Churchill High School



Churchill High SchoolChoral MusicHandbook2015-2016*Please keep for your recordsChurchill Choral Music12049 Blanco RoadSan Antonio, TX 78216210-356-0000 x60098Dear Churchill Choir Students and Parents:Welcome to another school year, and, to our new students, welcome to the Churchill Choir family. This handbook is designed to give you a quick overview of the Choral program, outline policies and procedures, and serve as a handy reference throughout the school year.Each WC Choir member is asked to pay a $50 fee that covers the cost of a choir t-shirt, choir polo, black folder and formal uniform rental. Returning students will only need to pay $25 if they do not plan to purchase another red polo. The Choir fee should be paid no later than the first week of school.We are requesting that students and parents read the entire handbook as students will be held accountable for its contents. Attached to the handbook is a Vocal Music Contract to be signed by both parents and students. Your signature indicates that you have read the handbook and agree to abide by its contents.This promises to be an exciting year. It will be a marvelous opportunity for us to grow personally as well as musically. We are very optimistic about the future of this outstanding program.Yours truly,Ken TurnerBonnie SmithHead Choral DirectorAsst. Choral DirectorChurchill Choral Music Courses for 2015-2016For MenBuckingham BalladeersThis is an entry level choir for men in grades 9-12.Cambridge Chorale - LordsThis is a select group of men who have proven themselves both musically and academically. Membership is by audition only. Participation in the TMEA All-State audition process is required ($15 fee).For WomenOxford SingersThis is an entry level choir for women in grades 9-12.Canterbury LassesThis is a choir for freshman women who have been recommended by their middle school directors due to advanced musical abilities. Membership is by director recommendation or audition only. Participation in the TMEA Region 12 Treble Choir auditions is required ($15 fee).Westminster WomenThis is an intermediate level choir for women in grades 10-12. Membership is by audition only. Participation in the TMEA Region 12 Treble Choir auditions is required ($15 fee).Cambridge Chorale - LadiesThis is an advanced level choir for women in grades 10-12. These students have proven themselves musically and academically through prior choral ensemble participation. Membership is by audition only. Participation in the TMEA All-State audition process is required ($15 fee).Winston PopsThis is a group of singers who wish to participate in a 2nd choir class in addition to their traditional concert choir. Membership is open to any member of the Churchill Choral Program. Winston Pops will perform lighter musical fare from varied styles of lighter music. Goals of the Choral Music DepartmentIn keeping with state mandated guidelines outlined in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the Choral Music Department will fulfill and exceed the TEKS stressing the following goals:Music Literacy – Students will be able to successfully sight-read a given piece of music according to the appropriate UIL standards for their choir.Healthy Vocal Technique - Students will learn to sing with proper tone and posture so as to not harm their instrument.Aesthetic Enjoyment – Students will develop an appreciation of artistic beauty in an interactive and positive learning environment.Voice LessonsStudents may take voice lessons during their choir class or before or after school with one of our voice teachers. NEISD lesson policy sets the cost for weekly lessons at $18/half hour.Required (and optional) Performance OpportunitiesThe Choral Department will have 4 required concerts per year to keep with the TEKS. Students will also have a variety of optional performance opportunities in which to participate.EligibilityChoral Music Students must be eligible (passing ALL of their classes) in order to participate in TMEA All-State auditions, all UIL events, the Spring Trip, and the All-School Musical. All students, regardless of eligibility, must rehearse with their choir and, in accordance with the TEKS, are required to participate in the Choral Music Concert Series.MusicThe Choral Music Department will provide music for all students. The music is considered a textbook, and students will be financially responsible for any lost music. Students are required to write in the music using PENCIL ONLY. Music with ink markings must be replaced at the student’s expense.Choral Music Booster ClubAll parents or guardians of a choral music student are automatically members of the Booster Club. There are no dues required. We encourage parents to be an active part of their student’s education and the Booster Club is a great way to be involved.Grading ProcedureRehearsal Participation and Effort60%Students must exhibit outstanding effort on the following tasks to attain a maximum