1

Coolsville Choral
Department
Handbook
2016-2017

Mrs. Stephanie Goering

sktroyer@ksu.edu
620-566-7394

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t s
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Welcome from the Director 2

Mission Statement/Music Selection Policy 4

Course Offerings 5

Required Materials/Classroom Expectations 6

Attendance/Grading Policy 7

Trip Info/Fundraising Policy 8

Student Leadership/Awards Policy 9

Private Voice Lessons/Vocal Health 10

Concert Attire 11

Calendar of Events 12

Forms 14-18

Handbook References 16-19

Welcome From the Director

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Hello! My Name is Stephanie Goering and I am the director of the

Coolsville Choral Program here at CHS. The 2016-2017 school year will
be my third year as head choral director here. I enjoy working with all
of the students and thank all the guardians that support their children
being a part of choir. Music is a great thing for people of all ages, and
helps children to excel in many other subjects as well. Lets have a
great year!

The Choral Handbook is designed to serve as a guide for the

students and the parents that are a part of the choral program at CHS.
It provides dates, deadlines, rules and regulations, as well as grading
policies and anything that will help a choir member succeed in the
choral program.

The choir member as well as his or her guardians are required to

read the handbook and submit the form located on the last page
stating that you have completed reading and understand the material
given to you in the handbook. This must be signed by the choir
member as well as one guardian.

Being a member of the Coolsville Choral Program is a lot of fun,

but is also a time commitment. Please read through the rest of the
handbook to understand exactly what expectations need to be met in
order to obtain success.

Stephanie Goering
sktroyer@ksu.edu
620-566-7394
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Mission Statement
The Coolsville High School Choral Department strives to create
successful, intellectual, and culturally responsive life-long pursuers of
music, who challenge themselves creatively, physically and mentally in
all aspects of music and beyond.

Music Selection Policy

One of the main goals of the choral program here at CHS is to create
culturally responsive musicians. In order to achieve that goal, the
music throughout the year is selected based on genre, style, historical
period, musical concepts addressed, cultural relevance, and
accessibility.
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2016-2017 Course Offerings

Middle School
Middle School Chorus- MWF 9:30-10:20
(required of all middle school students)

High School
Womens Chorus- TU 1:00-1:50
(9th-12th grade women, non-auditioned)
Concert Choir- MWF 1:00-1:50
(9th-12th grade men and women, non-auditioned)
Coolsville Crooners- MTWUF 2:10-4:10
(10th-12th grade men and women, auditioned)

Program Goals and Outcomes

Each choir member will strive for excellence, regardless of grade
or choir the student is in. Take pride in what you do and do not be
afraid to make bold mistakes. The purpose of the choir program at CHS
is to grow as an ensemble and personally as a musician.

Understanding proper voice techniques and how to care for the

voice
Understanding proper breathing techniques
Knowledge and demonstration of dynamics, meter changes,
musical phrasing, vowel production, key signatures, and
other music terminology
Being proud of the hard work you have put in
Demonstrating positive criticism and self-criticism
Advocating for the choral program and music in general
Accepting responsibility
Working towards becoming a better listener
Setting standards for yourself and colleagues as musicians
Showing development of leadership in the choral program
Developing a culturally responsive outlook on music
Always be the best you can be!
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Required Materials
Each student will receive a choral folder at the beginning of the
year. It will have a number on it, and the student is responsible for
putting that folder back in its slot after each class period.
For Middle School: If a student wants to take a folder home
to practice, that student must check the folder out with Mrs.
Goering

Music will be given to the students and returned at the end of

each concert. If the music or folder is damaged at any return time,
students will pay for the damage.

Each student is also required to have a pencil at all times in the

music room. If a student forgets a pencil, he or she can pay Mrs.
Goering 10 cents to borrow one for that class period.

Classroom Expectations

Below is a list of set rules and regulations for the choral

department, regardless of where we are as a group. A student that is a
member of the choral program is expected to uphold these standards
of behavior both in and outside of the music classroom, and at any
public events for the choral program.

