Woodgrove High School
Choral Department
Handbook 2015-2016
Teacher Name:
Address:
E-Mail:
Phone:
Jessica Morgan
36811 Allder School Road
Purcellville, VA 20132
Jessica.Morgan@lcps.org
540-751-2604
Class Fee: $5.00 (Please make checks out to Woodgrove High School) and a box of tissues. If you’re
planning to audition for district chorus, go ahead and add $8.00 to that, making it a total of $13.00.
GOALS
1. Learn to sing with good vocal technique
a. Improve your range
b. Improve your breath control
c. Improve voice quality / remove air from the sound
2. Learn to sightread music
a. Notes and rhythms
3. Relate music to the arts / travel / perform
4. Have fun! Relax and reduce stress
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
1. Be Ready
a. The attendance policy as stated in the WHS Student Handbook applies at all ensemble
classes.
b. Arrive to class on time. You must be seated exactly one minute after the final bell or
you will be considered tardy to class. Good time management is a skill necessary for
success in all aspects of life. Learn to practice it now. If an emergency arises that causes
you to be tardy, please enter without disrupting those who are already working.
c. Have your pencil with you when you come to class. You will be given a folder to keep
and protect your music. Choral music may only be marked in PENCIL.
d. Rehearsal time is valuable time. Let your primary focus be on the music and class
business. We all have other stressors going on in our lives and I encourage you to “leave
them at the door” as you come in. The music deserves your attention and you deserve
to take a break from everyday life and focus on making a beautiful sound.
2. Be Responsible
a. Participate fully in all class rehearsals, after-school rehearsals, performance activities
and concerts. Your attendance is required because you are an important component to
the group as a whole. Many of our performance dates are already listed in this
handbook. Please mark your calendars and make these activities a priority in your life.
b. If you encounter UNAVOIDABLE conflicts, please tell me as soon as possible, not the
day before the concert. Your parent or guardian needs to send me an email explaining
the reason for your absence. As the Director, it is up to me to determine whether the
absence will be excused. Emergencies such as a sudden illness or family problems
require a written excuse submitted on the first day back to school after the absence.
Written work will be given to compensate for any absence from a major performance.
The highest grade you may receive for an alternate activity is a 90% as there is no way to
truly make up performing in a concert. Alternate activities are located at the end of
this packet.
c. Unexcused absences will result in a grade of 50% for the missed event and this will
severely reduce your Quarter grade. An unexcused absence eliminates the possibility
of earning a Choral letter or pin. Repeated absences of any kind may result in dismissal
from the Ensemble.
d. All music and equipment should be handled with care. We are privileged to have
wonderful property to use in rehearsals. Anyone who loses or damages music or
equipment will be charged replacement costs.
3. Be Respectful
a. I will be listening to you and treating you with respect. Please do the same with me.
b. Please refrain from talking when I’m talking. This is disrespectful and will result in
points being deducted from your daily participation grade. Please do not take away
from our music making opportunities by maintaining constant conversation with your
neighbor.
c. Support and encourage musical and personal maturity. Our performances are a
reflection of who we are and how we do things. If we want to be a superior-rated choir,
then we need to practice superior musical and personal manners.
d. The chorus room needs to be a place where productive work can be accomplished.
Chairs and music need to be in their appropriate places and used for their intended
purposes only. Litter and trash are unacceptable. Backpacks and other personal items
brought into the room must leave the room with you.
e. Bring bottled water with you to class. It is disruptive having people come and go to the
water fountain. Think ahead.
f. Gum and other candy is not allowed in class. It is dangerous to sing with gum or candy
in your mouth.
g. Grades will be determined by the following each quarter:
i. 40 % - Weekly performance assessment – 10 points per week
Flex Rehearsals will be 10 – 20 points each and will be included in this
category
ii. 40% - Concerts – 100 points
iii. 15% - Concert evaluations, Quizzes, – 50 points
iv. 5 % - Worksheets, Daily practice work, etc. – 25 points
GRADING POLICIES
Students will be expected to demonstrate formal musical knowledge by taking periodic written and
sight-reading quizzes. Students may be tested on any information which has been discussed or
rehearsed in class including, but not limited to, sight-reading, rhythm and interval studies, vocabulary,
and memorization of music.
Vocal evaluations may be done periodically by small groups performing short sections of pieces studied
during the quarter. Grades will be determined by the preparation of notes, rhythms, dynamics, style,
and memorization.
Group performance evaluations may also be done as we prepare for concerts and competitions. These
grades will be determined in the same manner a choir is adjudicated in competition namely stage
presence, intonation, blend, diction, dynamics, pitch and rhythmic accuracy, and breathing and posture.
Students will submit written evaluations after major concerts of the year, demonstrating their growing
knowledge of performance level and expectations.
