Hillgrove Choral Handbook 2008-2009 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 which 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, fundraising, and travel.  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 678-331-3961 ext. 251  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 assessments. 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 on time.  During the week of a concert, there will be an additional rehearsal the day before the concert from 3:30PM-5:30PM.  If a student fails to attend this rehearsal, they may not sing at the concert. This means that you must communicate with coaches and your place of employment in advance. 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. Please understand that these rules are in place so that our choirs can have a successful performance. *A missed concert will result in a 4 page research paper on a topic of the director’s choice. Failure to do this paper will result in removal from a top choir or another semester in a lower level choir. Course Grading Daily Grade/Class Participation  40% Written Quizzes/Aural Quizzes 25% Midterm Exam  10% Written Assignments 15% Final Exam   10 %  Daily Grades and Consequences  Class participation is the most important aspect of this ensemble and of this course.  Each week there will be 100 points given. ( 20pts a day).  Students are expected to warm up, stand, sing, and very rarely, sing individually. A student can lose points for the following reasons: Tardy to class: -10pts. (automatic administrative detention) Gum/Food/Drink -10pts. (automatic detention) Ill and does not participate-20pts. (If you are too sick to participate in some way, then you are too sick to be at school.) Refusal to participate -20pts. Behavior issues-20pts. Warnings will not be issued for lack of participation.  If a student reads, does homework, sits while group stands, etc. 20 points will be deducted for the day.   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. 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. Rules  Be on time 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 (this includes closed drinks)(water is allowed) Be on time for all events (if outside of school day arrive at least 15 minutes early) Choir Dues  All Hillgrove Choir members have to pay dues. The fee is $40 and pays for following: Chorus T-shirt and miscellaneous items Banquet (student) Fundraising Items-Dominoes Card, Arby’s Coupons, Entrée Vous Gift money for accompanist and other special artists We are trying to alliviate the amount of times you have to write a check! These fees are due no later than Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Checks made out to the Hillgrove Choral Booster Club (HCBC) Uniforms All students in the Hillgrove Chorus are expected to wear the required uniform. No exceptions. 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 for the year. 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. All students in the Hillgrove Chorus are expected to wear the required uniform. No exceptions. 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 Tuesday, September 2, 2008 Checks made out to the Hillgrove Choral Booster Club (HCBC) 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 for 2 semester duration =50pts. Music performances/concerts/recitals=10pts. each Auditioning for All-State Chorus-=25pts. Going to All-State=50pts. Honor Chorus participant (must attend all rehearsals and concert)=50pts. Participate in Talent Show or Broadway Spring Production=25pts. Participate in church/community choir for 2 semester duration=50pts. (Must have a letter from director) Attend any extra non-mandatory rehearsals=10pts. Any other activity not listed above that may be used towards a letter, must be cleared with the director. Parent Involvement Dear Students and Parents,  Welcome to the Hillgrove Choral Program for the 2008-2009 year.  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 a successful year!  Just being the parent of a student participating in chorus makes you a member of the Hillgrove Booster Club.  There are no dues or membership fees.  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 fundraising 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.  We need help with the following: Uniforms Concert Rehearsal Help Concert Parent Help Concession Stand Fieldtrip Chaperones Fundraising Help Banquet Committee Sincerely, Nicole Alvarez, Director nicole.alvarez@cobbk12.org