18-19 VOCAL MUSIC HANDBOOK...Cantus is the most select choir in the JHS Vocal Music Department 36-40 students. Cantus performs upper level high school and collegiate literature from

JohnstonHighSchool-VocalMusicDepartmentHandbook 1


WelcometotheJohnstonHighSchoolVocalMusicDepartment!Wehopeyouarereadyforanexcitingandchallengingyear.Weareeagerfortheopportunitytoworkwithyoutodevelopyourtalent,challengeyourmind,engageyouremotions,andcreatealifelongmusicianandlearnerinyou.Excellenceiswhatweexpectfromyouandourselvesatalltimes-insideandoutsidetheclassroom.WewantJohnstonVocalMusictobeknownfortheirquality,bothasmusiciansandindividuals.Inordertohelpusachieveourgoals,weencourageyoutorecognizeourguidingprincipals:

- Strivetodoourbestineverythingwedo.- Growassingers,musicians,andindividuals.- Bepositiveexamplesofleadershipandcitizenship.

PARENTSANDSTUDENTS:

Pleasetaketimetoreadandfullyunderstandalloftheinformationpresentedinthishandbookasthe

guidelinesdescribedwillapplytoeveryone. Weareanxiouslyanticipatingalloftheoutstandingmusicalexperiencesthatwewillhavetogetherthisyear!Ifyouhaveanyquestions,pleasedon’thesitatetocontactus.Bestwishes,SamanthaRobilliard HannahRyanDirectorofCantus,Synergy, DirectorofInnovation,CantemusWomen’sChoir&MixedChoir ConcertChoir&[email protected] [email protected]


JohnstonHighSchoolVocalMusicCalendar

2018–2019Tuesday,October16,2018 FallVocalMusicConcert 7:30pm (Cantus,Cantemus,Concert,Women’s,Mixed)Saturday,October20,2018 All-StateAuditionsatIndianola ALLDAYThurs–SatNov15–17,2018 AllState/IMEAConferenceMonday,November19,2018 ShowChoirParentPreviewShowatJHS8:00pmMon&TuesNov26&27,2018 MadrigalDinnerRehearsals 6-10pm (Cantus,Cantemus,Concert,Women’s)Wed&ThursNov28&29,2018MadrigalDinner 7:30pm(Studentsarrive6pm)

(Studentsarrive6pm)(Cantus,Cantemus,Concert,Women’s)Wednesday,Jan2,2019 AdditionalShowChoirRehearsalsduringthedayThursday,Jan3,2019 ShowChoirInformance 7:30pmMonday,January7,2019 ShowChoirStudentConcertatJHS7:00pmSaturday,January12,2019 WaukeeInvitational(Inno&Synergy)ALLDAYFri&SatJan18–19,2019 SHOWZAM!(Inno&Synergy) ALLDAYThursday,February7,2019 JHSWinterVocalMusicConcert 7:30pm (Cantus,Cantemus,Concert,Women’s)Saturday,February9,2019 UrbandaleInvitational(Inno&Synergy)ALLDAYSaturday,February16,2019 DavenportGreatRiverInvitational(Inno&Synergy)Saturday,February23,2019 SEPolkInvitational(Inno,&Synergy)ALLDAYFri–Sun,March8–10,2019 Inno&SynergytoKansasCityHeartofAmerica

CompetitionThursday,March28,2019 Solo/EnsembleFestival 3–7pmSaturday,March30,2019 ShowChoirEndoftheYearShow 7:30pmWeekofApril1-5,2019 VocalMusicAuditionsThursday,April11,2019 VocalMusicAuditionsCallbacks&ChoreographySaturday,May4,2019 LargeGroupContest ALLDAY (Cantus,Cantemus,Concert,Women’s)Tuesday,May7,2019 JHSSpringVocalMusicConcert 7:30pm (Cantus,Cantemus,Concert,Women’s,Mixed)Tuesday,May??,2019 Graduation(Seniorsinauditionedchoirswillsing)7:00pm

V O C A L M U S I C


1. BeRespectfulofyourself,ourcommunity,andourenvironment

- ONTIME- Bereadytoworkwhenyouarrive.(OURTIMEISVALUABLE)- Positiveworkingattitude- Listenwhenothersspeak- Consumeonlywaterintheclassroomunlessitisaspecial

occasion.2. ShowPrideinyourself,ourensembles,andourdepartment

- Setthebarhigheachandeveryday.o “Bebettertodaythanyouwereyesterday,andstrivefor

beingevenbettertomorrow.”- Nogum- Takeownershipoverthesuccessofourensembles- REFERTONUMBERONE

