Singing Practice

HS & MS Concert Make-Ups

You must have a parent contact me to verify that this is an excused absence. Any concert absence not cleared by parents will be considered an unexcused absence, which results in automatic F for that quarter. Note that because this is an academic class, extracurricular events (including sports and work) are not considered a valid excuse.

Then, pick one of the below projects to do in place of your concert grade:

Project Option 1: Write concert notes on any 3 of the songs, clear them with the teacher, the teacher will read them aloud at the concert as part of their speaking (if a last-minute emergency, write the notes about the next upcoming concert)

• Include biographical information about composers
• Include connections between each song and the overall concert theme
• Include commentary on the specific song and its meaning and/or style

Project Option 2: Design two unique posters for the concert, clear them with the teacher, print them, post them around school and town (if a last-minute emergency, make the posters for the next upcoming concert)

• Include the basic when, where, who, what
• Use a variety of fonts and sizes to emphasize important information
• Use a color scheme and pictures that work well together to make cohesive artwork

How to Be a Better Clarinet Player

1. Warm up before you practice or rehearse.
1. Long tones: Whole notes at quarter note equals 40. Start in the low range and work your way up. Take measure-long breaks when needed to rest your embouchure. Focus on good embouchure (bottom lip curled over teeth, chin down and flat, corners pulled in slightly) and air support (posture, deep breaths, abdominal control, relaxed neck).
2. Slurred 12ths: Start on low E, crescendo from pp to ff over the course of four beats, with quarter note equalling 40. Once you reach ff, add the register key and begin your decrescendo from ff to pp. Continue to focus on embouchure and air support
3. Scales: Chromatic scale, as much of it as you know and can play. Major scales, starting at a comfortable tempo and working your way up to 16th notes at quarter note equals 88. Continue to focus on good embouchure and air support, but also fluid, even motion of fingers.
4. Tonguing: Starting on Middle C, play repeated 16th notes, beginning at quarter note equals 60, and working your way up as far as possible while maintaining control. Using the C Major scale, play a 5-note scale, up and down, using the same tempo(s). Continue to focus on good embouchure, air support, and even finger motion, but also clean articulation with the tip of the tongue lightly touching the tip of the reed.
2. Experiments to try:
1. Play a “long” C and play the clarinet in a wide arc in front of you (from very low to very high). If you listen closely you will hear where it sounds the best. Always hold the clarinet at that angle.
2. Try playing and saying “ee” versus “ah.” Notice the difference in tone, especially in the upper register and the throat tones. When playing clarinet, you need to keep the “ee” position for the best tone.

HS Lesson Expectations

It is the student’s responsibility to ask for permission from the affected teachers and to make up any work necessary. Please do not schedule a lesson during a test or other event that is difficult to miss. It is the student’s responsibility to remember to attend their lesson. Each student must attend 1 lesson every 3 weeks.

Star Spangled Banner lyrics

Oh, say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hail'd at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, thro' the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watch'd, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

WFHS Vocal Music Dept. Handbook

West Fork High School 2017-18 Vocal Music Department Handbook

Katy Wilson, Director

High School Choral Students, Parents, and Guardians,

This choir handbook has been written for choir students and parents, with the intent of giving a clearer picture of the expectations and responsibilities of the student musician.  It includes the general policies of the high school choirs.  Each parent and student is requested to be familiar with these policies.

Parents and Guardians:

Please remember that your participation, guidance, and encouragement are vital to your student’s success.  Please feel free to contact me at any time if you have questions, concerns, or comments.

Phone: 641.892.4461, ext.1190

Email: katy.wilson@westforkschool.org

Website: http://katywilsonmusiceducator.blogspot.com/

CHOIR MEMBERSHIP

To be a member in good standing, the choir student must currently be enrolled in the class and be under no restrictions, either through disciplinary or academic difficulties.  Those students who have failing grades will have restricted involvement within the choir. Specifically, a student who is under academic or disciplinary restriction cannot attend vocal festivals, honor choirs, participate in Solo & Ensemble contests, or audition for All-State or Opus.  Concerts are required as part of the grading process; therefore, the student will not be required to miss a performance for either academic or disciplinary restriction.  A list of mandatory performance dates are listed in this handbook, posted in the choir room, and also posted on my website.

