2016-2017

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS

UAHS VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT

www.uavocalmusic.org

ERIC KAUFFMAN, DIRECTOR

ekauffman@uaschools.org

614.487.5240 ext. 2053

AMY LEACOCK, DIRECTOR / ACCOMPANIST

aleacock@uaschools.org

614.487.5240 ext.2054

UPPER ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

CHORAL HANDBOOK

2016-2017

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Students and Parents,

Welcome to the Upper Arlington High School Choral Program! We are excited for everything that the vocal music area has in store for this year as we continue the program’s tradition of musical excellence. We look forward to meeting all of the family members at our concerts, booster meetings, and open house (Wednesday, September 7).

Students, our overarching goal in the choral department is to give you the tools to become self-sufficient musicians so that, post-graduation, you have the ability to continue singing successfully in whatever capacity you choose. As such, we will not only be preparing music for concerts, but also learning the foundations of sight-singing, theory, and history to support our performances. Becoming musically literate and well-versed opens so many exciting doors, and we are eager to assist in empowering you in that way! This handbook has been created to inform you of all of the events in which the choral students will be involved. Our hope is that your questions and concerns will be addressed here. We understand that communication between students, parents, and directors is of the utmost importance if we are to maintain our level of excellence.

Parents, please take the time to read through the handbook and discuss its contents with your student. After you are

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finished reading, please click on the www.charmsoffice.com link, or find the icon on our homepage, and register your family’s information by Monday, August 29 (for SATB choirs) September 1 and 2 (for ALL CHOIRS this year).

You can also find a calendar of events for the year, and this calendar should be printed out and signed and turned in with your $35 choral fee no later than Monday, August 29 (for SATB choirs), September 1 and 2 (for ALL CHOIRS this year). Running an organization with over 300 students is an expensive, but incredibly worthwhile, investment.

Again, we are very excited for this year, and we look forward to working with you!

-Mr. Kauffman and Mrs. Leacock

CALENDAR -Open house is Wed. 9.7.16.

-UA Vocal Music Booster meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of every month at

7:30pm beginning 9.12.16 -Visit www.uavocalmusic.org for more

information

CHORAL FEE Each student will be provided a 3-ring

binder, dry cleaned choir robe and stole or glee club / chorus jacket and tie. The fee

also assists in covering the expense of having an events photographer for Encore!

and the musical. Please make checks payable to the

UA Vocal Music Boosters.

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BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES

All students are responsible for reading and abiding by the Students Rights and Responsibilities. In addition, conduct in the choral area is as follows: 1. Have a teachable positive attitude. 2. No food, beverages, or gum in rehearsal or performance areas. 3. Students will be in assigned seats with music folder and pencil by the

designated time. Backpacks and other belongings that are not needed for choir should be placed underneath your seat.

4. Rehearsal time is for rehearsal only. No exceptions. 5. Stay seated and quiet during rehearsal. Be respectful of those who are trying to

learn. If you have a question, please wait to be called on before speaking or getting out of your seat. Remember - you are dismissed by the teacher, not the clock.

6. Use the restroom before or after class. Only in cases of emergency will passes be given.

7. Respect school property. Be proud of our room and facilities. If you drop something, pick it up. If you move something, put it back where you found it when you’re done.

8. Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others as you yourself want to be treated! Disruption or any kind of misbehavior may result in one or more of the following consequences: 1. Verbal warning and loss of participation points 2. Detention 3. Parental phone conference 4. Office referral 5. Removal from class / choral program

In class each day, we will typically do two or more of the following: Daily warm-ups / vocal exercises, sight - reading / rhythm reading, singing choral arrangements from sheet music, listening exercises, and theory worksheets. Every student should keep a pencil in their (provided) 3-ring binder containing everything presented in class (music, completed worksheets, calendar, notes, etc.) A cabinet in which you can keep your folder will be made available for you, should you choose to use it .

