Choral Handbook:Excellence as a Lifestyle

2018/2019

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Table of Contents

Welcome Letter 3EHS Choirs Course Descriptions 4Communication 4Student Responsibilities & Learning Expectations 5

Practicing 5Attendance 5Performance Attire 6Supplies 6Water & Food 6Cell Phone/Electronic Device Policy 6Lateness 6

Assessment & Grading 7Habits of Work (Commitment to Process and Progress) 7Yearly Breakdown & Exams 7Quarter Grades Breakdown 7

Performance Assessments 7Collaborative Community Service (Concerts) 7Assignments 7Daily Performance 8Personalized Learning in Music 8Student Centered Instruction (SCI) 9

Extra Opportunities Outside of Choir 9Scholarships 9Recommendations 10Fundraising 10Choir Leadership Council 10

About Your Director 11EHS Choirs Calendar 12EHS Choirs Student/Family Contract 12

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Essex High School ChoirsEssex High School, 2 Educational Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452

Mrs. Alexis Koch-Choral Director akoch@ewsd.org www.essexchoirs.org

Welcome to the EHS Choral program! Music is an integral part of every culture in every part of the world. It is an underlying quality that defines us as human beings. Music is a universal language-it allows us to connect with people of different backgrounds and cultures from all over the world. In music we create a community in which students study and understand music in relationship with the culture it grows from. With this understanding and connectedness we hope these students will blend the lines of race, religion, class, and disability both in the classroom and in the community.

Singing is a young person’s easiest access to the world of the performing arts and an important means for expression. However, many young singers struggle because the adolescent voice is a very fragile musical instrument. Therefore, instilling a sense of confidence and community in singers is essential. I am a singer and voice teacher and I have dealt with these challenges myself and with hundreds of students. I will help my singers to build a foundation of healthy, age-appropriate vocal technique that will keep them in choir, prepare them for other singing opportunities, and ultimately keep them singing throughout their lifetime.

This handbook will familiarize musicians and families with the opportunities and expectations of the choral program at EHS. I suggest you read through this material together. The success of our choral program comes from the support of families working together to facilitate growth and achievement. These established cultural norms will allow us to achieve our goals and have fun doing it!

Chorus is a class unlike any other you’ve been a part of - we work together during school to develop musically as well as interpersonally so that we can give back to the community in many rewarding ways, including evening or weekend events. Throughout our time together, I hope you look forward to these events with our choral family as much as I do!

Please feel free to contact me at anytime. I look forward to interacting with both musicians and their families and anticipate this being the best year yet!

All the best,Mrs. Alexis KochChoral Director

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EHS Choirs Course DescriptionsConcert Choir: B 3/4 or B 7/8Concert Choir is an ensemble for all students interested in vocal music performance. Through this course, students will study choral music from a wide variety of cultures and time periods. In addition to collaborative vocal performance, students will explore vocal techniques, music theory, sight reading and ear training. Students in Concert Choir are expected to participate in 4 evening performances throughout the year.

Chamber Choir: B 1/2 (By Audition)Chamber Choir is Essex High School’s premiere ensemble for students interested in vocal music performance. Through this course, students will study advanced choral music from a wide variety of cultures and time periods. In addition to developing individual and collaborative vocal techniques, students will develop their sight reading, ear training, and music theory skills. Students enrolled in Chamber Choir are expected to participate in many performances during and outside the school day.

Kaleidoscope: Wednesdays After School 2:45-3:45 (Treble Voices)Kaleidoscope is an after-school a cappella ensemble for students with soprano and alto voices. This ensemble will study choral music primarily in contemporary commercial music. Students are expected to participate in at least 3 evening performances as well as any other performance opportunities that may become available throughout the year. Once joining the group you commit to attending all rehearsals and performances.

