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Roslyn High School Choral Handbook

2019-2020 www.roslynHSchorus.org

Mrs. Feinman Chorus Teacher

cfeinman@roslynschools.org

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Contents Welcome……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Program Organization…………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Objectives …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4

Classroom Routines and Expectations …………………………………………………………… 4 Rehearsal Etiquette …………………………………………………………………………………… 4

Concert Etiquette ....…………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Rules for Artistry & Learning …….……....………………………………………………………… 5

Concert Attire ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 Staying Informed …………………………………………………………………………………………6

Remind Instructions…………………………………………………………………………………….7-10

Grading Policy…… ………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Attendance Policy……………….……………………………………………………………………………11

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Welcome Dear Students, Congratulations on becoming a part of the Roslyn High School Choral Program. I’m very proud of all of you! We are going to go on trips, work hard, and have a ton of fun. You are all extremely talented. I have performed in a variety of venues, such as theater, opera, choirs, and symphonies. But above all, I love to teach. To me, one of the greatest joys is the challenge of working hard to learn new repertoire to achieve stellar results. I can't wait to share this lesson with you. This year we will learn about vocal health, music history, and musicianship, but we will also have a community wherein it is acceptable to make mistakes and learn. I encourage you to try your personal best every day so we can bring our repertoire to life. Sincerely, Mrs. Feinman

Program Organization The choral program at Roslyn High School consists of:

1) The Roslyn Treble Chorus

2) The Roslyn Chorale

3) The Roslyn Concert Choir 4) Chamber Singers

5) Mixed Chorus The school also produces theatrical productions through the Royal Crown Players.

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Objectives

1. Choir members will learn music literacy to grow as musicians and also appreciate the music we sing.

2. Choir members should enjoy making music. Chorus class should be an enriching part of the day.

3. Choir members will have a positive attitude and always try their best. Making music and making beautiful, artistic music is something we will explore.

4. Choir members will have respect for each other and show consideration while rehearsing and performing.

Classroom Routines and Expectations Self-discipline is an important element of choir rehearsal and performance. Students must realize that they are a member of a performing group with an excellent reputation. Their behavior during school classes and at public performances reflects Roslyn High School and the Music Department. Please remember the following basic rules:

• Respect yourself and others. • Participate 100% of the time. • Come prepared with your choir folder and a pencil, ready to begin when the

bell rings • Music folders must be treated with care • Proper rehearsal and concert etiquette will be observed.

Rehearsal Etiquette • Students are ready with a pencil, folder, and positive attitude. • Students sing their correct parts, stop when conductor stops, and listens when

conductor is speaking. • Choir members respond to director’s directions and requests respectfully and

immediately.

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Concert Etiquette Audience members are encouraged to follow some well-established standards for formal concert behavior. • Refrain from talking during the performance. • Remain seated for the entire concert. If it is absolutely necessary to do so, move

only between selections and exit at the nearest door. • Wait to re-enter the auditorium until the performing group is finished. • Applause is the only appropriate form of expressing appreciation. A good “rule of

thumb” is to wait until the conductor lowers his or her hands to indicate the completion of the selection or work.

• Please eliminate disruptions by turning off pagers, cell phones, and removing small children who are crying or speaking loudly.

• Students are not permitted to leave until the end of the concert and are expected to observe all performing groups. This is part of the educational process.

Rules for Learning & Artistry (Taken from Judy Bower’s Rules for Expressive Singing)

1. Rule of Giving Good Class: It is the job of students to learn. It is the job of choral singers to be teachable, and to develop into the artists that their talent indicates. In rehearsals, you will give “good class”- have a learning expression on your face, listen, nod your head with understanding, smile, participate, and be PRESENT throughout the rehearsal.

2. Rule of Transfer: Transfer is the secret to learning. It is the singer’s job to transfer everything that is rehearsed to ALL their music, as indicated and appropriate.

3. Rule of Flow: Flow is the moment in music when the magic happens. All elements

of the academic and social transfer into creating FLOW. It happens when the group is ready in terms of skills, is expressing what is in their hearts and in the music, and when there is a total focus. Your focus and capacity to hold the energy of the music and your attention will create flow.

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Concert Attire For concerts, students must wear a black top, black slacks or nice bottom, and black

dress shoes. Please email me with concerns. Boys should wear a solid color tie.

Staying Informed

• Listen in class and read the board outside the chorus room regularly for announcements, additions and changes to rehearsals, meetings, auditions, etc.

• Sign up for Weekly Updates: www.roslynHschorus.org/contact • Listen to morning announcements • Sign up for REMIND updates.

SEE THE FOLLOWING PAGES FOR

REMIND INSTRUCTIONS

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CHAMBER: Text “81010” @e65e4k

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CHORALE AND TREBLE CHORUS: Text “81010” @b26khe

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MRS. FEINMAN: Text “81010” @c99ee9

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RCP: Text “81010” @66ke3c

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MIXED: Text “81010” @mrscfeinm

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Grading Policy Participation-50% Lessons- 25% Concert Attendance- 25%

Attendance Policy

All rehearsals are mandatory. Please see school attendance policy. Chamber: If you are going to be absent, please send me an email explaining absence.

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Fill out Google form

https://roslynhschorus.org/chorus/

Looking forward to an AMAZING year! ~Mrs. Feinman