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GRADES = SKILLS BASED GRADING

Participation (Approximately 50% of 9-week grade): Students will be given a daily class grade based on their participation and readiness for class. This means coming to class with all materials (yes, this includes both your music and your pencil) and actively participating in the singing process in order to receive full credit. Glee Clubs / Chorus: Missing from glee club / chorus only is considered an unexcused absence. You are only excused from glee club / chorus if you are officially excused through the attendance office from 1st period on. Written Tests / Quizzes and Sight-Reading and Part-Reading Tests / Quizzes (Approximately 20% of 9-week grade): Students will be learning about note-reading, musical expression, musical terms, correct singing techniques, etc., and will be tested at various times throughout the year. Students will also be tested on pitch and rhythmic accuracy, using sight-reading examples, as well as the songs we are preparing throughout the year. Performances (Approximately 30% of 9-week grade) Our performances are where we share our hard work with friends and family. If a student is going to miss a performance for any reason, a note or email from his/her parent should be given to the directors at least two weeks in advance. If a performance is missed for an unexpected emergency, the student must present a note or email from his/her parent the next school day. Everyone is encouraged to make performances a priority! Bonus Points UAHS choral students are encouraged to attend local choral concerts. A list of area high school and college concerts will be posted on the bulletin board in the music hallway. Students will earn bonus points for each concert they attend. In order to receive points, the student must present a brief oral overview of the concert to Mr. Kauffman or Mrs. Leacock the following school day, in addition to bringing in a program from the concert signed by a parent.

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UNIFORMS Professional appearance is a sign of pride for any fine musical organization. Therefore, we have established a uniform to be worn at all UAHS performances, and the guideline for that attire is as follows: (Provided by the school) Men’s Glee Club Jacket and Tie and/or Choral Department Robe and Stole Men: White button-down dress shirt Black dress pants (no jeans!) Black socks Black dress shoes

Women: Dress or blouse and skirt (no slacks or skirt longer than the robe, please) Black flats or character shoes with no more than a 1 1/2’’ heel Nude hose (or none at all) Small jewelry (or none at all)

- Ensemble members are to wear their designated attire for the year and to add the

robe and stole for the Symphonic Choir portion of the program - Men’s Glee/Chorus members will perform without the robe or stole - Please note that if a student is not dressed in the appropriate attire, he/she will not

be allowed to participate in the performance.

AUDITION PROCESS

Generally, auditions will be observed by a panel of people. The directors will

make a final decision in case of a tie. We encourage you to audition for any and all opportunities, and our greatest

wish is that you will be supportive of others auditioning and accepting of

the decisions that are made. Auditions are not based on seniority or overall involvement in the choral program.

Our goal is to fairly assess the talents of each person auditioning and place

them both where they will most develop musically, and where they will

benefit the choral department.

OFFICERS

We welcome student input and encourage students to take ownership in the program through a leadership role. The choir officer’s primary function is to act as a “voice” for the group. Officers are elected by their peers and should

always focus on supporting the positive learning environment we are trying to create. If an officer is not fulfilling the

expectations of their office, they will be be considered for replacement from that

office.

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Freshmen Choir (Level 1) Course #4910 - No Prerequisite Membership is open to all Freshman boys and girls wanting to sing, regardless of ability level. The course is designed to address the beginning levels of vocal technique and musicianship. It is important to note that this course is designed to still allow freshmen a study hall at least two days a week while the directors work independently with other sections of the Freshmen Choir. The Freshmen Choir will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year.

Concert Chorale (Level 2) Course #4911 The course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and musicianship. Membership is open primarily to 10th and 11th graders who are still developing their musical knowledge base while continuing to develop a healthy vocal technique that will facilitate more challenging literature. The Concert Chorale will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year. Men’s Glee (Level 2) Course #4914 - Designed for freshmen / sophomores Women’s Glee (Level 2) Course #4913 - Designed for freshmen / sophomores Men’s Chorus (Level 3) Course #4924 - Designed for juniors / seniors Women’s Chorus (Level 3) Course #4923 - Designed for juniors /seniors This course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and musicianship. These ensembles are a great answer for students whose schedule is completely full, but still want to be involved in a singing ensemble. The courses meet two days a week before school. This also enables members of the band and orchestra departments to be involved in choral music. Literature is chosen specifically for SSA, SSAA, TTB, or TTBB voicings. All groups will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year. Symphonic Choir (Level 3) Course #4912 - Prerequisite 1-2 years of HS music or equivalent as determined by the director This course is an intermediate to advanced level performance group. The course is designed to improve the singers’ vocal techniques and build upon the intermediate to advance musicianship level. The Symphonic Choir will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year.

