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Choir Handbook
2019 - 2020

Emilee Smith, Choir Director

emileegracesmith@gmail.com

“While musical experts of the world focus on what choir members can do, I would like to
focus on what choir members can be.” - Russell Nelson

Table of Contents

Introduction Letter ……………………….2 Miscellaneous ………………………….. 7

Course Description/Objectives …………3 Student and Parent/Guardian Form … 8
Classroom Etiquette ……………………. 4 Parent/Guardian Contact Form ……… 9
Student Leadership Opportunities ……. 5 Interest/Volunteer Form ………………. 9
Grading/Attendance ……………………. 6
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Dear Choir Parent & Student,

It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the ______ Choral Program for the ____ school year. We have
all begun a valuable and enjoyable experience, which will be fun, challenging, and educational. It is my
goal to teach you to be successful. The success we seek is a result of a commitment to excellence by
each member, parent, director, and the school as a whole. However, we cannot value success in terms of
ratings, awards, or trophies. This choir department is successful when each member gives the maximum
effort and has done the best with their abilities. I want the performance opportunities in this class to be the
best possible experience for you. This philosophy carries over into the other academic areas as well as
your adult life. Students learn that commitment and a desire for knowledge are the road to success in all
areas of life.

As a member of the ____ choir department, you are automatically in a social peer group with which you
will have much in common. Friendships will be made that will last a lifetime. You will be given
opportunities to develop interpersonal and leadership skills, and will have many opportunities that might
not be possible outside of the choir world.

Just as the choir has a commitment to excellence, so must the individual make a commitment to the choir
and its goals. As a member of ___ choirs, each individual is an integral part of the whole, and for the choir
to perform at its very best, each member must do his or her part. Putting personal responsibility to the
choir before personal preference or convenience is sometimes a sacrifice that must be made. This often
involves students thinking ahead regarding scheduling of concerts and festivals so that there are no
last-minute schedule conflicts. This may mean that students must work ahead in other classes for the
occasional missed day of school to attend a festival. Part of our expectation is that each student will be
well versed in the policies and schedule laid out in this handbook. I expect each member of the choir
department to act with foresight and responsibility, and will hold themselves and each other to this
expectation.

To the parents, the success of your child enjoys in choir is largely due to your support as a parent. Please
encourage your child to practice at home, and see to it that they are prepared and punctual to rehearsals
and performances. If possible, one of the most beneficial things you can do to help your student is to
provide them with private lessons. Show an interest and support your child’s music study by
enthusiastically attending every performance possible. You are their most important audience. Your
presence means more than you might suspect.

The following handbook is designed to give you information that will enable you to have a highly
successful year as a member of the ____ choir department. It will also allows you to better understand
what it means to be a choir member. There are guidelines, regulations, and information to ensure the
success of YOUR choir. This is your choir program and your willingness to work to uphold a high standard
is of utmost importance. Please, read this handbook carefully so that you may understand what is
expected of you and what you should expect as a choir member. Consult this handbook to answer any
questions you may have about the choral program. Please sign the required form by _____.

Thank you for sharing your student(s) with us.These talented young individuals are the heart and soul of
the ___ music program and are an enormous gift!

Sincerely,
Ms. Emilee Smith
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Course Description/Objectives

Course Description: ​Making ​music ​is ​an ​essential ​part ​of ​humanity; ​every ​culture ​around ​the
​world ​makes ​music. ​Singing ​exercises the ​brain ​as ​well ​as ​the ​body. ​Singing ​with ​others ​brings
​people ​closer ​together ​and ​facilitates ​friendships. Singing ​makes ​people ​happier! ​Throughout
this class, ​we will cover ​a ​variety ​of ​musical topics from history and theory, to technique, ​styles,
​and ​performances. ​Students will formulate their own answers to the question “what is music?”
as they explore many different aspects of music and find out how music applies to themselves
and society as a whole.

My Philosophy: ​A quality music education is something that is hard to give, but even harder to
forget. As a student, music classes and ensembles allow for self discovery, and the expression
of one’s self through many different mediums. Similarly, through music, and the relation of music
to the real world, students and teachers alike can develop strong group identities within their
ensembles. My high school choir teacher once said something that has stuck with me ever
since: “I am not a teacher of music, I am a teacher of people. I just do it through music.” Music
can relate to everyone in one way or another based on their previous experiences, and it often
creates many vulnerable moments in the classroom where students and teachers show their
support for one another. These moments allow both ensemble members and teachers to
connect and understand each other in ways that can’t happen in traditional classrooms.

