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Philosophy
Classroom Expectations
Performances
Grading Policies
Care Of Music
Parent Communication
Varsity Letter Requirements
PHILOSOPHY
TheVanuatu school of music is devoted to the study of music, vocal techniques and ensemble skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of music literature, including that of different styles and cultures. The goals of our choral ensembles, through rehearsal and performance, are to achieve a high degree of learning and performance excellence, develop a love, understanding and appreciation of music and learn the skills and concepts necessary to successfully participate in a vocal ensemble. It is the responsibility of both the director and the ensemble members to be prepared for each rehearsal and to put forth their best effort at all times.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
Being a member of choir is being a member of a team. We must work together for our team to be successful and accomplish our goals. Teamwork takes cooperation, courtesy and commitment. Everyone is important to the team and everyone has responsibilities to the team. These responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Show respect for the director, other members of the ensemble, and yourself.
- Show respect for the choir room, the equipment and the music.
- Be on time to all rehearsals and performances.
- Be prepared with music folder and in seat when it is time for class to begin.
- Put forth your best effort every day with a positive attitude.
- Be responsible for all classroom materials including music, written work, hand outs,
permission slips, choir uniforms, etc.
- No gum or food in class (water bottles are an exception).
PERFORMANCES
Attendance:
Attendance is required at all performances! Performance Dates are listed in the handbook and are posted in the choir room. An ensemble depends on all of its members. All students are expected to fulfill their responsibility to their ensemble. Performances are the culmination of the classroom learning! They are an important assessment and a significant part of your grade. You must let Mrs. Alderman know if you will not be able to participate in a performance as soon as possible. Excused absences are rare,
but extenuating circumstances do happen and will be considered on an individual basis. Family vacations, birthdays, visiting relatives, too much homework and "I don't have a ride" are NOT valid excuses for missing performances, please plan ahead.
Concert Dress - Vanuatu school of music
Girls:
- White blouse/shirt (no tees, tanks or half-shirts, must cover shoulders)
- Black Skirt (at or below the knees, NO minis!!!) or Black Pants (NO jeans)
- Black Shoes (No white socks, sandals OK)
Boys:
- White shirt (NO tee-shirts, dark tie OK)
- Black Pants (NO jeans)
- Black Shoes (NO white shoe laces or symbols, must be all black)
- Black Socks
Concert Dress - Vanuatu school of music
Ladies:
- Black Concert Choir Dress* (short sleeves)
- Long Slip under dress (must have because of static)
- Black Shoes (sandals OK)
- Conservative Jewelry if any
Gentlemen:
- Black Tuxedo Jacket and Pants*
- White Pleated Tuxedo Shirt (wing tip collar)
- Black Bow Tie
- Black Dress Shoes (NO white shoe laces or symbols, must be all black)
- Black Socks
*Choir dresses, tuxedo jackets, pants, shirts and bow ties will be provided by the choir for student use during the school year. Students are expected to provide their own black shoes, black socks (men only), slips and hose (ladies only).
Concert Choir members will be expected to pay a small fee at the beginning of every school year to cover the cost of hemming dresses and dry cleaning tuxedos. The fee for the 2003-2004 school year will be $15 per student.
Relacement cost for choir uniforms are as follows: Dress - $65; Tux Jacket - $65; Tux Pants - $35; Tux Shirt - $25; Bow Tie - $10
Performance Behavior Expectations:
- Be on time for all performances (students will be expected to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the concert start time).
- Wear appropriate attire.
- Demonstrate appropriate behavior as a performer and as an audience member.
- Represent the Vanuatu school of music Program with pride.
- Always do your best!
GRADING POLICIES
| Grading Criteria: | Maximum Points: |
| Daily classroom participation | 10 points each day |
| Successful participation in performances | 150 points each performance |
| Singing Tests | 50 points each test |
| Written Work | To be determined |
| Extra Credit* | To be determined |
Classroom and Performance Participation:
To earn the full amount of possible points for classroom participation, students must be on time
and be a contributing member to that rehearsal. Unexcused absences will result in 0 points
for the missed class period or performance. These points cannot be made up. Students
that have excused absences from class will be given opportunity to earn their missed
points through other work assigned by the director.