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Vocal Ensemble (Level 4) Course #4915 - Prerequisite 1-2 years of HS music or equivalent as determined by the director Membership is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors by audition only. The Vocal Ensemble is an extension of the Symphonic Choir (all VE members must also participate in the Symphonic Choir) and will allow advanced vocal students to rehearse and perform music at a higher technical and artistic level. Members must have the ability to sing alone and yet blend with the ensemble. Several programs throughout the year will require the participants to dance as well as sing. The Vocal Ensemble performs evening concerts during the year for school and community events, as well as festivals and district / state contests throughout the year. VOCAL MUSIC BOOSTERS Parent support is a vital part of a successful choral program. Throughout the year, there are a variety of opportunities to assist with the boosters’ activities. Chaperones are always needed for daytime and evening choral activities, as well as for social events. Parents also play a key role in successful fundraisers. If you would like to help at any time during the school year, it is important to get involved with our Vocal Music Booster Organization. Newsletters will also be sent home to you to keep you informed about volunteer opportunities. President: Kathleen Bellamy kittybells5@gmail.com Vice-President: Kristy Glaser knglaser@columbus.rr.com Secretary: Deb Amling damling@gmail.com Treasurer: Nancy Jeggle JeggleN@nationwide.com Past President’s Council: Lissa Wade LissaWade@gmail.com

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THE CHORAL CORNER The Year in Preview….

The 2016-2017 school year is sure to be full of great musical opportunities for our students and could very well be our best vocal music year ever! Mrs. Leacock and I are greatly looking forward to a very bright and exciting future. It is our mission to create musical opportunities that will challenge our students to achieve what WE believe has the potential to be a great choral music year! Our concert season will begin on Thursday, October 20th, Saturday, October 22nd, and Sunday afternoon, October 23rd with our Fall Follies “Broadway” production. The Thursday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee begins at 2:30pm. The Broadway theme has been used twice previously but the excitement and enthusiasm of a cast of nearly 300 students to entertain you couldn’t be greater. This year’s Follies will again be performed in the style of a true Vaudeville show with music from the Golden Age through today’s contemporary Broadway. And let’s not forget that Follies will feature a variety of talented specialty acts as well, so each night is a completely different show! Our Winter Choral Concert will be held on December 8th at 7:30pm. Please note that the date was moved from the original date (Dec. 14th) announced last spring in order to better accommodate the midterm exam schedule. The Winter Choral concert will focus on seasonal secular songs that celebrate Winter . The performance will serve as the students 2nd quarter grade and close out our first semester together. Best wishes on the midterm exams! Did you notice the excitement and community buzz at last year’s Spring concert as our Keith Krieger award winner, Hunter John, announced that the annual musical would be The Wizard of Oz? The stage production is based completely on the movie we have all grown to love. We are now challenged with the monumental task of making sure that none of the magic of the story is lost when it transfers from film to the stage. Our performance of The Wizard Of Oz will run Thursday February 23rd, Friday February 24th and Saturday February 25th at 7:30. We will have a Sunday matinee on February 26th at 2:30. The Poetry Concert will be performed on the evening of Wednesday, March 8th at 7:30pm. The Poetry Concert is dedicated to repertoire that sets great poetic text to music, and this year we hope to expand our boundaries and borders to include some of the great poetic works from around the world in their language of origin. The 15th annual Wonderful Night of Piano Music will take place the following day (Thursday, March 9th). These master classes will be given during class by the world-class pianist Dr. Tom Scott, from Cleveland, OH. He will perform on the refurbished Knabe 9’ grand piano and the 9’ Grotrian piano. The master classes will culminate in an evening performance involving

2016-2017

piano students performing with Dr. Tom Scott. All proceeds from ticket sales will go into the Symphonic Choir member trip account to NYC in April. The Symphonic Choir will take our 8th educational performance tour to New York City via Pittsburgh and Philadelphia from April 5th - 9th. The tour will allow the students to perform literature in some the world’s most famous cathedrals including St Patrick’s Cathedral and St. John the Divine Cathedral. Along the way we plan to give 5 performances with two of them involving an exchange concert with high school choirs in the Pittsburgh suburbs. The 5-day tour will allow the students to visit and perform in environments that cannot be recreated in central Ohio. The tour provides national exposure for the city of Upper Arlington, the school system, and the music department. This wonderful educational experience is designed to provide a lifetime of memories for the student musicians. Parents of the Symphonic Choir should note a MANDATORY parental meeting concerning the

