Austin High SchoolChoral

Department

Parent/StudentHandbook 2015-2016

3434 Pheasant Creek Dr.Sugar Land, TX 77498

Austin High School Choir

Program GoalsTo present Learners with an opportunity to more meaningfully experience music through rehearsal and performance of choral and solo repertoire

To help Learners develop self-direction in music, to exercise imagination, and to sharpen critical judgment (Abrahams & Head, 2011)

To connect the world in the classroom to the Learners’ own emotions and personal experiences

To cultivate Learner-relations through the democratic process, teamwork, and camaraderie

To aid Learners in their discovery of self-identity and empowerment through the artistic process

The Purpose of the Music EducationThe purpose of a holistic music education is to explore potential. This is achieved by encouraging our Learners to investigate and incorporate their beliefs and values, engage their entire selves, and create a culture of collaboration. This gives our Learners the opportunity to explore their musical imagination, to practice predicting challenges, and to foster creativity.

At Austin High School, we understand that music education must be fluid and [r]evolutionary as we accommodate the Learners’ understandings and curiosities, feeding what they crave and allowing them to construct

meaning as they bridge the gap between what they know and what they have yet to understand. In a supportive environment of musical immersion and collaboration, Learners and Teacher restructure their own knowledge and compare it to our existing preconceptions and, together, build a new understanding of what we, as a community, value.

In short, a holistic music education is empowering. Learners are not a part of the machine, but are, instead, the creators and innovators of their shared vision. Music education, then, is an avenue for authentic expression. It is often difficult. It will get messy as Learners get their hands dirty, digging in and taking ownership. But just as a stone is not polished without rubbing, so it is in music. 

Choral Ensembles

Austin Women’s ChorusThis ensemble is for women experiencing high school choir for the first time, or whose voices and/or sight-reading skills need strengthening. No audition is required. Students are expected to perform in all performances and work to develop a deeper knowledge of vocal technique, strong sight-reading skills, and musical skills. Participation in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and TMEA All-State Choir audition process is optional.

Austin Men’s ChorusThis ensemble is Austin High School’s varsity men’s choir. All men are welcome, regardless of choral experience. No audition is required. Students are expected to perform in all performances and work to develop a deeper knowledge of vocal technique, sight-reading skills, and musical skills. Singers showing high proficiency and a good academic record will be invited to compete in the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest and audition for the Austin Chamber Singers at the end of the year.

Men who are at least in their third year of choir must audition for either the TMEA All-State process or the UIL Solo and Ensemble contest.

Concert Women’s ChorusThis ensemble is an auditioned choir of women with well-developed vocal technique, excellent sight-reading proficiency, and a good academic record. Students will perform advanced treble repertoire at all concerts and compete in the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest as a junior varsity ensemble. While participation in the UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and TMEA All-State Choir audition process is optional, it is highly encouraged that members participate for musical and personal growth. Singers enrolled in this ensemble are expected to audition for the Chamber Singers at the end of the year.

Choral Ensembles (Cont.)

Chamber Women’s EnsembleThis ensemble is Austin High School's premiere choir of auditioned choir of women. Singers are expected to have well-developed vocal technique, excellent sight-reading proficiency, and a good academic record. Students will perform advanced mixed choir repertoire at all concerts and compete in the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. All singers in this ensemble are required to participate in either: 1) The UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest or 2) The TMEA All-State Choir audition process. Singers enrolled in this ensemble are expected to audition for the Chamber Singers at the end of the year.

The Austin Chamber Singers

This auditioned ensemble of Austin High School’s most exemplary singers is an extra-curricular choir and will rehearse weekly after school. They will perform advanced literature ranging from Renaissance music to Jazz and Pop. Singers will perform in all performances and may compete in the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Students in this ensemble are expected to have mastered a thorough understanding of vocal technique, sight-reading, and rehearsal technique. Due to the rigorous pace at which music must be learned and performed, students are expected to self-motivated, mature individuals with excellent grades, attendance, and conduct.