3. Attendallrequiredconcerts,events,andgatherings

RehearsalAssessment(40%)-Dailyrehearsaliswheresuccessbegins-Studentsget10pointsadayfordoingthefollowing:

- Followingclassroomrules- Standinginassignedspotwhenthebellrings- Singing–notchattingwiththeneighbor- Beingrespectfultoothers- Notchewinggum- Finishingfood–beforecomingintotheroom- Drinkingonlywater(nothingelse)duringrehearsal- Markingthingsintheirmusicwithapencil- Havingtheir3-ringbinderwiththeirassignedmusic- Contributingpositivelytotherehearsal- Leadingbyexample- Singingwithgoodpostureandcorrectphonationtechniques

Pointswillbedeductedfromtheautomatic10pointsadayifstudentsarenotabletodemonstratetheabovecriterionPerformanceAssessment(40%)

Concertsandperformancesaretheculminationofmonthsofwork–i.e.classroomexamParticipationintheseeventsistheexpectation-weareallpartofateam


- Studentswillbeassessedontheirindividualperformance,attitudeandeffortineachperformance

- Ifthereisaconflictbetweentwoschool-sponsoredactivitiesthesponsorsinvolved,Principaland/orActivitiesDirector,VocalMusicDirectors,studentandparentwillmakethebestdecisionforthestudentandbothactivities

- Anemailorwrittennotefromparent/guardianneedstobesenttothedirectorstwoweekspriortomissingaconcert

- Familyemergencies–i.e.deathofalovedoneisexcused–make-upworkwillbeassignedtomakeupthepoints

o Make-upworkwillbeassigned§ Ifmake-upworkisnotdonebyduedate,therewillbeno

creditgiven

UnexcusedAbsence -100ptsExcusedAbsencew/omake-up -50ptsExcusedAbsencewithmake-up -10ptsPartialattendanceatconcert -10pts

**Thetreatmentofabsencesisuptothediscretionofthedirectors**

WrittenAssessmentandVoiceLessons(20%)Writtenworkmayincludethefollowing: -Theoryworksheets -Post-concerttestsandexamsoverliterature -Researchpapers -Concertreviews -Projects -SelfEvaluations -GoalSettingVoicestudentswillstudyallaspectsofvocaltechniqueleadingtovocalhealth,expressivesinging,selfassuredvocalperformance,soundmusicianship,musicalinterpretationofvocalliteratureandconfidentstagepresence.Assessments will take place via smart music and working with individual directors inpreparationforconcerts,solo/ensemblecontest,collegeauditions,etc.StudentsmaysignupforvoicelessonswithMrs.RobilliardorMrs.Ryaniftheirscheduleallows. Sign-upsheetscanbefoundinourclassrooms. Lessonsmaybescheduledduringstudy halls or before and after school. If school times don’twork for lessons, there aremanyprivatevoiceteachersintheMetroAreawhoyoucouldtakelessonsfrom.Thisisbynomeansrequired. AskMrs.RobilliardorMrs.Ryan fora listofvoice teachers if you’reinterested.


MixedChoir

Men:White/Black:Youwillprovidethebelowattire:

MixedChoirWomen:

PredominantlyBlack

CantusCantemus

ConcertChoirWomen’sChoir

WOMEN

CantusCantemus

ConcertChoirMEN

Whitelong-sleeveddressshirt

Blackattire–eitheradressorpants/skirtwithblacktop

JHSVocalDepartmentwillprovideaBlackGown

JHSVocalDepartmentwillprovideaBlackTuxJacket

Tieofyourchoice Skirtsmustbeatleastkneelength

BlacktuxPants

BlackDressShoes BlackClosedToeDressShoes

BlackClosedToeDressShoes

BlackDressshoes

BlackDressPants Noskinshowingonshoulders–wearashawloverthetop

BlackPantyHose BlackBowtieBlackSocks

BlackSocks WhitetuxshirtNOJEWELRY(includingpiercingsonfaceortongue)

NOJEWELRY(includingpiercingsonfaceortongue)



