HANOVER HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
CHORAL HANDBOOK
2010 – 2011
MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES & POLICIES
ALYSON L. GREER, DIRECTOR OF CHORAL MUSIC
CONCERT CHORUS  VOX  CHORALE
Check out our website!
http://hhschoirs.weebly.com
THE BASIC RULES OF
THE CHORAL REHEARSAL CLASSROOM:
1. Be on time. Half of life is showing up!
2. Stay focused and on task. Time is money and we are broke!
3. Be positive and respectful to one another. Embrace our differences!
4. The teacher dismisses you, not the bell.
5. No food or gum, however, water is ok.
6. Come to rehearsal prepared with your sheet music and a pencil.
I.
Philosophy
The Choral Program at Hanover High School is open and available to all students who hold a SINCERE
INTEREST in sharing their vocal abilities and talents with others. Membership consideration will include
grade level, balance of voices within an ensemble, and basic musical aptitude. As all chorus classes are a part of
the school curriculum, each member will be expected to participate in every aspect of the program, from
rehearsals to performances, unless excused by the Director.
II.
General Goals and Objectives
A. Provide multiple opportunities that encourage interest and participation in various aspects of music.
B. Develop the individual student’s voice and an understanding of how it can make a positive contribution to a
musical ensemble.
C. Develop a working knowledge of basic music theory concepts and practices.
D. Promote poise and self-confidence through creative self-expression.
E. Experience the potential of music to directly express emotions and the collective human condition.
F. Acquire an understanding and appreciation of different cultures, styles, and forms of music.
G. Develop each student’s ability to listen, analyze, describe, and evaluate a musical performance and utilize this
information to actively improve his or her own skills.
H. Instill the values of individual and group effort, cooperation, tolerance, fellowship, self-discipline, self-respect,
respect for others, dedication, and personal responsibility.
I. To represent Hanover High School with the highest standards of musical performance within our community,
state, and wherever we may travel.
III.
Membership
A. Chorale
Grades 9-11 / 5
credits
This ensemble is open to any female student in grades 9-12 interested in treble singing. While no audition is
required, students should speak with the Director to confirm their interest for membership in this ensemble. The
course will provide students with experiences in vocal production techniques and multi-part (SA, SSA) singing.
Emphasis will be placed on the development of music fundamentals, tone production, musical terms and
symbols, developing performance skills, music literacy, listening capabilities and sight-reading skills. A wide
variety of music from many different countries, styles, and historical periods will be performed. Chorale offers
female students a place to explore their vocal talents in a friendly environment.
B. Concert Chorus/Concert Chorus - Honors
Grades 9-12 / 5
credits
This ensemble is open to any student in grades 9-12. While no competitive audition is required, students will
complete a placement conference to ensure a vocally balanced ensemble. The course will provide students
with experiences in vocal production techniques and multi-part (SATB) singing. Emphasis will be placed on
the continued development of music fundamentals, vocal balance/blend in a mixed-voice environment,
developing performance skills, music literacy, listening capabilities and sight-reading skills. Music from
classical to pop will be performed in concerts throughout the year. The Concert Chorus is a mixed-voice
ensemble dedicated to high standards of musicianship. Note: An Honors Level of this course is available for
students that demonstrate the ability to meet the requirements. Students must seek approval from the director
before enrolling in the course.
NOTE:
1. If students are taking Concert Chorus – Honors, see VII. C. for further requirements of the course.
2. Students that are taking Concert Chorus as an every-other-day course for 2.5 credits are required to schedule
extra rehearsals with the Director to ensure that all music is learned in a timely manner.
C. Select Chorus - VOX
Grades 10-12 / 5
credits
This honors ensemble is open to students in grades 10-12 who are serious about advancing their vocal
technique. Selection is by competitive audition with the Director. The course will provide students with
numerous performance opportunities through the study of widely varied choral literature. Emphasis will be
placed on the development of appropriate vocal balance, blend, stylistic interpretation, and creativity through
musical expression. VOX is a select ensemble whose members serve as performing ambassadors for Hanover
High School.
D. Officers’ Council
The student officers of the Chorus ensembles will provide organizational and leadership support for the groups.
Each officer should always try to set a high example for fellow ensemble members. Additional responsibilities
and privileges associated with being selected an officer will require an additional time commitment and the
expectation that each officer will make Hanover High School Choruses the best they can possibly be. The
Officers’ Council will consist of the following from each ensemble:
1. President
- provides overall leadership
- assists Director in rehearsals and performances
- helps the Director with public advertisements and public relations
2. Vice President
- assists President
- serves as Photographer and Historian
3. Section Leaders
- serve as connections between Officers’ Council and Chorus members
- assist the Director in rehearsal
- must be willing to assist students in his/her section with the learning of the music
during rehearsals.
