Classroom Policies and Procedures
1.
Be
respectful of the Choral Director. The choral director and students will
maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy at all times.
2. Instruction will begin when the tardy bell rings.
Everyone is expected to be in their assigned seats with their music folders and
pencils in hand ready to participate. Those who are tardy will be required to
sign the tardy sheet located beside the wall in the first doorway. The consequences of tardiness will be found
in your student handbook. Students who
are detained by another teacher/administrator must have a pass or agenda signed,
otherwise, you will be tardy.
3. The absence policy is in your student handbook. Please arrange to make up work with me before
or after school. It is your responsibility!
4. Any student who is not able to participate in vocal classroom
activities must present the choral director with a note from a parent or a
doctor BEFORE the tardy bell rings. (Failure to show a note will result in the
loss of daily grade points.)
5. To keep the classroom clean and in order there will be no food, gum, or
drinks in the rehearsal or performances. All choral students will be allowed one
bottle of water during each 90 minute rehearsal. Soda’s need to be placed in
student’s book bags. There is a water fountain located in the front of the
choral room for your convenience.
6. A seating chart will be
maintained at all times.
7. To maintain an atmosphere where we can all learn, there will be no
talking or note passing while a director is rehearsing. If a student’s part is
not being rehearsed, he/she must take the opportunity to study their music.
8. Cell phones are prohibited in the choral classroom and must be put away
in book bags and out of sight. Phones left in sight of the choral director will
be confiscated and the cell phone policy found in the student handbook will be
followed. Cell phones are not to be used
to listen to music, take photos, or record videos.
9. If you do not understand, please raise your hand!!
10. Personal business is to be taken care of before the tardy bell
rings. This includes sharpening pencils
etc. Students must ask for permission to
leave in the case of an emergency.
11. Each student is responsible for their music folder and the sheet music
assigned to it. Every folder needs to contain a #2 pencil. Music given to the
students must have all measures numbered.
Folders may be checked out after class and returned to the choir room by
7:45am the next morning. A daily grade on the condition of each folder will be
taken during each nine weeks. Sheet
music will be signed out to each student (on a contract) and must be cared for.
Students are responsible to have their assigned music in class with them
daily. No music in class will result in
a lowered daily grade.
12. Each student is responsible for the care of their choir rental gowns, dressbags,
shoes, vests, and tuxes.
13. Each student is responsible for keeping a choral folder to keep music
in and take notes and hold hand-outs. The information on this notebook will
contain material for tests and quizzes given.
14. Students in beginning and advanced choir will be given a choir notebook
to take notes and write journals entries in. You will be responsible for these
notebooks to be in class daily.
15. When a substitute, clinician, accompanists, or guest is in the room,
students need to exhibit their best behavior.
We can always learn from having different people work with us.
16. Show Choir members are expected to change quickly and privately, and be
ready for choreography and dance. Show
choir members are to bring comfortable fitting clothing (Show Choir uniform for
Innovation) that meets the CCPS dress code standards to change into for
choreography rehearsal. Each show choir member will be assigned a cubby in
practice room #1 and #2. (The boys will change in Room #1 and Girls in Room
#2.) All Show Choir members are expected to keep all personal items in their assigned
designated cubbies, in a container brought from home, and keep practice room space clean and neat.
All personal items left out of the cubbiess will be taken to lost and
found. Mrs. R is not responsible for any stolen or lost items. Specified
shoes are required for all rehearsals. Failure to have shoes for rehearsal or
the proper dress will result in a lower daily grade.
17. Lost and found items will be given to charity each week. The choir room is not a locker. Students must
keep their personal belongings in their assigned school lockers.
18. Lost folders and music will be placed in the Lost folder box on top of
the folder cabinet. Students whose
folders end up in the box will lose points on their daily grades.
19. Students need to seek permission from the choral director before using
any classroom equipment. (ex. Student Computer, piano, tv, dvd, vcr, stereo,
phone etc.)
20. Practice Room #1 and #2 are for
Practice and sectionals only. They are
not hang out spots. These rooms
need to be kept neat and clean. The
pianos are to remain in place.
21. The Choral Director or the music librarians are the only people allowed
in the music library unless instructed by the choral director. All stray music is to be placed in the
assigned genre drawers for the librarian to put away. DO
NOT put music, CD’s, DVD’s etc. away.
