The schedule will be posted in the classroom as well as on the instructor’s website. If students miss a sectional rehearsal with an excused absence, students may schedule a time to meet with the instructor for a lesson. Unexcused absences cannot be made up.

Lessons 10 The instructor may, at any time, determine that astudent or students may need one-on-one work outside of class to work on foundational singing skills. These lessons will be scheduled by the instructor and student(s) and continue indefinitely until the instructor determines the student(s) is achieving the necessary foundational skills for proper and healthy vocal production. Students needing to take lessons will be expected to attend them and be prepared to work. All policies regarding absences, tardiness, etc. apply to these private lessons.

Coronation 50 40 points for performance, 10 points forperformance assessment.

Veteran’s Day 50 40 points for performance, 10 points for performance assessment.

Concerts 100 each 90 points for performance, 10 points forperformance assessment.

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Large Group Contest 100 90 points for performance, 10 points forperformance assessment.

Festivals (non-voluntary) 100 90 points for performance, 10 points forperformance assessment.

Graduation 50 40 points for performance, 10 points forperformance assessment.

***Performance points are deducted if any of the following situations take place: tardiness, not following dress code, not participating, displaying poor concert etiquette, not completing a performance assessment. No performance points are issued for an unexcused absence. If a student is ineligible, that student receives zero points as an unexcused absence. Any points deducted cannot be made up.

Performance assessments are papers students will complete. They are available in the classroom as well as on the instructor’s website. In the case of excused absences, students may listen to a recording of the performance and complete the assessment afterwards.

****Performance makeup assignments**** - when students have an excused absence they are eligible to earn the points. Each performance will be given a makeup assignment equivalent to the total possible points of the performance. The written portion of the assignments will be posted in the classroom as well as on the instructor’s website. This is how the grading is broken down:

Performances worth 50 points: writing assignment - 35 pointsPerformance assessment - 10 pointsScheduled private lesson with instructor - 5 points

Performances worth 100 points: writing assignment - 80 pointsPerformance assessment - 10 pointsScheduled private lesson with instructor - 10 points

Grading ScaleA+ 100%A 95-99%A- 93-94%B+ 91-92%B 88-91%B- 86-87%C+ 84-85%C 80-83%

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C- 78%D+ 75-77%D 72-74%D- 70-71%F 69 and below

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Performance Opportunities

In addition to the regular class, students may choose to become involved in other school ensembles that focus primarily on performance. The ensembles offered are based on student interest. These ensembles rehearse at a time that works for the students, such as before or after school or during SRP. Students do not receive a grade or course credit for these ensembles; however, once students choose to be involved in an additional ensemble(s), they are expected to adhere to the same expectations as in the regular class. Students who are involved in additional ensembles receive points that accumulate towards the awards point system if they remain active in their chosen ensemble(s) throughout its duration (semester, school year, season).

Ensemble opportunities include (but are not limited to): Girls’ Choir; Boys’ Choir; Vocal Jazz; Acapella Choir; SD All State Choir.

National AnthemStudents may volunteer to perform the National Anthem at local events. Students wishing to do so must make arrangements with the instructor to discuss possible dates and to schedule rehearsals. Students who are not prepared and rehearsed to perform the anthem will not perform it until they are ready. This determination will be made jointly by the instructor and student(s) involved.

Private LessonsStudents wishing to deepen their singing, musical understanding and skills may choose to schedule regular lessons each week. In this situation, unlike lessons that are assigned to students, these private lessons are not worth grade points since they are voluntary. Even so, students who wish to enroll in private lessons are expected to attend them, do independent practice on materials given during the lessons, and communicate in advance any anticipated absences. Students are expected to bring their music and any materials needed for their lessons. Lessons may be schedule before, after or during school hours.

**Please note** - private lessons do not need to be strictly singing. Lessons can be used for music composition, recording technology, music theory lessons, and any other areas of interest related to music.

Auditioned ChoirsThis includes SD All State Choir, SD Middle School Honor Choir, SD High School Honor Choir, Middle School and High School Virtual Choir, Elementary Honor Choir (grades 4-6), college scholarship auditions, local and regional theater auditions, NCYC (National Catholic Youth Choir), and any other choral opportunity students are interested in auditioning for. By auditioning students receive points that accumulate toward the awards point system.

