Holland High School Vocal Music 2013-2014 Handbook

Mr. Todd D. Suckow, Director tsuckow@holland.wnyric.org

537-8200 ext. 7109

 

“The pursuit for excellence is not only in the group, but in the individual.”

-T. Suckow

Concert Choir- Open to any student grades 9-12. No prior music experience is needed.

Select Choir- Open to any student entering 8th Grade though 12th Grade. This choir is chosen by Mr. Suckow in May.

Drama Club- Drama Club is the group that produces the annual musical. Any and all students are able to be a part of the many aspects of the drama club, including set building, hair and make-up, pit orchestra, cast, lighting and sound, stage crew, etc. Listen for announcements for future meetings.

Holland High School Choir Objectives1. Members of the choir will be able to function with a vocal score.

They will observe, understand and apply all musical symbols, tempo markings and dynamic markings to their performance.

2. Chorus members will work towards good choral habits that include proper breathing techniques, vocal projection and achieving a correct and pleasing choral tone.

3. Members will understand and exemplify correct concert etiquette both as performers and as audience members.

4. Members will attend and participate fully in all rehearsals and performances.

“ Pride is a personal commitment. It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity. ”

General Choir Expectations

1. Be on time to all rehearsals and performances prepared to give your best!2. Be a responsible member- have your music and pencil at EVERY class and know

your music! 3. Have respect for the choir room and everything in it! This includes your music

and music folder. Keep the room CLEAN AND ORDERLY. The choir room is NOT your personal locker, but it IS a place that we all share. Take care of it.

4. Remember, your actions reflect on you, your choir, and your school.

Rehearsal ExpectationsThe success of a choir is determined on how it rehearses. How a choir rehearses is determined by the conduct and cooperation of the students. Rehearsal time is the place to correct mistakes. The fewer individual distractions and the fewer mistakes there are, the greater YOUR contribution to the choir is. Be patient, attentive, careful, and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. When the director is busy dealing with discipline issues in the classroom, each rehearsal and eventually the whole choir is headed for failure. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful.

1. Be ON TIME to class and performances during the school day and outside of the school day! You are to be in your spot and quiet by the time the bell rings. This includes using the restrooms. Plan your time accordingly so that you can be on time!

2. Always have your music, choir folder and pencil at EVERY rehearsal. 3. No food, drinks (other than water), and ABSOLUTELY NO GUM in the choir

room. 4. Be conscious of GOOD CHORAL POSTURE at all times. 5. Keep your eyes on the conductor at all times during the rehearsal. 6. LISTEN to the conductor at all times. Talking or fooling around while the

conductor is giving instructions is NEVER appropriate. 7. Take a MATURE ATTITUDE toward constructive criticism. We are all here to

become better choral students. 8. Rehearsals are not over until the conductor has dismissed the choir. Please do not

begin packing up your stuff until told to do so. 9. Approach each rehearsal with OPTIMISM, ENTHUSIASM,

DETERMINATION, AND YOUR WHOLE-HEARTED ATTENTION. 10. The success of the choir is YOUR INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY! 11. Before asking a question, refer to your handbook.

** ANY STUDENT WHO IS EXCUSED FROM REHEARSAL DUE TO LACK OF EFFORT OR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR WILL BE EXPECTED TO MAKE UP

THAT REHEARSAL AFTER SCHOOL EITHER THAT DAY OR THE DAY AFTER. IF THEY DO NOT, THEY WILL BE WRITTEN UP FOR DETENTION.

Extra Rehearsals and Performances

1. Choir is a performance-based class. All concerts and rehearsals are MANDATORY. Every effort is made to let you know in advance when concerts and rehearsals are scheduled. It is your responsibility to be at these concerts and rehearsals and to let the director know if you are unable to make it no less then 24 hours in advance.

2. Definition of an “EXCUSED ABSENCE”: Absence resulting from illness, serious illness in the family, or bereavement. A note or phone call FROM THE PARENT must be submitted to the director WELL IN ADVANCE for the review and consultation of the director and student. In the case of sudden illness, a parental note or parental phone call should accompany the student's return. It is the parent’s/student’s responsibility to clear the absence within 3 days of the student’s return.

3. A student missing a concert for ANY reason will not receive any higher than an 80% for that grade. (Extenuating circumstances may be taken into account by the director as the director may see fit). An unexcused absence from a concert will result in an automatic zero.

EACH STUDENT'S contribution is crucial to rehearsals and concerts. One student's absence can upset the balance of a rehearsal or the success of a concert. Never lose sight of the importance of your individual contribution to the Choir.

Consequences: (for all discipline issues) You and you alone are responsible for your actions. Therefore the following consequences will take place when the director feels the need to do so:

1. Verbal Warning 2. Assigned written assignment/ call to parents/ student conference 3. Assigned written assignment/ call to parents/ classroom detention (before or

after school) 4. Assigned written assignment/ conference with parent and student, referral to

office

“This class is not about being the best singer, but it IS about putting forth a 100% effort to be the best singer YOU can be!”

-T. Suckow

Concert Dress

It is important for all of the students in the choir to look somewhat uniform. The following concert attire will be worn for ALL performances unless otherwise noted by the conductor. Students not meeting the required performance attire will not be

allowed to perform, and will be given a zero (0) for that performance.

