Choral Music Handbook

    Introduction and Purpose

    Welcome to the Sherwood High School Choral Music Department. The following handbook has been designed to aid both the student as well as the director in accomplishing their goals and recognizing the achievements of a top-notch, efficiently functioning organization. It is hoped that through a clear understanding of how the individual functions within the group, and how he can function most efficiently, that we can achieve our goals. Each student is responsible for a thorough understanding of the contents of this handbook and should refer to it frequently throughout the academic year.

    1. The Organizational Process
      1. The Director is responsible for overseeing all musical and academic activities, for advising students as to their participation in music at Sherwood and in the community.
      2. The Membership shall consist of all students earning credit for their participation in the Choral Music Program at Sherwood High School.
      3. Section Leaders: One leader for each vocal section will be appointed by the director after the first week of instruction. Section leaders will be responsible ensemble members whose responsibilities consist of tutoring weaker players, assisting the Directors in fostering good morale and maintaining discipline within the section. Vocal ability, sight reading, sound music theory knowledge, responsibility, and attitude will be determining factors in selecting section leaders.
    2. Regulations Governing the Music Suite
      1. Students shall use the suite under the direct supervision of the Directors at all times.
      2. Practice rooms may be used during your 5th period lunch period upon availability. Sign-up sheets will be posted, showing the availability of the practice rooms throughout the week. In order to reserve a practice room on any given day during the week (during your lunch time), it is necessary to sign-up.
      3. All students are expected to assist in the care of all equipment in the music suite and maintain the room. During lunch, this is absolutely essential.
      4. Due to the fact that the lunch period is coupled with lunchtime sectionals or Concert Choir rehearsals, it is imperative that those eating in the choral room respect this time. Excessive or loud talk/play is a major disruption during this time and will not be accepted.
      5. All students will receive their own music folder and music. Store all music in the storage cabinets during the day. Fines will be levied for loss or damage to music. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ALWAYS HAVE YOUR FOLDERS!
      6. Be especially careful in the music suite as the chairs, tables, podium and other equipment present hazards. No pushing, shoving or other horseplay will be tolerated. Leave nothing in the Choral Music room as it is used by other classes throughout the day.
    3. Performing Groups and Activities
      1. Full-Time Organizations (1 credit each)
        1. Chamber Singers: This class meets 5 days a week throughout the year. This select group performs all styles of choral music with an emphasis on classical music sung in as many as five different languages. Honors Credit is available for this class. Please see the director for further information regarding registration and for completion of honors requirements. Opportunities exist for students to accompany the choir on the piano. Grades 10-12.
        2. Freshman Chorus: This class meets 5 days a week throughout the year. The group performs music from many different eras and studies the music and the times in which the music was written. Students receive one credit for this class. Opportunities exist for students to accompany the choir on the piano. Grade 9.
        3. Jazz Choir: This class meets 5 days a week throughout the year and performs various styles within the jazz genre. From traditional jazz standards to arrangements of R&B classics arranged in the jazz style, this ensemble challenges students in a variety of ways. With an emphasis on interpretation, solo singing, improvisation and theory, students are exposed to the various styles of jazz (i.e. swing, Latin, and funk). Honors Credit is available for this class. Please see the director for further information regarding registration and for completion of honors requirements. Students receive one credit for this class. Students also perform in Sherwood’s Night of Jazz Concert in the Spring. Grades 10-12.
        4. Show Choir: This class meets 5 days a week throughout the year. This select group performs all styles of choral music with an emphasis on show choir and vocal jazz. All students should be able to perform as soloists and will be required to dance. Honors Credit is available for this class. Please see the director for further information regarding registration and for completion of honors requirements. Students receive one credit for this class. Opportunities exist for students to accompany the choir on the piano. Grades 10-12.
        5. World Music Ensemble: The development of this multi-cultural ensemble is an attempt to bring together students across various cultural backgrounds for the purpose of improving understanding of various cultures within the Sherwood High School student body. This ensemble will rehearse during lunch and will include both choral and instrumental performers.
        6. Women's Chorus: This class meets 5 days a week throughout the year. The group performs popular music from a variety of periods and studies the music and the times in which the music was written. Students receive one credit for this class. Opportunities exist for students to accompany the choir on the piano. Grades 10-12.