*Ensemble placement is based on sight-reading ability, tonal memory, tone quality, and academic eligibility.*

Required Materials 1” 3-ring black, hardcover binder (with clear cover)

Pencil(s)--- the more the merrier!! Music (to be issued to students in class)

During the first week of school, students will be receiving music for their first concert. A 1” 3-ring binder is needed ASAP in order to preserve and protect the music (octavos). Students will need to purchase this before their first materials check (see “Grading” section) on Friday, August 29th. After this date, the above materials will be a daily requirement.

Students are required to keep this binder in good condition, as it will be used for performance on stage. Writing, stapling, coloring, painting, drawing, and other things considered to deface the binder are not permitted. If at any time in the school year the director deems the binder to be unfit, another must be provided to replace it.

In addition, the choir binder is a house for very expensive music that is LOANED to the student. These octavos are borrowed property. After a concert is over, students will be required to turn their music in. All musical markings on the music must be made in pencil (erasable pens are NOT acceptable). Markings will be erased when music is turned in. If the music is lost, torn, or damaged permanently, students must pay the replacement cost of the octavo.

Required FeesEach student is required to contribute a $80 Usage Fee each year. This fee covers the cost of a required Choir T-shirts, uniform cleanings, banquet refreshments and supplies, and other day-to-day things. This is due Friday, September 4th, 2015, with the Policy Acknowledgment Form at the end of this packet.

To turn in money, the following steps must be followed:

1. All checks must be made payable to the Austin Choir Booster Association.

2. All checks must include Texas drivers’ license number and home phone number.

3. When turning in cash, you must have exact change.4. Put checks or cash in an envelope and write clearly on the outside

of the envelope the student’s name, amount, date, and what the payment is for.

5. Turn envelope into your choir director before or after class.6. Envelopes are available in the choir room.7. Bounced checks are paid with a fee to the school bookkeeper.

Performance Attire & Choir T-shirtsFormal attire is property of the Austin High School Choral Program. Formal uniforms will be issued to each student at the beginning of each school year and are to be returned at the end of the school year.

Full formal attire for women includes:

School-issued choir dress Black shoes (must be close-toed; heels cannot be larger than two

inches; flats are fine, but no tennis shoes or sandals)* Black Stockings*

Full formal attire for men includes:

School-issued tuxed0 (black tux pants, vest, and black jacket) Black tuxedo shirt, pressed and clean for each appearance* Black Tie and Vest Black shoes (no tennis shoes)* Black socks (not white; not brown; not navy) *

Some dresses may need to be hemmed, if the length is too long. The bottom of the dress should sit about one inch from the top of the shoe. No dress should drag the ground. If a student is loaned a dress that needs to be hemmed, they will need to make arrangements before a performance. NOTE: No other alterations of any kind may be made on the dress (taking in the waist, raising the shoulders, etc.). These types of alterations completely change the size of the dress, and when resizing for subsequent years, the actual sizing will not correspond with the size on file. DO NOT CUT ANY MATERIAL. A fee will be charged, if a student alters the dress, apart from hemming.

Students are expected to keep all items well-laundered through the course of the year.

Should the uniform not be returned in a suitable condition and at the appropriate time, students will be fined a replacement fee for the cost of the uniform.

Unless instructed otherwise, students are expected to wear full formal concert attire for every Austin High School choral concert. Failure to wear the attire in full will result in a grade deduction for that performance.

Choir t-shirts will be ordered at the start of the school year. Students will be required to purchase the T-shirt to wear on spirit days, and specific concerts and events. The cost of the T-shirt is included in each student’s fees. Do NOT alter your choir t-shirt.

NOTE: Whenever you are wearing your AHS. uniform, formal or not, you are representing our school, program, and district in addition to yourself.

