Welcome to the Sparkman High School choir handbook.  This handbook is intended to inform you of important information regarding participation in this choral program.  Please refer back to it during the school year for clarification.  There is important information so read each page carefully.  When finished please sign the handbook acknowledgment form making sure it is returned to Mrs. Rimes or Mrs. Graham within 3 days of its receipt.  If you have any questions concerning these policies, please feel free to contact us.

 

Choir Facts

In the past seven years, the SHS choral program has grown from one choir into six.  We offer beginning choir at both the 9^th grade school as well as the high school.  The high school also offers an intermediate choir, concert choir, men’s choir and a show choir.  Some smaller ensembles are formed from these groups as needed throughout the year. 

In the past several years, the Concert Choir has participated in the Alabama Vocal Association’s District and State Festivals where they have consistently received superior ratings. 

In 2004, the SHS Concert Choir traveled to Orlando, Florida where they participated in the All-Star Music Festival.  They swept the competition.  In 2005, they traveled to Atlanta to compete where they continued their tradition of excellence as they received superior ratings and were the Grand Champions.  In 2006, they traveled to St. Louis where they won 1^st place and were the Grand Champions in the Music in the Parks Competition.

In the spring of 2006, the Concert Choir received an invitation to perform in Carnegie Hall.  In March 2007, they traveled to New York where they toured the city and sang in St. Patrick’s and performed Vivaldi’s Gloria in Carnegie Hall. 

In 2008, the Concert Choir and Women’s Choir traveled to Washington DC and Richmond, VA where they competed in the Music in the Parks festival.  They both received superior ratings and the Women’s Choir won the Grand Championship.  In 2009, they competed in Orlando, Florida where they received straight superior ratings. 

Although the competitions revolve around the auditioned Concert Choir, the other ensembles receive superior vocal training that will prepare them to become better musicians and hopefully a member of the Concert Choir in the future.

SHS choir students have sung music composed by Mozart, Duruflé, Bach, Vivaldi, Beethoven, and many more.  SHS choir students sing in a variety of languages such as Latin, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew, and various other languages.   Repertoire is chosen from various genres including Baroque, Renaissance, Classical, 20^th Century, Gospel, Folk, Spirituals, just to name a few.

In choir, students work to develop music literacy, listening skills, proper vocal production, vocal independence, self-confidence, professionalism, teamwork, music reading and composition skills, as well as a historical and cultural perspective of the music they are learning.  They work as a team to create wonderful music and through this, friendships are created as well. 

Table of Contents

I.      GENERAL EXPECTATIONS. 4

II.    REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS. 4

III.       EXTRA REHEARSALS & CONCERTS. 5

IV.       COURSE FEE.. 7

V.    GRADING POLICY.. 7

VI.       MUSIC AND FOLDERS. 7

VII.     CONCERT ATTIRE.. 8

VIII.    DEFINITIONS OF “GOOD STANDING” & “ELIGIBILITY”. 10

IX.       TRIPS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES. 10

A.    SHOW CHOIR - The Senator Sensations. 10

B.    MADISON COUNTY HONOR CHOIR.. 11

C.    ALL STATE AUDITIONS (November) 11

D.    CONCERT CHOIR COMPETITION TRIP-ORLANDO, FLORIDA.. 11

E.     NURSING HOME TRIP. 12

X.    FUNDRAISING.. 12

XI.       CHORAL BOOSTER CLUB, CBC.. 12

XII.     EXTRA CREDIT. 12

XIII.    SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY.. 13

Tentative Fall 2009 Performance and Events. 15

Sparkman Choral Department Agreement 16

 

 

I.      GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

1. Be on time to all rehearsals and performances prepared to give your best.
2. Be a responsible member - bring your music to rehearsal with pencil, keep your music in order, know your music.  Be ORGANIZED!!!  Keep a CALENDAR!!!
3. Be respectful to your directors, substitutes and classmates.  Exhibit TOLERANCE.
4. Maintain respect for the Choir Room, the instruments and the equipment. This includes your music and folder. Keep the room clean and orderly. The piano, recording equipment and sound system are not toys. Do not use any of the equipment unless you have received permission from the directors.
5. Use of the classroom computer is reserved for class related activities or projects only.  Do not play games, check email, etc…
6. The practice room is to be used only when the director gives you permission.  It is not to be used as a hang out when you are not working in class.  It is for bettering your music skills only.  Do not abuse the use of this facility.
7. Remember, your actions and attitude reflect on you, your choir, and your school.