      2. Extra Credit Organizations: Students will receive extra student service learning credit hours for most of the activities listed below. The number of credits may vary for each activity.
        1. The Umojo Ensemble (see above)
        2. Fall Musical Cast Member - This musical stage production is presented in conjunction with the Drama Department. Rehearsals are usually every day after school for two months before the performances. Students must audition to be a cast member.
        3. Chamber Music Recitals - Students perform solos and small ensemble pieces for a relatively small audience a few times a year.
          Rock and Roll Revival Cast Member - This group consists of singers, dancers, band members, and technical crew for the Rock and Roll Revival show. Rehearsals are every day after school for the two months before the performances.
        4. MCPS Treble Honors Chorus - This Honors Chorus is an all-county performing group that provides a choral challenge to musically talented singers in grades 7, 8, and 9. This 100 voice group rehearses one evening each week usually two months prior to the concert. Membership is by audition and a registration fee is charged. Students who participate in their high school choral program are eligible to audition for the Junior Honors Chorus.
        5. Maryland All-State Chorus - Students must audition for these groups which give one concert a year at the State Music Teacher's convention in March. Groups include the Junior and Senior All-State Choruses.
        6. MCPS Youth Chorus - This Honors Chorus is an all-county performing group that provides a choral challenge to musically talented singers in grades 10, 11, and 12. This 100 voice group rehearses one evening each week usually during semester one. Membership is by audition and a registration fee is charged. Students who participate in their high school choral program are eligible to audition for the MCYC.
        7. Private Music Lessons - Since private music instruction improves the skills of a musician, and this in turn contributes to the improved quality of the ensembles, documented lessons will count as extra credit. See the director for further information.
    4. Guidelines for Citizenship
      1. Our Goal: All members of the Sherwood Choral Music Department are expected to reflect only their best qualities in their everyday contact with people in and out of school. We want to be known as an organization that is sincere in its interest in music and serving the community. The following suggestions are designed in aiding the student to achieve success in fulfilling this goal.
      2. In Class: Be ready to perform and do everything to assist an effective rehearsal. Be consistent in obeying all Class Procedures and Rules.
      3. In Concert: Be appropriately attired, on time for warm-up, and demonstrate a high level of professionalism.
      4. With Substitutes, Chaperones, Student Teachers and Guests, it must be understood that these individuals are acting on behalf of the Director. They should receive the same respect and cooperation as you would give the Director.
      5. Field Trips are an important part of our performance activities. Be sure to do your part by having permission slips signed and returned immediately. All academic work missed should be made up as soon as possible, but not during scheduled class time. Making up work missed as a result of performances in one of the many responsibilities a student assumes when she or he joins the Music Department.
      6. In Travel on busses all school rules apply. Remember to maintain a low noise level and do not leave the bus unless you are directed by the Director or chaperones.
      7. Fire Drills are required by the State of Maryland and should be treated seriously. Exit the suite through the main doors, turn a left, turn another left and a right after the vending machines. Exit through the doors leading to the student parking lot, turn a right after the gym entrance and walk between the tennis courts. Our line is to the immediate left following the tennis court.
      8. Daily Attendance is extremely important not only as it indirectly affects a member's ability to grow in their understanding of key musical concepts (i.e. technique, theory, tuning, etc.), but also in the direct impact it has on the performance of the ensemble. It makes no sense for a choir to work for a superior choral sound and a balance even if one singer is missing from that rehearsal. Every performer is necessary and in order for us to progress as a group, we all must have a clear understanding of this. In addition to your attendance, being unprepared without your music is just as serious. See classroom expectations for further details.
      9. Performances are the culminating events reflecting many hour of hard work and they serve to complete the learning process. It is important that you meet your performance obligations except in cases of severe illness and emergencies. Please note that you are receiving your performance schedule on the first day of the academic year. With that said, you are expected to participate in all concerts. See grading/attendance policy for further details.