grade in this category.Students will be in their assigned seat with all their materials (folder, music, and pencil) before the bell rings. Students not in their seat when the bell rings will be marked tardy.Students will maintain appropriate seated and standing singing posture when rehearsing or performing.Students will participate to the fullest extent at all times.Students will be attentive to the director throughout the rehearsal and will mark their music as instructed.Students will create an active learning environment by refraining from ALL conversation during rehearsals. All questions/comments should be addressed to the director only.Students will seek to improve their vocal technique and musical skills through consistent, concerted effort in class.Students will be supportive of others to help create a team atmosphere.Concert Attendance/Nine Weeks Exam30%On-time attendance at a concert and all pre-concert rehearsals will earn a grade of 100. Any absences from a concert or pre-concert rehearsal must be approved in writing BEFORE the event. An absence from any concert without prior written approval will result in a zero in this category. If no concert occurs during the nine weeks, an exam may be given.Performance/Written Quizzes10%Periodic quizzes covering performance literature, rhythmic and/or melodic sight-reading, and music theory will be administered to all students.UniformsNEISD provides uniforms to the Churchill High School Choir. The uniforms are supplemented by accessories provided by the Choir Booster Club. The ladies receive a black formal dress and are issued pearl necklaces for concerts and contests. The men receive a black tuxedo, vest, and tie. The District requires a $10 usage and maintenance fee. This is included in the $50 Choir Participation Fee due at the beginning of the school year. Each choir member is required to purchase a Choir polo shirt at a cost of $25, which is included in the program fee. If a returning student wishes to use their polo shirt from last year, they are only required to pay half of the Choir Participation Fee.The District provides one cleaning of the uniform at the end of the year; however, some students may find it necessary to do additional cleaning(s) throughout the year. There will be a deadline to turn in uniforms. Following are guidelines for wearing the uniforms:LADIES’ FORMAL1. Dresses should be hemmed to ONE INCH ABOVE THE FLOOR WITH SHOES ON; not one inch above the shoe or ankle. Please hem properly. DO NOT secure the hem with staples, safety pins, or tape. DO NOT cut the dress. The dresses must last 8 years, so do not make any alterations that would permanently alter the size or length of the dress.2. Dresses are not meant to fit snugly on the body, they are designed to be loose for proper breathing. DO NOT ALTER TO FIT THE BODY FORM. You may “tack” up the shoulders of the dress, but do not use any permanent stitching.3. Please wear dark undergarments and pin as necessary so that they do not show.4. The Booster Club will provide pearl necklaces. All other necklaces are prohibited. Earrings are to be simple studs only.5. SHOES—Black closed-toe, closed-back shoes, flats or 1-1 ? inch pumps. No sandals, flip flops, athletic shoes, or platform shoes.6. HOSE—Off-Black pantyhose.7. HAIR—Pulled away from the face.8. MAKE-UP—Because stage lights are very bright and cause faces to “wash out,” girls should wear a little make-up, i.e., blush, lipstick, eyeliner, etc. Lipstick should be red, no brown, black, or purple.MEN’S TUXEDO1. Tuxedo—Jacket sleeve length should be properly hemmed to suit length. Pant legs should be hemmed to cover top part of foot.2. DO NOT CUT the pants or tuxedo jacket for ANY reason.3. Black dress shoes and BLACK socks.4. Men are responsible for providing their own tux shirt. The shirt should be a winged-tip, pleated shirt. The Booster Club will provide cummerbunds and ties as needed.WARNING: DO NOT PLACE A HOT IRON DIRECTLY ON EITHER THE DRESS OR TUXEDO BECAUSE IT WILL DAMAGE THE MATERIAL. PLEASE PLACE AN IRONING CLOTH OR TOWEL BETWEEN THE IRON AND THE UNIFORM.RED POLO SHIRTThis shirt is to be worn with clean and neat blue jeans and casual shoes. If the polo shirts and jeans are worn, all other dress code guidelines will apply.Lettering SystemThe criteria for lettering is composed of participation in TMEA All-State Choir Auditions, all UIL contests, concert participation, and serving as a choir officer.Point SystemAmountTotal Possiblea. School Concert Participation15b. TMEA Region Auditions24c. Participation in a Region Choir22d. TMEA Top 10 Auditions22e. TMEA Area Auditions22f. All-State Choir55g. UIL Region Solo & Ensemble1 per event4h. UIL State Solo & Ensemble1 per event3i. Other concert participation12j. UIL Choir Participation13k. Hosting an Event12l. Choir Officer11POSSIBLE POINTS THAT MAY BE EARNED IN ONE YEAR: 35TOTAL POINTS NEEDED TO LETTER: 10 ................
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