NYC tour on Monday September 12th at 7:00 in room 183 (band room). In the interest of both honoring our senior class and keeping our spring concert music-focused, we are having the Senior Recognition and Dessert on Wednesday, May 17th at 7:00pm. The senior class will be given the opportunity to share their memorable experiences focusing on their accomplishments during their high school tenure. Senior solos and specialty acts as well as the senior video will all be performed at this event with dessert following in the lobby. Finally, we will close our time together with our Spring Concert and Major Work on Thursday, May 18th at 7:00pm. The literature for this concert will be based off of the cultural diversity found in our choral program, the high school, and the community as a whole. In addition to the world music theme, we are choosing folk literature that also involves the folk dances from around the world.

As you can see, we have a year filled to the brim with music-making ahead, and this would not be possible without the tireless work of the Vocal Music Boosters. They too approach our program with determination and resiliency, support our students both spiritually and financially, and have a love and vision as equally intense as the director. The past years of success have created a bond and an expectation. A bond with many of the officers and committee chairs returning to serve again. And an expectation that is already being aggressively approached by our new Booster President Kathleen Bellamy and staff. I would personally like to welcome all of the board members and committee chairs to what I feel will be our most innovative and exciting year ever.

Eric Kauffman, Choral Director ekauffman@uaschools.org 614.487.5240 ext.2053

Amy Leacock, Director / Accompanist aleacock@uaschools.org

614.487.5240 ext.2054

2016-2017

PERFORMANCE CALENDAR 2016-2017 All Choirs: Aug. 22 7:20 am Women's Glee/Chorus (Rehearsal begins) Auditorium Aug. 23 7:20 am Men's Glee/Chorus (Rehearsal begins) Room 181 Sept. 8 In Class Choir Picture Day - (Men on Friday) Auditorium Sept. 12th 7:00 pm 1st Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 (1st of two mandatory parent meetings for the Symphonic Choir Tour parents!!) Sept. 21 In Class Encore! Presentations Room 183 Oct. 18 & 19 6:00 call Fall Follies BROADWAY Dress Rehearsals Auditorium Oct. 20 & 22 6:00 call Fall Follies BROADWAY Performances Auditorium Oct. 23 1:00 call Fall Follies BROADWAY Performance Auditorium Dec. 3 TBA Caroling Canvass UA Community Dec. 8 7:30pm Winter Choral Concert Auditorium March 6 7:00 pm Vocal Music Booster Meeting Room183 (2nd Mandatory Parent meeting for the Symphonic Choir Tour) Mar. 8 7:30pm Poetry Concert Auditorium Mar. 9 All Day Wonderful Night of Piano Music (Concert Year) Auditorium May 18 7:00pm Spring Concert & Major Work UAHS Auditorium Select Choirs or Optional: Aug. 8 - 10 All Day Vocal Ensemble Retreat Heartland Retreat Center Sept. 27 3:15–4:30 Follies Solo/Specialty Act Auditions Room 181 Oct. 26 3:30 – 4:30 Informational meeting for anyone Room 181 auditioning for The Wizard of Oz Nov. 14 - 18 TBA Auditions for The Wizard of Oz Room 181/Aud. Dec. 2 7:00pm Preview Concert (Vocal Ensemble) Off Campus Feb. 2-4 TBA OMEA Professional Conference Cleveland Symphonic Choir - ONLY Feb. 23, 24, 25 7:30 pm The Wizard of Oz Auditorium Feb. 26 2:30 pm The Wizard of Oz Auditorium April 5 - 9 All Day Symphonic Choir East Coast Tour Pitt/Philly/NYC May 12 7:30pm UA Night of Jazz (Vocal Ensemble) Off Campus May 9 - 16 TBA Vocal Ensemble Auditions Room 181 May 17 7:00 Vocal Music Senior Recognition and Dessert Auditorium Student Name (Please Print):______________________ _____________________________ Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________________