Etowah
High School
Choral Handbook
2015-2016
Principal: Mr. Keith Ball
Department Chair: Joshua Saye
Chorus Director: William J. Hall
Etowah HS
Chorus
Incoming Freshmen, Returning Students, and Parents,
On behalf of our administration and myself, I gladly welcome you to the Etowah High
School Choral Music Programs. You are now a very important member of an ensemble in what
has been recognized as one of the finest high schools in the state of Georgia. I sincerely hope
you will enjoy being a part of this organization, which continues to build a tradition of superior
performance and musical excellence.
I believe the choir program offers many opportunities to the individual student: to
demonstrate and build his/her musical ability, to develop leadership skills, and a sense of
responsibility, to meet and develop new friends, to participate in musical activities, to perform as
a representative of Etowah HS, and to discover the unique thrill of performance through choral
singing. We will be constantly working hard to learn music for our performances as our
participation in concerts, clinics, and festivals will keep us busy as well as involved.
This handbook is provided to make your orientation to the Choral Music Department a
quick and easy task. I encourage you and your parents to read this handbook so that you may
better understand our policies, regulations, and your new obligations. An Etowah High School
Choir Member should be cooperative, strive for the highest possible scholastic record, develop a
wholesome attitude toward the Choir, school, and community, and in general, distinguish
him/herself by always doing the right thing at the right time.
I am looking forward to working with each one of you. Your talent and hard work can
make this year at Etowah HS very exciting, fun-filled, and musically rewarding for all of us.
William J. Hall
Chorus Director
Etowah High School
Office: 770-742-9347
Email: will.hall@cherokee.k12.ga.us
Philosophy
Chorus is a performance based music course, which emphasizes
individual and ensemble singing, sight-singing (music literacy), music
theory, and music history. Numerous aspects of vocal pedagogy will be
taught as part of the curriculum, though not intended to be a substitute for
private music lessons. Students will actively participate in class through
singing daily and will perform both on and off campus several times
throughout the academic year.
Goals for Choral Ensembles
 Establish recognition as one of the leading ensembles in Cherokee
County, the state of Georgia and across the Southeast
 Maintain a superior standing in all performing ensembles
 Increase participation and awareness
 Offer new opportunities and experiences for students
Goals for Individuals in Choral Ensembles
 To develop correct vocal techniques.
 To develop fundamental music skills in notation and sight-singing.
 To recognize musical elements and demonstrate expressive qualities
in varying styles of choral music.
 To contribute to the blend, balance, and quality of the ensemble by
developing the ability to sing a part securely.
 To have opportunities for the enjoyment of music through active
participation.
 To develop self-discipline by functioning as a responsible member of
the organization.
 To experience successful achievement and pleasure through group
involvement.
 To develop personal character traits of leadership, poise, and
dependability as well as provide an avenue for self-expression.
 To develop a desire to continue musical experiences.
Guidelines for SuccessResponsibilities of Choir Members:
 To attend school and rehearsals regularly and account for all absences.
 To make a genuine effort to learn and improve daily.
 To become responsible for actions and assume the consequences
thereof.
 To be personally clean and neat, and dress appropriately.
 To have proper respect for those in authority.
 To follow the classroom rules, school regulations, and travel
instructions.
 To be respectful of school property.
 To cooperate with fellow choir members and to share with them the
responsibilities and privileges that are part of the choral program.
 To contribute positively to the music education of others by
performing to the best of one’s ability
 To gain understanding of music and to develop good listening habits.
How Parents Can Help:
 Show an interest in the music study of your child.
 Encourage your child to perform for others when the opportunity
arises, whether at home, school, church, or the community.
 Keep a record of the student's various music activities.
 Notify the teacher if your child is to be absent or tardy at rehearsals or
performances.
 Teach your child to be punctual at rehearsals and performances.
 Ensure that your child keeps up with classroom studies and makes up
missed work.
 Discuss with the director anything that will help him understand your
child.
Attend concerts and other events involving your child.
Show your support !!!
General Chorus Conduct and Procedures
We are all here because we have something in common; we enjoy singing.