The music classroom should be a place where students are active when participating and
rehearsing, as well as a place where students feel safe enough to make many mistakes and
grow from them. Students should be given the chance to express their own ideas of musicality
within their pieces and interpret the songs based on their own personal experiences. This allows
the students to form deeper emotional connections with their pieces which simultaneously
increases their enthusiasm and the quality of their performance. Most importantly, a music
classroom should be a safe place for students, both musically and personally. I believe a music
classroom should be a place where students can forget about their troubles, even if it’s just for
an hour, and find solace or relief in the music and the relationships that are created within the
ensemble.

Course Objectives: ​Students will be able to:

❖ Explain the basic rules of music and how they work within the repertoire we are working
on.
❖ Describe verbally and in writing, different types of music, and articulate their opinions of
different genres using correct vocabulary.
❖ Express verbally and in writing, how certain songs impact them individually, and
communicate those emotions through performances.
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Classroom Etiquette

Classroom Etiquette:
❖ NO GUM​​. You need every part of your mouth to sing, gum will just get in the
way.
❖ Food and drinks in class are okay, as long as they are not consumed when we
are singing, and they are not a distraction to learning.
❖ BE ON TIME - warm ups are an important part of our rehearsal, and they will
start as soon as the bell rings.
❖ You are allowed to bring their personal electronic devices (cell phones and
laptops) to class as they will be used at some points during the course to assist
learning. However, they may only be used with my permission.
❖ Lead by example…yelling for people to be quiet does not work.
❖ Follow your part when other sections are rehearsing.
❖ If you are sick and cannot sing, you must talk to me about it before class.
❖ Be respectful of the director and your classmates at ​ALL TIMES​​.
❖ Take part in all activities - we all participate fully and as a team.
❖ Be supportive of one another - help make choir a place for all students.
❖ Dare to take risks and take chances.

If these expectations are not met, consequences will be determined by the teacher and
student on a case by case basis.

Personal Growth:
❖ Improve each day. Always move forward, especially mistakes. Failure is always
an opportunity to learn and grow.
❖ Enjoy the process. Many of our goals will take time. Do your best, but be patient.
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Student Leadership Possibilities

Class President and Vice President

The Choir President and Vice President will be selected by the ensemble for each major ensemble.
These students will be asked to assist in any of the following ways:
● Set an example for the choir through constant preparation, promptness, and energy
● Attend ALL concerts
● Conduct warm-up exercises at the beginning of class if necessary
● Assist in concert set-up
● Assist in classroom set-up and clean-up
● Report and record attendance
● Lead rehearsals on occasions of director’s absence
● Plan team-building activities
● Other responsibilities assigned by director

Choir Librarian
Choir librarians will be selected by the ensemble for each major ensemble. These students will be asked
to assist in any of the following ways:
● Set an example for the choir through constant preparation, promptness, and energy
● File all music and keep the music library up-to-date and orderly
● Number, stamp, and sign out new music to choir members
● Facilitate check-in and resulting fines at the end of each quarter/concert
● Other responsibilities assigned by director

Social Media Director

Social Media Directors will be selected by the ensemble for each major ensemble. These students will be
asked to assist in any of the following ways:
● Take photos/videos of rehearsals, festivals, concerts, etc.
● Update ___ Choir Department’s social media pages with updates on what the choir(s) are
working on on a regular basis (once every one or two weeks, minum).
● Represent ____ choirs in a professional, academic, and refined manner.

Section Leaders
Any student interested in being a section leader will submit an application to Ms. Smith for review.
Following the application process, the section leaders will be selected by the ensemble for each section in
each major ensemble. These students will be asked to assist in any of the following ways:
● Set an example for the choir through constant preparation, promptness, and energy.
● Attend ALL concerts
● Lead regular sectionals and monitor progress and musical needs within a section
● Help coordinate music distribution and collection
● Assist in planning team-building activities
● Help Choir Librarian facilitate check-in and resulting fines at the end of each quarter/concert
● Other responsibilities assigned by directors.
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Grading & Attendance

Grading:
This class will be graded on individual improvement, rather than skill. The grading scale will be standards
based grading based on the four national Core Music Standards:
I. Create:
This standard focuses on imagining musical ideas; composing musical ideas; evaluating
and refining those ideas; and ultimately presenting those ideas or final projects to the
class. Assessments for this standard may include composition projects and improvisation
demonstrations.
II. Perform:
This standard focuses on selecting music based on content, skill, and technique;
analyzing the content and structure of the music; developing personal interpretations of
the music; rehearsing, evaluating, and refining the music; and performing the music with
expression and accuracy. Assessments for this standard may include concerts, solo
performances, written theory assessments, and music terminology assessments.
III. Respond:
This standard focuses on analyzing and evaluating both their music and the music of
others. Assessments may include listening logs, performance self assessments, group
performance assessments, and concert reflections.
IV. Connect:
This standard focuses on synthesizing and relating knowledge and personal experiences
to create music and developing an understanding of musical context to deepen
understanding. Assessments may include music history assessments and in class writing
assignments.
All students will be evaluated on each standard as follows:
1) Student demonstrates little to no understanding of the standard. Student cannot
perform tasks even with instructor’s help.
2) Student demonstrates some understanding of the standard. Student can perform
tasks with instructor’s help.
3) Student demonstrates understanding of the standard. Student does not need
instructor’s help to perform tasks.
4) Student demonstrates advanced understanding of the standard. Student does
not need instructor’s help to perform tasks, and can help other students.
Attendance and Participation:
Attendance will be taken every day. Participation in class is mandatory, and missed rehearsals will result
in loss of participation points that cannot be made up. Concert attendance is ​mandatory.​​ Since this is a
performing ensemble, concerts are equivalent to unit tests. Concerts missed due to an unexcused
absence cannot be made up. Concerts missed due to an excused absence can be made up through an
alternative assignment and vocal assessment.

