Classroom Expectations
Exhibit
Positive and Effective Behavior in Class and On Stage
Respect:
- Take pride in respecting classmates, director, and property
- Develop a “listening attitude” in following class expectations.
- Refrain from gum-chewing, disruptive talking, and other negative behaviors
Contributions:
- Work on the development of proper vocal skills
- Participate with a positive attitude
- Present an eagerness and willingness to learn
Leadership:
- Set examples of positive self-discipline
- Learn music quickly to help others with their parts
- Take initiative in all class activities
Consequences for students who choose negative behaviors:
- Step 1: Verbal warning in class
- Step 2: Take Home detention sheet
- Step 3: Conference with Mrs. Hauk and detention, phone
call to parents
- Step 4: Written referral to dean, ISS for class period,
phone call to parents
- Step 5: Referral, ISS, conference with Mrs. Hauk &
Mr. Pryor
Harassment:
- Music is internationally understood as an art form that brings people of diverse backgrounds and
opinions together.
- Harassment in the choral program is unacceptable. We expect
you to do your best to resolve simple disagreements on your own.
- If it is impossible to resolve disagreements without assistance, the section leaders will help to
find a resolution.
- Serious issues that remain unresolved by the section leaders should then be addressed to Mrs. Hauk.
Choir
Folders and Music:
- You will be issued a folder and music throughout the year. This
music should be kept in your folder and be with you in class each and every day. You
will be charged replacement cost for any lost or damaged music.
- You will be assigned an unsecured slot in the choir room for folder storage. If you choose to keep it in your slot, you are still responsible for the contents therein.
Grading
Vocal music class demands participation through daily rehearsal and concerts. Each experience enhances individual and group success. Each individual member’s
persistent contribution develops the objectives of this course.
Marking Period Percentages
1.
Participation – 50%
Rehearsal
Attendance – Students will receive up to
10 Points
- Participates fully and attentively during warm-up
Involved
actively in rehearsal vast majority of time
Displays
correct posture at all times while singing
9
Points - Participates fully during warm-up
Involved
actively in rehearsal most of the time
Displays
correct posture at all times while singing
8
Points - Participates in warm-up with minor attention lapses
Involved
in rehearsal but has minor attention lapses
Displays
correct posture most of the time while singing
7
Points - Participates in warm-up with some attention lapses
Involved
in rehearsal but has some attention lapses
Displays
correct posture intermittently
6
Points - Participation in warm-up is casual
Involved
in rehearsal but is frequently distracted
Displays
correct posture inconsistently
5
Points - Fails to take warm-up seriously
Involves
himself / herself in rehearsal casually and distractions are many
Displays
correct posture only after warning from director
4
Points - Infrequently participates in warm-up
Infrequently
involved in rehearsal and off task a majority of time
Infrequently
displays correct posture
3
Points - Rarely participates in warm-up
Rarely
involved in rehearsal and frequently off-task
Rarely
displays correct posture
2
Points - Participation in warm-up is negligible
Involvement
in rehearsal is negligible
0 Points - Absent from rehearsal, excused or unexcused, or removal from rehearsal for disciplinary reasons
In
the event that behaviors in the three categories are vastly different, the student will be awarded the point value of the
lowest valued behavior.
As
detailed earlier in this handbook, each student will be assigned a folder and music. The
folder, all music and a pencil must be with each student each day. Failure to have
the folder and all contents will result in 2 points being deducted from that day’s participation point value.
Rehearsal
time is very valuable and we must make use of each and every moment. Tardies will
result in 2 points being deducted from that day’s participation point value.
Written Assignments – 20%
Worksheets,
written classwork and homework, and written tests may be utilized during any given quarter.
Each assignment will be given a point value ranging from 10 points to 50 points.
Performances – 30%
Performance
Attendance – Students will receive up to 100 points per performance providing
they arrive at the appointed time and remain until the completion of the performance.
MSVMA
District and State Festival – Students will receive up to 200 points
for each MSVMA performance.
Absences
– In order for an absence to be excused, the student
must have prior approval from the director. Excused
absences will be granted only in extreme circumstances. If an excused absence is granted,
and alternate assessment will replace assigned grade. When conflicts between school
activities, the students may choose without penalty, however the grade must be made up through an assessment. Work schedules
or family trips will be unexcused, as all concert dates are known well in advance. In
the event of illness or family emergency immediately before a concert or extra rehearsal, a “good faith” attempt
(Parent-link, call to directors home, e-mail, etc.) must be made to notify the director.
