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Mrs. Kathy Simpson – Choir Directorksimpson@lps.org

Mrs. Dayana Corredor- Accompanist dcorredor@lps.org

Choral Office: Room 130A Lincoln High School

Lincoln Public Schools offers a comprehensive and sequential K-12 music curriculum. This curriculum provides experiences through continuous and systematic instruction in areas of music congruent with the music framework outlined in the National Core Arts Standards and the Nebraska State Fine Arts Standards. Music instruction begins in all elementary schools with general music, string instruction beginning in 4th grade, band instrument instruction beginning in 5th grade followed by secondary general music, performance ensemble classes in both middle and high schools. High school music curriculums also include class guitar instruction, music technology and music theory. 

MISSION STATEMENT

Vocal Music Handbook2017-2018

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The mission of music education in Lincoln Public Schools is to enrich the lives of all students through the experiences of creating, performing, and responding to music.

PURPOSE STATEMENTS

The comprehensive, sequential study of music in Lincoln Public Schools will be taught by highly qualified music educators in order to:

DEVELOP

Lifelong learners in music. Performers of music. Consumers of music. Listeners and critical thinkers of music. Innovators in music.

FACILITATE

Individual creativity. Musical literacy. Cooperative learning.

FOSTER

The discovery of intrinsic and aesthetic values of music. An enjoyment of music. Ways to recognize, celebrate, and preserve diverse cultural heritages and backgrounds.

VALUES

Guiding values supporting vision of music education in Lincoln Public Schools: 

Excellence Knowledge  Accountability Artistry Engagement Inclusiveness Collaboration Innovation Joy Community

Multi-Cultural Music Statement:

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The music department does its best to teach the multi-cultural music reflected throughout the community. By educating children to appreciate and respect the similarities as well as the differences, we are preparing them for the complex and multicultural world in which they live. By acknowledging the range of perspectives that comprise our culturally diverse world, we create a learning environment that validates each child, promotes community and provides an honest and useful framework for understanding the world around us.

Belief Statements: All students should develop skills that will empower them to become lifelong learners, consumers

of and participants in music. All students should experience music through playing instruments, singing, moving, creating,

listening, and evaluating. All students should experience music from various periods of history and world cultures as an

expression of human life. All students will recognize and appreciate the connection between music and other disciplines.

Learner Outcomes: Identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret the inter-relationship of diverse cultures through music

and its effect on the past, present and future. Explore and respond to the aesthetic sounds and qualities of music. Identify, analyze, evaluate and interpret a variety of music. Express one’s self by creating and performing music works through a variety of techniques. Use assessments to evaluate student process and product.

General Objectives: The student will grow in familiarity of musical terms, vocabulary, and notation. Each student will

be able to look at a piece of music and understand its basics. The student will develop his/her sight singing skills, rhythm skills and pitch recognition skills.

There will be quizzes and drills on these skills throughout each quarter. The students will rehearse music from a wide variety of styles, time periods, and composers. The student will learn about a variety of musical time periods, musical styles and composers. The student will demonstrate proper techniques while singing, and also demonstrate positive and

helpful behaviors throughout the entire class period. The student will display sensitivity to the ensemble singing by their ability to make a positive contribution to the choir.

The student will be a part of a group that is striving for excellence. The importance of the student’s self-discipline within this context will be demonstrated by the singer’s contribution toward this common goal.

Classroom Rules:1. No food, gum, candy or drinks are allowed in the choir room or the music complex (i.e. practice

rooms, classroom and auditorium). Water is always acceptable in the room.2. Listen attentively while instructions are being given.3. Be a productive member of the ensemble.4. All books and personal belongings are to be kept to the sides of the classroom. Nothing is to be

stored under or around your seat.5. Students are encouraged to use the practice room pianos instead of the grand piano or electric

keyboards. Permission must be given to play the grand or electric piano.6. Students are encouraged to come in for practice or extra help throughout the school day. A pass

will be issued before school or after class and must be signed by Mrs. Simpson.

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7. Students must treat the entire music area as they would if they were guests in another person’s home. This is to ensure we keep our facilities looking nice and continue our pride in having a clean and neatly organized area.