Attendance PolicyAs a member of the Austin High School Choral Program, students are expected to be at school, at rehearsal, and at performances on time, prepared, and with all necessary materials. Please read the following carefully:

1. All choir students are expected to have good daily attendance at school.

2. Attendance at rehearsal is required and graded. Choir is co-curricular, not extra-curricular; rehearsals and concerts, therefore, are an extension of the classroom. Absences will be excused or unexcused based on the district absence policy and will require the same documentation. If requesting to be excused, please submit the required form 2 weeks in advance (see “Notice of Absence”).

3. Absence from after school rehearsals will be excused for the following reasons:

Medical emergencies or personal injury (requires a signed, handwritten note from parent/guardian or doctor)

Death in the family (requires a signed, handwritten note from parent/guardian)

Another UIL extra-curricular conflict (band, orchestra, theater, athletics, etc.) which the director was made aware of at least 2 weeks prior to rehearsal

4. Absence from a concert will be excused for the following reasons: Medical emergencies or personal injury (requires a signed,

handwritten note from a parent or doctor) Death in the family (requires a signed, handwritten note from a

parent/guardian)

5. Concerts missed due to an excused absence will result a make-up project, due within one week of the student’s return to school (see “Make-up” work section). 10 points will be deducted for every

subsequent day. A student’s grade may be withheld until the assignment is completed.

6. Examples of UNEXCUSED ABSENCES include, but are not limited to:

Work Oversleeping Transportation issues Studying

7. Chronic absenteeism from school, multiple unexcused absences from rehearsals or performances, and multiple tardies may result in:

Grade reduction Removal from all AHS Choir social activities Removal from the AHS Choir program Students must make the director aware in advance if they will

bot be at a choir rehearsal (due to a doctor’s appointment, meeting with counselors, sporting events, etc).

GradingGrades in choir are earned by assessing each student’s knowledge (classroom assignments, quizzes, and exams), skills (sight-reading and mastering repertoire), and participation in daily rehearsals and required performances.

Grades are assessed on a percentage system as follows:

Daily Grades (50%) Class and mandatory after-school participation Classroom assignments and quizzes

Major Grades (50%) Performance attendance Journal Entries (on Edmodo)

Rehearsals:Each rehearsal is worth 100 points a day. Points may be subtracted for a surprise materials check or from an infraction of a choir rule (see “Rules & Discipline Policy” section). A rehearsal grade encompasses daily participation in choir class.

Because music is mandated by and evaluated on state standards (TEKS), choir is classified as co-curricular—rather than extra-curricular (ie- Athletics, Student Council, etc). Afterschool attendance, therefore, is an extension of the classroom. While kept to an absolute minimum, some afterschool participation is necessary, but will be excused on the principles outlined in the “Attendance Policy”.

Students will receive a ZERO point daily grade for an unexcused absence (see “Attendance Policy”). Daily grades will be worth 50% of a student’s total grade.

Classroom Assignments & Quizzes:Students will be occasionally quizzed on sight-reading exercises, music terminology and understandings, and performance repertoire. Quizzes are to check for comprehension and to encourage closer study of music and sight-reading.

Journal Entries:Students will be required to submit weekly reflections via the Edmodo online classroom. These opportunities to practice higher-level thinking and dig for deeper understandings. Entries are due no later than 11:59 pm every Friday. Two major grade will be assigned every grading period. 20 points will be deducted for each missing entry and 10 points for every late entry.

If the director requires a follow-up answer, those answers are due by the end of the grading period. 10 points will be deducted for each follow-up that was neglected by the student.

See “Online Access” on www.austinchoir.com for details on signing up for Edmodo.

Grading (Cont.)Performance Attendance:

Because this is a performance-based class, attendance at all performances is mandatory. Why is attendance mandatory?

Performing for an audience is a central focus of the class and is mandated by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Concerts provide an experience that cannot be reproduced in the classroom.

Performances are the means by which many of the skills learned in class are evaluated.

Choral singing is a collaborative effort. Our performance is weakened by every missing voice. We rehearse together. We perform together.