Relevant attendance items from the Student Handbook:

“Students must be passing all classes at the time of at the time of grade checks to maintain their eligibility. Grade checks will occur every 4 1/2 weeks. If a student fails to meet the requirements they will be ineligible for a minimum of one calendar week after which time eligibility will be reinstated when the minimum requirements have been met.”

“Students in school activities must be in school at least by noon 1/2 day on the day of the event in order to participate in a school activity. This rule may be waived for extenuating circumstances, by the principal.”

“High standards of behavior are expected by all students representing WEST FORK in activities, athletics & organizations.  Students who frequently violate school rules may be declared ineligible by the administration.

        Students who engage in acts of vandalism, theft, terrorism, or criminal behavior (either in or out of school) will be ineligible to participate in the next co-curricular event (*).  The next co-curricular event is directly tied to the level at which the student normally participates in athletics, activities and organizations.  For example a varsity athlete could not count a junior varsity athletic contest as the next event, nor could an upperclassman count the Freshmen Plays.

        (*) The next event is a minimum ineligibility period, which can be extended if the student is on suspension from school for a period of time, which encompasses more than one event, (or) if the coach/sponsor, or principal, deem that a longer ineligibility period is necessary.”

COURSE OFFERINGS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Concert Choir: The Concert Choir a mixed vocal ensemble is open to grades 9-12. It is an academic class which meets during 1st block period on A days. See the calendar below for required dates as a member of this ensemble. In this choir, students will learn about posture, breathing, tone production, expression, great choral composers, great choral literature, and many other foundational aspects of choral music. For grading purposes, students will be asked to practice – catching up on the mastery gained by the rest of the class – for each day they are absent. Students will also be required to complete one Concert Report each semester and one research essay each year. Male and female members of this choir will also prepare men’s and women’s choir pieces, respectively.

Chamber Choir: The Chamber Choir is an ensemble consisting of 8-16 singers from grades 10-12. These singers are required to also be members of Concert Choir. This group is an extra-curricular ensemble, and rehearses before school at 7:00 on Tuesdays. Chamber Choir performs for the Fall Concert, Veteran’s Day, the Winter Concert, the Pops Concert, State Solo and Ensemble Contest, the Spring Concert, Fine Arts Night, Senior Awards Night, Graduation, and Memorial Day.

Show Choir: The Show Choir is an extracurricular ensemble that rehearses before school at 7:00 on Fridays. This ensemble combines singing with dancing during performances. This group performs for the Fall Concert, the Winter Concert, the Pops Concert, the Vocal Variety Show, and the Spring Concert.

Voice Lessons: High school choir students are provided with the opportunity to have voice lessons during the school day.  Voice lessons are designed to improve personal and group success in the ensembles.  Lessons will be taught on a one-on-one or small group basis and will include vocal techniques; help with choir music; and preparations for college auditions, contests, or competitions if the student chooses. With the exception of the first week of school, each student will be required to attend a minimum of one lesson every week. More lessons will be available to students preparing music for an audition or event. It is the responsibility of the student to stay aware of their lesson time and not to forget or skip.

Honor Choirs: There will be several opportunities for students to attend honor choirs throughout the year.  Student nominees will be selected at the director’s discretion.  If chosen to participate in an honor ensemble, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure he/she attends any additional lessons provided to him/her and is prepared for the festival.

Solo and Ensemble Contest: Solo and Ensemble contest takes place every year in April. It is a chance for students to sing solos or in small groups, get comments from other directors, and receive a rating.  Students have the option to help choose their music with the director and will prepare during lesson times and additional times as needed.  Any student who signs up for participation and doesn’t participate/performs at a subpar level due to lack of effort or poor time management will be required to reimburse the school the cost of

the entry fee.

Musical: Students will be given the opportunity to participate in an extra-curricular musical.  Rehearsals will take place outside of the regular school day, and roles are not limited to choir members.  Cast members will be selected by a panel of judges. Rehearsals will be considered mandatory, and extracurricular eligibility rules will apply.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

In order to have successful rehearsals, there must be a positive and professional atmosphere in which to rehearse.  Therefore, the following expectations have been established, in addition to the school-wide behavioral policies set forth in the Student Handbook:

• Check the plan on the board when you enter the room so that you are ready to go with each activity
• Be in your assigned seat when the bell rings
• Complete the bell-ringer activity within about the first 5 minutes of class (if applicable)
• Listen quietly when I am talking, raise your hand to ask questions, and follow directions
• Be ready for “Level 1” – standing tall, focused on the music and the director, and either singing or being silent
• Be ready for “Level 2” – sitting tall, focused on the music and the director, and either singing or being silent
• Otherwise you may be at “Level 3” – sitting relaxed, waiting for next directions, talking quietly
• Do not disturb or distract others
• Respect the sheet music and other materials
• Sectionals
• each section will be assigned a space to practice in
• each section will be given specific practice goals
• everyone will be given a return time
• section leaders are in charge of facilitating the practice time
• I will give you time to complete the exit ticket about 5 minutes before the bell (if applicable)
• I will give you time to put away your folders about 1 minute before the bell
• Give your best effort always

If, for any reason, these expectations are not met, issues will be dealt with according to this consequence chart, as found in the Student Handbook:

Violations & Procedures for Disciplinary Action West Fork High School “WARHAWK NATION” A student has a choice to follow the rules or to break the rules.  Failure to follow the rules will result in disciplinary action.  Each type of violation and its disciplinary action procedure is outlined as follows: Principal has the right to a higher offense.   The following is a guideline.
Level 1 Violations            1st Offense                2nd Offense         3rd Offense           4 or more Offenses
Tardies   (3/4 of class time to be credited)	WARNING	30 minute Teacher Detention Teacher Contact Parent Notify Counselor	Referral to Principal Parent Contact Multiple Detentions Performance Contract
Truancy  (Turns 16 after Sept.15)	WARNING 1-3 Days Phone Call to parents	Letter to Parent House Check Phone Call	Meeting with Parent Letter to County Attorney Performance Contract	2nd letter to County Attorney
Excused Absences (ABS) Parents on the day must notify office prior to 9:30 a.m. ---------------------------------- Unexcused Absences	Office will contact the parents at their home or emergency number. Note signed by parents or call explaining why student was absent before allowed back in class. ------------------------- WARNING	--------------------- Referral to Principal 30 minute detention Parent Contact Notify Counselor	Referral to Principal Parent Contact --------------------- 1-hour detention Parent Contact	Meeting with Parents -------------------------------------- Removal from class In-School Suspension (ISS) Parent Contact
Forgery, cheating, plagiarism, academic dishonesty	Zero on the assignment/alternate assignment Teacher Contact Parent 30-minute Teacher Detention	Zero on the assignment Referral to Principal Parent Contact 1-hour detention Notify Counselor	Zero on the assignment Parent Contact Removal from class 1-3 days ISS Suspension
Disruptive Classroom Conduct	WARNING Teacher meets with student and explains classroom expectations	30 minute Teacher Detention Teacher Contact Parents Notify Counselor	Referral to Principal Removal from class for the day 1-hour detention Parents Contacted	Referral to Principal Removal from class for a couple of days Parent Meeting Performance Contract 1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension
Insubordination/Disrespect, defiance of authority	WARNING	30 minute Teacher Detention Teacher Contact Parents Notify Counselor	Referral to Principal 1-hour detention Contact Parents	Referral to Principal Temporary Removal from class Performance Contract 1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension Parent Meeting
(In-Class) Inappropriate Language, obscene gestures, profanity,	WARNING	30 minute detention Parent Contact	Referral to Principal 1-hour detention Parent Contact	Referral to Principal 1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension Parent Meeting Performance Contract
(Out-of-Class) Inappropriate Language, obscene gestures, profanity, disorderly conduct	WARNING	Referral to Principal 30 minute detention Parent Contact Notify Counselor	Referral to Principal 1-hr. detention Parent Contact	Referral to Principal 1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension Parent Meeting Performance Contract
Dress Code Violation (Refusal to change will go to ISS for the day)	Change Clothes Contact Parent	Change Clothes Contact Parent 30 minute Detention Notify Counselor	Change Clothes Parent Conference 1-hr. detention	Change Clothes Parent Meeting 1-3 days ISS Suspension Performance Contract
Cell Phones, other electronic devices	Confiscate Phone Give back at end of day. Notification to Principal WARNING	Confiscate Give back to parents at the end of the day Parent Contact 30 minute detention	Referral to Principal Confiscate Give back to parents Parent Conference 1-hr detention	Referral to Principal Confiscate Parent Contact 1-3 days ISS Suspension Performance Contract
Fighting and/or incitement for others to fight	1-3 days of Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) Referral to police (SRO) Contact Parent Notify Counselor	3-5 days of Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) Referral to police Contact Parent Performance Contract	5-10 days of Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) Referral to police Parent Meeting	Recommendation for Expulsion to Superintendent Referral to police Contact Parent
Harassment, Intimidation, or Bullying	WARNING	Referral to Principal 30 min. detention Parent Contact	Referral to Principal 1-hr detention Parent Conference Performance Contract	Referral to Principal 1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension Referral to police (SRO) Parent Conference
Inappropriate Use of Technology/ Computers	WARNING	30 min. detention given by teacher 1-3 days Restriction of Technology Privileges Contact Parent Computer taken for remainder of period or day.	Referral to Principal Limited Technology laptop turned into Principal each day Laptop taken for 1-week 1-hr. Detention Parent Conference Possible Removal from class	Referral to Principal Loss of Technology for quarter Contact Parent 1-3 days In-School-Suspension (ISS) Removal from class
Parking Violations	Driving privileges lost for 1-week on school grounds Parent Contact	Loss of driving privileges for quarter Parent Contact Contact police	Loss of driving privilege for semester Contact Parent Contact police	Loss of driving privilege for a year Contact Parent Contact police
Public Display of Affection Kissing, prolonged embracing, sitting in another person’s lap	WARNING	Referral to Principal 30 minute Detention Contact Parent Notify Counselor	Referral to Principal 1-hr Detention Parent Conference	Referral to Principal 1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension Parent Contact
Tobacco Products & lighters	Referral to Principal 1-3 days OSS Suspension Contact Parent Contact Police/Warning	Referral to Principal 3-5 days OSS Suspension Contact Parent Contact Police/Ticket Performance Contract	Referral to Principal 5-10 days OSS Suspension Parent Meeting Contact Police/Ticket	Referral to Superintendent
Vandalism, Damage of school property	1-3 days ISS/OSS Suspension Referral to Principal Restitution- (Full replacement cost and repair) Referral to police Contact Parent	3-5-days OSS Referral to Principal Restitution- (Full replacement cost and repair) Referral to police (SRO) Contact Parent Performance Contract	5-10 days OSS Referral to Principal Restitution- (Full replacement cost and repair) Referral to police Parent Meeting	Referral to Superintendent
Bus Behavior	WARNING Possible seat assignment	Assign specific seat Call Parents Notify Principal	Written Warning to Principal Meet with student /send warning letter to parents	Second Warning letter Meet with student/send letter to parents Loss of Privileges for 3 days Meet with parents Lose privileges for 10 days Loss of privileges for remainder of year Parents may petition Board of Education for alternative manner

Level II Violations These violations are violations of school rules as well as potential legal offenses
Alcohol/Drugs, Possession Persons on school property are not to consume or possess alcoholic beverages or drugs; nor is a person to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time on school property or at any school activity.	Any student in violation of this rule may be suspended and/or possibly recommended for expulsion to the Superintendent. As well, students who are under the influence of alcohol on school property will be subject to additional sanctions by law enforcement. Parents of students will be contacted.
Arson, Explosive Device, Weapons, Off-Campus Conduct, Gang-Related Acts Dangerous objects or weapons (or look-alikes) are not allowed on school grounds or at school activities (with the exception of weapons in control of law enforcement officials or those being used for educational purposes and approved by the Principal/Dean or superintendent.	Students possessing dangerous objects or weapons (knives, brass knuckles, etc.) will face disciplinary action such as out-of-school suspension Law enforcement may be contacted. According to both State and Federal Law, students bringing firearms to school—or possessing firearms at school—will be expelled for not less than one (1) year. Parents of students will be contacted.

CHOIR COUNCIL

The choir will designate a student-representative council to govern it.  The choir council will consist of 4 section leaders. The expectations for these council roles will be covered further in class prior to elections. Elections for council offices will occur at the beginning of the school year.  

GRADING POLICY

Grades will be figured using the following grading scale:

100 A+ / 99-93 A / 92-90 A- / 89-88 B+ / 87-83 B / 82-80 B- / 79-78 C+ / 77-73 C / 70-72 C- / 69-68 D+ / 67-63 D / 62-60 D- / 59-0 F

The grade is divided into several components:

Rehearsal Attendance and Participation (20%): Students receive 1 point for each rehearsal at which they are present. Students who are absent from a rehearsal may earn this point back by completing a make-up practice sheet. Students also receive 1 point for each rehearsal in which they are an active, engaged member with appropriate behavior. This point may also be earned back by the same make-up sheet as above.

Concert Attendance and Participation (20%): All students must attend all performances unless they were excused from school the day of the event.  An unexcused absence includes:  having to work, forgetting, skipping, etc.  Students must give an excuse, verified by their parents, to the director no later than 2 weeks prior to the performance they will be missing.  If a student misses a performance due to an emergency, once verified by a parent, the absence will be considered excused. Excused absences can be made up with a

project/paper (as determined by the director).  An unexcused absence will result in an automatic “F” for the quarter that contains the performance. Required absences from any performances, with the exception of concerts, due to academic or disciplinary restriction will be dealt with on a case by case basis at the discretion of the director.  Additional alternative assignments may be given.

In-class Assignments (20%): Students will be given time in class to work on a number of sight-singing assignments and other educational activities.

Out-of class Assignments (20%): Students will fill out 2 Concert Reports and write one Essay during the entire year.

Individual Voice Lessons (20%): Students are expected to attend a lesson once every week. They have a chance to earn up to 3 points at each lesson: one for being prepared, one for showing up, and one for active participation during the lesson itself.

CHOIR LETTERING

Each student will begin the year with 0 points.  Students may earn a letter by participating in any combination of the following activities and reaching a total of 18 points. A student must pass each quarter with a C- or above to earn a letter.  Please present any suggestions for list additions to the director. Others may be added at the director’s discretion.

Event/Criteria	Points	Multiplier	Total
Participation in Concert Choir - 1 Semester	1.5
Participation in Show Choir - 1 Semester	1
Participation in Chamber Choir	1.5
Audition for All-State Choir	2
All-State Choir Qualifier	3
Participation in any one-day honor choir/festival	1
Participation in any two-day honor choir/festival	2
College vocal audition	1
Participation in a summer music camp (vocal)	2
Participation in a vocal event at Solo & Ensemble Contest	2
Participation in a church choir (full year) or community theater (one full production)	2
Private voice lessons from a professional besides the director (10 lessons/semester)	1
Switching voice parts at director’s request	1
Participating in a musical concert/performance outside of school (limit 3)	1
Choir Council member	1
Performing a solo in a choir concert	1
Providing service by working the Music Boosters concession stand, helping with elementary concerts, etc.	1
Singing national anthem at a school or community event	.5
Playing piano for choir rehearsals and/or concerts (ensembles grades K-12 are eligible)	1-3
Singing role (lead) in school musical	3-4
Chorus role in school musical	2
Participation in the high school choir program for a consecutive four (4) years (only seniors are eligible)	2
Grand Total