8. Students who demonstrate a disinterest in the choral curriculum by habitually breaking rules, non-participation, and by demonstrating disrespect for their peers, ensemble, and directors will be subject to an assessment of ability and desire to remain in the class. The student, guardians and administration will be brought into this process immediately. Choir is not an “easy A” – but an art that requires conscientious preparation.

Rehearsal Procedures and Expectations: Be on time for rehearsals, meetings and performances. A “Call Time” will be given for all outside rehearsals, meetings and performances. Students

will need to be signed in by that time to receive full credit for that particular performance. You will be responsible for your part. All music will be memorized, with correct notes and

pitches. Students will have a pencil in their music folder at all times. Choir students are expected to follow all Lincoln High School rules and policies anytime they

are representing our school.Performances/Concerts:

This class does require performances outside of the regular school day. Concert time is generally 7:00 pm with a “call time” of 6:15 pm. Professionalism is of the utmost importance. We must look, act and perform at the highest

possible level.Concert/Performance Attire:

Women: black closed toed shoes, flesh colored hose, all black dress or mostly black dress, black skirt with a white collared blouse that covers the shoulders and underarms. No bare arms or underarms please. No T-shirts please. No tennis shoes please.Men: black shoes, black socks, black slacks, white collared, long-sleeved or mid-sleeved, button-down shirt, with a dark tie. No Polo or T-shirts please. No tennis shoes please.

*Students who cannot afford this clothing please see Mrs. Simpson.Robes: robes will be sized and assigned to all students for performances. Students will check out robes before the concert and check them back in after the concert. Robes must be hanging properly on the correct hanger before student is dismissed from performance. Parent volunteers will help with handing out and returning robes. Robes will be worn over concert attire for all performances. Students will be responsible for lost and damaged robes.

Printed Music and Folders:Each student will be issued a folder, music, and other resources. These materials are the property of Lincoln High School. Students are expected to care for these as they would a textbook. Students will be charged the replacement value for lost, damaged or stolen materials as per school policy.Attendance and Tardy Policy:

Attendance is expected at all rehearsals and performances. PLAN AHEAD!

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Missed performance will require the student to make up the performance 1 week after the missed-concert assignment is given. Google classroom will contain the assignment and student must return assignment through google classroom. Assignment is due one week after concert. If the assignment is not turned in the grade will remain a ZERO.

Included in this handbook is a tentative schedule of performances. Any additional performances will be added with a two week advanced noticed.

Extra Credit: For those individuals needing extra credit for low daily grades, missed rehearsals, and

performances can make up points.Extra Credit Options:

Writing a report- material assigned by directorThe preparation of a solo to be performed in front of the class is also an option.- assigned by directorTheory packets.Helping in the Music Library.

Grading Breakdown

Grade Book: Class Participation/Summative (30% of grade)- Student will receive 10 (2 per day) points per

week for class participation. Class participation includes: being in class, in assigned seat with folder by the time the bell rings, actively on task, pencil in folder, singing when asked, using correct posture.

Quizzes/Formative (5% of grade)- Students will receive up to 100 pts for quizzes. Student will be given quizzes throughout the quarter on material covered in class. Quizzes will be written, pencil tests, board work, group singing (student will not be made to do this alone in front of class) or question/answer during class.

Attendance/Formative (15% of grade)- Students will receive one grade for this at the end of each grading period. Students must be in class and on time to put 100% effort into a performance based class. Like in the workplace, missing from work has consequences. This is also true in missing a choral performance class. Students involved in school activities that happen during the school day will not be affected. Remember all points can be made up.

Sight reading, sight singing and theory/Formative (10 % of grade)- Students will receive 20 points per quarter. During the course of a class period, students will be going through class participation testing of the following: working on Solfeggio syllables, reading notes, marking music, counting measures, group sight singing and basic theory.

Concerts, Contests, Performances and Outside Rehearsals/Summative (40 % of grade)- Students will receive 200 points per concert, contest or performance and 150 pts per outside rehearsal. Concerts, contests and performances are a final exam in the grade book. Ideally, all students need to participate to make our program successful. Students missing can make up the work within one week of the event.

All-State & District Music Contest:

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This is open to all 9-12 students enrolled in Lincoln High Schools Vocal Music Program. Students will not be allowed to participate in Nebraska All-State Choir or District Music Contests if not in the choral music classes.