A student will earn full credit (100) by simply appearing and performing. If a student is late for the warm-up, the will receive 90 points. If a student arrives after the concert has begun, the will receive 80 points. If a student arrives without the necessary materials (i.e. music binder, uniform items, etc.), 5 points will be deducted for each missing article.

A student who does not appear to a performance without an appropriate excuse will receive a ZERO for a major grade. Major grades will be worth 50% of a student’s total grade.

NOTE: If a student fails to appear at a performance without a valid excuse, (s)he will be in danger of failing choir for the term. (see “Attendance Policy” section for an explanation of a valid excuse.)

Rules & Discipline PolicyOur choral ensembles are essentially music teams. The actions of any individual can help or hinder the entire ensemble in both rehearsal and performance. Repeat offenders may be removed from the class at the director’s discretion.

A student’s daily grade will be judged on the following:

Active and appropriate class participation In his/her seat and focused, when the bell rings Having all necessary materials at the start of class Respect for self and others

Each day, students will be graded as follows:

T: Tardy (minus 10 points) S: Not in seat at start of class (minus 10 points) M: No music (minus 10 points) P: No pencil (minus 10 points) G: Chewing gum (minus 10 points) T A L: Talking at inappropriate times (minus 5 points each time) P A R: Not participating appropriately (minus 5 points each time)

An example is below:

Last Name First Name Date: 12/03/2011 Grade Date: 12/04/2011 GradeWatts Prudence T S M P G T A L P A R 85 T S M P G T A L P A R 95McDaniel Jude T S M P G T A L P A R 80 T S M P G T A L P A R 85

NOTE: If a student misses class, regardless of the reason, they will receive a ZERO for that rehearsal until they complete the necessary make-up work (see “Make-up Work” section).

Should a student’s weekly average fall below a 70, the following procedure will occur:

1st week: Verbal Warning 2nd week: Teacher/Student Conference 3rd week: Phone conference with teacher, student, and

parent/guardian 4th week: Meeting parent/guardian and student 5th week: Student will not be permitted to re-enroll in the Austin High

School Choral Program

Make-up WorkStudents who miss a rehearsal (whether excused or not) must do the following:

Check in with their section leader about what selections or pieces were rehearsed

Update markings in their music that were made when they were absent

After an absent student meets with their section leader, the section leader will notify the director, and the points for that rehearsal will be reinstated.

Students who miss a concert (for an excused absence) will be required to do an essay and presentation. Students who miss a concert for an unexcused absence (oversleeping, transportation, work, or babysitting) will not be allowed to make-up the grade, and will be in danger of failing choir for the term. A sample make-up assignment is below.

Make-up Assignment

Name: __________________________________________________

Choir: _______________________________

Concert Missed: ____________________________________

Reason Missed: __________________________________________________________

Paper Due Date: ___________________________________

Presentation Date: _______________________________

1. Pick one of the following composers.a. G. F. Handelb. Giacomo Puccinic. Giuseppe Verdid. Clara Schumanne. Felix Mendelssohnf. Franz Josef Haydn

2. Research the composer you picked. Write a one-page, typed paper on their life and most famous musical works. (NO PLAGARIZING. You cannot cut and paste from Wikipedia or other websites. You must rewrite the information you find in your own words. Spelling and grammar must be correct.)

3. Create a poster board of the composer and their life. Must have pictures and words.

4. Present the information you found to the class.

5.

Extra CreditStudents are highly encouraged to support the fine arts at Robert E. Lee High School, as well as our surrounding community.

Students who wish to complete extra credit can attend an outside classical performance. Here are some examples of appropriate performance:

Austin High School band, orchestra, theater, or dance performances (Football games don’t count; sorry!)

Garcia/Sartartia Middle School choir or band concerts Houston Symphony or Fort Bend Symphony concerts Houston Grand Opera Houston Chamber Choir concerts Choir concerts at the University of Houston, Rice University, St. Thomas,

etc. Elementary music school programs

In order to receive extra credit, students must attend the entire concert, and they must bring the director a program (within 3 days of the event) that is signed by a parent or guardian. One lowest daily grade will be replaced per extra concert, twice per grading period.

