Rules, Regulations and Procedures
The RCSHS Music Department has high expectations for all students. Our goals include:

a quality music education

performance of fine music

development of each student's musical potential

pursuit of excellence in performance.
It is also our goal to produce a choral program that students, parents, administrators and the city of
Morehead can be proud of.
In order to accomplish these goals, students will be expected to:

take choir seriously

complete assignments on time

practice at home

take a positive attitude

be courteous, cooperative and committed to the group.
It is essential the students understand the quality musical performance will demand hard work, dedication,
patience, and many hours of practice. The benefits that can be derived include higher grades, quality
organizations, pride, a sense of commitment, and a work ethic that will carry over into a student's other
scholastic efforts.
Students and parents are asked to please read all the enclosed material carefully. Please refer to this
material for future reference.
Because of the nature of our activities, it is important to have rules, regulations and procedures that are
followed by all in order to insure orderliness, efficiency, maximum productivity and a healthy, positive
learning climate.
Rules
All choir students are expected to adhere to the following rules throughout the school year:
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Be courteous and exercise self-control at all times.
3. Practice assignments at home.
4. Stop singing when the group is cut off by the director.
5. In order to perform the best at all times, any eating, gum chewing, candy, cough drops or other items in
the mouth during rehearsal is prohibited. Along with the risk of choking, students who insist on chewing
gum in rehearsal are holding the rest of the choir back from our very best sound. You may bring water into
rehearsal with you- please make sure it has lid/cover.
6. No talking or conversations while other singers or sections are rehearsing- study your words, memorize
your music, and prepare for your next entrance. There will always be a section or song that needs some
work. Rehearsal time is too precious to waste.
7. Start class promptly by taking your seat, get out your choir folder and pencil, and assume proper
singing posture. All students must stay in their assigned seat until the bell rings, unless they have
permission of the instructor. This includes moving around the room for any reason .
8. The best singing posture is standing, so we will be standing for the majority of rehearsals/classes.
Students must notify the director of any problems at the beginning of rehearsal with a doctor's or parent's
excuse in writing to be excused from participating on any given day.
Consequences
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Move to the seat in the front of the room next to the piano, and write the rules.
3rd Offense: Parents contacted, referral to the office.
4th Offense: Referral to the office, possible ISS or removal from the group.
Severe Clause: Suspension or after school detention; removal from the group for repeat offenders.
I feel strongly that promoting positive student behavior is a shared responsibility between home and
school. Occasionally, it may be necessary for me to call home or to request a parent conference if your
child is having difficulty adjusting to the rules. In some cases, the situation may require an immediate
parent conference. Your cooperation is essential in these cases.
Each student is unique. The above procedure is the usual sequence which students and parents can
expect to be followed fairly and consistently. Differences and more elaborate extensions will be
considered when necessary.
GRADING POLICY
Your grade in Concert Choir is made up of three parts.
Participation (vocal) – this is how well you behave during class and how much you take part in what is
going on, as well as how you contribute to class. This will make up 1/3 of your grade.
Participation (class work) – a part of each class may involve learning and practicing musical concepts,
such as sight-singing, solfege syllables, and rhythmic practice. These concepts will help you to learn how
to read music. You may be quizzed or tested on these concepts in written form or by recording your voice.
Your participation in this “academic” part of the class will make up the 2 nd third of your grade.
Concert – every chorus student is required to participate in concert performances. If you sing to the best
of your ability and behave well at the concert, you will easily receive an A. But if you don’t come to the
concert, you can’t receive a grade for having been there, so you will have to make up for that grade,
which can happen one of two ways:
1) You can write an essay on a topic that Mrs. Wells will assign you, or 2) You can make an appointment
to sing the concert music that you would have performed. This makes up the final 1/3 of your grade.
*there is not a concert during every marking period. During those marking periods, the participation and
tests/quizzes portion will each be worth ½ of your grade.
Concert Dress
The following items are considered proper concert attire:
Concert Choir Ladies:

Black skirt (at least knee length) or pants

White dress shirt

Black dress shoes, black nylons.
Concert Choir Guys:

Black dress pants.

Black dress shoes, black socks.

White dress shirt and green tie
Please contact me immediately if your family will experience a financial hardship providing the proper
uniform. We can contact the Family Resource Center to find appropriate clothing for our concerts.
The enclosed rules, regulations and procedures and grading policy will be in effect from the first day of
school until the last. All students who wish to be a member of the choir must agree to abide by these
guidelines. Parents can help by reviewing all the guidelines with their child to make sure they understand
them.
Sincerely,
Amanda L. Wells, RCSHS and RCMS Choral Director
amanda.wells@rowan.kyschools.us
RCSHS 784-8956
RCMS 784-8911