Lake Dallas
Middle School
2008 - 2009
Choral Handbook
Nancy Todd, Director
940-497-8454
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Attendance policy
Unlike other academic classes, it is impossible to “make-up” activities that occur in a choir rehearsal. Unexcused absences from class will not be tolerated and may jeopardize the students opportunity to stay in the program.
Very rarely will I call extra rehearsals after school hours, but when I do, attendance is REQUIRED. These rehearsals are vital to the success of the choral program. Absences from these rehearsals will affect the choir grade.
In the event of a conflict with another school activity, the student should notify the sponsors of both activities. At that point, it becomes the responsibility of the sponsors to determine the student’s obligation.
Performances
Attendance and participation at the performances is REQUIRED. Concerts are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. An unexcused absence will lower the student’s grade significantly.
Absences and tardiness will be excused in the event of a death in the family, medical, or other emergencies, provided the director is notified in writing by the parent as soon as the student returns to school. If at all possible, please notify the director in advance.
Student eligibility
Please be aware that many choir activities fall under the Texas “no pass, no play” law. Choir students may not participate in any auditions, contests, or off-campus activities if they are not passing all their classes with a grade of 70 or above.
REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE
The work that a choir accomplishes in rehearsal is the single most important factor in the overall success of the choir. There are certain things that will insure good rehearsals on a daily basis:
1. A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Since rehearsals occur during the school day, it is important to enter the rehearsal with the purpose of accomplishing a musical goal every day. This means leaving other classes, problems, and distractions outside the choir room door
and concentrating on the rehearsal at hand.
2. A PENCIL IN HAND: A pencil is provided for you in your folder - please use it to mark your music as necessary. This allows you to be a responsible choir member by keeping up with the progress of the music. Doodling, however, doesn’t help you learn your music - so don’t!
NEVER MARK ON A PIECE OF MUSIC WITH ANYTHING OTHER THAN A PENCIL.
3. GOOD POSTURE: Every choir member is responsible for maintaining good singing posture. Proper posture allows the singer to produce the best tone through good body and breath support and gives a sense of professionalism to the group. This should become a subconscious routine; whenever the student is singing, good posture should be automatic.
4. CONCENTRATION: The best choir rehearsals move quickly. To accomplish this, each choir member must be concentrating on the rehearsal and be ready to perform as directed.
Obviously, this involves constant listening to instructions and keeping track of what other sections are doing so that you can involve yourself in the total performance of the choir. When the director is not addressing you or your section, remain quiet and listen so you will be ready to join in at the next appropriate moment.
5. RESPECT: When many people work closely on a musical project, it is important to maintain respect for each other - not only the director, but everyone in the choir. Choral music requires focus of emotions as well as musicianship; be sensitive to the feelings of all others in the group. Treat each other as you would want to be treated.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Do not talk while the director is talking.
2. Move to your seat with folders as quickly as possible (no primping in the bathroom).
3. Leave all books, purses, and non-choir related materials on the tables in the outer room.
4. Do not chew gum or bring any kind of food or drink into the choir room. NO EXCEPTIONS!
5. Be an attentive, courteous, and productive choir member.
6. One person at a time (one time per class period) may go to the restroom and water fountain - if the director is working with another section and the movement doesn’t disrupt the rehearsal. Abuse of this privilege may result in the loss of the privilege!
7. Students will follow the rules and instructions of the director, guest director, assistant, or substitute teacher without comment or argument. Honest, legitimate questions will be answered in class. Private conferences will be held outside of class time to discuss problems or disagreements.
8. The office, telephone, piano, and audio-visual equipment are totally
off-limits.
9. The bell does not dismiss the class - the director does!
Be aware that repeated infractions will result in detention, parent conference, disciplinary referral, and possible removal from the Choir Program at the discretion of the director.
GRADING
Choir grades are based on the following
criteria:
Promptness to class and extra rehearsals
Effort and Attitude
Participation in rehearsals and performances
Skill evaluation based on observation, oral and written quizzes.
Misbehavior causes valuable time to be wasted which will affect your performance and that of the entire choir. Misbehavior in class, performances, or on choir trips will be reflected in your choir grade.
IF YOU TRY TO DO YOUR BEST,
YOU WILL SUCCEED!
All students must wear the approved uniform for all concerts and competitions except for Solo & Ensemble, for which the students will be asked to wear “Sunday best.”
Please contact me by e-mail or phone if you have any questions or concerns. My e-mail address and phone number are on the first page of this handbook.
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