Pitch Pipes: Mondays After School 2:45-3:45 (Tenor & Baritone Voices)Pitch Pipes is an after-school a cappella ensemble for students with tenor and bass voices. This ensemble will study choral music primarily in contemporary commercial music. Students are expected to participate in at least 3 evening performances as well as any other performance opportunities that may become available throughout the year. Once joining the group you commit to attending all rehearsals and performances.

CommunicationEmail is the best way to be in contact with me. You can contact me at akoch@ewsd.org. Emails with pertinent program information will be sent to parents regularly. EssexHSChoirs.org is the most helpful online resource for students and families. This website will be updated continuously and serves as the main portal for all things related to EHS Choirs. We will strive to improve this site and keep it current with all the choral happenings.

REMIND is a free, safe text distribution service for schools that protects the identities of both students and teachers. Mrs. Koch will use Remind to text students information related to this course throughout the year. To sign up for REMIND, simply send a text to the number below depending on your ensemble. You should sign up for each ensemble you are enrolled in. Their is also an app if you choose or an email option available.

Ensemble Concert Choir Chamber Choir Kaleidoscope Pitch Pipes

To sign up for text notifications

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To sign up for email notifications

Student Responsibilities & Learning ExpectationsPracticingEHS Choir students can expect to practice 4-5 times a week for 20 minutes each to gain the most out of their choral experience and meet the requirements of the program. The success of the entire ensemble depends on individual practice. Practicing for short amounts of time regularly, is more effective than practicing in large amounts of time infrequently.

AttendanceCollaborative Community Service (Concert) AttendanceEnsemble performance is a required component of this class. As a required component of the curriculum, performances take precedence over any extra-curricular activity, job, or sporting event (unless it is a VPA playoff game). Concert dates and times are provided in significant advance so that students may make arrangements with their extracurricular commitments. Absences will be excused only for extreme illness or critical family emergency. There are few if any excused absences each year. Mrs.Koch must be contacted directly in writing by the parent/guardian in order for the absence to be excused at least two weeks prior to the event. If notification occurs less than two weeks prior to the event, it is an unexcused absence no matter the reason and the student will not have the opportunity to make up the credit. This is because each and every student plays a critical role, and it takes time to plan and prepare for their absence. Extreme unavoidable emergencies that occur less than two weeks prior to a concert/event are understandably excused absences. For example, a family member becomes hospitalized the day of the concert. Although it is impossible to truly make up the experience of a collaborative community service event, students with an excused absence will have an alternative method to earn credit. Musicians who have received approval for an excused absence should see Mrs. Koch to coordinate the alternative assessment. Students who miss a regular concert will submit a recording of their solo performance of all concert music. It is recommended that the student find a recording online to sing along with.

Unexcused absences will result in a grade deduction. In these instances, alternative credit is unavailable resulting in a grade deduction.

Rehearsal AttendanceRegular attendance at rehearsals is critical. Each rehearsal should be treated as a performance, and student participation is extremely important in preparing for concerts. If a student has five+ missed rehearsals they must demonstrate proficiency on concert repertoire in order to participate in the concert. If a student cannot demonstrate proficiency on the concert music, they will complete the alternate performance assessment appropriate for the event instead of participating in the concert.

Curricular Performances and AthletesThe music and athletic programs collaborate extensively to provide students with enriching opportunities. We firmly believe that students can and should be involved in both. As a former high school athlete & musician, I am excited that students choose to do both and believe a healthy balance can be achieved. Our performance schedule takes into considerable account athletic

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practices and games to avoid instances of double booking. However, this inevitably occurs with programs that are striving for a high level of achievement. A performance/game takes precedence over a rehearsal/sports practice. In the event of a game scheduled the same time as a band performance, the student attends the performance as it is a curricular event. In the case of a conflict, musician/athletes are expected to contact Mrs. Koch and their coach as soon as the conflict arises - at least two weeks ahead of time. The sooner you notice a schedule conflict, the sooner we can work it out. With proper communication most conflicts can be resolved with participation in both events. Please consult the flowchart on the next page for further clarification on which event you should be at should a conflict arise. This chart is approved by both the music department and the athletic offices.

