Foreword

The purpose of this handbook is to provide valuable information regarding all aspects of the choral music program at New London High School. To consistently achieve and maintain the high standard of excellence desired by this organization, all members and parents should familiarize themselves with the regulations and procedures. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at the high school at 271-4092.

(1) Ensembles

Enrollment in choir at New London High School gives students the opportunity to learn, perform and experience many types of music at various different functions. The choral program at NLHS exists:

• To represent, symbolize and advance the public image of NLHS and its community.
• To provide a venue for students wanting to continue developing their musical skills.
• To share the love of music and music making.
• To actively work at building school spirit in the NLHS community.

NLHS Concert Choir

The Choir performs:

• at formal concerts.
• at choral competitions.
• at school assemblies and community outreach programs
• at the elementary and middle schools.

Rehearsals for choir take place during school hours and dress rehearsals occur after school two weeks prior to a concert. The Concert Choir will travel to a music festival in the Spring. Section leaders will be chosen by the director and are responsible for the musical development of the section - calling additional sectionals if necessary. Section leaders are chosen based on musicality, attitude and reliability.

Small Ensembles

If Small Ensembles are created, they are voluntary and perform at any or all concerts, school assemblies and various other community opportunities. Unlike the other ensembles, the students arrange, conduct and run the rehearsals. The director will provide music and supervision. Rehearsal times are by arrangement. Students in small ensembles receive extra credit.

(2) Attendance

Choir members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances (during and after school) as they are imperative to the group as a whole. Absences from performances and after school rehearsals due to religious holidays or medical emergencies are acceptable and will be excused when accompanied by a note one-week in advance and when the circumstances have been previously discussed with Mr. Morgan. All excuses MUST be in writing and will be put in a student file. Excessive excused absences will be treated as unexcused absences (definition of excessive is at discretion of Director). To contact Mr. Morgan in the event of a sudden emergency, call her at 271-4092, there is an answering machine on duty 24 hours a day; or email at MorganS@newlondon.org

Each member of the NLHS Choir is unique and deserves 100% attention and direction. Missing a rehearsal or performance has a negative effect on the entire “choral family”. We function as a family; please never let your “choir brothers and sisters” down by missing a rehearsal or performance. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Attendance Policy

I        Performances:

   A)  Unexcused absence

An unexcused absence from a performance will result in failure for the marking period.

   B)  Excused absence

Extreme emergency, illness or religious observance – work is not an excused absence. Credit for an excused absence from a performance can be made up with a paper to be handed in within one week of performance, otherwise it will become unexcused absence. The director will select the paper’s topic and length.

   C)  Tardy

Unexcused tardies to a performance will result in one full-letter grade cut.

II       Rehearsals:

   A)  Unexcused absence

An unexcused absence from an after school rehearsal results in a full letter grade cut.

   B)  Excused absence

Extreme emergency, illness or religious observance – work is not an excused absense. All material covered at the rehearsal is deemed important. The student should see their “Section leaders” for missed material and make an appointment with the director to sing it for a grade. Failure to do so within a week will result in an unexcused absence.

   C)  Tardy

   An unexcused tardy to rehearsal will result in 5 points off the quarterly grade.* Except in cases of extreme emergency, illness and religious observance, chorus members will NOT be excused from performances. Absence due to work will NEVER be excused.

 (3) Procedures/Rules

Rehearsal Procedures

Rehearsal time is the most important part of the choral experience. Because of the complexity of the various types of music, the diversity of the vocal parts and their specific problems, as well as a different personality for each student (not to mention block scheduling), it is imperative that there be specific guidelines that will insure efficient and productive rehearsals. Be Professional!

• Promptness – Be on time! Be ready to sing when the scheduled rehearsal time begins. Don’t be walking in when we should be starting.
• Preparation – Have your music and pencil. Read the chalkboard upon entering the room. Place music in order.
• Respect and Courtesy – Do not talk while the director is talking. Subdued talking is permitted with the director’s permission or when the director leaves the podium. Singing during rehearsal should only occur when directed to do so by the director. Questions should be initiated with a raised hand.
• Neatness – Return your music to its proper location when the rehearsal is finished. Throw away trash in the wastebaskets.
• Cooperation – Be patient and understanding with your fellow choir members, they are hopefully trying just as hard as you are.
• Posture – Use proper posture when singing. It affects your attitude, breath support, tone quality and concentration.