During flex, we will have sectional rehearsals. Flex attendance and rehearsals will be graded.
Prior notice will always be given for any major grading assessment.
If you take more than one choir during the day, you will be exempt from your midterm and final exam if
you maintain an “A” in the class and miss no more than 3 classes per quarter per class.
WEEKLY PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT
1. Being Ready (4 points)
a. _____I was on time to class.
b. _____I brought all necessary materials (pencil, music, water bottle).
c. _____I maintained eye contact with the director instead of doing other work or talking
to my neighbor.
d. _____I sang when invited.
2. Being Responsible (3 points)
a. _____I was on-task and participated fully at all times.
b. _____I used proper breathing, posture, and energy in my singing.
c. _____I did not talk to my neighbor during instruction.
3. Being Respectful (3 points)
a. _____I listened to and watched the director when appropriate and tried to sing with
correct musical expression and interpretation.
b. _____I kept my personal belongings organized and the surrounding area free of clutter.
c. _____I did not have gum in class.
Total possible Weekly Participation points - 10
STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
As a member of any WHS performing ensemble, you are expected to look and act professionally
in class and in performance. To achieve the kind of success that I want you to experience
requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline and I am trusting that you are willing to work to
attain that kind of discipline. It is also important that you know I am not expecting anything of
you that I am not expecting more of in myself. I love and respect music and the art of singing
and I assume that at this stage of your life you have chosen to be involved in this program
because you do, too. Therefore, it is most important that you choose to accept that every
student is subject to all school and county policies regarding behavior, and further accept that I
want to see your best day in and day out as I pledge to give you my best at all times. For the
protection of our choral organization, certain consequences will result from infractions of the
school or choral policies:
First offense:
Second offense:
Third offense:
Student will be given a verbal warning and points will be deducted from
their weekly participation grade.
Parents will be called/ Possible Referral
Administration is notified, parent or guardian will be notified for a
meeting or conference. Student will be placed on Non-Performance
Status until situation is resolved. Further infractions may result in
student dismissal from the ensemble.
OTHER IMPORTANT EXPECTATIONS OF CONDUCT
As performers and music ambassadors, members of the WHS Choral program represent
themselves, their families, their choral program, their school, and their community at all times.
It is important that students consistently present themselves in an exemplary manner.
Therefore, the following conditions are always in effect:
1. All rules as stated in the official student handbook of both Woodgrove High School and
Loudoun County Public Schools must be adhered to at all times whether on or off campus
regarding substances, weapons, dress codes, and general conduct.
2. Always show the proper respect for authority including, but not limited to, Mrs. Morgan,
guest conductors, substitute teachers, parent volunteers, and chaperones. Foul language,
obscene gestures, and mean or degrading comments toward anyone will not be tolerated.
3. School property is not to be vandalized or defaced in any manner at any time; any such act
will be considered an act of vandalism subject to student referral to school administration.
4. Due to certain legal issues, school policy does not allow for student self-transportation to
events where bus transportation is provided. Students should not assume that driving to
school-sponsored events is acceptable; extenuating circumstances must be cleared in
advance with the choral director and school administration.
5. Three areas are off limits to students unless you have my direct permission to be there:
a. The PIANO
b. The Computers
c. My office
d. The drum set or other instruments
CONCERT ATTIRE
WHS concert attire will be as follows:
MEN: full tuxedo attire, black shoes, black socks
WOMEN: Choir gown, black pantyhose, close-toed black shoes, pearl earrings and/or necklace are the
only jewelry allowed during a performance. It is also acceptable to wear no jewelry at all. There will be
an exception for newly pierced studs.
ALL STUDENTS: Hair is to be clean and neat when in concert dress. Hairstyles that hide the eyes or
otherwise interfere with the face are not acceptable for concert performances. Please remember to
wear deodorant. Do not wear colognes, perfumes, or strong lotions during performances.
All Students will check in with their section leader prior to warm-ups before a concert so they may check
your attire and promptness.
CHORAL LETTER
Students who consistently work hard in Chorus can receive recognition for their efforts. Certificates,
Letters, and Pins are awarded to students who are willing to show the initiative to earn the points
necessary each year. Students must accumulate 200 points in a school year to be eligible for awards;
points do not carry over from one year to the next. Students will be responsible for keeping track of
their own points and will fill out a form to be approved by Mrs. Morgan one month before our final
concert of the year. The award system is structured as follows:
1st year meeting qualifications – Certificate
2nd year meeting qualifications – Letter
3rd year meeting qualifications – Pin
th
4 year meeting qualifications – Senior Pin
POINT SYSTEM
Each choral concert attended
25 pts.
Each extra choral rehearsal attended
10 pts.
Other performances (WHS or off-campus) attended
15 pts.