Performance AttireOur performances are the pinnacle of immense efforts in progress and collaboration. Therefore we ask the EHS Choirs to dress in accordance with the level of celebration the event deserves. Performance attire is described below. Musicians must be in concert dress to participate in the performance. The Essex Choirs Boosters are committed to providing these items if they pose a financial burden.

Concert Chorus, Kaleidoscope, Pitch Pipes Chamber Choir

● Black dress shirt (pressed)● Black dress pants, skirt w/ black hose

(below the knees or longer) (pressed)● Black socks● Black Belt if needed● Black dress shoes (no gym shoes, winter

boots, or flip-flops) and black socks if needed

● Optional black tie● EHS dress code applies

● Full concert dress as provided by the EHS Choirs

● Black dress shoes● Black socks or hosiery

*Chamber Choir uniforms are dry-clean only. Students are given approximately two weeks after our last formal concert to have the uniforms dry-cleaned. Uniforms returned dirty will incur a $30 dry cleaning fee.

SuppliesAll students must come to class everyday with:• Pencil• EHS Choir folder • All music & rehearsal materials

Students will be charged a replacement fee for all school materials that are lost or damaged beyond repair.

Water & FoodStudents are encouraged to bring a water bottle to class, and use it as needed. The water bottle must have a closable top or lid. The student is responsible for cleaning up any mess caused by their water bottle. With the exception of water, students are not permitted to bring any food or drink substance into the classroom, unless granted special permission from the teacher.

Cell Phone/Electronic Device PolicyElectronic devices should not, at any time, be seen or heard in the classroom unless the teacher requests that students utilize their electronic device for instructional purposes. Students will be

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given 1 warning to put their device away. If the device is seen again it will be confiscated and must be collected at the end of the school day.

LatenessStudents are expected to be on time to class every day. Unexcused tardiness may result in the loss of Daily Performance points. Repeated tardiness will result in contact with your parent/guardian.

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Assessment & GradingHabits of Work (Commitment to Process and Progress)Habits of work are not reported out as part of the academic grade. Instead, they are classified as Learning Habits, and reported out twice a quarter to families in the gradebook based on the following two categories: Work Completion and Engagement in Learning.

Students should expect to be held to the highest standards of rehearsal professionalism (being on time & prepared for class with all necessary materials: pencil, music, materials) as well as maintaining a positive approach to work. Students without their materials for rehearsal will complete a rehearsal critique form to ensure they remain actively involved in the rehearsal process.

Yearly Breakdown & ExamsThe yearly grade will be broken down based on the following percents:

Year - 50% Semester 1 and 50% Semester 2Semester 1 - 40% Q1 and 40% Q2, 20% Exam 1Semester 2 - 40% Q3 and 40% Q4, 20% Exam 2

Exam 1 Concert Choir: Exam will include both a written and performance-based assessment. At this time, Concert Choir students can opt out of the regular exam by auditioning for Chamber Choir the following year or by auditioning for the All-State Music Festival as their mid-term assessment.Chamber Choir: Students will prepare and present their All-State audition materials for their teacher. This assessment will also be used as the student’s audition for admittance into the Chamber Choir the following year. *Chamber Choir students can opt out of the regular exam by auditioning for the All-State Music Festival.

Exam 2 Concert Choir: Exam will include both a written and performance-based assessment. Seniors are excused from the exam.Chamber Choir: Students will perform in the culminating performance for graduation.

Quarter Grades Breakdown All musicians will earn an academic grade based on the following factors:

Performance Assessments (summative)- 18%Students will be assessed through individual performance, including current course repertoire and sight-singing. This allows each student to demonstrate their progress with current material and allows them to receive individual feedback for future improvement.

