Hillgrove Choral Handbook Nicole A. Alvarez Choral Director nicole.alvarez@cobbk12.org Introductory Letter Welcome to the Hillgrove choral program!  It is a pleasure to have all of you in choir this year.  When you choose this elective, you are making a commitment to an ensemble that pursues the goal of musical excellence.  If we do this, I have no doubt this will be a fantastic year, full of many exciting opportunities and experiences. Many lifelong friendships are made through the process of performing, fund raising, and travel.  I look forward to working with each one of you to establish a fantastic choral program and continue building upon the wonderful heritage from years past.  This handbook is to be your guide to the expectations of every choir member, list of scheduled and optional events for the year, and a few new ideas for the coming year. This will be a great year full of hard work and great musical experiences.  Come prepared to learn great music and work together and we will definitely have a successful year. Nicole Alvarez, Director Objectives  Choir members will: Develop musical competencies: sight-singing, music theory, correct breathing technique Explore music from a historical perspective through the study of choral repertoire from various periods.  Students will, at some time, study text in English, Latin, French, German, Spanish, and Italian Successfully perform this repertoire for the school and community Develop each singer's vocal abilities to the fullest potential Encourage concert attendance and stimulate musical growth with the hope that students will continue their contact with music after graduation Be prepared for evaluations of material covered during class, either by performance, or by written tests and individual vocal evaluations. Rehearsal & Attendance Policy  All rehearsals and concerts of the Hillgrove choirs are mandatory. The Hillgrove High School attendance policy is enforced and students should arrive early so that rehearsal may start promptly on time.  During the week of a major concert, there will be additional dress rehearsals.  These rehearsals are announced well in advance, and students are required to make the necessary adjustments in their schedule to attend.  Students are to come to every rehearsal with their music and materials.  Students who are ill, but are in school, are not excused from rehearsal.  Such students are expected to follow along in their music for the duration of the rehearsal. ONLY the director may authorize an absence from a rehearsal or performance. Course Grading Class Participation 40% Written Quizzes/Aural Quizzes 25% Written Assignments 15% Midterm Exam 10% Final Exam 10% ****NO grade higher than a "C" will be earned for class participation if a student has an unexcused absence from a concert or special event.****    Participation Class participation is the most important aspect of this ensemble and of this course.  Each week there will be a possible of 20 points earned. (5 pts a day).  Students are expected to warm up, stand, sing, clap rhythms, and very rarely, sing individually.  Warnings will not be issued for lack of participation.  If a student reads, does homework, sits while group stands, etc. 5 points will be deducted for the day.  This is also true if the student is absent.  Even if you are physically unable to sing, (which has to be determined by a note from home), you are expected to have your music open and otherwise listening and participation when possible.    Consequences   Class Tardy 10 points deducted (automatic administrative detention) Gum/Food/Drink  10 points deducted (automatic detention) Ill and does not participate  20 points deducted (if you are too sick to participate in chorus, you are too sick to be at school) Refuses to participate  20 points deducted  Warnings will not be issed for lack of participation.  If a student reads, does homework, sits while group stands, etc. 20 points will be deducted for the day.  Evenn if you are physically unable to sing, (which has to be determined by a note from home), you are expected to have your music open nand otherwise listening and participating when possible.  This is also true for students with excessive absences.  Excessive absences can result in failure of class or failure to move to an advanced group.     Choir Fees All Hillgrove Choir members have to pay dues. The fee is $20 and pays for a chorus t-shirt and miscellaneous items throughout the semester. These fees are due no later than Thursday, August 30, 2007. Checks are to be made out to the Hillgrove Choral Boosters, please. Uniforms For girls new to choir this year our dress will cost $60. This means that you will own your dress. If you prefer to rent there is a $30 rental fee. You must also have closed-toed black shoes. If you are new to the Advanced Women's Chorus you must also purchase jewelery for $20. The gentlemen willl be wearing tuxedos. You may purchase your own for $100 or you may rent one for $50. You will be responsible for purchasing black socks and black dress shoes. These fees are due no later than Thursday. August 30,2007.  Checks are to be made out to the Hillgrove Choral Boosters, please. Lettering in Chorus All choral students have the opportunity to letter in chorus. Students must abide by the following to earn their letter. Be in choir 2 consecutive semesters No student can get ISS, or OSS for the 2 semesters Must be at all mandatory performances and rehearsals Must have no behavior issues in choral rehearsals Students must also earn 100 artistry points. These points can be obtained in the following ways: Private voice lessons =75pts. 4 music performances/concerts/recitals=25pts. Auditioning for All-State Chorus-=25pts. Going to All-State=50pts. Honor Chorus participant (must attend all rehearsals andconcert)=50pts. Participate in church/community choir for 2 semester duration=50pts.(Must have a letter from director) Attend any extra non-mandatory rehearsals=10pts. Rules Be on time for all events (if outside of school day arrive at least 15 minutes early) No foul language Bring a pencil to every class Do not talk while the teacher is instructing class Be courteous No Gum No food or drinks in the choir room (bottled water is fine) *Demerits will be given for disrespect, misbehavior, and chewing gum.   Parent Involvement Dear Students and Parents, Welcome to the Hillgrove Choral Program.  This is a very exciting opportunity for your child to experience being involved in a musical group which pursues the goal of musical excellence.  To reach our goal it will take teamwork and the support of students, parents, and faculty.  You, as supportive parents, will be amazed by the transformation and the ability displayed by your child and our choirs.  Help us to make this an award-winning year! What we seek is the support of all parents in continuing to help us grow, perform, compete, and travel.  Participate in the Booster Club and the activities of the Chorus by joining in.  There are many roles to be filled from candy sales to uniform distribution.  Some are one-time events and others require an ongoing commitment to a program area. We need your help and assistance!  You will find that the rewards far outweigh the little time you commit, and that the benefits provided to our students offer a tremendous return.  Participating is a great way to be a part of your student's high school experience.  You will make great friends along the way, have fun, and I guarantee your student will remember the adventures of being in choir. Nicole Alvarez, Director