- must be a strong musician that can lead his/her section musically and collectively.
IV.
Classroom and Rehearsal Procedures
A. Each student will:
1. Arrive in class/rehearsal on time (in auditorium, bell rings when tardy).
2. Have music folder, pencil (not pen), and paper and be in his/her assigned seat or position one minute after
the tardy bell rings.
B. There will be no eating, drinking (anything other than water), or chewing gum during rehearsal.
C. Positive class participation is expected at all times.
D. Use of the following is strictly prohibited and will not be seen or heard in class: cell phones and pagers,
calculators, PDAs, ipods and mp3 players, etc…
E. Class will end upon dismissal by the Director, NOT BY THE BELL. All materials will be returned to their
designated locations.
E. All policies and procedures stated in the Hanover High School Student Handbook apply to the Chorus!
V.
Handling of Music and Materials
A. Each student will be assigned a numbered folder, which will be maintained in the music classroom.
B. Each student will be responsible (financially and otherwise) for his/her individual folder, removing it from and
replacing it in the storage area. If a student finds anything missing or damaged, they should let the Director of
Choral Music know immediately.
C. Music folders or single pieces of music found outside the designated storage area will be collected by the
Director or an Officer. Failure to place music folder in the designated storage area will result in the student (to
whom the music or folder belongs) giving a community service donation of their time to the Music Department
by cleaning the facilities after school or assisting the Director.
D. Music will be marked with pencil only! Other marks will result in a damage charge to the student.
E. Lost and/or damaged music or materials will be paid for, according to school policy, by the student responsible
for that music.
F. Failure to have the necessary music or materials in class will result in points being deducted from the daily
grade.
VI.
Participation
A. Greer’s Time Laws
Also known as G.T.L., this applies to music activities outside of class. Basically, it means you should plan to
arrive at least 5 minutes early; if you are just “on-time”, you ARE late.
B. Homework
Students will not, as a rule, be given daily homework assignments. Due to the performance-oriented nature of
the courses, however, occasional after-school rehearsals will be considered a required part of the coursework.
Students will also be given occasional journal, small research, or sight reading/theory assignments. All work
and after school rehearsals are figured into the student's final grade.
C. Performances
As Chorus classes are performance-oriented classes, all students are expected to be in attendance and
participate fully in all performances. The Director will take special care concerning all commitments, and
communication will be sent home well in advance. All performance of the 2010 - 2011 school year can be
found on the HHS Choirs Website: http://hhschoirs.weebly.com
E. Trips
Field Trips and Performance Tours are extra-curricular opportunities designed to enhance the Chorus
curriculum. Participation in these trips is subject to extra-curricular guidelines as listed in the HHS Student
Handbook. In addition, students must maintain good academic standing in all their classes and exhibit good
school citizenship before being permitted to travel with the Chorus. The following criteria must be met by all
Chorus Members wishing to participate in trips:
1. No discipline problems (office detention, suspension) that demonstrate an inability to behave
appropriately in public.
2. Minimum of “C -” cumulative average in all classes
3. Minimum of “B -” cumulative average in Chorus
4. Positive participation on a daily basis in rehearsal/class.
Every effort will be made by the Director to help Chorus Members maintain a standard of academic excellence
and it is the hoped that those who fall below the required participation standards will strive hard to improve
their standing at HHS!
VII.
Evaluation
There will be three primary considerations for grading: Participation/Daily Grade, Rehearsal Process, and
Performance / Written Assessment (with the occasional quizzes). Students are expected to participate in a
positive manner. Rehearsal Process will be measured through the student's handling of effort, respect (to self
and others), attentiveness, cooperation, and a dedication towards developing good vocal technique. While not
all entering students will be at the same level of musicianship, improvement of individual abilities and
performance skills will be measured through daily observations and performance/written assessment.
A. Daily Grade
50% of final grade
Each student will have the opportunity to earn 10 points (100%) each class. Factors include punctuality (half of
life is showing up…), attendance, and positive input. Unexcused absences from daily rehearsal may result in a
loss of course credit for that grading period. Attendance of dress rehearsals and concerts are also factored into
the daily grade.
B. Performance / Written Assessment
50% of final grade
Performance skills (posture, breathing, tone production, etc.) will be measured by the Director during each
grading period. In addition, concert performances will serve as a portion of the student’s performance
assessment. Written assessments may also be used to assist in measuring individual comprehension and
application of key musical concepts.