Performance Procedures

• Performance dates will be distributed as soon as they are available.  They will be made available well in advance so as to allow plenty of time to prepare and clear your schedule for the performances and rehearsals.
• Always report to the designated meeting place and time (rain or shine). If plans change you will get a phone call. If in doubt, call your section leader.
• The attire for Concert Choir is black and white. Black dress pants or skirt (knee length or longer) and white shirt or blouse.  No tie. Black shoes and socks.
• Arrival time before a concert is generally 1 hour; use this time to warm up and prepare.

Chorus Room / Class Procedures

• Each student will be given a cubby.
• Each student is responsible for keeping an orderly cubby.
• Music must be in your cubby or in your possession.
• The director, based upon a consistent level of musical skill, reliability and attitude, will determine part assignments.
• Music must be returned at the end of the year.
• Only use pencil to write on the music.
• Write your name (in pencil) on the back of all your music.
• All pencil marks must be erased when handing in the music at the end of the year.

Choir Room Rules

The following rules and procedures are specific. Violations will be met with detentions.

• No food, drink, gum or candy is allowed in the choir room! Only water is allowed, unless permission is given by the director.
• No one is allowed to write on or erase the chalkboard unless given permission by the director.
• Loud talking, shouting or horseplay is not allowed in the choir room before, during or after rehearsals or performances.
• No throwing things in the choir room.
• Do not write on any of the equipment. (No tagging!)
• Do not play with any equipment or instrument that you have not been given explicit permission to use.
• Do not use the choir room as a storage room.
• Do not use the phones unless you have explicit permission from the director.

(4) Grading

Practice outside of rehearsals

Each choir member is expected to practice his/her music outside of the rehearsal setting on a regular basis. Each piece of music is considered to be a homework assignment and the student must see to it that this assignment is completed before each rehearsal.  There will also be music reading and sight singing activities in this class.  In order to succeed, you must work at them and practice.  Students should practice at home or obtain a pass from the director to practice during any study period.

Quarterly Grading

Grading will be kept quarterly in an individual student file. Each student will be graded on the following:

 Musical Components:

Tone Quality  - Is your voice producing a mature musical sound?  Your overall sound is considered the most important fundamental in serious musical performance.

Intonation – Are you singing in tune? (right notes) An out of tune performance can obscure all other aspects of a musical performance.

Rhythmic Accuracy/ Tempo Consistency – Are you singing the proper rhythms at the right times?

Interpretation – Are you striving to make music?  Interpretation involves expression, dynamic contrast and proper phrasing.  Music is more than just notes and words on a page.

Ensemble Components:

Attendance – Policy as stated earlier

Participation– Chorus is a place to learn about and partake in music through singing, therefore to be in this class, you must SING.  Sight reading activities, warm-ups, and music selection rehearsals are all a required part of the class.  You must put in effort in order to succeed in music.  There is a difference between having troubles but still trying to work on them and just not trying at all.  If you do not wish to partake in any of these class components, this class is probably not for you. 

Attitude, Discipline, Responsibility, Respect - Since each of these is vital to the success of our program the choir member must do everything that is expected of him/her. (Being on time, having your music each day, etc)

Written Homework – Part of our class will be learning about how to read and understand music.  Reading music is not just for instrumentalists!  Occasionally there will be short written assignments that must be treated just as homework from any other class. 

Tests/Quizzes –  As with the written homework, there will also be occasional written tests and quizzes to ensure you are understanding the musical concepts learned in class.

Performance Attendance – Policy as stated earlier

Voluntary Work - Giving or taking lessons, set-up/take down for concerts, small ensemble, auditioning for All-State or other festivals can help boost your grade if you are having difficulties

Parent’s/Guardian’s Guide to Ensure a Student’s Success

• Read and make sure you and your child understand the Choir Handbook.
• Show an interest in the music study of your child.
• Arrange a regular time for him/her to practice that is free from distraction. Keep a log of his/her practice sessions. (Are they putting in four ½ hour sessions per week?)
• Make sure your child is on time for practices, performances and lessons. Give written notice of expected absences outside of the school day.
• Discuss with the choral director anything that will help her understand the needs of your child and make her aware of anything that might take away from the child reaching his/her full musical potential.
• Attend concerts and performances by your child.
• Attend parent meetings at NLHS and volunteer to help with parent activities.

If you, as parents or guardians, have questions about any information in this handbook please contact me at the school. Scott Morgan 271-4092.