How we sound as a group has a lot to do with how we work together. If you
will follow the class procedures listed below every day of the year, the result
will be a choral group that truly makes beautiful music.
 Talking- Absolutely no talking when teacher is talking,
demonstrating, or providing any other type of instruction. Appropriate
time will be given for controlled socialization.
 Instructions- Every member of the chorus is expected to listen closely
for instructions given by the director, so that each student can followthrough with the instruction correctly the first time.
 Attendance- See Class syllabus for specific rules
 Tardy- Upon entering the choir room for rehearsal, you are to pick
up your folder and be seated quietly in your assigned seat before the
final bell rings. See class syllabus for how tardies can affect grading.
 Materials- All materials are expected in every class period and put in
their appropriate place once the period has concluded. See class
syllabus for a list of course specific materials.

Never mark on your music with a pen; please use a pencil only. Any damaged
or lost music/folder must be replaced by the assigned person.
 You will be permitted to check out your music overnight. It is your
responsibility to have your music in class the next day. NO MUSIC- NO
PARTICIPATION POINTS.
 Gum/Candy/Food- The only food item allowed in the classroom is
water, which must be in a resealable container. All other food items
are prohibited.
 Posture- Please remember that proper choir posture is sitting up
straight in the chair, feet flat on the floor. Never sing with music in
your lap, as it destroys the posture needed for proper vocal
production. Also be sure to keep eye contact with the director, so
your sound is not focused toward the floor, making it difficult to be
heard.
 Sectionals- During a sectional rehearsal, members of the section not
singing should be carefully following the musical part that is being
rehearsed so total knowledge of the song is achieved.
 Classroom Guests- When we have clinicians, substitutes, or any
guests in the classroom, please exhibit your best manners. We can
always learn from having different people work with us. Those
students who do not behave will be seriously reprimanded.
 Courtesy- Please exhibit common courtesy toward others at all times.
Treat others as you would want them to treat you. RUDENESS WILL
NOT BE TOLERATED!!!!
 All school policies will be followed and any violation of school rules
will be handled in accordance to the school’s guidelines.
 Students with any problems can feel free to talk to Mr. Hall about
them at any time. My door is always open to you.
The success of our group rests upon your individual self-discipline. We
must all be willing to follow the above procedures and give 100%. Most
importantly, we want to get along. Singing in harmony can only be
accomplished by working in harmony.
Concerts
All concerts are MANDATORY!
See the specific course syllabus for any questions regarding this
policy. Conflicts for concerts must be brought to the director at least one
month in advance and include a parent/guardian signature and phone number
for verification purposes. Absents due to illness must be verified by a
certified physician. In case of family emergency, the director must be
notified by the parent/guardian of the student.
Schedules for performances will be given at the beginning of each
semester. Required performances in addition to these will be given at least
one month in advance.
Students missing concerts in advanced ensembles may be placed in a
different ensemble for the following term/school year as it is vital in these
groups that every student is present, contributing, and dependable.
Additional Rehearsals
Extra rehearsals outside of the regular class period may be necessary
before certain performances. ALL EXTRA REHEARSALS ARE
REQUIRED and they will not be scheduled unless absolutely necessary.
You will always be notified of an extra rehearsal well enough in advance to
make arrangements to attend. If students are late or have to leave early, they
must have a written note from their parent or guardian. Excuses will be
accepted for missing an extra rehearsal only if notification is received prior
to the rehearsal. The director will determine whether an absence is excused
or unexcused. Students missing rehearsal may be asked to make-up the
rehearsal at the discretion of the director.
Work is not an excuse for missing rehearsals!!!
Student Activity Conflicts
There are times when students simultaneously participate in an organized
sport or performing group. Conflicts occasionally arise when practices and
regularly scheduled events take place concurrently. Although every attempt
will be made to keep such scheduling to a minimum, the following
guidelines will be followed:
 When a practice or rehearsal and an event are scheduled
simultaneously, the EVENT takes precedent.
 When two practices or rehearsals are scheduled simultaneously, the
students may SELECT the event in which she/he will participate.
He/She should make the decision, whenever possible, at least seven
(7) days in advance. He/she should advise the coach or Mr. Hall
immediately.