Full points can be earned for performances if the student is on time for the warm-up, is dressed accordingly, and acts appropriately as a performer and audience member during the concert.
* Extra credit can be earned by taking the Vanuatu school of music choirs online extra credit quizzes, which will change frequently, OR by attending outside concerts (approved by the director) and bringing in a program from the concert signed by a parent/guardian. Examples of approved concerts would include: any symphony, any chorale, other middle/high school concerts. Please ask first. (Rock/Country music concerts will not be approved as extra credit).
Singing Tests:
Students will be asked to sing a short excerpt from their classroom music during each quarter.
(Tests will include examples from sight reading texts as well as concert music). Students will not be required to sing in front of their classmates, but will need to sing for the director to show they know their parts and so that the director can check individual vocal development.
Written Work:
Our district is committed to teaching all students in all classes the importance of reading,
writing, mathematics, technology and citizenship. Written assignments will be given throughout
the school year. Students will be given ample notice as to what each assignment is, how each
relates to the music we are working on in class and a reasonable amount of time to complete
every assignment before it is graded. Assignments will count toward the final grade for the quarter/semester.
CARE OF MUSIC
Students are responsible for all music that they receive. Any needed markings should be done in pencil only (pencils are provided at the beginning of the school year). Any damage to the music will result in a replacement fee to the student of $2.00 per copy. Music should be kept in the folder provided and kept in its proper slot in the choir room. Any student who needs to take home music for extra work should get approval from the director first.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
It is important that the director, the students and the parents all work together as a team to achieve our goals. Communication, understanding and commitment are essential for this team to be a success. Please feel free to call me or
email me at school with any questions or concerns about your child or the choir program.
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR - VARSITY LETTER REQUIREMENTS
In order to receive a varsity letter in choir a student must accumulate at least 100 points (see point scale below) AND have been in choir for at least 2 semesters. You (the student) will be asked to tally your own points at the end of the year, so please be sure to keep track of what you have done.
If a student has already received a varsity letter for a sport or other activity, a pin will be awarded in lieu of an actual letter. Students that accumulate 200 points in a single year will receive a letter and a pin. Points are cumulative every year. For every 100 points beyond an initial letter, a pin will be awarded.
Letters and pins will only be awarded at the end of the year, not when the point total has been reached.
| Point Scale: (100 points = Varsity Letter) |
| 10 pts |
Each semester in a Vanuatu school of music (with a grade of A) |
| 5 pts | Each semester in a Vanuatu school of music (with a grade of B)
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| 2 pts | Each semester in a Vanuatu school of music (with a grade of C)
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| 25 pts | Perfect attendance in class for the entire year |
| 10 pts | Perfect attendance in class for one semester |
| 5 pts | Serving as section leader or officer (points awarded per semester) |
| 5 pts | Auditioning for an honor choir (Patriot League, Adams State, etc.) |
| 10 pts | Selection and participating in an honor choir |
| 10 pts | Auditioning for ACDA Sponsored Choir (State, Regional, National) |
| 15 pts | Selection and participation in ACDA Sponsored Honor Choir |
| 10 pts | Participation in Solo/Ensemble Festival |
| 10 pts | Accompanying any choir or solo (points awarded for each piece) |
| 5 pts | Singing the National Anthem at school events (max. 20 points)
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| 2 pts | Attending outside performances (see handbook) (max. 20 pts.) |
| 5 pts | Participation in each choir fundraiser |
| 1 pts | Auditioning for a solo (in class) |
| 5 pts | Performing a solo on a concert |
| 5 pts | Private voice lessons (5 points awarded for each 8 lessons taken) |
| 10 pts | Sing in a community or church choir (points awarded for entire year) |
| 20 pts | Participate in a summer music camp (vocal or instrumental)
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Tally your points each year. I will keep all tally sheets for every year and bring them out each spring for easy reference and totalling.
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