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Ashley AbbottConcert ChoirSyllabus2012-2013 Concert SeasonThis choral music program is designed for a college choir, meeting a minimum of 4 hours per week. As a touring choir, members of the Concert Choir are expected to represent the school at every opportunity possible. Students may choose to take this class for up to 1 credit hour per semester. This may be repeated as many times as desired. AdmittanceParticipation in this choir is granted by audition only. Auditions consist of one prepared piece, pitch retention, sight-singing, questionnaire, and interview. Although auditions occur in the Spring for the upcoming year, special considerations may be made for a Fall audition based on the circumstances. Once admitted, students will be required to sign a contract stating they will adhere here to the expectations listed below. ExpectationsEvery member is expected to:Attend every rehearsal, practice, and performanceParticipate in Spring Choir TourRemain in the choir both Fall and Spring semesterParticipate in all fundraising efforts for travelArrive to class on timeBe prepared for class by having music and pencils availableBe responsible for the care and maintenance of performance attireAssist in electing Choir Officers for the upcoming yearWork closely with section leaders/officers to maintain an open line of communicationBoth the conductor and the choir members shall agree to the following:Maintain enthusiasm in rehearsalNo food or drink, other than water, in rehearsal roomMake every effort to understand the intent of the composerUse time together efficientlyShare honest, yet constructive criticismStay organizedRespectfully associate with faculty, staff, and college administrators in a professional mannerLeave cell phones at the doorMaintain an open-door policy with one anotherGoalsThis choir is not only about performing music correctly. Our goals will be to strengthen our musicianship by working on certain musical aspects through the use of vocalises, drills, and musical selections. These include, but are not limited to:Vocal tone and productionTone qualityDictionMusical interpretationSight-singing (2 tests)MemorizationHistorical considerationsIntonationStage presenceAs the conductor, I agree to enable the students to do the following:Experience a wide range of choral literature including:A capellaAfrican-American SpritualsWorld cultural musicMotetsBaroque oratoriosBroaden musical styles and experiencesParticipate in the music selection processPerform in publicLearn how to offer constructive criticism effectivelyUnderstand the intent of the composer with correct performance practiceGrow a bond with fellow musicians by seeking a common goalUse correct musical vocabulary to analyze a choral performance outside of classAttendance PolicyIn order to be the best Concert Choir we can be, we must have everyone present at every rehearsal. I understand that issues arise, and when they do, I will make every effort to accommodate based on the following policies:Rehearsal Policy:Notify the director via email if you must miss a rehearsalArrive to class on time, as the assistant will take roll. It is your responsibility to notify the assistant if you are tardy. Three tardies equal one absence. If a schedule conflict is due to another college event, please have the professor notify the director via email or in writing.Each student is allowed a total of 4 absences. College sponsored activities, meetings, etc., should be taken out of this allotted amount. Performance Policy:If you feel you will not be able to attend a performance for any reason, please notify the conductor ASAP with a minimum of at least 2 weeks in advance. Remain in contact with your section leader if tardiness to a performance may occur. It is much better to let someone know you will be late then to keep us waiting. The director will be available to discuss tardiness after the performance. If there is an unforeseen illness or accident, please contact both your section leader and the director via email no later than 24 hours after the incident. As the Director, I agree to have a schedule of performances available no later than the end of the first week of class, or the third full day of class. I will not add performance dates later than 3 weeks before the scheduled show. However, please understand that since this choir is a very important ambassador for the school, sometimes things come up. If this happens, I will make every effort to notify students ASAP and work with any scheduling conflicts. I will also make every effort to inform fellow professors of any conflicts during school hours. Choir Tour and Fundraising EffortsSince this is a touring choir, all members are expected to participate in all fundraising efforts. These efforts may change from year to year, but the expectation remains the same. If for any reason a student cannot participate in these efforts, they must schedule an appointment to discuss other ways they may be of service to the choir. AttireThis choir will be required to have both a formal and informal concert dress. Although you are not required to purchase your attire, you are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep throughout your tenure, which includes alterations, cleaning, and replacement if lost or destroyed. Formal Attire:Men:Tux jacket, pants, tuxedo shirtBlack bow tieBlack cummerbundBlack dress socksBlack dress shoesLadies:Black choir dressPearl necklace and earringsBlack, sheer pantyhose or trouser socks, no shorter than knee lengthBlack, closed toe, flat shoesInformal Attire:Black pants-no jeansChoir t-shirt or poloBlack dress shoes (men) or flats (ladies)Student Leadership PositionsStudent leadership positions are elected by choir members the Spring semester of the previous year. All choir officers are expected to work together as leaders for all choral activities throughout the academic year.Choir Assistant:Responsible for taking rehearsal and concert attendance; the distribution and collection of folders; copying and distribution of other handouts; the setting up of the room prior to rehearsal; the distribution, assignment and collection of outfits; working with the choir officers in setting up and cleaning up after all concerts.Choir Library Staff:Responsible for the processing, organization of music for cataloguing purposes; assembling music & placing the music in folders for distribution; collecting the music at the end of the semester; maintaining and updating the choral library; updating the computer files and the printing of hard copies of updated library lists each fall. The librarian also works with the public in the loaning of music to members of the community. President:Responsible for assigning committee chairs, organizing meetings of the officers to deal with specific concerns; meets with committee heads and/or committees to facilitate the execution of their responsibilities; works closely with the Chief of Staff; oversees the elections for the next year; assists with the organization of choir tour; assigns members to appropriate committee.Chief of Staff:Responsible for overseeing the managerial aspects of all events; helps to organize and run events such as the Invitational Festival; organizing the setting up of risers, instruments and other equipment; organizing the set up and take down for all choir concerts; responsible for getting directions to choir tour destinations and working with the bus driver.Vice-President:Assists the president in the execution of the same above duties; presides over meetings when the president is not available; oversees the choir retreat and extra rehearsals.Secretary:Takes notes at meetings; writes letters when appropriate, thank you notes, sends cards etc. Assists with the set up of sales and information table.Treasurer: Collects/distributes money when appropriate; works with the choir assistant and purchases supplies for retreats, tour and other events. Sets up the sales table, counts and turns in money to the director after each event. Alumna Assistant also helps with this process.Chaplain:Serves as moral guide for the ensemble; leads the group in prayer and/or meditation; works with the college chaplain.Historian:Serves as photographer, collector of news articles and other memorabilia for the academic year. Compiles into album/box for future reference.Section Leaders: Serves a go-to guide for members of their assigned section. Responsible for maintaining sight-reading progress records. Makes themselves available for additional rehearsals/sectionals. Grading Policies and ProceduresIt is important to understand that in order to perform beautifully as a choir, each member is expected to work outside of class. The percentages for grading are as follows:50% Preparedness and Attendance at all rehearsals30% Preparedness and Attendance at all performances10% Analyzing and responding to a choral performance outside of class10% Active of display of progress in sight-singing ................
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