 Under NO circumstance will the student be penalized for his/her
decision; that is, class grades are not to be lowered or unreasonable
make-up work required, the student will not be penalized, nor will the
student's ability to earn a letter be impaired because of the decision.
 If two Student Activity Events are in conflict, please refer to earlier
section concerning Concerts. Also remember, though both events
may be important, the chorus concert is a large part of the curriculum
for the course. Though every effort will be made to avoid conflicts
with other student activities, it cannot be guaranteed.
 In case of a disagreement among the parties concerned, the matter
should be referred to the administrator or administrators in charge for
a solution.
Fund-raising
Fundraising is a crucial activity for the choir program at Etowah HS. It
enables us to purchase those materials necessary to enhance the choral
music experience in ways which would normally not be possible through the
reduced county and school funding (such materials include uniforms, music
folders, larger quantities of music, sound equipment, etc.). Because everyone
benefits as a result of the fundraising, every choir member is expected to
participate as much as possible. Whenever possible, parents/guardians will
be notified in advance of all fundraising activities.
Before each fundraiser, you (the student) will be notified if the profit
made on the sale will be applied toward the choir budget and/or toward a
student voucher to be used in the current school year. The money raised
belongs to the school; the profit earned by a student will be reserved in that
student's name and will be used FOR CHORAL PURPOSES ONLY!! Any
remaining vouchers at the end of a school year will be put toward the
general chorus account. These rules of fundraising, student accounts, and
profit roll over are designed to comply with national and state tax laws.
Guidelines and other specifics for each event will be included in the
initial information packet given out at the beginning of the fundraiser.
Choral ‘Fair Share’ (Fees):
Each student is responsible for doing his/her ‘Fair Share’ financially for
the choral program. This money goes towards LGPE fees and transportation,
accompanist and cooperating musician fees, choral octavo scores, honor choir
logistics, and numerous other miscellaneous expenses of the year. To cover
the expenses of the year, each student is asked to cover the equivalent of $50.
This may e done by simply writing a check, paying through the webstore, or
worked off via the fundraisers throughout the year. Students not doing their
‘fair share’ will not be allowed to go on the spring trip and may be asked to
pay ‘a la cart’ for other extra-curricular activities such as LGPE. All family
members of students paying the fair share will be a voting member of the
Booster Club.
Other Financial Obligations:
Additional obligations may include Uniforms, the Annual Banquet,
honor choir registration fees, field trip/choir tour fees, and recovery for any
damaged or lost property. Students may use money raised in fundraisers to
pay for these obligations. In addition, payment plans and assistance may be
offered for those in need. If assistance is required, please discreetly notify
the choir director in writing giving the circumstances and specific requests
for aid. The director will handle each case individually.
Field Trips
As a member of the chorus, the student will have the opportunity to
participate in varying field trips. The destinations and purposes will vary
greatly depending on the specific trip. Eligibility for the trip will be based
on the Etowah High School Handbook and will be strictly adhered to.
Some of the field trips may involve payments. All payments for the
trip must be collected by the deadline given. If money is not collected by
the given deadline, or no other arrangements have been made, the student
will not be eligible to participate in the field trip and will most likely not be
eligible to receive any refund since funds will already be spent to cover
deposits, tickets, and other advance materials.
Rules for behavior on the field trip will follow the strictest of Etowah
High School and EHS Chorus guidelines. Remember, you not only represent
yourself, but the school as a whole and the Town Lake community. Rules
for attire may be altered depending on the situation.
Specifics for each field trip will be given with proper notice. All
permission forms must be signed and returned with a parent’s signature in
order for the student to be eligible.
Honor Choirs
Throughout the course of the school year, the student will have the
opportunity to audition for numerous honor choirs including, but not limited
to the following: GA All-state, Region honor choir, GA ACDA Honor
Choir, Region/National ACDA Choir, and honor choirs sponsored by
various colleges. Each of these honor choirs involves different requirements
for qualification. Rehearsal of audition materials is ultimately the
responsibility of the student; however, the choir director will be available for
assistance. In addition, students may be required to perform a preliminary
audition for the director before moving on in the process. Students may also
be denied the privilege of auditioning for these choirs based on factors such
as behavior, academic, and attendance at the discretion of the director and
administration.