Studentswillassumeresponsibilityforrepairandreplacementduetoneglect

Studentswillassumeresponsibilityforrepairandreplacementduetoneglect

Concert/PerformanceMake-Up:Ifaconcertismissed,studentswillberequiredtocompleteawrittenmakeupassignmentwithinoneweekoftheconcert;otherwise,allpointsfortheconcertwillbededucted.StudentswillreceivefullcreditfortheconcertiftheirdirectorisnotifiedoftheexpectedabsencePRIORtotheconcertdateorifthestudentisabsentfromschoolonthedayoftheconcert.(Writtennotificationisrequiredfromthestudents’parentsorguardians.)Ifthestudentisunexcused,theywillonlybeabletoreceiveamaximumofhalfcreditaftercompletingtheassignment.Studentswillhavetwooptionsforthemake-upassignmentasshowbelow:

Eachoptionneedstobeatleasttwopageslong,typed,doublespaced,andsize12font.

1.) Watchthevideofromtheconcertandwriteareviewoftheperformance.Inyourdiscussion,pleaseshareyouropiniononhowwelltheperformancewent.Bespecificinwhichsongyouarereferringto.Includeterminologysuchasbalance,musicianship,intonation,rhythm,dynamics,pronunciation,phrasing,articulation,tonequality,tempo,andconcertetiquette.Somethingsyoumightwanttofocusonarewhichpieceswereperformedthebest,whatthingsdidthechoirdowell,whatimprovementscouldbemade,etc.Alsodiscussyourfeelingsonhowwellyoupreparedforthisconcertinclass.2.) Researchourrepertoirefromtheconcert.Writeapaperincludingimportantfactsaboutthelyricist,arrangerorcomposerandthebackgroundofthemusic.Ifit’sinaforeignlanguage,whatdoesthetextmean?Isthereanyuseoftextpaintinginthemusic?Where?How?Ifapoemisthebasisofthesong,whatisthemeaningbehindthepoem?Whydidthelyricistwritethispoem?Whatisitbasedupon?Whatstyleiseachpieceandwhataresomecharacteristicsofthatstyle?Canthosecharacteristicsbefoundinthemusic?How?Where?


MadrigalDinnerRehearsalAttendancePolicy-AllstudentsareexpectedtobeatbothMonday&Tuesdayeveningrehearsalsfrom6-10pm(Nov.27&28)-Zerocreditwillbegivenforanunexcusedabsence.Workandoutsideofschoolactivitiesarenotconsideredexcusedabsences.-Halfcreditwillbegivenforanexcusedabsence.PleasecontactadirectorIMMEDIATELYifyouhaveaconflictorconcernaboutyourattendanceforanyofthesedays.

(Subject to change) Cantus Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day) Prerequisite: Audition Cantus is the most select choir in the JHS Vocal Music Department 36-40 students. Cantus performs upper level high school and collegiate literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Cantus performs fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as our annual Masterworks concert with the instrumental music department. It presents an Old English Madrigal Feast each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Cantus will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Cantus is directed by Samantha Robilliard.

Cantemus Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day) Prerequisite: Audition Cantemus is a select chamber choir. Cantemus performs upper level high school and collegiate literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Cantemus performs fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as our annual Masterworks concert with the instrumental music department. It presents an Old English Madrigal Feast each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Cantemus will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Cantemus is directed by Hannah Ryan

Concert Choir Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day) Prerequisite: Audition Concert Choir is a select mixed choir. It offers the serious musician the challenge of performing difficult literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Concert Choir performs fall, winter, and spring concerts. It presents an Old English Madrigal Feast each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Concert Choir will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Concert Choir is directed by Hannah Ryan.

Women’s Choir Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Every Day) Prerequisite: Audition


Women's Chorale is a select treble choir. It offers the serious musician the challenge of performing difficult literature from various musical time periods. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Women's Chorale performs fall, winter, and spring concerts as well as the annual Masterworks Concert with the instrumental Music Department. It presents an Old English Madrigal Feast each December and performs at State Large Group Contest in May. Seniors in Women’s Chorale will perform at the Graduation Ceremony. Women’s Chorale is directed by Samantha Robilliard.