If you are planning on attending an outside concert, and you are not sure if it can be used for extra credit, just ask!

Sorry – no extra credit can be given for rock, pop, or country concerts!

Letter JacketsAwards will be presented to choir students based on a point system for participation and service.

District (TMEA) 2 points Region (TMEA) 3 points Pre-Area (TMEA) 4 points Area Choir (TMEA) 6 points All State Choir (TMEA) 15 Total Points

**TMEA All-State Audition points are cumulative**

U.I.L. Solo (Division I) 3 points U.I.L. Ensemble (Division I) 2 points State Solo (Division I) 6 points State Ensemble (Division I) 4 points Participation each year 2 points Senior 10 points

Seniors only get the 10 points if they have not received an award yet and have been in choir for 2 or more years

15 POINTS = AWARDS JACKET!!!

Every additional 15 Points earns 1 Letter

You can only earn 1 Letter per school year

A student may receive only one major award (jacket) for combined activities during his/her four years in high school and no more than one award (letter) per year for participation in the same organization.

Choir ExtrasThe following are extra musical opportunities for your student. They are not

mandatory, and participation or lack thereof and will not reflect your child’s grade in any way.

TMEA All-State Choir

This experience is unforgettable and rewarding but a definite challenge. This is one of the highest honors a student can achieve. Each student who auditions must use his/her own individual repertoire performance for placement into the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Region XIII Choir. High school choir students from all over the region compete for placement into this honor choir by preparing difficult music for a panel of judges. Students who place into this choir give a concert under a renowned conductor and clinician. The music is advanced and challenging, and the auditions happen early in the school year. Students who are interested must indicate such to Mr. Rodriguez within the first week of school. Students who are interested are strongly encouraged to take private voice lessons. Mr. Rodriguez will be offering after-school sessions to prepare any participating students. Please see the calendar for the corresponding dates for this event.

UIL Solo & Ensemble

Students who wish to compete will prepare their solo for a judge who will rate the performance based on memorization and execution of musicianship. Students who receive a high rating at this competition receive a medal. Please see the calendar for the corresponding date for this event. NOTE: Only students who are enrolled in private voice lessons Austin HS will be allowed to pick their solo for competition (this is a different policy from previous years).

Private Voice Lessons

Private voice lessons are a wonderful asset for students who plan on auditioning for Region and preparing a solo for competition. (NOTE: Only students who are enrolled in private voice lessons at Austin HS will be allowed to pick their solo for competition.) Private lessons strengthen a student’s vocal technique, and the one-on-one assistance is invaluable.

Lessons would occur once a week after school. If you are interested in private voice lessons for your student, please indicate so on your online student registration. As more information becomes available, it will be passed along.

“What if…”The following are likely choir scenarios and how to deal with them:

“… I lost my music”o Students are responsible for ALL of their music and their music

binder. These are required materials for every rehearsal.o In the event that a student loses their music, they will be

required to pay the replacement cost for each piece they cannot find.

o A new black binder must be provided if lost.o Students are responsible for setting up a time with the director

or the student music librarian to get new copies of music (during rehearsal is not an appropriate time).

“… I don’t have a pencil”o A pencil should be kept in the choir binder at all times.o In the event that a pencil is missing from the binder, a student

may check out a pencil from their section leader. This pencil must be returned at the end of class.

o It is not appropriate to get up in the middle of rehearsal to sharpen a pencil. Please take care of this before rehearsal starts.

o Pens, highlighters, markers, sharpies, etc are not appropriate for marking music.

“… I have to go to the bathroom”o Students are expected to use the bathroom during passing

periods.o School policy will be strictly adhered to regarding bathroom

passes.

“… I have to go to the nurse”o If a student becomes seriously ill during rehearsal, they should

raise their hand and wait for the director to address them.o If a student feels they will need to go to the nurse in a given

class period, they should ask the director for a pass BEFORE rehearsal begins.