C. Concert Chorus – HONORS: Requirements
1. Complete a Semester Project each semester (Term 2 and Term 4). Each project must be pre-approved by
the Director of Choral Music. The project could be one of the following suggestions
- Read a biography or an autobiography of a performing artist and write a 4 – 5 page paper on your
reactions to the book. Also discuss how the book has changed your ideas about music. This book must
be approved by the Director of Choral Music.
- Read a book on vocal technique or performance technique. Write a 4 – 5 page paper that talks about
your new understanding of the material presented in the book. Discuss new strategies that you have
learned from reading this book. This book must be approved by the Director of Choral Music.
- Attend a professional music performance (The Boston Symphony Orchestra, The Boston Lyric
Opera, Handel & Haydn Society, Bank of America Celebrity Series, etc…) or watch a DVD or VHS of
an opera. Research the history behind the music you are about to hear. Compile this research into a 3page paper and then write a 2-page reflection about your experience and reactions to the performance.
-You may come up with your own project.
2. Semester Reflection – at the end of each semester (Term 2 and Term 4) the student is required to turn in a
paper that is a reflection of the student’s progress. This should include a self-critique on his/her progress during
the semester. The following questions must be answered in the paper:
- How have I improved during this semester? (Vocal technique, reading music, working as an
ensemble, attitude and enthusiasm, confidence, etc…)
- What do I still need to work on?
- What was a memorable moment from this past semester? This could include a time when you finally
understood something, or had a special connection with the music and your fellow ensemble members.
3. Perform in the Annual HHS Music Department’s Student Artists’ Recital Night in February.
A student can perform as a soloist or within a group, and all music must be pre-approved by the Director of
Choral Music. To be granted approval, each student must submit the “Student Artists Recital Repertoire
Approval Form” which will be turned in to the Director of Choral Music on the due date indicated on the
HHS Choral Music Calendar. The Director is available to assist students with rehearsals if necessary.
4. Grading for Honors Concert Chorus
Daily Grade
40%
Concert Performances
30%
Projects & Papers
30%
- Semester Reflections
- Independent Projects
D. VOX Requirements
In addition to regular coursework requirements, members of VOX will be required to:
1. Participate in the in-house audition process for both SEMSBA and Sr. District honor choirs.
2. Perform in outside of school performances and gigs.
E. Extra Credit: "Bonus" points can be earned in the following ways:
1. Extra, non-required rehearsals
2. Assisting with publicity for Chorus events
3. Individual (solo/ensemble) community and/or church performances
4. Attending a pre-approved music concert including any of HHS’s scheduled activities (see Director for more
details).
VIII. Attendance and Make-Up Procedures
A. Class/Rehearsals
Attendance in school is vital to each student's personal and academic development. Students will be given an
appropriate amount of time to make up any and all work from excused absences.
B. Performances
Any absence from either a rehearsal or a performance affects not only the individual, but the entire ensemble.
While communication is sent home informing and inviting parents and family to performances, it is the
students’ responsibility to keep parents and family informed of all chorus activities in a timely manner. As an
ensemble member, you must plan ahead and be responsible. Performances are a major part of your grade.
Challenges with transportation, other school activities, family obligations, etc. should be resolved by the
student and the Director well in advance. Absences from a performance will only be deemed "excused" for
the following reasons:
1. Serious personal illness
2. Serious illness or death in the family
3. Other extreme circumstances
Each request for an absence to be considered excused must be submitted in writing, from the parent/guardian,
at least 24 hours in advance of the event unless the absolute impossibility of so doing can be documented. The
Director must receive the written excuse the same day the student returns to school. If the Director deems the
absence "excused", the student will have one week from that time to complete the necessary make up work.
Remember, you are ultimately responsible for yourself. Keep track of your personal (including work) schedule
and keep your parents informed!
IX.
Concert Attire
As a member of a performing ensemble, it is necessary for each student to obtain and maintain the appropriate
concert attire. This provides a consistent “look” for the students and allows everyone to focus on the group. The
following items will be considered inappropriate for performances: jeans, tennis shoes, sandals, and excessive
jewelry (small earrings only, no larger than a quarter).
A. Men
- Back collared long sleeved dress shirt – pressed and neatly ironed
- Red necktie (provided by HHS)
- Black dress pants
- Black socks
- Black dress shoes
B. Chorale and Concert Chorus Women
- Concert dresses (to be purchased shortly after the school year begins; details will be sent home early
September) with a hem of approximately 1” from the ground.
- Tasteful black dress shoes; heel must be 2 inches or less (no flip-flops or sandals)
- A skirt slip is recommended to create a smoother dress line.