Jobs/Work
WBHS Choirs
It is your responsibility to notify your place of employment about rehearsal and performance dates. You should submit a copy of the performance schedule along with rehearsal dates to your
employer at the beginning of the school year. Employers are happy to work around your schedule if they know it well in advance. They are usually less willing to work around your schedule when they find out the day before. Work is an unexcused absence under any circumstance.
A 90 – 100 B 80 – 89 C
70 – 79 D 60– 69
CLASSROOM MATERIALS
NEEDED:
Pencil
ALL CLASS PERIODS
(There will be random pencil checks for 10
classwork
points throughout the year.)
1 box of Kleenex
(To Share with the class)
Blank C(s)
(If student would like to take home recorded
parts or accompaniment for practice ONLY)
Attendance
You are an important member. We couldn’t be a team without you. You must do your
best to be at each activity our team has planned.
1. Daily Attendance- You are expected to participate daily. If you are not singing,
you are not participating.
2. Rehearsals- All rehearsals are for a grade. If you must miss a rehearsal, a written
note must be turned in before the set rehearsal date. Failure to turn in a note will result in an unexcused absence and a
zero will be given for the missed rehearsal.
3. Performances - All concerts are for a grade. Students may be given the opportunity
to participate in local\state honors chorus, choral festivals, school programs, community service and solo/ensemble contests
during the year. Participation in these activities will be based on student performance and attitude in the classroom. If you must miss a concert, a written note must be turned
in before the set concert date. A singing assignment will be given to make-up the missed performance. Failure to turn in
a note will result in a failed grade.
4. School Activities- All choir members are encouraged to be involved in other school
activities. When a conflict arises between 2 school activities, it is the student's responsibility to inform both teachers.
The teachers will work together to help the student be involved in both activities if possible.
5. Non-School Activities - Most choir members are involved in non-school activities.
Schedule conflicts with non-school activities should be brought to the director's attention as soon as possible. Some conflicts
can be resolved, but again, please remember that choir is a school activity and for a grade. A written note must be turned
in before missing a rehearsal/concert for a non-school activity. Partial credit for the rehearsal/concert can be received
by singing the appropriate music for the director for a grade.Guidelines for Citizenship
* Our Goal - All members of the West Bloomfield Choral Music Department are expected to reflect only their
best qualities in their everyday contact with people in and out of school. We want to be known as an organization that is
sincere in its interests in music and in serving the community. The following suggestions are designed in aiding the student
to achieve success in fulfilling this goal.
Section Leaders
are elected by the section members and will hold the position for one (1) semester. Section leaders must be in good standing
within the WBHS Choral Department and carry an A or B average.
The Director retains the right to review
and remove a Section Leader during the current term if the Section Leader is not performing their responsibilities in a manner
suitable to the
position.
The following job description applies to
all Section Leaders within the WBHS Choirs :
·
Provide musical
leadership to the class in the event the Director is absent.
·
Submit song
suggestions for concerts.
·
When possible,
conduct vocal exercises at the start of rehearsal.
·
Inform Director
of Music if you are not comfortable or prepared to conduct a particular selection.
·
Promote teamwork
and cooperation within the section.
·
Mediate section
member disputes.
·
Inform Director
of any areas of concern.
FUNDRAISERS
The WBHS does need extra funds for accompanists, microphones, and travel expenses which
are not covered through the general school budget. Money earned or donated towards
fundraising will go towards these operating expenses through an interschool vocal music account such as uniforms, travel expenses,
microphones, etc.. All students are encouraged to participate or make a donation.
2008– 09 WBHS Choir Fundraiser
September – Choir
T-shirts and sweatshirt sales
October – Booster
Gala
November – Candy
Sales
April - Flower Sale
May – Pop Concert
Awards & Recognitions
Fabulous
Freshman
· Freshman that show high standards of vocal technique, citizenship, and leadership.
Most Improved
· In honor of the students who show the most improvement vocally .
Citizenship Award
· These students receive 10s in participation all year.
Service
Recognition – 3.5 Years
· These students are recognized for enrolling in one of our curricular ensembles
in 7 of a possible 8 semesters.
Directors
Award – 4 Years of Service
· Seniors were enrolled in the curricular ensembles of the Choral Department during
all eight semesters of attendance at WBHS.
Andy Chase Memorial Award – Spirit of the Choral Department
· Not a traditional “Spirit Award”, but an award to that student who has the most remarkable
spirit.
National School Choral Award
· Award certificate reads: “In recognition of singular merit, ability, and achievement, of outstanding
contributions to the success of the school vocal program, and of an unusual degree of loyalty, cooperation and high qualities
of conduct.”