Collaborative Community Service (Concert Performances) - 35%Performances are a cumulative and cooperative display of student growth and achievement. These events provide relevant life experience in focused demonstration of skill and ability. Student attendance at curricular performances is required. Please refer to the EHS Choirs Calendar for these call & performance times. Students must be present for the entire event including ensemble warm up, the performance of all groups and concert clean up to receive full credit.

Assignments - 18%Throughout the year, students will learn important theory and music history facts and processes as they relate to the music we are performing. Classwork may include worksheets, written responses,

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exit cards, or any other written work deemed appropriate to assess student understanding of class content.Daily Performance (summative) - 25%In order to be successful in this course, it is essential that students actively work to develop their individual performance through daily (in-class) performance, including strategies and content provided by the director. Approximately every month, each student will be evaluated informally on their current progres via the following rubric.

Ensemble Performance

3Student consistently and actively performed with the ensemble, striving to produce sound as instructed.

2Student passively performed with the ensemble, striving to produce sound as instructed.

1Student sometimes performed with the ensemble, striving to produce sound as instructed.

0Student did not perform with the ensemble and did not strive to produce sound as instructed.

Vocal Production

3Student consistently and actively worked to achieve desired posture, vocal technique, vowel formation, and musicality.

2Student sometimes worked to achieve desired posture, vocal technique, vowel formation, and musicality.

1Student rarely worked to achieve desired posture, vocal technique, vowel formation, and musicality.

0Student did not work to achieve desired posture, vocal technique, vowel formation, and musicality.

Literacy & Annotation

3Student consistently and actively strived to read musical notation, understand music theory concepts, and annotate in choral scores in order to refine their performance.

2Student passively attempted to read musical notation, understand music theory concepts, and annotate in choral scores in order to refine their performance.

1Student sometimes attempted to read musical notation, understand music theory concepts, and annotate in choral scores in order to refine their performance.

0Student did not attempt to read musical notation, understand music theory concepts, and annotate in choral scores in order to refine their performance.

Personalized Learning 4%As a segment of our curriculum, students will apply and extend course content towards material that is personally meaningful to them. These activities may include, but are not limited to the many possibilities outlined below. Students are also encouraged to propose their own Personalized Learning opportunities. Mrs. Koch will share additional Personalized Learning opportunities with students throughout the year. These projects are highly encouraged by the director to challenge musicians beyond the normal classroom activities. Personalized Learning Project Options:

Perform: Create: Research: Community Service:

-Perform the Star Spangled Banner at a school event.-Pitch Pipes or Kaleidoscope Ensemble-District Choral Festival

-Use music software to compose an original piece.-Use music

-Write an essay about a musician, composer, or a piece of music.

-Perform for Senior Citizen Living Facility-Assist in middle School Ensemble Rehearsal

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Participation-Fall Musical Participation-Perform with a church or community ensemble-All-State music festival participation

software to record and/or create an audio product.

-Concert Critique

-Tutoring: Give a younger student lessons in music theory or sight singing

Extra Opportunities Outside of ChoirThere are many opportunities outside of the choir to enrich your musical career. The following are a few options:

Fall Musical: Students are encouraged to audition for the fall musical during final exam week the prior year. This is an opportunity for advanced musicians only. You must attend all rehearsals and musical performances. Availability to students is based on audition.

District III Music Festival: Students from all schools in our district in Northeastern Vermont have a chance to play together under a new conductor once a year. If you are interested, check with your family that the festival dates are free for you to participate. It costs $15 to participate in the festival. You may fundraise throughout the year to help cover these costs. Check the EHS Choirs Calendar for dates.

All-State Music Festival: Students from all schools in the state of Vermont have a chance to play together under a new conductor once a year. There is a fee to audition and to participate. You may fundraise throughout the year to help cover these costs. Website is www.vmea.org/allstate.php. See the EHS Choirs Calendar for dates.