Minimum G.P. A. / Attendance
Choir students are very visible in the school and must represent
Etowah in a responsible fashion. It is imperative that you keep your grades
up and attend all of your classes on a regular basis. There will be times that
you will miss school due to performances and trips; if your grades are not up
to par or you have had too many absences, your teachers can keep you from
these performances. As you are aware, if you are not at these performances
you are jeopardizing the ensemble and our performance. Therefore, the
following rules will apply:
1) All choir students must maintain a minimum Grade Point Average of
2.25. Anyone without a 2.25 GPA will not be eligible to perform for the
following semester. Anyone who is ineligible for 2 consecutive semesters
will be subject to a change in ensemble or removal from the program.
2) Choir students may have no more than 10 overall absences a semester
It is important that you attend all of your classes everyday. Any choir student
who has more than 10 absences from school in one semester will be
ineligible for the following semester. Any extenuating circumstances will be
reviewed by the choir director and/or the administration.
Uniforms
Please see specific course syllabus for uniform requirements.
Generally students are responsible for purchasing uniforms. Any uniforms
provided by the school, will be assigned at least one week before a concert.
Students may check the uniform out in order to clean it, or leave at school
for storage until the concert. Hemming of the pants or dress may be
required, please do not cut any fabric. Any damage to or loss of the uniform
will be the responsibility of the student.
Website:
Current Choral information can be found on the EHS Chorus website
at http://mysite.cherokee.k12.ga.us/personal/will_hall/site/default.aspx
Links to this site are also provided under the school’s homepage. From EHS
Chorus page the user can find information including dates, pictures,
announcements, and announcements. As a helpful resource to parents and
students alike, this site will be regularly updated.
Lettering System:
Points are given to students for extra work and/or outstanding
achievement worthy of recognition. The accumulation of these points
qualifies students for a letter or bar to be awarded at the end of the year
banquet. Students will be given a worksheet outlining the specific point
allotment.
Copyright Protection:
Student and parents will agree that the student will not perform any selection
obtained from Etowah High School for any non-school functions as these
pieces are copyrighted to the school upon purchase. The parents and
students also agree to not make any photo copies of any musical selections.
Parents of the student take full responsibility should any of the above
guidelines not be followed. All originals are to be returned at the end of the
semester.
Use of Pictures/Video
Members of the Chorus will routinely be recorded by manner of both
audio and video. These recordings will be use in class to analyze and
critique their performance both as an individual member and as an ensemble
in order to make improvements for future performances. Select recordings
of the ensemble may be sent to GMEA, ACDA, or performance festivals for
acceptance into their events. Recordings directly from the EHS chorus
department will not be placed online or sold for profit.
Over the course of the year students will take part in numerous
activities outside of the classroom that will be photographed, such as field
trips, performances, and festivals. If permission is granted by the signing of
this document, EHS Chorus may publish pictures of the chorus or small
ensembles contained within. Pictures will be used solely for purposes of
publicity and no pictures will be sold for profit.
Changes in Policy
Changes to the policies set forth in this handbook may be altered any
time at the discretion of the choir director or the administration. Students
and parents will be notified when changes are made.
Any extenuating circumstances which arise in conflict to the policies
described will be settled on a case by case basis by the choir director and/or
the administration.
I,
, have read and understand the Etowah High School
Choir Handbook and course syllabus. I feel as though I can make a positive
contribution to the choir program at Etowah HS and that I will follow all
rules and procedures outlined within.
Signature of Choir Student
Signature of Choir Parent/Guardian
I will take care of my $50 Choral ‘Fair Share’ in the following method:
Check/Cash
______
Webstore _______
Fundraising _______
Much of the success of a choir relies on strong volunteers. If you are
interested, please indicate ways you would like to assist. Your help will be
sincerely appreciated.
Chaperone
Concert Organizer
Recording _
Decorating for Events
Telephoning
Construction
Play Instruments
Other
In order to keep parents up to date, please provide the following contact so
you can be reached. Thank you for your support!
Parent Name:
Home Phone:
Other Phone:
Email: