Dear Students,
Welcome to the NewBremenHigh SchoolChoir Program! I am striving for excellence and am glad to have you join in pursuit of that goal. Your participation in this organization will not only enable you to become a knowledgeable singer and a lifetime musician, but will also help you become a more responsible, disciplined, focused, and well-rounded individual. The NewBremenChoir will provide you with wonderful and memorable experiences. In addition, I firmly believe your involvement in this program will develop skills that will help you progress in all aspects of your life as a NewBremenstudent.
Please read this handbook carefully. In it you will find general information about the choir program, guidelines, grading policies, travel, supplies, uniforms, fundraisers, and year end awards.
Please sign and return the appropriate form located at the back of this handbook. Do not hesitate to call or email me if you have questions.
I look forward to a great year in choir!
Sincerely,
Patricia Ruckman
NewBremenHigh SchoolChoral Director
[email protected]
419-629-8606
General Information
TheNewBremenHigh SchoolChoir Program currently includes the following performing groups:
· Concert Choir
· Mixed Choir
Previous choir experience is helpful but not required for membership in theNewBremenHigh Schoolchoir. Each choir works very hard and is of equal importance to the overall success of the choir program. Students are encouraged to continue their vocal training in Choir throughout their high school career not only for the credit but also for the experience and joy of singing.
General Guidelines
Choir students will:
· develop their singing voices
· learn to sing in a choral ensemble
· learn to read music
· learn the basics of music history, genres and styles,
· develop self-discipline, concentration, and cooperation
· execute understanding of performance standards and techniques through performance
· have opportunities in individual activities such as solo and ensemble contest, district honor’s choir and theMadRiverVocal Festival
· have opportunities in group performances including seasonal/holiday concerts, community events, large group concert/sight-reading contest, and school performances
Grading Policy
Grades are based on:
· daily participation in class
· written and oral assessments of singing and music reading skills,
· attendance at required performances and practices
Each student will be able to earn 5 points daily; arriving to class on time, sitting in assigned seat, having choir folder and pencil ready and participating in all aspects of the class. Students will start losing points for not being prepared or failure to participate.
Each required performance is a major grade in the grading period in which it is performed. Required performances and rehearsals are notated in the NewBremenChoir Calendar. Some before and/or after school rehearsals will occur in order to properly prepare for auditions for OMEA District and Region Auditions including District Honor Choir, school performances, Solo and Ensemble Contest, and Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. These additional events will be announced in advance.
Absences
Sometimes emergency events happen that cannot be avoided. Acceptable reasons for missing a performance or a rehearsal are:
1. student illness
2. family distress emergency
3. the death or serious sudden illness of an immediate family member.
In everycase of absence, a note is required for documentation. The note must be brought in no later that the next day the student comes to school. An unexcused absence will result in the lowering of the student’s 9 week’s grade.
Conduct for Trips
Trips are taken only following the approval of the NBHS administration. All school, choir and school board policies are in effect during trips. Students who violate regulations trips will be subject to disciplinary action upon return and/or may be sent home from the trip at the parent’s/guardian’s expense.
Supplies
Each choir student is responsible for all supplies and materials that are issued to them. These materials must be turned in at the end of the year and must be in good condition. This includes any signed-out sheet music, etc. Each student is required to have a 3 ring binder for class.
Uniforms
Each choir member will be fitted and assigned a school owned uniform. The Concert Choir will be wearing tuxedos and long black dresses. Men, you need to provide black shoes, socks and a plain white undershirt. The tuxedo, dress shirt, tie and cummerbund are provided. Women, you need to provide black nylons and black dress shoes; your dress is provided. The Mixed Choir will be wearing a red robe with gold satin stole. All Mixed Choir members need to have black bottoms with black socks and shoes. Men must have a white dress shirt and tie. Jewelry must be modest.
It is also expected that uniforms be kept ready and in good, clean conditionthroughout the school year for performances. A choir fee of $15 has been collected for robe and dress rental and $15 for tuxedo rental.
Each choir member will be expected to wear the complete uniform for all concerts unless otherwise informed.
Fund Raisers
- Butterbraid Fundraiser October 15 – October 30
- Romer’s Chicken Dinner carryout after Christmas Concert
Awards/Scholarships
All choir members will receive an award at the end of the school year that recognizes their dedication to the choir program. All first year members will receive a music letter “B” and a gold “Choir” pin. All second, third and fourth year members will receive a gold service bar. All senior choir members, regardless of years of service, will receive a Senior Music Plaque. All members are eligible to be nominated for Most Outstanding Choir Members of their respective classes and seniors can be nominated for the National Choral Award. Seniors also have the opportunity to apply for the Cardinal Music Booster Scholarship. To receive his/her award, a student must maintain no less than a C- average in choir.
Goals for All Choir Members
Excel in all performance opportunities
Maximize your talent
Present a positive image of our choir to community, school, and peers
Keep a positive attitude through out the year
Let’s Make It A Great Year!!!
I, __________________________________________, have read through the attached handbook and I understand and accept the procedures, rules and commitment outlined within.
____________________________________ ________________________
Student Signature Date
___________________________________ _________________________
Parent Signature Date