Be on time! Come prepared for class and be in your

assigned seat by the time the bell rings at the beginning of
class.
Absolutely no talking while Mrs. Goering is talking or
directing.
Absolutely no talking while any other members of the choir
have been given permission to talk
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All Kansas State High School rules and regulations will be

strictly enforced in the classroom and in any public
appearances or tours
Respect the choir room and the choir members:
o Use only appropriate language
o No writing on white boards or posters unless asked by
teacher
o Pick up/Throw away all trash, even if it isnt yours
o Take care of all equipment
o Be nice and represent the choral program with dignity!

Attendance at Concerts/Performances
Attendance at all concerts and performances is required to be a
member of the CHS choral program and is part of the grading criteria
in each chorus. Concerts and performances are our public
demonstration to the community of what we have learned throughout
the semester or year, so it is pertinent that each choir member be
there. Although we are all individuals, the choir performs as an
ensemble, so it is necessary that every attempt be made to be
prepared and ready to go for each performance.

For out of school performances, we are to uphold the standards of the

Coolsville Choral Department and Coolsville High School on all levels.
All regular classroom expectations apply whether we are in the
classroom or outside of it.

Any unexcused absence from a performance will negatively impact the

grade of the choir member who was unexcused. There will be no
excused absences from a performance except:

1. You are ill the day of the performance. You must attend at least
half a day of school to be eligible to attend a performance.
2. A family emergency occurs.

Choral Grading Policy

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Every student participating in choir will begin each 9 weeks with an A

in the class. Instead of earning an A, your job as a member of the
choral program is to keep your A. Your grade will be based on your
willingness to learn in the class, and the level at which you
perform/work in each rehearsal and performance. Daily attendance is a
critical part of rehearsal participation. Students will receive 1
unexcused absence, every unexcused absence after that is one letter
grade deduction for that semester (4 tardies equal 1 unexcused
absence).

Board work will be an everyday occurrence at the beginning of each

choir class. The student will copy down an excerpt of music that I
provide, and will solfege it, as well as mark the beats. We will then clap
and sing the excerpt together as a class to enhance our sight-singing
abilities. This will also be a completion portion of your grade.

Rehearsal Participation: 35%

Board Work: 15%
Concert/Performance Attendance: 50%

2016-2017 Trip Information

This year the Coolsville High School Choral Department is taking a trip
to New York City! Students from any of the choirs can choose to attend,
and will have opportunities for fundraising throughout the year. More
information pertaining fundraisers will be given to students and
parents throughout the year. Parental consent forms can be found at
the end of this handbook or per request of the student, and are due no
later than October 1st, 2016, with an initial $400 down payment.

Fundraising Policy
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Each student will be given a personal account at the beginning of the

year, in which the money they fundraise will go specifically towards
their payment for the NYC trip. Fundraisers such as ticket sales,
concession stands, public performances, etc. will go to the general
fund and be dispersed evenly into students individual accounts.
Accounts will be kept using the CHARMS program. Individual
fundraising opportunities will include cookie dough sales, trash bag
sales, donor/sponsorship letters, etc. Fundraising, along with important
trip information will be discussed at the parenting meeting at the
beginning of the semester.

Student Leadership
Applications for student leadership positions will be made available to
students in each choir at the end each spring semester. Each choir will
vote on the officer positions during the last class period of the spring
semester, and officers will be announced at the beginning of the
summer.

2016-17 Officers:

Middle Concert Womens Coolsville

School Choir Chorus Crooners
President Jos Guyton Marget Elaine Donny White
Ringwald Buskirk
Soprano Maria Eliza Miller Anna Rich Sarah
Section Leonard Fletcher
Leader
Alto Section Jamie Mary Hanson Jasmine Kelly Morten
Leader Patting Rodriguez
Tenor Johnson King Albert Clark Jackson Long
Section
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Leader
Bass Section Lucas Wilder Connor Wyatt Smith
Leader Birzer

Awards/Incentives Policy

The LaVonne M. Sessler award is given during the final concert of year
school year to one senior who is part of the CHS choral program. The
student given this award will receive a plaque, as well as a $500 non-
renewable scholarship. This award is donated by the Sessler family
each year. Seniors can choose to submit an application for this award
in February. This award is based off of academic grades, attendance,
student leadership, and student involvement in the choral program,
school district, and community.