- Pearl necklace (given by the Director at performance time)
C. VOX Women
- Black concert dresses (to be purchased shortly after the school year begins) with a hem of approximately
1” from the ground.
- Black dress shoes; heel must be 2 inches or less (no flip-flops or sandals)
- Tan or flesh-colored stockings
- A skirt slip is recommended to create a smoother dress line.
Concert attire for the October performance only is more casual and will be determined at a later
date.
Please Note: It is not the intention of the Director to exclude any student from Chorus activities for any reason,
especially financial concerns (uniform purchase, trips, etc.). If at any time this becomes an issue, please do not hesitate
to contact the Director as soon as possible in order for something to be arranged.
HANOVER HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
Membership Guidelines Acknowledgement Form
The relative success of our year is dependent upon collective teamwork between members, their
parents, and the director. This handbook is an attempt to clearly describe all policies and
expectations for the coming year.
I have read and understand the 2010 – 2011 Hanover High School Choral Membership
Guidelines and Policies.
_______________________________
_____________________________
Student Name (please print)
Student Signature
_______________________________
Parent / Guardian Name (please print)
____________________________________
Parent / Guardian Signature
______________________
Date
DUE: September 8th as your first Quiz Grade
HANOVER HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
I MPORTANT C ALENDAR D ATES
FOR
2010 – 2011
SEPTEMBER: 7th
Corporation Rehearsal & Meeting
2.15 pm
HHS Auditorium
13th - 17th Jazz Choir Auditions
after school by appointment with Ms. Greer HHS Auditorium
25th
Chorus Car Wash Fundraiser
8.00 am – 3.00 pm
Congregational Church
OCTOBER:
18th
19th
27th
30th
NOVEMBER: 20th
Fall Choir Concert Dress Rehearsal
2.30 – 3.30 pm
HHS Auditorium
Fall Choir Concert (6pm call time)
7.30 pm
HHS Auditorium
Fall Choir Concert Reflective Paper Due (Chorale, VOX, Concert Chorus, & Concert Chorus)
ACDA Honors Choir (selected students)
all day
UMass Amherst
Southeastern Sr. Districts Auditions
King Phillip Reg. MS, Norfolk
DECEMBER: 4th
Southeastern Jr. Districts Auditions
Marshfield Furnace Brook MS
13th
December Choral Concert Dress Rehearsal
2.30 – 3.30 pm
HHS Auditorium
14th
Winter Choral Concert (6pm call time)
7.30 pm
HHS Auditorium
3rd & 4th, 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th Holiday Caroling Fundraiser
TBD
Town of Hanover
21st or 22nd
VOX Outreach to Dana Farber Cancer Research Center
Boston, MA
JANUARY:
7th & 8th Southeastern Sr. Districts Festival
Barnstable Center for the Performing Arts
HPMC Music Fundraiser
TBD
nd
22
All-State Auditions
TBD
24th
Student Artists Recital Repertoire Proposal due to Ms. Greer
FEBRUARY:
5th
14th
15th
MARCH:
Jr. & Sr. SEMSBA Auditions
Dress Rehearsal for Student Artists’ Recital
2:30 pm
5th Annual Students Artists’ Recital
7:30 pm
(*Recital is for all Honors Band & Concert Chorus Students)
11th & 12th Southeastern Jr. Districts Festival
14th
Band & Choral Collaborative Dress Rehearsal
15th
Band & Choral Collaborative Concert
18th & 19th Sr. SEMSBA Festival
24th – 26th All-State Festival & MMEA Conference
2:30 – 3:30 pm
7.30 pm
HHS Auditorium
HHS Auditorium
TBD
HHS Auditorium
HHS Auditorium
TBD
Boston
APRIL:
9th, 10th, 11th MICCA Festival
14th – 17th HHS Music Department Festival Tour
MAY:
23rd
24th
Spring Choral Concert Dress Rehearsal
Spring Choral Concert (6pm call time)
2.30 pm
7.30 pm
HHS Auditorium
HHS Auditorium
JUNE:
4th
7th
Graduation (Final for all Choir Students)
Music Awards Banquet
TBD
6.00 pm
HHS
HMS Cafeteria
TBD
Annapolis, Maryland
Weekly Rehearsals: The Corporation - Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:15 – 3:15 in the Auditorium
Mad-Jazz Choir has yet to be determined
NOTE: Many of these dates times are subject to change and proper notification will be given at a
reasonable time. New events will be scheduled as the year progresses. All of theses dates can be found on
the HHS Choirs website: http://hhschoirs.weebly.com