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Awards

Ipswich High School believes that outstanding achievements and participation in music is deserving of suitable awards. Each spring during the Pops Concert, these awards shall be presented to the students. Following is a detailed plan for determination of these awards. The awards will be determined by a point system. Points will be accumulative during grades 9-12, and may be earned by involvement in the instrumental program, the vocal program, or both. Both positive and negative points may be earned. If a question arises concerning the presentation of an award, the decision of the instructors will be final. Point SystemPOINTS WILL BE TOTALED ON A YEARLY BASIS

Member of band or mixed chorus - 40 Accompanist for daily mixed chorus - 200 Member of a performing ensemble who is NOT a member of the daily classes - 30

o This applies to students in Jazz Choir, Jazz Band, Barbershop Quartets, Girls’ Choir, Boys’ Choir, etc.

Secretary - 100o Anyone wishing to be a secretary for either band or choir would be responsible

for keeping an accurate record of points for all students in the choir or band. They would also be responsible for filing music and determining if all students have adequate music and any other “upkeep” duties as assigned by the instructor.

Concert attendance for band or choir - 50o These points will be awarded only if the student is actually at the concert. Points

will not be awarded for any “excused absence”. Concert attendance for a boys/girls, etc. ensemble - 30

o These points will be awarded only if the student is actually at the concert. Points will not be awarded for any “excused absence”.

Concert attendance for events involving one or two songs - 30o This involves mandatory concerts such as Coronation, Veteran’s Day, and

Graduation. Students must participate to receive the points available. Performance at mandatory athletic events (band) - 300

o At the beginning of each school year, there will be a determined amount of mandatory athletic events that the band will be required to attend. Each home will receive a letter and the dates that will be mandatory for every band member. Any absences must be excused in writing by the parent prior to the event. Any unexcused absence will result in an unsatisfactory grade in band for the quarter.

Performance at voluntary athletic events (band) - 20 per event

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o The remaining home athletic events will be performed as before, on a voluntary basis using band passes.

Performance at a tournament event (band) - 25o Mandatory performances are required of band members when they are to play

at a tournament such as districts or regions. Anyone not attending would receive an unsatisfactory grade for the quarter.

Performance at a community event - 20 per evento This would involve singing at the nursing home, singing the National Anthem at a

sporting event, being a regular participant in a church choir, playing organ, piano, or other instrument for your church, or any other time that you use your musical talents to benefit the public. Keep your instructor updated on the events you participate in.

Performance in the Snow Queen Talent Show - 30 All State Chorus Member - 100

o The chorus members must be members of the school chorus and remain in chorus for the complete school year to keep the points earned. It is an honor to be judged and selected to be a member of such an outstanding choir.

All State Chorus Auditions - 25o The student must be a member of the school chorus and remain in chorus for

the complete school year to keep the 100 points earned. All State Chorus Alternate - 50

o The student must be a member of the school choir for the entire school year and must learn the music that the actual All-State members perform. The alternates are not allowed to participate in the actual concert unless one of the actual members becomes ill or ineligible for some reason.

All State Band - 150o These students are selected statewide. It is a high honor to be chosen into All-

State Band. If selected into All-State Band, the student must remain in the band for the remainder of the year.

All State Band Auditions - 100o The students who try out for All State Band must be a school band member and

must follow through with the whole audition process to receive the points awarded.

Member of a Large Group at Contest (complete band or vocal) - 50o Each member receives 50 points for each group he/she participates in. Excused

absences will not receive the points awarded. Member of an ensemble at Small Group Contest (band or vocal) - 30

o Actual performance is required to receive the points. If there is cancellation due to weather, points may be awarded by discretion of the instructor.

Solo Performance at Contest - 40o Actual performance is required to receive the points. If there is cancellation due

to weather, points may be awarded by discretion of the instructor. Accompanist for any musical event - 25 per event

o This includes only school events, such as contests and concerts.

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Attendance at a Music Camp - 100o These points would be added to the following year’s total upon completion of

the camp.

TOTAL NUMBER OF POINTS NEEDED FOR AWARDSThe point system allows awards for every student who may be in only band or in only choir. This point system became effective in 2005.

800 points = 1st year music award1600 points = 2nd year music award2400 points = 3rd year music award3200 points = 4th year music award7000 points = Outstanding Musician Award

This award would be for points accumulated during four years of musical involvement in both choir and band.