1 award will be given to one student in each choir at the end of the
spring conert. Typically this award is some form of gift card or material
prize (iPad, Kindle, etc.). It can be given to a student of any grade
level, and is based off of attendance, hard work and dedication ot the
choral program.

Private Voice Lessons

Mrs. Goering offers 3 free lessons to students every Wednesday and
Friday morning from 7 am- 8 am in the choir room. Students may sign
up on a week-by-week basis for lesson times. Private voice lessons will
also be given at Mrs. Goerings home after school on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4-7 pm. Lessons are $13 a week for a
30 minute lesson. If you are interested in taking lessons privately,
please contact Mrs. Goering to check for availability.

Vocal Health Information

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As a singer, we are only given one voice. Our instrument is our body,
and we must do everything we can to take care of it. Here are a few
helpful tips for keeping your voice as healthy as possible.

Wash your hands often

Drink lots of water!
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Get plenty of sleep
Do not yell or scream consistently
Exercise daily
Do not sing on a cold instrument
o Warm up before any performance if not given the chance as
an ensemble
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Concert Attire

Students will be responsible for payment of their concert attire. Any

students concerned about payment of uniform should contact Mrs.
Goering by the end of the first week of school.

Middle School Chorus

Men: Black pants with dress shoes and a white button down
shirt or white polo. No tennis shoes or jeans.
Women: Black pants or skirts (at or below knee) with black
flats or sandals. No high heels. White blouse with modest
neckline.

Womens Chorus
Black Womens Magnolia Dress- $80
http://www.stageaccents.com/womens_formal/product/2805/
Black Character Shoes- $30
http://www.stageaccents.com/accessories/product/2423/

Concert Choir
Men and Women: CHS Choir robes
-Students will wear black pants underneath with black dress
shoes
Uniform Use Policy
Students enrolled in Concert Choir will pay a fee of $30, to
cover robe rental and yearly maintenance. Any damaged,
lost or stolen choir robes will be paid for in full by the student
for $100.

Coolsville Crooners
Men: Black suit and black dress shoes with white button
down shirt and black tie- $80
http://www.stageaccents.com/mens_formal/product/2625/
Black dress shoes- $30
http://www.stageaccents.com/accessories/product/2318/
Women: Jade Show Choir Dress- $80
http://www.stageaccents.com/show_choir/product/2852/
Black Character Shoes- $30
http://www.stageaccents.com/accessories/product/2423/
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Calendar of Events
August 17th-19th
Coolsville Crooners Training Camp
August 22nd
First day of school
September 9th
Choral Booster Club Concession Stand at Football Game
September 9th
Parent meeting @ 7 pm in choir room
September 23rd
Choral Booster Club Concession Stand at Football Game
October 3rd
Spring Trip Consent Form and down payment due
October 9th
SWKMEA Registration due
October 18th
Middle School Choir Concert
October 21st
Choral Booster Club Concession Stand at Football Game
October 23rd
MS KMEA auditions due
October 25th
High School Choir Concert
November 5th
District KMEA live auditions @ Dodge City
November 18th-20th
High School Musical
December 3rd
District KMEA concert @ Dodge City
December 15th
Winter Holiday Concert
January 21st
MS KMEA concert @ Dodge City
February 17th
Final payment for spring trip due
February 23rd-25th
State KMEA
March 1st
High School League Contest
March 13th-17th
High School Choir Trip to New York City
March 17th
Middle School Choir Concert
March 25th
After Dinner Theatre
April 1st
Regional Solo/Small Ensemble Concert
April 7th
Choral Booster Club Concession Stand at track meet
April 13th
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State large group contest

April 21st-23rd
After Dinner Theatre

April 28th
Choral Booster Club Concession Stand at track meet
April 29th
State solo/small ensemble contest
May 2nd
Spring Middle School Choir Concert
May 4th
Spring High School Choir Concert
May 11th-12th
Coolsville Crooners auditions
May 14th
Graduation
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Student Information Form

Name Address

_____________________________________________
_________________________________________
Last First MI Street City
State Zip

Contact Information

_____________________________________________
______________________________________________
Email Phone # Emergency Contact &
Phone Number

Ensemble(s) Enrolled in Current Voice Part

Middle School Chorus___ Soprano___

Womens Chorus___ Alto___
Concert Choir___ Tenor___
Coolsville Crooners___ Bass___

Are you interested in receiving more information about private

voice lessons with Mrs. Goering?