District III Vocal Scholarship ApplicationApplicants of this scholarship must be members of one of this year’s All-State Scholarship recipients (scholarship/performance, scholarship, or honorary mention awards) and must be a high school senior who has been accepted into a college music program. Find the application on page 66 of the All-State Handbook.

VT American Choral Directors Association Scholarship ApplicationApplicants of this scholarship must be accepted into the All State Music Festival and must be a high school senior who has been accepted into a college music program and pursuing a career in vocal performance or music education. Find the application on the VT ACDA Scholarship Webpage.

Evelyn D. Springstead Senior Scholarship ApplicationApplicants of this scholarship must be members of one of this year’s All-State Scholarship recipients (scholarship/performance, scholarship, or honorary mention awards) and must be a high school senior who has been accepted into a college music program. Find the application on page 66 of the All-State Handbook.

Richard W. Ellis All State ScholarshipApplicants of this scholarship must be members of this year’s All-State ensembles and must be a high school senior who has been accepted into a college music program. Find the application on page 67 of the All-State Handbook.

A Note on Student Recommendations

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Many students look to their choral director for recommendations, whether for college admission or jobs or a musical opportunity outside of school. Advance notice should be given; allowing at least two weeks before you need is preferred. You do not want a rushed recommendation!

FundraisingIn the event that the choral program offers extra enriching opportunities that are not a requirement of the choral program, students will be given the opportunity periodically to fundraise to help offset the cost of the event. When we fundraise all profits are owned by the choral program, and held in a student’s name throughout their career in the program. The fundraised money is to be used on behalf of the student for their choral related activities only, and if unused will be absorbed by the choral program. Examples of use of student accounts include audition fees, festival participation fees, or field trips. Refunds are never given for fundraised money that goes unused.

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Choir Leadership CouncilStudents seeking additional leadership opportunities are encouraged to run for the Choir Leadership Council. The Choir Leadership Council meets twice a month during flex, and assists in the planning, organization, and promotion of the choral program. In September, all choral students vote to elect student representatives to serve in the following positions:

PresidentInitiates and delegates officer activities and duties. Writes thank you notes and obtains appropriate signatures. Serves as liaison between choir and other school organizations and activities. Attends Music Booster meetings when needed. Other duties as assigned.

Vice PresidentAssists the president in all activities and preside over his/her responsibilities in case of their absence. Posts items of importance on the music hallway bulletin boards. Other duties as assigned.

Librarian Assists the director with all library functions. Organizes and files choral music, stamps and numbers new music. Other duties as assigned.

Historian Photographs ensembles and events throughout the year. Creates an end-of-year slideshow for the Senior Showcase & Ceremony. Contributes to the choral program’s positive social media presence. Other duties as assigned.

9th Grade Representative Represents the freshmen class at council meetings. Other duties as assigned.

Secretaries* Keeps notes during council meetings. Communicates with their choir class about council meetings. Takes preliminary attendance during class and rehearsals. Collects and organizes permission slips for events. Other duties as assigned. There are 3 secretaries, 1 for each section of Concert Chorus, and one for Chamber Choir.

* Secretaries for each class will be appointed by Mrs. Koch, all other positions are elected by students.

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About Your DirectorI moved back to Vermont after spending 5 years in San Francisco. After studying music education and vocal performance at Ithaca College School of Music in New York, I began my singing and teaching career in Vermont.

My passion is teaching students to understand and appreciate music. I worked as the choral director and musical theater director for high schools and middle schools throughout the state of Vermont. In San Francisco, I was a choral director and musical theater director for Adda Clevenger Jr. Prep and Theater School teaching a highly talented group of students the joy of performance. In addition to my career teaching in schools throughout the country, I have also directed various community high school and children’s choirs in California and Vermont, run a private teaching studio, and perform as a soloist. These experiences have continually reinforced my central pedagogical philosophy: that a student’s grasp of vocal technique, musicianship, and a broad cultural awareness, showcased through outstanding performance, are the keys to creating a successful choral program.