Lettering Awards

LHS VOCAL LETTERING CRITERIA

Lettering in music is a privilege and an honor. Students who wish to letter must go above and beyond what is expected in the classroom. Students must be in good standing in class and bea leader, setting good examples, and contributing positively to the program. All juniors and seniors that reach the recommended letter points will letter in choir. Students in grades 9-12 who are in show choir (performer, band, roadie) that reach the recommended lettering points will letter in show choir. Students in grades 9-10 who are involved in choir will receive a certificate and small bar for reaching the recommended points for lettering for choir.

Below are some guide lines and paperwork to keep track of your contributions towards your lettering.

SECTION 1: COURSES

First Semester Mixed Choir and Concert Choir 100 pts_________ Second Semester Mixed Choir and Concert Choir 100 pts_______ Year Long Show Choir Performer with no unexcused misses 100 pts_______ Year Long Show Choir Performer with no tardies 100______ Year Long Band Member with no unexcused misses or tardies 100 pts_______ Year Long Show Choir Roadie with no unexcused misses or tardies 100 pts_____ Enrolled in another music ensemble or class 20 Pts x number of classes_______Solo/Ensemble Contest (ratings for each event you are in- list your entries on back)

o Rating 1 50 Points______o Rating 2 40 Points______o Rating 3 30 Points______o Rating 4 or lower 20 Points______

District Music Contest Contest Choir

o Rating 1 50 Points______o Rating 2 40 Points______o Rating 3 30 Points______o Rating 4 or lower 20 Points_____

Men’s or Women’s Gleeo Rating 1 50 Points______o Rating 2 40 Points______o Rating 3 30 Points______o Rating 4 or lower 20 Points______

SECTION 1 TOTAL POINTS_______________

Section 2: Additional Activities

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Auditioned for All State 25 points_____ Selected for All State 75 points_____ Teachers Assistant 30 points per semester_____ Auditioned for LHS Musical 25 points_____ Casted in LHS Musical 100 Points_____ In Crew for LHS Musical 25 points_____ Accompany for small group/solo competition 20pts per entry_____

Concerts In Attendance for October concert 25 points____ In Attendance for December concert 25 points_____ In Attendance for February recital 25 points_____ In Attendance for May concert 25 points_____ In attendance for 2017 Graduation Choir 75 points_____ Participated in both Joy Nights performances 100 points _____ Attend all day clean up on January 12 (show choir only) 100 pts_____

Show Choir Competition (Performers, roadies and band only. If group places add 15 pts to each competition)

Scottsbluff 25 pts_____ Elkhorn 25 pts_____ UNO 25 pts______ Wahoo 25 pts_____ Lincoln Northeast pts_____ Norfolk 25 pts. _____ Attended a show choir competition (not in show choir) 25 pts_____ Attended a concert not performing in (Band, orchestra, world drumming, AP honors recital, etc. You must stay for

entire concert. Bring in program signed by instructor.) Approval is at the director’s discretion.15 pts_____

Private Voice Lessons (Teachers name here__________________________) 25 pts per semester_____ Summer Camps or Honor Choir to Europe 100 Pts_____ Honor Ensemble (Not All State) (e.g. UNL Women’s or Men’s, Kearney, Doane, Wesleyan, Hastings) 25 pts._____ Attending outside rehearsals (list rehearsals) 75 pts per rehearsal______

SECTION 2 TOTAL POINTS_______________

SECTION 3: AREA SPECIFIC POINTS Lincoln boys choir 25 pts per semester_____ Concert set up/tear down (25 for set up and 25 for tear down) 50 pts_____ Organize the library for one hour 25 pts _____ Organize robes before or after concerts

(25 pts for before and 25 points for after) 50 pts_____

SECTION 3 TOTAL POINTS_______________

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Students who miss a choir concert and make up points cannot use that for lettering points.If you have questions, please ask! I am here to help you be successful!

Students Name_____________Year in school

Section 1 ________ + Section 2 ________ + Section 3 ________ =_____________

Show Choir points needed for lettering- 2250Mixed and Concert Choirs points needed for lettering- 950Mixed and Concert Choirs points needed for commendation- 800

It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of points. Turning in the form is needed for me to evaluate the points recorded. Please turn this in by____________________________ (TBA). Failure to do so will result innot qualifying for the awards.