Yes___ No___
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Choral Handbook Contract 2015-2016

Student

After completely reading this document, I acknowledge and

understand the expectations, guidelines and responsibilities as a
member of the Coolsville High School Choral Department. I have
studied the calendar and am aware of the mandatory events that I
must attend, as well as all festivals and other performances I am
required to sing in.

Students Printed Name

__________________________________________________

Students Signature

___________________________________________________

Date

____________________

Parents/Guardians

I have read the Choral Program Handbook and understand the

requirements and expectations of the choirs. I have also studied the
calendar and know of all mandatory events my student has to be
present for.

Printed Name

______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature
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______________________________________________

Forms are due to Mrs. Goering by August 28th, 2016

Booster Member Sign Up Form

The Coolsville Choral Program Boosters provide support to our choir
Membership Levels

______ Crimson $25+

Recognition in all performance programs

______ Silver $100+

Recognition in all performance programs
CHS Choir mug

______ Gold $200+

Recognition in all performance programs
CHS Choir mug
2 free tickets, to be used at any performance

______ Platinum $500+

Recognition in all performance programs
CHS Choir mug
4 free tickets, to be used at any performance
Sponsorship listed on back of CHS choir t-shirt

Name (as it should appear in programs):

__________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
_________________________
Address Phone # Email

Make checks payable to Coolsville High School Choirs

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Payment amount: $_______________

This form was adapted from Grosse South Point Choirs Booster Membership Form
http://www.gpsouthchoir.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Choir-Booster-Membership-App-2016-
new-logo.pdf
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Travel Permission Form/New York Trip Permission

Form
Please return to Mrs. Goering by September 9 th, 2016 parent meeting

I, _____________________________, do/do not (circle one) give my child,

______________________, permission to attend the school sponsored
activities outside of the school building

I, _____________________________, do/do not (circle one) give my child,

______________________, permission to attend the Spring Choir Trip to
New York City from March 13-March 17.

Please indicate if you would like to be considered as a parental

chaperone for any out of school events:
Yes ___ No ___

Printed Signature

__________________________________________ Date: ____________

Signature

__________________________________________ Date: _____________

Please list any health, safety or dietary concerns for your child here:

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
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________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________

Uniform Rental Form (Concert Choir only)

Choir robes will be distributed to members of the concert choir at the

beginning of the fall semester. The students will be assigned to a robe
number, and the robes will remain housed in the choir room except for
out of school performances. The charge for rental of the robes will be
$30 and will be paid no later than August 28th, 2016. Cash or check will
be accepted, with checks payable to Coolsville High School. This rental
fee covers yearly maintenance done by the school for the choir robes.

If a choir robe is damaged, lost, or stolen, the student is expected to

pay $100 to replace the choir robe.

I have read the choir robe rental policy and accept to pay $30
for the rental of a choir robe by August 28th at 3 PM. I also
accept to pay $100 if my (students) choir robe is lost,
damaged, or stolen over the course of the year.

Student Signature Parent Signature

Date

___________________________________
____________________________________ _____________

Paid: Check___ Cash___

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Handbook References

1. Gross Pointe South Choir

http://www.gpsouthchoir.org/documents-forms/
-Used in booster membership form

2. Dalles Middle School

http://www.nwasco.k12.or.us/Page/1697
-Used for vocal health section

3. Mayde Creek, TX choir

http://www.ksmea.org/_site2/assets/newteachers/docs/Mayde
%20Creek%20TX%20HS%20Choir.pdf

4. Clinton High School Choir

http://www.chs.acs.ac/cms/One.aspx?
portalId=3036318&pageId=26968422

5. Staley High School Choir

http://staleychoirs.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Staley-Choir-
Handbook-2015-2016.pdf
-Modeled calendar of events after this