Waxahachie High School

Choral Department Handbook

2007 – 2008

Class Objectives

1.         To encourage the growth and development of correct singing skills.

2.         To develop good overall musicianship, increase aesthetic appreciation for all fine arts                 and emphasize vocal development in solo and ensemble singing.

3.         To learn individual responsibility and develop the habit of being a dependable student     accountable for his/her actions.

Grades

Please read the following carefully:

Students will be graded using the following point system:

Participation                             20%

Daily Grades                            30%

Performances/Rehearsals     50%

Absence Policy

If a student is absent from a singing event or rehearsal, a grade of zero (0) will be given.  In the event a student has an excused absence from school the day of or the day following a rehearsal or concert, he/she will be offered an alternate assignment to replace the grade of 0 and maintain credit for the event.  Excused absences must be approved by the choir director and do not include baby-sitting, job conflicts, family reunions or transportation difficulties.  In the event a conflict occurs between a choral event and another campus sponsored activity, the student will immediately inform both sponsors of the problem and work to achieve a congenial resolution.

Choral Concerts

There are two types of choral concerts/events:

Co-Curricular: any activity that is considered an extension of the classroom, i.e., PTA programs, National Honor Society induction service, Christmas and spring concerts, assemblies, etc.  Eligibility requirements for these concerts will be determined by the director and most students will participate in them.

Extra-Curricular: any activity that is competitive or held in conjunction with a competition or any activity for which an admission is charges, i.e., UIL contest, choral festivals, solo-ensemble contest, all state contest, etc. Students failing any class on a report card are considered ineligible to participate until they maintain passing grades at grade check periods.

Performances are the visible result of effort and hard work expended by students and directors.  Our goal is to achieve excellence in both behavior and performance; therefore each student is advised he/she is a representative of our school, community and home.  Any actions which detract from this image will not be tolerated.  Following is a list of guidelines specifically pertaining to concert etiquette:

1.  Arrive early to concerts, at least 30 minutes prior to curtain.

2.  Be courteous and polite to everyone including other school performing groups.

3.  Maintain a performance atmosphere whether on stage or in the audience.

4.  Behave in a mature manner on school buses.  Voices should be moderated,  bodies inside and seated at all times.  Listening to music is permitted with head phones only.  

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the following consequences:

Detention

Reduction of class grade points

Consultation with parent or guardian

Referral to the principal’s office

Choir Classroom Rules

1.  Students are to be in the classroom before the tardy bell rings.  Failure to have materials ready when rehearsal begins will result in a detention.

2.  The passing period is to be used for restroom needs.  Students will be permitted to go to water fountains and restrooms during class time only in the event of an emergency to avoid disruption to class instruction.

3.  Positively no food, drink or gum is allowed in the choir classroom at any time.

4.  The use of cosmetics, perfumes, hairspray, lotion, etc. is prohibited.

5.  If you are physically unable to participate in class you will be sent to the nurse’s office.

6.  Access to the choir office and storage closet is strictly prohibited.

7.  Students must have ID’s displayed during school hours.

8.  Students may not be in obvious possession of cell phones, IPOD’s or portable stereos.  Such electronic devices will be retrieved and taken to the office. Students will be charged a $15.00 fee to collect them.

9.  Disruptive or distracting behavior, including inappropriate dress will not be tolerated.

10. Students must pay for any damage to or loss of materials.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in the following consequences:

Detention

Reduction of class grade points

Consultation with parent or guardian

Referral to the principal’s office

Acceptable Behavior Guidelines for Participation

Students must maintain an acceptable level of discipline management throughout the school year.  If a student consistently receives reprimands, detentions, ISS or alternative school placement he/she will be prohibited from participating in choir events and may be placed in another section of choir.  Placement in alternative education will deny student credit for extra curricular subjects.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are a great enrichment in any musical experience.  Although no program for private lessons is currently offered through the choir department, a list of teachers will be provided to any student requesting one.