II.   REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

The success of a choir depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and cooperation of the student. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. The fewer the mistakes and the less individual distractions, the greater your contribution is to the choir. Be patient, attentive, careful, and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. When the directors have to discipline and control rather than direct, the rehearsal and eventually the choirs are 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 all rehearsals (school or extra) and performances. You are to be in your place with your music and all visiting stopped BY THE TIME THE BELL RINGS.  SHS tardy policy is enforced.
2. Always have your MUSIC, CHOIR FOLDER, and PENCIL.
3. Gum, food and drinks are not allowed in the choral classroom.
4. Be conscious of GOOD POSTURE at all times.
5. Keep your EYES on the conductor during rehearsal.
6. LISTEN to the conductor at all times. Talking while the conductor is rehearsing or giving instructions is NEVER appropriate.
7. Out-of-Class Passes: The SHS policy is that no student is allowed out of class during instructional time.  You must visit your locker, restrooms, etc…during the 6 minutes between classes.  I will give you one out-of-class pass per nine weeks.  You may use this to visit your locker, a teacher, bathroom, etc… If you have used up your pass but need to leave class for some reason with my permission, you can make up that time by attending detention.
8. Cell phones are not allowed during school or at after school rehearsals. Cell phones seen during class will be taken up in accordance to school policy.
9. Take a MATURE ATTITUDE toward correction.
10. Rehearsals are not over until the director dismisses the choir. Don't begin to put your music away until instructed to do so.
11. Stay involved in the rehearsal from start to finish. Rehearsals are not for personal grooming, catching up on the latest gossip, or doing homework.
12. If you are absent, it is up to you to find out what you missed in class. Get all music markings from a fellow student, etc…
13. If the student is ill and not able to sing, he or she is still responsible for participating to the full extent with the exception of singing.  Sick does not equal a study hall.  Follow along in your music, take notes, stand when we stand, etc…
14. Keep the room orderly and clean. Do not bring food, candy or drinks in the choir room unless given permission by the director. If you are not taking your music home, make sure you return it to the correct folder slot. The choir room is not to be used as your personal locker.
15. Approach rehearsals as well as performances with OPTIMISM, ENTHUSIASM, DETERMINATION, AND YOUR WHOLE-HEARTED ATTENTION.
16. The success of the choir is your individual responsibility.
17. Before asking a question-- ALWAYS refer to your handbook.

III.           EXTRA REHEARSALS & CONCERTS

1. CONCERTS
   1. Concerts are held at a local church, usually University Baptist on Jordan Lane.
   2. Students have a call time of 5:00PM for a dress rehearsal.  Please make ride arrangements for your child if you will have a problem getting them there by 5:00PM.  Punctuality is part of their concert grade.
   3. Doors open to the public at 6:30PM.  Please do not enter the sanctuary until 6:30PM.  The concert starts at 7:00PM. 
   4. Professional recordings of all concerts are available for purchase in the form of CDs.  DVDs are available for the December and May concerts.  These can be purchased in the foyer of the church before and after the concert.  You can contact Tim Batt at tbatt@knology.net for ordering as well.
2. Choir is a performance-based class. Concerts AND rehearsals are required. Every effort is made to schedule concerts and rehearsals around other school-related activities. Unfortunately, we cannot schedule around community activities, private lessons or tutoring. Students are expected to keep a calendar and inform the Director IN ADVANCE of any conflicts.
3. Extra rehearsals may be called for all choirs INCLUDING BEGINNING/CHOIR I before major performances. It is the directors' wish to keep these rehearsals to a minimum. Be alert to rehearsals announced in class and posted on the website. KEEPING A CALENDAR IS A MUST!
4. All rehearsals and concerts are REQUIRED unless excused IN ADVANCE by the director.
5. Students are not allowed to loiter on the SHS campus or performance venues after a rehearsal or concert. If a student does not drive, their ride should be on time to pick them up.  The directors, SHS nor MCBOE is responsible for any student left after a rehearsal or event.
6. Definition of an "EXCUSED ABSENCE" -- Absences resulting from a serious 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 review and consultation with the 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.
7. Consequences for a "UNEXCUSED ABSENCE”

a.       1st Absence- One or more of the following consequences can occur:

