Brookside High School
2014-2015
Choir Class Expectations
The Brookside High School Concert Choir and Chorale is open to all high school students.
Members of the choir are introduced to basic vocal skills and techniques for performing in a choral ensemble.
There is continued development of vocal skills and a greater emphasis on the blend, balance, and tuning of a
performance choir. Music selections will consist of a variety of 3 and 4-part music. Students are given
opportunities to perform at higher levels as skills improve.
As a member of the Brookside High School Concert Choir or Chorale there are several course
expectations that you are to be aware of and understand in order to make our choirs successful. Please take
note of all important dates and expectations described here. Concert Choir and Chorale is a graded course
just like any other class at Brookside High School. The grade given is weighted the same as other academic
courses.
●
●
●
●
●
●
Rules for Choral Rehearsals
Leave all gum, candy, food, and drinks in your locker. Capped bottles of water are permitted.
Enter the room, gather music folder and a pencil, and prepare for warm ups immediately.
Cooperative behavior and attention is expected at all times. Students will conduct
themselves in a manner that allows all Chorale members to reach their full potential.
Be respectful of your teacher and your fellow classmates.
Remember, there is a world of music to explore, keep an open mind and a positive attitude!
Expect to sing out and fully participate each and every day! That is what we do in choir!
Grading
Chorale and Concert Choir are graded classes and your active participation in class is a major
component of that grade along with attendance at the MANDATORY concerts for each quarter. There will also
be some written assignments and as well as vocal checks throughout each semester. Students are expected to
complete all assignments written and performance in order to receive full credit. if a student is absent the day
of a written or in-class performance grade, the student is to see Mrs. Pokrywka for the make-up work. Your
grade will be comprised of the following:
1. Active participation in warm-ups, class rehearsals, and any class activity. (20 points for per week)
20 pts = A+ 19 pts = A 18pts = A- 17 pts = B 16 pts = B- 15 pts = C 14 pts = C- 13 pts = D
2. Attendance at quarterly concerts. (200 point per concert) * See Attendance Policy for details
3. Vocal Checks on music or concepts learned in class (100 points)
4. Written Assignments (points will vary depending on assignment.)
Attendance Policy - Concerts
You are expected to attend all scheduled concerts. These concerts will make up a major part of your 9week grade each grading period. If at any time you cannot make a scheduled performance you are to notify
Mrs. Pokrywka or the main office prior to your missing the event. If you become ill between the time school
is out and the concert, you must have a signed note from a parent or guardian stating the reason you could
not make the performance. The only absence that are excused are a death in the family or serious illness
that would prevent you from singing that day. Work, family vacations, college visitations, etc. are NOT
considered valid or excused absences. Conference ATHLETIC EVENTS that have been cleared with the director
and the coaches at least 2 weeks prior to the event will be excused absences. (That means that make-up work
will still be required) Request in writing must be submitted 2 weeks in advance, dated and signed by a
parent/guardian and coach.
1. Excused Absences
If you are to miss an event and it is excused, in order to “save your grade”, you must complete
the make-up assignment discussed with Mrs. Pokrywka. No written note from parents/guardians, NO MAKEUP ASSIGNMENT. The completed assignment must be turned in one week following the concert for credit.
NO make-up work will be accepted late. Excused absence without make-up work will result in 0% for that
event.
2. Unexcused Absences
An unexcused absence will result in 0% for that event.
3. Conflicts
Every effort possible is made to schedule our performance around other school events,
However, should a conflict arise, you are to notify the director IMMEDIATELY! At that time, the director and
your other advisor will work to have a mutually agreed solution. If by chance you miss a concert because of
the other school event, you may be given the option of making-up the work you miss. If no make-up work is
completed (even for an “excused” absence), your grade will be affected.
4. Concert Dates
All Concert dates are listed here for your information. Please keep a copy of these dates posted
so that you are aware of the concert dates. Concert dates are also posted on Mrs. Pokrywka’s website
http://www.sheffield.k12.oh.us/MrsPokrywka-BHS.aspx
5. Special Events
At times throughout the school year, the choir may be invited to perform for special events within our
community, the school, or other special events such as a Lake Erie Monsters hockey game or Cleveland
Cavaliers game. Every effort will be made to inform students of the opportunities at the earliest moment so
that along with their family they can plan to participate in the events.
Please note:
All performances are open to the public and families are encouraged to attend. Most performances
will be at Brookside High School with a noted exception of the OMEA Large Ensemble Adjudicated Event in
March.
Performance Attire Dress Code
For the performances you will have a performance attire code. Please be sure to follow the
instructions for your choir.
Concert Choir: The performance dress for the Fall and Holiday Concerts as well as OMEA Large Group in March
will be black pants/slacks or skirts with a white blouse/shirt (solid color only), black dress shoes. Skirts are to
be a proper school length and a student may be asked not to perform if their performance attire is incorrect or
inappropriate*. Students will be allowed to wear denim jeans with the Pops Concert tee-shirt in May.
Chorale: The performance dress for the Fall and Holiday Concerts as well as OMEA Large Group in March will
be the assigned choir robe kept in the storage room at BHS. Proper black dress shoes will accompany the
robes. Underneath the robes the students are expected to dress appropriately and gentlemen MUST wear
pants, NO SHORTS! If a students is not dressed appropriately, the may be asked not to perform*. Students
will be allowed to wear denim jeans with the Pops Concert tee-shirt in May.
* If a student is asked not to perform for a violation of the performance attire dress code, they will receive
only half of the credit for the performance and will need to complete a written assignment.
In general, all students should be well groomed for the performances. Your appearance does make a
statement about the choir in general. Thank you for following these guidelines.
2014-2015 BHS Concert Choir Performance Dates
Fall Concert
October 22, 7:00 pm
Winter/Holiday Concert
December 15, 7:00 pm
OMEA Large Group
March 13 or 14 time TBA
Spring Pops Concert
May 20, 7:00 pm
*All BHS Concert dates are also listed on the Brookside website calendar for your reference. For your records,
keep this top portion with the Concert dates!
Extra Musical Opportunities Available
There are several opportunities for students to be involved in through music. Listed are some of those
opportunities. Other opportunities may arise as the year progresses. Students will be informed of those when
they occur. If you are interested in participating please see Mrs. Pokrywka regarding your interest.
OMEA - Ohio Music Education Association (District 4)
District 4/7 Honors Choirs (requires nomination) November 14/15 at Cleveland State University
High School Solo and Ensemble Contest January 17 at Tri C West Campus, Parma
Lorain County ESC
Solo and Ensemble Contest February 21 at Brookside High School
If you have any questions, please feel free to address them to Mrs. Pokrywka either through email
mpokrywka@sheffield.k12.oh.us or phone call 440-949-4220.
Thanks,
Mrs. Mary Pokrywka
Student Last Name ______________________
STUDENT CONTRACT AND FILE INFORMATION
(Must be filled out and returned to Mrs. Pokrywka by Friday, September 5.)
Please circle the choir that you are a member:
Concert Choir
Chorale
Student’s Name (please print) ____________________________________________
Address
____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Telephone # __________________________________________
Parent’s Name (first and last names) ____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
Parent’s Email ______________________________________________________________
Student’s Signature ____________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature _____________________________________________________________
*** Please Note: Your signature affixed to this sheet states that you have carefully read and understand ALL of
the expectations of you as a choir member of Brookside High School. It is advisable that you keep this
information (especially the concert dates) handy or put them in your calendar TODAY!!!