Ladies Concert Attire- 1. White, wing-tip collar tuxedo shirt 2. Black, knee length or longer skirt (no pants) 3. Black dress shoes (no heel preferably) 4. Black bowtie 5. OFF BLACK STOCKINGS 6. White t-shirt for under your tuxedo shirt.

Gentlemen’s Concert Attire- 1. White, wing-tip collar tuxedo shirt2. Black dress pants (no jeans) 3. Black dress shoes (no sneakers) 4. Black socks5. Black bowtie 6. White undershirt for under your tuxedo shirt.

Failure to have any of these items at a concert will result in a zero.

Purchasing your tuxedo shirt and bowtie:

We will be connecting with the Tuxedo Junction in the McKinley Mall at the beginning of the year in order for you to purchase your tuxedo shirt and bowtie. More information will be forthcoming, but it will be your responsibility to go to the Tuxedo Junction, get fitted for your shirt, pay for your shirt, and then eventually pick it up.

Grading Policy

Concert and Rehearsal Attendance 50%Effort, Attitude and Rehearsal Responsibilities 30%Quarterly Written and Vocal Assessments 20%

Quarterly assessments will consist of the following: 1. Written exams based on the music being performed for that concert as well as

definitions for music. Weekly Rehearsal Responsibility Grading Rubric

Yes Yes, but No, but No Weekly Grading scale 4 3 2 1 1. Arrives on time in spot with folder 4 3 2 1 2. Talks only when appropriate 4 3 2 1 3. Good Posture/breath support 4 3 2 1 4. Musical asset to the group/Knows part 4 3 2 1 5. Tone/ Intonation/Good vowels 4 3 2 1 6. Expression, dynamics 4 3 2 1

Choral Performance Etiquette Attendance No Yes 1. On Time 0 10 2. In designated place before warm-ups 0 10 Attire 3. Dressed appropriately 0 10 Performance 4. Watching the director/Behavior 0 10 5. Tall, uniform vowels 0 10 6. Consonant endings precise 0 10 7. Accurate rhythm 0 10 8. Accurate pitches 0 10 9. Good stage presence 0 10 Student responsibility 10. Sets good example for our school 0 10 Total points 100

Points will be added to that grade based on the following criteria:

a. A satisfactory rating from quarterly FOLDER CHECK, which determines if achoir member has made designated markings in his or her music.b. Auditioning or being selected for Festival Choirs outside of school. Forexample, All State or All County Choirs.c. Auditioning or being selected for extra-curricular performing groups.For example. School Musical d. Serving as an usher for concerts or the musical. e. Attending Holland Concerts or ANY other school or professional concerts that you are not performing in.

**Important Note: It is expected that ALL students stay for the entire concert. All of our music students work hard to prepare for the concert, and it is the respectful thing to do when you stay for the full duration of the concert. Leaving early WILL have an affect on your grade.**

2013-2014 Vocal Music Calendar

**Call for ALL concerts is 6:30**Fall Concert October 29, 2013 7:00 PM Winter Concert December 17, 2013 7:00 PMWinter Snow Date December 19, 2013 7:00 PMDistrict Vocal Concert March 25, 2014 7:00 PMTulip Festival (SSB) May 10, 2014 1:50-2:15 PMSpring Concert June 5, 2014 7:00 PM

**Please note, in December the choirs are asked to perform for many groups during the holidays. I will let you know the dates of these performances as soon as I know. These

performances are mandatory! **

2014 Music Trip New York City

The cost of this year’s trip is tentatively $600.00. The following fundraisers will take place during the year to help pay that cost. September- Enjoy the City Books November- Pies February- Zap-A-Snack

If you participate in each of these fundraisers, you could EASILY pay for your trip through fundraising.

**Students must be in good standing in choir in order to go on the trip. At any time, the director can tell the student that they will not be participating in the trip, and the student will not receive their $150.00 deposit back. Reasons for this may include, but are not limited to:

1. Discipline issues during rehearsals or concert performances 2. Failing excessive classes in school 3. Discipline issues outside of the choral classroom

Holland High School Choirs

Holland, New York

September 4, 2013

Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Holland High School Choral Program offers a unique experience whereby a student may gain not only musical skills and a lifelong appreciation of music, but discipline, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment by working with others toward the common goal of EXCELLENCE.

The purpose of this handbook is to inform you of the expectations, requirements, and activities of the choral program. The Choral Program is a performance-based program. In order to be a member of the Holland High School Choral Program, students are expected to participate in required concerts and rehearsals.I hope you will become involved by attending rehearsals and concerts. Come see the preparation as well as the results of these rehearsals.

Please feel free to contact me any time you have a question or problem concerning your student or the program.

For current information, rehearsal schedules, and updates: http://www.holland.wnyric.org/112610814135944797/site/default.asp

Todd Suckow tsuckow@holland.wnyric.org716-537-8200 ext. 7109

CHOIR CONTRACT

STUDENT: I have read and understand The HHS Choir Handbook. Realizing that mybest performance and contribution to my school and the choir will result from my following these rules and guidelines, I accept my personal responsibility in doing so as a matter of my word and honor and I pledge my support to other members of this group in meeting their responsibilities.

Print Student’s Name_________________________

Student’s Signature _________________________________

Date__________________________

PARENT(S):I acknowledge receiving the Choir Handbook and I accept my responsibility in supporting and assisting my son/daughter in living up to the responsibilities and obligations as outlined.

Print Parent or Guardian’s Name _________________________________

Parent/ Guardian’s Signature____________________________________

Date___________________________ Phone # _____________________