“… I was absent last class”o Regardless of the reason, students will lose the daily points for

any rehearsal they miss until they complete their make-up work.

o You are responsible for checking with your section leader and updating any markings that were made in your absence.

o Points will be reinstated after a student completes the assignment.

“… I didn’t get the new music from yesterday”o If you were absent and you know that new music was handed

out, you must check in with your section leader and pick up copies.

o Do not come to the director and ask about new music. If you have questions about which piece you need to pick up, ask your section leader.

“… my cell phone goes off in class”o Cell phones are not permitted on the risers.o If a phone goes off during rehearsal, Mr. Rodriguez will go “cell

phone diving” until he finds it.o School policy will be strictly adhered to regarding cell phones.

“… I’m sick and I can’t sing today”o If you are so ill that you cannot sing, you must let the director

know BEFORE rehearsal starts. Failure to let the director know BEFORE rehearsal will result in losing participation points for that day.

o You will still participate in all of the rehearsal in your assigned seat, and you will be responsible for all of the music markings made that day. You will be required to mouth the words and stand when your section is standing.

“… I need a tissue”o Tissues will not be available in the classroom. Please bring your

own Kleenex or bathroom tissue to class.o During rehearsal, it is not appropriate to leave to get a tissue.o Throw all tissues away AFTER rehearsal is over.

“… I love to play the piano”o The piano is off-limits to all students, except when section

leaders and/or student directors are given direct permission from the director.

o The piano is an instrument, not a table for drinks, papers, etc.o Do not move the piano unless given direct permission from the

director.

Austin High School ChoirNotice of Absence Form

Student Name: _________________________ Class Period: ___________

Please use this form for absences to either before/after school rehearsals or performances. The absence is not approved until Mr. Rodriguez has signed the form. Please see the AHS Choir Handbook for more details regarding the attendance policy. Absence forms must be submitted 2 weeks before event.

Date of Absence: __________ Choir Event: _______________________

Absence Details (check one):

Will Miss The Event Completely

Will Arrive Late (what time: ________am/pm)

Will Leave Early (what time: ________am/pm)

Reason for absence (be detailed): ________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________List your suggestion for how the missed work will be made up: _______

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Parent Signature:_____________________________ Date: __________ Choir Director’s Signature:_____________________ Date: __________

Director’s final decision: ________________________________________

………………………………………………………………………………………

Please keep this confirmation receipt for records/attendance purposes. Student Name: ___________________________________ Date of Absence: __________________________________

Choir Director’s Signature: _______________________ Date: _________

Director’s final decision: _________________________________________

For office use:

Paid: Y N Date Paid: _______

Austin High School ChoirCombined Payment Form

REQUIRED FEES (Totals $80.00)

CHOIR REGISTRATION $30 $____________REQUIRED for ALL choir students

CHOIR T-SHIRT (General) $15 ea $____________REQUIRED for ALL choir students – parents may buy alsoStudent size: _____________ Parent size(s):______________

CHOIR T-SHIRT (Dinner Theater) $15 ea $____________REQUIRED for ALL choir students – parents may buy alsoStudent size: _____________ Parent size(s):______________

A NIGHT AT THE OPERA: TOSCA $20 $____________REQUIRED for ALL choir students, includes travel and admission

Optional Fees

UNIFORM UPKEEP AND REPAIR $15 $____________Students are required to return uniforms professionallycleaned, with the receipt attached at the end of each school year. If you would rather,we can have them cleaned for you at the cost above.

TOTAL………………………………………. (minimum $80)……………….. $____________

Registration form and payment is due no later than: Friday, September 4 th

Student Name: ____________________________________ Date: _____________ ID#: _______________

Parent/Guardian: ______________________________________ Phone #: _______________________

Payment Type: (circle) Check / Cash Check Number: ____________

Make checks payable to: ACBA