LHS Music Events Calendar 18-19 

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  All State people who are auditioning. Rehearsals are being held on Mondays after school 3:30-5:00 PM, Thursday AM 7:00 Am-8:00 AM. These are not mandatory but helpful!

September5- All state entries need to be turned in with $20.00 fee. (only for those who wishto audition.)

October

5- Record All State auditions. (If needed we can do some onSaturday. These dates are determined by NMEA and I have nocontrol over this.)

10- Concert for all choirs (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Show Choir and Links)Call time for all students is 6:00 PM to check out robe and warm up. Concertbegins at 7 PM. I will need help handing out and checking in robes parents!

November

15-17- Nebraska All State Choir, band and orchestra. Only students who are chosen.

22-25- Thanksgiving break

(Students may choose one of the 7 AM rehearsals on the 11/27 and 11/29. All Students need tobe at the the December 4th rehearsal. These rehearsals are graded. Students who attend all rehearsals will receive extra credit or lettering points.)

27 – 7 AM Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal in 132 29 – 7 AM Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal in 132

December

4 -7 AM Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal on Stage. All students must attend this rehearsal.

10- Choir and Orchestra combined concert for all choirs. (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Show Choirand Links.) Call time for all students is 6:00 PM to check out robe and ward up. Concert beginsat 7 PM. I will need help handing out and checking in robes parents!

21- Jan 7 Christmas Break

January

Throughout month small groups will be scheduled to work on contest material in assigned groups. Watch for note in synergy.

February

16- Solo/Small Ensemble Contest. All choirs are involved (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, and Show Choir.

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Times to be determined. Parents are welcomed to attend and support your favorite student.

28- Solo/Small Ensemble Recital. All Choirs are involved (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, and Show Choir. Call time is 6:00 PM. Concert begins at 7 PM)

April

2- 6:45-9PM Optional practice for lettering points or make up points for choirs but not show choir.

4- 6:45- 9PM Optional practice for lettering points for choirs but not show choir.

9- 6:45-9 PM Optional practice for lettering points for choirs but not show choir.

11- 6:45-9 PM Optional practice for lettering points for choirs but not show choir.

13- 8 AM- 12 PM REQUIRED rehearsal for District Music Contest.

15- District Music Contest. All Choirs are involved. (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, and Show Choir. Timesto be determined. Parents are welcomed to attend and support your favorite student.

May

2- 6:45-9PM Joy Night rehearsal. Optional rehearsal choir. Show choir members doing Joy Night required.

6- 6:45-9PM Joy Night rehearsal. Optional rehearsal. Show choir members doing Joy Night required.

7- 6:45- 9PM Joy Night rehearsal. Optional rehearsal. Show choir members doing Joy Night required.

May Continued

8- 6:45-9PM Joy Night rehearsal. Optional rehearsal. Show choir members doing Joy Night required.

9 and 10 Required performances for all choirs (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir) Time to be announced.

14- Spring Concert for all choirs. (Mixed Choir, Concert Choir, Show Choirand Links.) Call time for all students is 6:00 PM to check out robe and ward up. Concert beginsat 7 PM. I will need help handing out and checking in robes parents!

TO BE ANNOUNCED—Music Awards Potluck.

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It is the belief of the district’s vocal music department that students are to be exposed to a variety of choral literature. The instructor on availability, quality education value, programming opportunity and the suitability for healthy vocal maturation, determines the selection of said choral music. It is not the intent of this department to persuade student views with opposing beliefs or ideals that the music’s text may present. Rather, we desire to familiarize students to quality choral literature that will give students a better historical and global conversant with musical aesthetics. It is our intent to give students a broad-based perspective to the numerous choral composers, styles and types.Please return the signed handbook no later than September 1, 2017. This handbook represents that the dates, materials and expectations for vocal music have been covered and received by the parent/guardian and student. Please have both parent/guardian and student sign and return this portion of the handbook. Parents please take the time to go over this with your student(s). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ksimpson@lps.org.Submission of this sheet will serve as the student’s first pass/fail assignment for the school year.

I _____________________________ (student) and ____________________________________ (parent/guardian) have read the above handbook in vocal music and understand what is required of my-self and my student for the 2018-19 school year.

_____________________________Student signature_____________________________Parent signature_____________________________Date