CHORAL

ENSEMBLE EXPECTATIONS 2016-2017

This list has been created in order to clarify what the expectations are for this group
in the 2016-2017 Season. In the past several years the staff at SCPA have been
disappointed by the lack of professionalism and proper decorum amongst the
student artists. There is a basic lack of respect of the teachers and the fellow
students, with a work ethic that has been in steep decline. In an effort to prepare
you for the professional world of performing, the following ten expectations will be
strictly adhered to throughout the school year:

1. You must attend all performances. The group is too small to have any one
person missing without it affecting the entire group. If you cant fully commit
to the group, allow the spot to go to someone who is willing to be there every
time. It doesnt matter how talented you are, if you arent up on stage with us
then it doesnt matter. Professional singers put their performances above
other events, and we are training you to be professional singers.

2. It is your responsibility to check the performance and rehearsal schedule
against your personal/family calendar. Use the technology at your disposal
to plan your year in advance. Communicate with your family and let them
know when your concerts are and that you cannot miss them. Any potential
conflicts must be resolved 30 days or more before a performance or after
school rehearsal. It is understood that a Choral Ensemble concert scheduled
before another event takes precedent, and if an opportunity for Choral
Ensemble to perform arises last minute, it will not be required unless the
members of the group confirm that their schedules are free. Excused
absences from concerts, while very rare, must be made up by completing a
research paper, which will be due the day following the concert. Professional
singers are organized and plan ahead, resolving schedule conflicts far in
advance, and we are training you to be professional singers.

3. You must be in class and on time to class. Rehearsals are greatly affected by
people missing in the sections, coming in late, leaving early and distracting
the group with outside issues. Arrange your appointments around this class.
Excessive tardies and absences will result in your removal from the group.
This includes excused absences and tardies. Professional singers are prompt,
and we are training you to be professional singers.

4. You must practice your music at home. You are responsible for learning your
parts after the initial teaching of them in sectionals. This applies to
harmonies as well as solos. Use the technology at your disposal and set aside
30 minutes a day for music for this class specifically. If you take your art
seriously then you should practice as soon as you get home, then do other
homework and pleasure activities. Professional singers practice, and we are
training you to be professional singers.

5. This is the highest level performing ensemble on campus. Have pride in the
group and have some class. Remember you are representing yourself, the
group, your school and your instructor with everything you say or do.
Resolve disagreements with your teacher and with each other in a mature,
adult fashion. Dont use Social Media as an outlet for flaming others, whether
you feel justified or not. Professional singers respect their colleagues, and we
are training you to be professional singers.

6. Juries will be conducted twice a semester, roughly every 8 weeks. You are
expected to memorize your notes and your lyrics 3 weeks after receiving the
music so that we can work on interpretation, dynamics, pronunciation,
phrasing and other singing techniques. The juries will be graded using a 100
point rubric with 10 categories. Professional singers strive to push the
boundaries of their abilities through challenging and varied solo study, and
we are training you to be professional singers.

7. No food or drinks consumed in the classroom during rehearsal. Eating right

before singing is not only bad for vocal production but it is inconsiderate of
the people next to you. Eat breakfast before coming to school and finish
your snacks between classes and before coming into the room. Bottled water
is highly encouraged, as it lubricates the vocal folds and hydrates your body.
Professional singers dont eat during rehearsal, and we are training you to be
professional singers.
8. Give 100% effort in all that you do. This includes warm-ups, solo study,
group rehearsal, sectionals, enrichment activities and guest lectures/master
classes. No marking. Be engaged in the rehearsal or the discussion. Make
eye contact with the speaker its the #1 way of showing attentiveness and
respect. Professional singers give their best effort at all times, and we are
training you to be professional singers.
9. Absolutely no talking during rehearsal. We have a lot of music to learn and a
short amount of time to learn it. There will be time for socializing, but when
music is being learned, side conversations should end. Being in a performing
group with your friends is a privilege, not a chance to hang out and get an
Easy A. Professional singers dont socialize during rehearsal, and we are
training you to be professional singers.
10. You are expected to have your music in a black three ring binder with sheet
protectors at all times. The folder should include a shard pencil with an
eraser. Each piece of music distributed to you should have your name on it
and should be placed in the folder immediately after receiving it. You will be
assigned a number, which will be on your music, and that music will be
collected for a grade after the concert. Daily points will be lost for failure to
have folder, music and pencil. Professional singers are organized and
prepared for rehearsal, and we are training you to be professional singers.

If these expectations are met I can promise that you will have a highly enjoyable and
educational experience this year. Participating in Choral Ensemble will be the most
musically rewarding experience you will have in high school. Remember that you
get what you give!


I, ______________________________________________, promise to faithfully uphold the
expectations put forth in the CHORAL ENSEMBLE EXPECTATIONS 2016-2017, and
that failure to do so will result in a low academic and citizenship grade and possible
removal from the group.

Student Signature: ______________________________________________________Date: _____________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________________Date: _____________