Missing/late assignments:
While there won’t be many (if any) homework assignments, students are expected to know their parts
once we start working on repertoire. Most assignments will be in class assignments. Assignments not
finished in class or homework assignments in general can be turned in before our next concert for full
credit. Missing or late assignments turned in after the concert will still be accepted, but for partial credit.
No late assignments will be accepted the last two weeks of the semester.
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Miscellaneous

Concert Attire:
❖ All attire can be found at ​www.sepapparel.com
➢ Ladies: Purchase the Corelli dress (in black) for $54
➢ Men: Purchase full tuxedo ensemble with long tie for $96
❖ Fundraising and scholarships are available for those who can’t afford the attire. If
you would like more information about this option, please come talk to me in
person or email me.

Vocal Care:
As a member of ___ choral program, part of your responsibility is to keep your
instrument in good working condition. Ms. Smith will always encourage students to rest
voices that are tired or sick. However, actions can be taken on the part of the student in
order to keep your voice in excellent condition.
❖ Get adequate rest. I know how busy you are, but sleep is one of the most
important things you can do for your voice.
❖ Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is essential for your voice!
❖ NEVER EVER SMOKE. There are endless reasons for this, but in terms of vocal
care, smoking is one of the worst things you can do.
❖ Be careful how much you use your speaking voice. Vocal damage is often
caused by simply talking or yelling too much. When you speak, use the same
support and tone production that you use when you sing.
❖ Vocal chords are easily damaged and the damage is permanent. You are at an
age when it is easy to damage your voice. By aware of when your voice is getting
tired and let it rest. You are stuck with this voice for the rest of your life, and you
will regret it if you abuse it now.

Additional Resources:
❖ If you need any extra help, please feel free to reach out to me or any of these
websites for extra practice!
➢ https://www.sightreadingfactory.com
➢ https://www.musictheory.net
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​Choir Handbook
Please complete these following pages and return them to Ms. Smith by ___________.

Student and Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement Form

The success of any music program is dependent on the teamwork between students,
parents, and the director. With that in mind, all members of this choral program, and
their parents, are requested to sign this acknowledgement.

Students:
I have received a general overview of and have fully read and understood the contents
of the Choir Handbook. I agree to abide by the rules, guidelines, and expectations listed
in the choir handbook and the student code of conduct. Furthermore, I understand that
failure to abide by these expectations could result in my removal from the choir and/or
any consequences as listed under classroom guidelines, expectations, and procedures.

I will exhibit behavior, in and outside of the school, which makes me worthy to represent
ideals, principles, and standards of our choral program and school.

I will be enrolled in and pass all of my class work each semester at this school.

Print Student Name: _______________________ Grade: _________ Period: ______

Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________

Parents and Guardians:

I am aware of the contents of this Choir Handbook, which hasbeen approved by the
school administration. Furthermore, I understand the responsibilities for our studnets to
be a member of the school choral program.

Print Parent/Guardian Name: ____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________

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Parent/Guardian Contact Information:

Student’s Name: _________________ Student’s Grade: _______ Choir Period: ______

Parent/Guardian Name: _______________________ Relationship to Student: _______

Home/Cell Phone: ____________________ Work Phone: ____________________

Email: __________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: _______________________ Relationship to Student: _______

Home/Cell Phone: ____________________ Work Phone: ____________________

Email: __________________________________

Choir Parent/Guardian Interest/Volunteer Form:

Thank you for agreeing to be a vital part of the school Choir Program! There are many
ways for you to help both the students and myself build a strong and successful choir
program. Please take a moment to consider what areas (if any) you would be able to
help with.

I would be willing to help with :

__ ​Hospitality: ​Organize bake sales, receptions, informing parents of their contribution
and clean-up.
__ ​ Uniforms: ​Oversee uniforms, organize sales, and assist with uniform checks at
performances.
__ ​Chaperoning: ​Chaperoning for field trips, concerts, or festivals. Please list dates
and/or times that you are available to chaperone.
__ ​Other: ​Please specify _______________________________________________
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