Mixed Choir Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Meets Alternate Days) Prerequisite: None Mixed Chorus is open to all students who enjoy singing and who can accept the challenge of working with a large team to make music. Auditions for voice placement may be required. Vocal technique and sight-reading skills are emphasized in class. Mixed Chorus presents a fall concert and a spring concert. It rehearses every other day. Mixed Choir is directed by Samantha Robilliard and Hannah Ryan.

Innovation Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Alternate Days) Prerequisite: Current membership in Women’s Chorale, Concert Choir, Cantemus, or Cantus required. Innovation is one of two show choirs at JHS. It combines elements of singing, dancing, and performing in a twenty-minute show. Innovation competes in various show choir competitions in January, February, and March. It presents an end of year show in the spring. Innovation rehearses every other day and on Monday evenings from 7-10pm. Additional night and/or weekend rehearsals will also be scheduled as necessary. Innovation is directed by Hannah Ryan. *note there is a financial commitment to this ensemble. Synergy Year Long Course Elective: 10th-12th Grade (Selected by Audition) (Meets Alternate Days) Prerequisite: Current membership in Mixed Chorus, Women’s Concert Choir, Concert Choir, or Chamber Choir required. Synergy is one of two show choirs at JHS. It combines elements of singing, dancing, and performing in a fifteen-minute show. Synergy competes in various show choir competitions in January, February, and March. It presents an end of year show in the spring. Synergy rehearses every other day and on Monday evenings from 7-9pm. Additional night and/or weekend rehearsals will also be scheduled as necessary. Synergy is directed by Samantha Robilliard. *note there is a financial commitment to this ensemble


Studentsareeligibleforanumberofawardsbasedontheirparticipationandachievementinvariousstatecontests,festivals,competitions,anddepartment-sponsoredactivitiesthroughouttheacademicyear.

Additionalawardsinclude:

DepartmentAwards(AnnouncedatSeniorRecognitionNight)–Givento1-2seniors

ICDAAwards–GiventoapproximatelysixSeniorsfortheiroutstandingparticipationandleadershipinJHSChoralMusic

All-StateParticipationCertificates:PresentedtostudentsacceptedintotheIowaAll-StateChorus

DirectorsAwards–Giventostudentsineachensemblewhohaveexemplifieddedication,leadership,kindness,andfocus.

TheJohnstonHighSchoolChoralDepartmentproudlyacknowledgestheoutstandingaccomplishmentsofourensemblesandindividualmemberseachSpring.Studentsineachensemblewillearncertificatesandpinsforparticipationandareeligibletoearnaletterawardinrecognitionoftheircontributionstotheprogram.AnexampleoftheLetteringApplicationisshownbelow.


JohnstonHighSchoolVocalDepartmentLetteringApplication2018

ThisformmustbeturnedintoMrs.RyanorMrs.RobilliardbyWednesday,May9thtobeeligibleforanaward.Forjuniorsandseniors,wewillcoordinatewiththepreviousyears.PleaseseeMrs.RyanorMrs.Robilliardwithanyquestions.Name________________________________________________________ Grade___________________Iamapplyingformy:(circleone)

1. VocalMusicMusicLetter(700PointsCumulativePoints)2. 2ndyearbar(1200CumulativePoints)3. 3rdyearbar(1900CumulativePoints)

EnsembleParticipation 1stYearChoirParticipant 200 ________________ 2ndYearChoirParticipant 250 ________________ 3rdYearChoirParticipant 300 ________________ShowChoirParticipation

1stYearChoirParticipant 100 ________________ 2ndYearChoirParticipant 150 ________________ 3rdYearChoirParticipant 200 ________________ShowChoirBand 150 ________________ShowChoirCrew 150 ________________AuditionedforAllStateChoir 100 ________________SelectedforallStateChoir 50 ________________WeeklyPrivateVoiceLessons 50persemester_____________CommunityChoirParticipant 100 ________________ServiceCreditforChoralDept. 25persemester_____________Musical 75 ________________MadrigalSpeakingRole(maincharacterrole) 75 ________________HonorchoirParticipant 100perevent________________SoloorEnsemblePerformanceforChoir 25perevent________________SoloorEnsemblePerformanceforShowChoir 75total________________SummerMusicCampParticipant(duringsummer2017) 100percamp________________PerformedaSoloOutsideofSchool 25perevent________________ParticipatedinSoloEnsembleFestival 100perentry________________PerformedinanEnsembleOutsideofschool 25perevent________________ServiceWorkforDepartment(approvedbyDirector) 25perevent________________