Auditions performed
15 pts.
Auditions selected
All-County, All-District, etc. rehearsals attended
10 pts.
5 pts./reh.
Spring Musical Roles:
Company/Ensemble
Minor Character
Lead Character
10 pts.
20 pts.
25 pts.
Fundraisers:
Up to 5 items sold
Over 5 items up to $100
Sell $100 or more
Highest Seller
5 pts.
10 pts.
20 pts.
25 pts.
Choir Officers:
President
Vice-President
Librarian
Publicity
Historian
20 pts.
15 pts.
15 pts.
10 pts.
10 pts.
Perfect Classroom Attendance (per Quarter)
5 pts./Qtr.
Multi-Choral Ensemble membership
15 pts./year
Assist Officers with special events/concerts
10 pts./event
***Points not awarded for absences, even excused, in attendance-based categories***
Students must keep track of their own points
Please submit this form to be considered for a choral letter or certificate.
Forms are due May 12th, 2016.
Name: _____________________________Choir(s): ___________________________________
School Year: _______________
Please list your points earned. Mrs. Morgan will be confirming all points acquired.
Event
Date
Points
Earned
Total points earned: _________ What did you earn last year (if applicable)? ________________
CHOIR OFFICERS
PRESIDENT:
The President will oversee their specific choir. The president will help plan
special events, plan and preside over officer meetings, establish committees for
social and other activities, and communicate with the president of each
ensemble.
VICE-PRESIDENT:
The Vice-President will communicate all pertinent choral information to his/her
ensemble, assist with organization and management of all fund-raising
activities, give leadership to all other choral activities and act for the President
in case of absence. The Vice President will be in charge of watering pianos.
SECRETARY:
The Secretary will be in charge of writing thank-you notes and will help the
librarian as needed.
TREASURER:
The Treasurer will collect the class fee, district chorus fees, t-shirt fees, etc. and
keep a record of who has paid.
HISTORIAN:
The Historian will keep a pictorial record of the year’s activities from photos,
newspapers, and newsletters. He/She will assemble all information into a
scrapbook and maintain a current bulletin board.
PUBLICITY:
The Publicity representative is responsible for publicizing all of our concerts and
special activities. They are also responsible for making sure we get posters from
the art department and making sure that they get handed out.
LIBRARIAN:
The Librarian will file and catalog all repertoire in the Music Library.
SECTION LEADERS:
Section leaders will be appointed by Mrs. Morgan and will be in charge of the
following:
 Keeping his/her section quiet during class
 Assisting students who need extra help with notes
 Leading sectional time during flex and in Mrs. Morgan’s absence
 Checking in with each student in his/her section prior to concerts
PLEASE NOTE: All officers are required to attend monthly meetings plus all planned choir activities, social
or otherwise. All officers are expected to assist the Choral Boosters with various projects as necessary
throughout the school year. This year officers will be encouraged to attend monthly “volunteer days” to
file music, organize, and help the choir program in other ways. These days will involve pizza! 
ADDITIONAL CHORAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE
In order to participate in any extra-curricular choral activity, students must maintain at least a B+
average in music classes, be in good standing in ALL courses, and have NO disciplinary infractions in any
school-related activity.
SENIOR HONORS CHOIR: This life-changing event is available to seniors only and will take place Nov. 1921 in Norfolk, VA. Students will audition Oct. 10th at Longwood University with an art song; this year it
will be “I Attempt from Love’s Sickness” by Purcell. You will also have to sight-read in a live face-to-face
audition. It will cost $15.00 to audition.
ALL-COUNTY CHORUS: Students who are interested in participating must complete an audition.
Students chosen will participate in the event at Briar Woods High School Nov. 13-14. This year’s AllCounty performance will feature all SIGHT READING choirs: a 9-10 grade Women’s Choir, a Men’s Choir,
and an 11-12 grade Women’s Choir.
ALL-DISTRICT CHORUS: All-District Chorus auditions will be Nov. 3rd (Election Day!) and the event will be
at Dominion HS Feb. 19-20. Extra rehearsals are required to prepare for the concert performance in
February. This year’s All-District event will feature a Women’s Choir and a Mixed SATB Choir.
ALL-STATE CHORUS: All-State auditions will be held in February and only those Juniors and Seniors
participating in All-District Chorus are eligible to attend. Extra rehearsals will be required prior to the
event which will take place April 28-30.
SOCIAL EVENTS: Many activities are being planned for this year and information about each one will be
announced separately.
CHORAL AUDITIONS
In the spring of each school year, auditions will be conducted for individual students to determine
ensemble placement for the following school year.
January 11-15 I will hold auditions for a women’s acappella group and a men’s acappella group to
perform on this year’s pops concert. Rehearsals will be during flex.
HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
(Please turn in this signed form, the class fee of $5/$13, and your tissues by September 11th)
Student Name (please print) __________________________________________________
I understand and agree to all of the rules, guidelines, and standards of conduct as stated in the Woodgrove High School
Choral Department Handbook. I also agree to follow any additional rules, guidelines, and standards of conduct that may
be presented by Mrs. Morgan or other persons of authority, including chaperones and substitute teachers while a
member of the Choral Program. I understand and accept that infraction of these rules, guidelines and, and standards or
otherwise inappropriate behavior may result in lowering of grades and/or disciplinary action including dismissal from
choral activities, early travel home at my parent’s expense, and/or dismissal from the Choral Program.
________________________________________
__________________________
Student Signature
Date
I have read the handbook in its entirety and hereby give permission for my son/daughter
_____________________________ to participate fully in the Woodgrove High School Choral Program. I am confident
that he/she will follow the rules, guidelines, and standards of conduct as stated in the Choral Department Handbook. I
accept that infraction of these rules or otherwise inappropriate behavior may result in lowering of grades and/or
disciplinary action, including dismissal from choral activities, early travel home at my expense, and/or dismissal from the
Choral Program.
Please check:
___I have taken notice of all concert dates and have recorded them in a planner or calendar.
___I have reviewed the concert attire guidelines.
________________________________________
__________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
Date
Parent/Guardian Name(s) (please print) ________________________________________________________________
Parent Cell Phone Number (s)____________________________
________________________________
Email addresses (up to 2 that you check regularly) ___________________________
___________________________
Parent phone numbers and email are only to be used by Mrs. Morgan for emergency purposes or for purposes of
communication.
** Note: Students will not be permitted to stay at school unsupervised after regular school hours. This means before a
concert, students must go home after school and come back at the designated call time.
Alternate Activity
(Please keep me!)
Hopefully you will not need this page, but if you have to complete an alternate activity, please refer to the
following assignment.
IF YOU:
Miss a large rehearsal – complete a two page report
Miss a concert – complete a three page report
Miss district assessment – complete a five page report
Report Guidelines:
 1 inch margins
 Double-spaced
 12 pt. font – Please use Times New Roman or Arial
 Must include at least 3 sources
 MUST include a bibliography using MLA format
Choose one of the following topics:
Music in 17th Century Venice
Sight Singing strategies and techniques
The life and works of Antonio Vivaldi
The Baroque Period
The Romantic Period
The Renaissance Period
The Medieval Period
The Contemporary Period
The Classical Period
The life and works of Johann Sebastian Bach
The life and works of George Frederic Handel
The life and works of a composer pre-approved by Mrs. Morgan
**Please turn in exactly two weeks after the missed rehearsal or concert. 10 points will be deducted for each
day it is late. You may receive up to a 90% for excused absences and up to 70% for unexcused absences.
CHORAL DEPARTMENT 2015-2016 IMPORTANT DATES
(Dates are subject to change; major concerts are in bold font)
SEPTEMBER 11
SEPTEMBER 18-19
SEPTEMBER 23-24
OCTOBER 10
OCTOBER 15
OCTOBER 19-23
OCTOBER 23
NOVEMBER 3
NOVEMBER 13-14
DECEMBER 5
DECEMBER 8
DECEMBER 10
DECEMBER 14
JANUARY 25
JANUARY 26
FEBRUARY 19-20
FEBRUARY 23
MARCH 10
March 16-20
April 2
APRIL 28-30
MAY 5
MAY 26
JUNE 16
Handbook Acknowledgement form due
JMU Choral Fest (Chamber & Singers)
Choir officer elections
VA Honors Choir Auditions @ Longwood
Fall Kick-Off Concert 7 PM, 6:00 Call time
All-County Chorus Auditions at WHS
Sing at Homecoming Game, 6:20 Call time
(All Choirs)
District Chorus Auditions, time TBA
All-County Chorus, Briar Woods HS, 9AM5PM both days
Caroling for Round Hill Tree Lighting 4:005:30
(Women’s Choir and Treble Ensemble)
Required Concert Rehearsal 4:00-6:30
Winter Chorus/Orch. Concert 7 PM, 6:00
Call
Caroling at Westminster Canterbury (Treble
Ensemble)
Rehearsal for Desserts on Broadway 4:006:00
Desserts on Broadway 7PM
All-District Chorus at Dominion High School
9AM-5:00PM both days
All-State Chorus Auditions (juniors and
seniors)
Pre-assessment Concert 7 PM, 6:00 Call
Spring Trip to Univ. Studios in Orlando
District Choral Assessment, time TBA
All-State Chorus
Talent Show 7PM
Spring Pops Concert and Awards Ceremony
7PM, 6:00 Call time
Graduation 8AM, 6:30 Call time (Required)