- Zero for that test grade
- Loss of performance, tour or trip privileges
- Parent conference
- Suspension of rehearsal privileges with alternative class work requirements
- Concert Choir: Reassignment to another ensemble

b.      2nd Absence

- Consequences of 1st Absence may be used
- Conference with parent and student to decide continuation or dismissal from the Choir.

* Any of the above consequences may also be used in a disciplinary capacity.

8. 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.

If there is a conflict with a rehearsal or concert, let the Director know WELL IN ADVANCE. School conflicts can almost always be worked out. The key phrase is IN ADVANCE.

IV.           COURSE FEE

1.      There is a course fee of $20 for an 18 week class and $10 for a 9 week class.  This fee goes towards the purchase of music and materials the students will need throughout the semester.

2.      The class fee is due within one week of the first day of class.

3.      Cash as well as checks are accepted for payments due for this course, unless otherwise noted.  If writing a check, please make it payable to SHS.  Per Madison County Board Policy, all checks must have a current address, TWO phone number as well as a driver’s license number.  Starter checks are not accepted by the school.

V.  GRADING POLICY

Choir is a performance-based class. Students earn grades by in rehearsals as well as concerts. They also earn grades through theory assessments. 

Students will earn grades in the following areas.

1. Performance

a.       Concerts

b.      Rehearsals: In class as part of the large group, small ensembles and individual performances.

2. Sight-reading/Music Theory/ Ear-Training
3. Contribution & Focus

The grades will be based on the following:

• Tests: 60% of Grade
• Participation: 20% of Grade
• Quiz Grades: 20% of Grade

VI.           MUSIC AND FOLDERS

1. All concert music is furnished by the $20 class fee. (Some music for individual competitions or festivals must be purchased separately by the student, i.e. All-State music, college audition repertoire, etc…)
2. Music is expensive and students are expected to take care of it. Music is to be kept in the choir folder at all times.
3. If music is lost or damaged, the student will pay for the replacement of the music. 
4. Students must have a pencil at every rehearsal.  If a student does not have the appropriate materials, they will be considered unprepared and will lose daily points.

VII.       CONCERT ATTIRE

Formal wear is purchased for most of the choirs at the students’ expense.

Formal wear must be fitted as soon as possible. You must be present for your fitting WITH YOUR DRESS SHOES (see below).

A.                CONCERT CHOIR LADIES

1. Formal wear includes a black choir dress, pearls and dress shoes.
2. The formal dress and pearls ($68) are the financial responsibility of the student and becomes the student's personal property.
3. A group order for the dresses,  pearls as well as a polo shirt (informal performances) will be made within the first month of each semester.  If payment is not received by the order date, you will be responsible for ordering your attire.
4. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. (Cash or checks with a DL # and two phone numbers are required).
5. SHOES (your responsibility)-Black CLOSED-TOE dress shoes

6. Accessories

 .        Simple earrings only.

a.       Pearl Necklace.  A group order will be placed along with the dresses.

b.      Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring

c.       Keep hair simple. 

B.        CONCERT CHOIR MEN

1. Formal attire includes black tuxedo, tux shirt, neck tie, vest and dress shoes. Approximate cost: $185 for full tuxedo.
2. The formal attire is the financial responsibility of the student and becomes the student’s personal property.
3. A group order will be placed for both the tuxedo items as well as the polo shirts within the first month of the semester.  If payment is not received by the order date, you will be responsible for ordering your attire.
4. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. (Cash or checks with DL # and two phone numbers are required).
5. Shoes are your responsibility.   Black DRESS shoes and black socks.
6. Choir embroidered polo shirts will be worn for informal occasions.