PERFORMANCE DRESS CODE/CHOIR ROBES AND STOLES

Pride is visible.  Whenever in the “public eye”, students are expected to be in nice, clean clothes.  A council member will fit students in a robe and stole.  Robes and stoles are kept at the school and are handed out before each concert.  Concert Choir wears robes and stoles for each concert, unless otherwise specified in advance by the director. Under the robes, Concert Choir members should wear a t-shirt with sleeves that does not show above the collar of the robe. Men should wear black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes. Women should wear skin-colored nylons, black dress shoes, and shorts or a skirt that does not show while the robe is being worn. All Concert Choir members should use make-up and jewelry conservatively at concerts. The focus should be on the ensemble as a whole, not on any individual student. Deodorant=yes, perfume=no. Show Choir uniform expectations will be discussed prior to each performance. Uniform expectations for additional performances that do not require robes will be discussed prior to each performance.

Students disregarding the dress code will not be permitted to participate in performances, and will have their grade negatively adjusted accordingly. If for any reason, a student is unable (financially or otherwise) to obtain the required clothing items or shoes for their performances, they are expected to discuss this with the director at least two weeks prior to an upcoming performance, and the director will help to locate the proper items for the student.  This will be done in a completely confidential manner. In any case, the singer is expected to dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for others, but more importantly, a respect for self.  The manner in which you perceive and treat yourself serves as the precedent for how others view and treat you!

Another issue that comes up at home concerts is parking. On the evenings of home concerts, please park on the far east and far west points of the new south parking lots. We have a lot of elderly fans that support our students, and since parking is limited, it is a nice gesture to have as many available spots as possible on the east side of the building and near the center area of the new parking lots.

SCHOOL EQUIPMENT POLICY

All regulations in the student handbook regarding school equipment will be followed in the choral program.  Damage to or misplacement of choir property, such as robes, stoles, music, folders, pianos, chairs, recording equipment, and other items will be dealt with in accordance to the school handbook.  Students may be required to reimburse the music program for any damages incurred.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT TRIP

The choirs and bands will be traveling to Minneapolis during the spring of 2019. The following expectations have been set for the trip: All students must be paid in full (by one means or another) in order to attend the trip. Students are prohibited from bringing or using tobacco products, alcohol, or any illegal substance on the trip. Because this is a school-sponsored activity, students must follow all school rules as stated in the student handbook. Students must obey the chaperones’ directions at all times. Chaperones may edit or add rules as they feel necessary to accommodate the situation at hand. If there is a major problem, parents will be notified and responsible for transporting their child home. Major discipline problems will be dealt with following the trip by school officials. Students must stay at the location designated on the itinerary. If a student will need to take any medication (prescription or over-the-counter), the student must check the medicine(s) with the chaperones. The parents must include all medication information on the emergency contact information form. Students are expected to respect the rules and policies of all the places we are visiting. Students are expected to respect the other visitors not in our group. Students will not be allowed to rent movies or video games on the TVs in the hotel rooms. Students may not make phone calls outside the hotel from the telephones in the rooms. The student will pay for any damages or extra charges they cause. Neither the music department nor the school will be held financially responsible for any damage or stolen goods. Students will be responsible for their property while on the trip. The school and music department will not be responsible for lost or damaged items. All students will be required to provide a reference card with emergency contact information, medical treatment consent forms, health insurance information, and liability release prior to the trip. These documents must be turned in to Miss Simkins or Miss Wilson before departure. The trip will be financed by each student individually; however, fundraising opportunities will be available for each student to fund the cost of their trip.  More information will be provided to parents and students within the first semester.

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