Private lessons benefit your child in the following ways:

1.  Provides the student individual instruction by a vocal specialist.

2.  Boosts the achievement and confidence of voice students.

3.  Aids the student in attaining the music goals set forth in the Texas essential elements.

4. Improves the vocal performance quality of the student and the WHS choral department.

Fees

Each student is required to pay a $50.00 participation fee for choir if they are a new student to choir, a $25.00 fee if the student signs a contract to return there uniform at the end of their senior year.  Fees collected will purchase uniforms, pay clinician fees and some contest fees.  All uniforms will become the property of the choral department.  Both female and male students will provide their own closed toed, dress black shoes for performances and ladies should have skin colored hose.  Directors are not responsible for uniform pieces left in the choir room.

Some contests will involve a select number of students.  The entry fee for these events will be paid by the school; however, if the student agrees to compete and fails to participate, the fee must be repaid by the student immediately.  For some events a piano accompanist will be required.  Accompanist fees range from $25 to $40 depending upon the complexity of the music.

Student Travel Information

When traveling on choir contest trips, the following information will serve to guide you in your planning.

Bring with you:

            One suitcase (medium sized) and one carry-on bag.

            A watch that works.

            Your choir uniform complete with proper footwear, hose, socks, etc.

            Appropriate casual clothing suitable to the climate of our destination.

Traveler’s checks are suggested rather than large sums of cash.  Smaller amounts of cash    will be needed for en route travel.                 

Student Discipline:

            Follow all directions given by directors and chaperons.

            Keep the bus, plane or other vehicle clean at all times using trash receptacles.

            While on the bus, plane or other vehicle:

            CD players may be used with headphones only

            You must remain in your seat at all times

            Voices are to be no louder than conversational level

            Check your itinerary and arrive early for all events.

            No one is allowed out of your assigned hotel rooms after room check for any reason.

            Keep hotel rooms neat and clean.  This will be enforced with daily room checks.

            Noise levels in your room must be considerate of others.

            Students of the opposite sex are not allowed in your room at any time.

            For safety reasons, students must remain with the group at all times.

            Students must be seated in same gender order on the plane or bus after dark.

Student Medicine Policy

All medicines must be in original containers and checked in with your chaperon prior to departure.  You are responsible to present instructions regarding dosage and times to be administered.  This does not include inhalers which may be kept with the student at all times.  Minor medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, etc. must also be in the original container and may be administered with parent permission according to label directions.

Travel Eligibility

Any student who has been placed in in-school suspension, alternative school or has received numerous detentions or reprimands will not be allowed to accompany the WHS choir on any trip.  In addition, all students must fall within the guidelines of “no pass no play” to participate in out of area events.

Harmonizer’s Booster Club

The Harmonizer’s Booster Club is composed of a group of involved parents who serve to assist the WHS Choral Department with many areas of need.  Elected officers and members meet periodically throughout the year forming committees providing a cohesive network of support for our choir students grades 9 – 12.

As a parent, your participation in your child’s school activities is vital.  Our goal as educators and administrators is to create a path of communication and support between child, teacher and parent enhancing students’ educational opportunities.  With your involvement, we can achieve a greater level of success.

Please consider joining the Harmonizer’s Booster Club and plan to be actively involved in your child’s education.

Club meetings will be held every second Tuesday  evenings at 7:00 at the Skillsnet, 3295 N. Hwy 77.  In addition, the Harmonizer’s will be sponsoring a “Welcome Back” reception on September 4 at 7:00 in the High School choir room (Little Theater)

Harmonizer Booster Club Officers 2007 – 2008

President: Rev. Richard Smith

Vice President: Tim Gordon

Vice President: Tim Denny

Secretary: Valerie Hatchel

Treasurer: Don Van Zandt

Concession Stand Director:   Jeremy Thomas

ACappella Representative: Brenda Pendley