C.        INTERMEDIATE CHOIR WOMEN

1. Formal wear includes a black formal dress, pearls and dress shoes.
2. The formal dress and pearls (approximately $68) are the financial responsibility of the student and becomes the student's personal property.
3. A group order for the dresses will be made within the first month of each semester.  If payment is not received by the order date, you will be responsible for ordering your attire.
4. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. (Cash or checks with DL # and two phone numbers are required).
5. SHOES (your responsibility)-Black CLOSED-TOE dress shoes are required.
6. Accessories

 .        Simple earring only. 

a.       Pearl Necklace. (purchased with the dress)

b.      Limit other jewelry to a watch and favorite ring.

c.       Keep hair simple.

1. Hair pulled back away from the face is preferable.
6. A class t-shirt will be designed and ordered for this class.  It is not a required purchase.  Costs range from $10-$30.

D.        INTERMEDIATE CHOIR MEN

1. Formal attire includes black tuxedo pants, tux shirt, neck tie and vest.
2. The formal attire (approximately $100) is the financial responsibility of the student and becomes the student’s personal property.
3. A group order will be placed for the tuxedo items within the first month of each semester. If payment is not received by the order date, you will be responsible for ordering your attire.
4. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. (Cash or checks with DL # and two phone numbers are required).
5. SHOES are your responsibility.  Black DRESS shoes and socks are required.
6. A class t-shirt or hoodie will be designed and ordered for this class.  It is not a required purchase.  Costs range from $10-$30.

E.        BEGINNING CHOIR LADIES & MEN

1. LADIES- concert attire consists of an all-black outfit. Sleeveless is not allowed.  Pants and skirts should come below the knee.  This outfit is your responsibility.
2. MEN- concert attire consists of black dress trousers (your responsibility), tux shirt and neck tie (purchased through the school), and black dress shoes (your responsibility).
3. The tux shirt and neck ties ($28) will be purchased as a group order within the first month of each semester. If payment is not received by the order date, you will be responsible for ordering your attire.
4. Payment must be made IN ADVANCE of the group order. Cash or checks with a DL # and two phone numbers is accepted for payment.
5. Shoes (your responsibility)

 .        Boys- Black DRESS Shoes and Black socks

a.       Girls- Black CLOSED-TOE shoes

b.      Accessories- Girls

1. Limit jewelry to a watch, simple earrings and a favorite ring.
5. A class t-shirt will be designed and ordered for this class.  It is not a required purchase.  Cost ranges $10-$20.

 

VIII.    DEFINITIONS OF “GOOD STANDING” & “ELIGIBILITY”

1. “In Good Standing” means that a student has one or less unexcused absences and has positively contributed to the choir in attitude and work ethic.
2. “Academic eligibility” means that a student must be passing or regain eligibility in all classes to participate in Concert Choir, All-State auditions, Madison County Honor Choir, the spring competition trip and all other trips that would take a student out of classes. The SHS Choral Concerts do not fall under the eligibility guidelines. Eligibility is solely based on SHS computer generated “failure lists” and “progress reports.”

IX.           TRIPS AND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

A.    SHOW CHOIR - The Senator Sensations

1.      The Senator Sensations is an auditioned show choir.  They perform choreographed numbers as part of a competition routine.

2.      This group is directed by the 9^th Grade Academy Choral Director, Jennifer Graham.

3.      Auditions will be held after school within the first 3 weeks of school in the choral room from 3:15-5:00 PM.  You must attend both days to be considered for the choir.

4.      If accepted, regular attendance is required for participation.  Rehearsals are mandatory.  If you foresee conflicts, please do not audition.

5.      Costumes for the show choir will range upwards to $200.  As soon as costumes are selected, payment information will be sent home.

6.      There is a $50 participation expense once accepted.

1.      AUBURN JAZZ AND SHOW CHOIR COMPETITION

1.      This annual competition is held the first weekend in February at Auburn University. 

2.      The show choir will compete with choirs from around the southeast. 

3.      Students will be financially responsible for this trip which will include registration, hotel, meals, and transportation.

4.      The cost is around $150/student.

2.      BELMONT JAZZ AND SHOW CHOIR COMPETITION

1.      We are looking into attending this competition in the spring. 

2.      The show choir will compete with choirs from around the southeast. 

3.      Students will be financially responsible for this trip which will include registration, hotel, meals, and transportation.