ListOtherVocalMusicParticipationforConsideration(example:Summershowchoircampcounselor,CenterManager/TimeKeeperforSoloFestival,setupforMadrigal)____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Total___________________ (pleaseaddupyourpoints)________Yes,Ihaveachenilleletter________No,Idonothaveachenilleletter


MusicandVenueSelectionofthe

JohnstonChoralMusicDepartment

SelectionofSongsbasedupon:

• Providingavarietyofvocalmusicrepertoirethroughouttheyear • ProvidingaGlobalPerspectivetostudentswithdiversecultures,traditions,andpeopleaswellas

compositionalstylesofalleras • American,non-American,Sacred,Secular,WorldMusic,European,Asian,Christian,Hebrew,African,

BosnianorMuslimwhenscoresavailable(rarelyisthistypeofmusicwrittendownasmusicofthisoriginismostoftenpasseddownaurallyfromgenerationtogeneration)

• Difficultylevelforvariousensembles • Sharinganaccurateandappropriatecombinationofsongstosharewithstudentsthehistoryofvocal

music • HistoricalPerspective • Composer • Style(Classical,Baroque,Renaissance,21stCenturyMusic,FolkMusic,etc.) • Availabilityofrepertoire • Appropriaterangesforsingers • Selectingtopqualityrepertoirethatwillnotonlychallengestudents,butallowthemtobesuccessful

andlearnmanydifferentconcepts.o EducationalConceptsandMusicalConsiderationstolearninclude:

§ Differentkeysignatures§ Differenttimesignatures§ Changingtempos§ Changingrhythms§ Dynamics§ Phrasing§ VocalPedagogy&technique§ Articulations§ Choralstructure§ Singingwithappropriatestyle§ Singingwithappropriatetonequalitiesforthestyle§ Historicalrelevance/perspective

SelectionofVenuesbasedupon:

o Availability o Appropriatespaceforevent–forperformersandaudiencemembers o Acousticallyappropriate o Availabilityofappropriatesoundequipment o Ambiancecreatedbyvenueappropriatetothestyleoftheevent.(WeholdourAnnual

MadrigalDinneratTheBridgeChurchinJohnstonasitisoneofthefewplacesthatcanholdandseat500+peopleandstillhaveroomfor200+studentperformers.WetransformtheChurchintoanoldEnglishCastletoprovidepayingaudiencemembersatop-notchperformanceopportunityforanOldEnglishMadrigalFeaste.)


IowaChoralDirector’sAssociationPolicyStatement

ItisthepositionoftheIowaChoralDirector’sAssociationthattheinclusionofsignificantsacredandsecularmusicisimperativetofacilitateatotalmusicexperienceforIowa’syouth.Fromaglobalperspective,choralmusicoffersawealthofliteraturethatreflectsandsupportsdiversecultures,traditions,andpeople,aswellascompositionalstylesofalleras.Toachieveanyeducationalobjective,thequalityofrepertoireisofparamountimportance.

Whilepublicschoolteachingobjectivesandcriteriaforrepertoireselectionshouldnotsupportreligiousindoctrination,theselectionofqualitymusicwillinvariablyincludemusicwithasacredtextwithinitsbroadscope.Musicwithoutsacredtext,architectureminuscathedral,orpaintingwithoutscripturalthesesisincomplete,evenfromasecularpointofview.Therefore,toexcludesacredmusicfromthepublicschoolcurriculumwouldhamperstudent,aswellasteacher,opportunitiesingleaningartisticunderstandingandaestheticexpression.

“Sacred”referstoallmannerofreligiousbeliefandnotonlytotheJudeo-Christianteachings.Theterm“study”includesnotonlyclassroominstructionbutpublicperformancesaswell.Priortothe17thCentury,almostallsignificantchoralmusicwasassociatedwithsacredtext.“Secular”referstonon-religiousconsiderations.Sincechoralmusicwithasacredtextcomprisessuchasubstantialportionoftheartisticrepertoirefromthechoralmediumandthehistoryofmusic,itshouldretainanimportantplaceinthemusiceducationofIowa’syouth.

Documents

18-19 VOCAL MUSIC HANDBOOK...Cantus is the most select choir in the JHS Vocal Music Department 36-40 students. Cantus performs upper level high school and collegiate literature from