As a performer, I have been invited as a guest soloist to various classical performances throughout the states of California, Vermont and New York. I was a choral member of world renowned composer Robert DeCormier’s Counterpoint Chorus as well as a member of the professional musical theater group Café Noir Productions.

This will be my 11th year of teaching, but her first at Essex High School. I am incredibly excited to get to know your students and for us all to make music together!

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EHS Choirs 2018-2019 Calendar**Additional Opportunities may arise throughout the year. Please stay up to date about new

performances through email updates.**

Date Time Event Ensembles Involved Notes

Fri, Sept 21 TBD EHS Pep Rally Chamber Choir

Wed,Oct 24

7:00 pm6:30 Call time

Fall Choir Concert All Choral Ensembles

Fri, Dec 7 TBD Madrigal Festival Chamber Choir

Wed,Dec 19

7:00 pm6:30 Call time

Winter Band & Choir Concert

All Choral Ensembles

Thurs,Dec 20

TBD Chamber Choir Caroling

Chamber Choir This event will be a field trip during school & extend to the evening.

Exam Makeup Day

TBD EWSD District Tour Chamber Choir

Sat, Jan 12 TBD All State Auditions @ Hartford HS

All Chorus students wishing to audition.

This is optional, but highly encouraged.

Sat, Jan 19 TBD Snow DateAll State Auditions @ Hartford HS

All Chorus students wishing to audition.

This date will only be used if the Jan 12 date is cancelled due to weather.

Fri & Sat,Feb 8-9

TBD (Full day & evening)

District III Choral Festival

Accepted Choir Students

Thurs,Mar 14

TBD EWSD Fine Arts Night

All Choral Ensembles

Thurs,Mar 21

TBD Snow DateFine Arts Night

All Choral Ensembles This date is only necessary if Mar 14 is cancelled due to weather.

Fri,Mar 29

7 pm6:15 Call time

Choir Cabaret Only students participating.

Students must audition for Mrs. Koch to participate.

Thurs,Apr 11

TBD ACDA Adjudicated Festival @ BHS

All Choral Ensembles

Thurs,May 8-10

TBD (Full day & evening)

All State Music Festival @ Montpelier

Accepted Choir Students

Students will stay overnight with host families.

Wed,May 22

7pm6:30 Call time

Spring Choir Concert

All Choral Ensembles

Wed,May 29

6pm4:30 Call time

Senior Showcase & Ceremony

All Choral Ensembles

Sat, June 15 TBD Graduation Chamber Choir

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EHS Choirs Student/Family Contract

Please read the Choral Handbook by going to EssexHSChoirs.org. After reading the document in detail, complete this contract for homework.

Student:By signing below I confirm that I have completed the following:

● Display the EHS Choirs Calendar on your refrigerator. ● Enroll in Remind for all ensembles I participate in.

I, ______________________________ (print student’s name), have read the Choral Handbook, and I agree to contribute to the EHS Choirs program to the best of my ability. I understand that band is different than other subjects in many ways including the time commitment; I agree to be responsible for maintaining respect and cooperation within the group. I will do my best to honor all due dates and deadlines, and will attend all concerts.

____________________________ Student Signature

Parent/GuardianBy signing below I confirm the following:

● My student has completed the bulleted tasks listed above.● I understand the concert attendance policy in the handbook, and will contact the

teacher if questions or conflicts arise.● I approve use of choir-related photo/video of my student, including our website,

Twitter, and Facebook unless noted on this form.

As a parent/guardian, I am responsible for encouraging my student to practice, and for encouraging students return forms in a timely manner, as well as ensuring that both the student and myself understand the material in this handbook.

❏ Please contact me about monthly Choir Booster meetings.❏ Please contact me about how I can help with various volunteer opportunities this

year.

____________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

____________________________ Date