4.      The cost will be around $200/student.

 

B.    MADISON COUNTY HONOR CHOIR

1.      Members of all choirs are encouraged to audition for the Madison County Honor Choir.  Audition materials are purchased by the choral department.

2.      The student is responsible for a $5 audition fee.  If accepted, an additional $25 fee will be required by the student.  All checks should be made to MCCDA.

3.      If accepted, students will be required to attend 2-4 nightly rehearsals. (students responsible for their own transportation)

4.      An all-day rehearsal and concert will be held in culmination of the event. 

C.   ALL STATE AUDITIONS

1.      Members of all choirs, especially Intermediate and Concert Choir, are encouraged to audition for the Alabama All-State Chorus.  Audition fees and materials are purchased by the student.

2.      Students purchase rehearsal CD’s and music to practice for the auditions.  (approximately $30)

3.      Auditions are held locally in November. 

4.      If a student is accepted to the choir, they will attend the Alabama All-State festival on April 16-18, 2010 in Birmingham, Alabama at Samford University.

5.      Students will be responsible for the cost of their hotel, food, registration, etc… (approximately $150)

6.      Concert attire is required for the concert.

 

D.   CONCERT CHOIR COMPETITION TRIP-Chicago, Illinois

1. The Concert Choir will represent SHS and our community in Chicago, Illinois as part of the annual competition trip. 
2. Participation is REQUIRED. Students must be “in good standing” and "eligible" to participate.
3. The cost of the retreat (lodging, meals, and transportation) is the students’ responsibility.  Fundraising will help offset some of these costs.  (Expected cost is between $500-$650.)
4. An installment plan will be set-up.  The payments should be made to Sparkman High School and are non-refundable.  Please include a DL# and 2 phone numbers on all checks.

 

E.    NURSING HOME TRIP

1. Fall semester students who are “in good standing” and “eligible” will participate in a December field trip to local nursing homes. 
2. Students will sing holiday music and visit with the residents.
3. This is a day trip and will not extend over the start or end of school.

X.  FUNDRAISING

Fundraising projects help offset field trip costs as well as the choir’s general fund for purchasing equipment, music, and other materials used daily in the classroom.  Concert Choir and Show Choir members can raise money toward their individual trip cost on some of the fundraisers.  All students are expected, but not required, to participate and make an effort in fundraising.  More information will be sent home regarding fundraisers throughout the semester.

Concert Choir and Show Choir Students are expected to participate in all fundraisers.

XI.           CHORAL BOOSTER CLUB, CBC

Booster Club Memberships

1. Annual Dues are $10.

2. All choral parents are strongly encouraged to join.

3. Meetings occur a couple of times each semester and usually last no more than 45 minutes.

4. The more minds and hands working together, the less individual work for everyone.  Please support the CBC.

XII.       EXTRA CREDIT

1. Students may earn extra credit by attending a local classical concert.  The teacher must approve the concert, in advance.  The student will be required to critique the concert, using information learned in class.  A typed paper, one page in length, 12-pt font, must be turned in along with a ticket stub and concert program to receive credit.  This will be worth a test grade of 200 points.  Only one concert extra credit per 9 weeks is allowed.  If the student does not follow the above directions then credit will not be given.  Credit will not be given if the paper is plagiarized.

 

2. Students may earn additional extra credit test grades of 100 by bringing in a supply item from Mrs. Rimes’ wish list.  Two items per 9 weeks will count for extra credit. 

 

XIII.    SCHEDULE CHANGE POLICY

Membership in the Concert Choir is not only an honor but carries with it a responsibility to the entire Choir.

As a member of the Concert Choir the student makes a commitment to participate in all activities throughout the year. As the choir is auditioned and carefully balanced according to voice parts, a student who does not complete the year by fully participating in every event penalizes the entire choir.  Therefore, if a student chooses not to fulfill his or her obligation, the process of removing them from Concert Choir will begin.

The student will be responsible for making sure the following items are completed.

1. Music turned in
2. Financial and fundraising obligations cleared