      10. Dress: Every choral music student with the exception of Freshman Chorus ladies will receive a choral uniform. It is your responsibility to take care and maintain your uniform (i.e. dry clean, laundering, etc.). If the uniform is returned in any condition other than clean, wrapped in plastic, you will be charged a $10 fee for dry cleaning. In addition to your uniform, it is also your responsibility to take care of your choral music folder. We have been extremely blessed as a department to purchase substantial quantities of music. With that said, you have the responsibility of taking care of it. Failure to return music in the condition that it was received will result in an obligation filed against your name that must be paid prior to you receiving your report card or for seniors, graduation.
      11. Note to Parents:
        Your success and encouragement has been as essential ingredient to our present success and will continue to help us achieve increased expectations. Here are some ways to for you to help:
        1. Attend as many Sherwood Performances as possible.
        2. Encourage private practice, listen, praise and constructively criticize.
        3. Contact the Director if you are concerned about any aspect of the program or your child's progress.
        4. Arrange for a family outing to one of the many concerts, many of which are free, taking place weekly in our area.
        5. Make every effort to plan family activities around our calendar dates.
        6. Provide for private instruction if at all possible.
    5. Grading Policy
      In order to meet the many objectives in being successful as a musician, this year's grading will be based on a point system. This system will be strictly followed and points will be distributed as follows.
      100 Class Performance Expectations
      100 Concert Performance Expectations
      50 Sectionals
      30 Spot Checks (Quartets)
      50 Semester Project
      20 Concert Review
      TOTAL POINTS: 360
      1. Class Performance Expectations
        1. The student will be in place for rehearsals immediately following the late bell prepared to sing. In addition to their person, all choral music students are expected to have their music folder and a sharpened pencil unless the student presents an authorized Late Note. Please note that the Director will keep track of student preparedness. Students consistently not prepared will receive the minimum points possible 50/100.
        2. The students will observe silence immediately upon the conductor taking position on the podium or piano and during the entire rehearsal except to ask or answer questions.
        3. The student will demonstrate an appropriate warm-up prior to the onset of the rehearsal or will wait for the conductor to start the group warm-up.
        4. All students will have the proper materials necessary to be successful in their chorus class. This includes their music folder and a sharpened pencil.
        5. All students will demonstrate a working knowledge of musical terms, music theory and history as it relates to music performed in rehearsals. This may involve class discussion, worksheets and quizzes.
      2. Concert Performance Expectations
        1. The student will report at the proper time for a concert warm-up.
        2. The student will be appropriately attired for the concert.
        3. The student will perform at her or his own best level of achievement for the concert.
        4. The student will demonstrate attentiveness, self control and proper concert manners during the performance of other musical groups as well as her or his own
    6. Sectional Rehearsals
      1. The pull–out sectional program during the 5th period lunch is mandatory. Our choral students will demonstrate the responsibility necessary for making this program a successful one. This will be a requirement reflected in your grade. You will participate in approximately four sectionals a report period.
      2. As vocalists, students sing during their choral rehearsals. As an ensemble, we work on techniques such as balance, blend, vocal intonation and phrasing. With such a large number of students in each choir, there is not enough time to spend during full rehearsals teaching just a few students, and sections within the choir.
      3. Students learn how to sing during sectionals. Students will rehearse focusing on breath control, proper diaphragm usage, tonal production, vowel pronunciation, and dynamic contrasts while strengthening their knowledge of both melodic and rhythmic notation. By adhering to the processes shared during rehearsals, the student will gain all the necessary tools of developing sound musicianship and vocal proficiency.
    7. Semester Project
      1. A handout will be given in class explaining the requirements, procedures and due dates for the project.
    8. Concert Review
      1. As a musician, it is important to be exposed to music outside of our own performing ensembles. All students will be required to see a performance outside of Sherwood High School Groups. This can include other school's performances, professional performances in the community or any other performances that you might attend. A concert review is to be written for this concert. Requirements and a rubric will be handed out in class to help aid you in the concert review procedure. The due date for this review will be noted on the handout given in class.
    9. Spot Checks/Quartets
      1. Approximately three spot checks/quartets will be given throughout each marking period. These spot checks may be announced or called at random. The material used for these spot checks will consist of repertoire being used in class. It is your responsibility to be able to sing your respective vocal lines throughout the selected repertoire. If material is unclear, it is your responsibility to the teacher for help.