All Sheet music or books need to be signed out before exiting the
library. The borrowing students will be
responsible for that music to be safely returned. Failure to return borrowed music will result
in student replacement fines.
22. The Choral Director or the uniform managers are the only people allowed
in the uniform closet unless instructed by the choral director. All stray uniform items need to be placed in
a basket designated for lost uniform items, DO NOT attempt to put items away. All Uniform items need to
be checked out on the provided sign out sheet before exiting the closet.
23.
THE STUDENT WILL LEAVE THE
CHORAL CLASSROOM A BETTER MUSICIAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Choir Demands a Team Effort!!
When someone is absent, the tone of the choir changes. Performance is the
ultimate goal for a choir! Attendance at after school rehearsals, dress
rehearsals, and concerts are mandatory. Your presence is needed for the success
of the choir!!!!!!!
2. Choir is a CURRICULAR activity!!
You are receiving a grade for this class. Remember that if you miss a rehearsal or a
concert, you must notify the choral the director with the Reason for Absence
form as soon as possible (preferably Two weeks) prior to an event!!!!
Excused Absences for School and
After School Rehearsals
Excused
Absences include illness, other school activities approved by the director,
family emergencies, and all excused absences mentioned in the EVHS student
handbook. All absences must be approved by the director in order to be made
up. Students must turn in a REASON FOR ABSENCE Form as
soon as possible (preferably two weeks) prior to an event. The Reason for Absence Form can be found in
the literature rack located next to the library.
Unexcused Absences
1, “I
couldn’t find a ride.”
We have a
large choir! Some of the members probably live near you. You are given plenty
of time to arrange a ride. If you are in a bind, let the director know (not the
day of) and we will try to work something out!
2. “I
didn’t know we had practice or a concert.”
Take a look at your choir calendar. Place it on your fridge. There is a calendar in the choir classroom to
remind you! No Excuses!!
3. “ I
forgot”
We all make mistakes but be responsible!!
Constantly forgetting practice is unacceptable. Pay attention and be at
practice.
4. “I have
practice” “I have a game”
I love the
fact that EVHS choral students are not only represented in Choir but in other
activities. However, Choir is just as
important as any activity and it is curricular. If you have a football game and
a choir rehearsal, I will be fine with you going to the game. However, You need
to fill out A Reason for Absence Form as soon as possible (preferably 2 weeks)
prior to the event. However if you have a football practice and a choral
concert, you are expected to be at the concert. If you have a game and a choir
concert, I will be happy to work something out with your coach. Use the
following Chart to make to justify an absence in the case of another school
activity… (This is an expectation for all choir, drama, band teachers, coaches
and sponsors.)
|
Event
|
versus
|
Event
|
=
|
What you should attend…
|
|
Concert
|
versus
|
Practice
|
=
|
Concert
|
|
Rehearsal
|
versus
|
Game
|
=
|
Game
|
|
Concert
|
versus
|
Game
|
=
|
Decision
of Choral Director and Coach
|
|
Rehearsal
|
versus
|
Practice
|
=
|
Decision
of Choral Director and Coach
|
5. “I had
to work…”
I realize
many students have an after school job. School does come first! Please give a copy of your after school
rehearsals to your employer. If there is
a problem, please fill out a reason for absence as soon as possible (preferably
two weeks) prior to the event. I will be
happy to speak to your employer if necessary.
6. “I had
to leave early because…”
If you need
to leave early, please fill out a reason for absence form as soon as possible
(preferably two weeks) prior to the event. Students who leave early without
permission will have their grade docked.
Issues of Respect
The
internet, live journals, my-space, face book, twitter, and other miscellaneous
postings are very popular with the youth of our society. I respect your right
of Freedom of
Speech,
which is outlined in the 1st amendment of our Bill of Rights. Please
remember
when
that document was signed and active, it
was with the ideals of personal
responsibility
and respect for others. You do have the right to write your feelings,
thoughts,
and opinions but you will be held responsible for the impact your statements
have on other choir members and on the choir as a whole. Please know that I am available and willing
to discuss your concerns privately. If
you do not feel you can discuss an issue with me, an administrator or guidance
counselor will gladly listen to your concern.
You are expected to address concerns in a professional manner that improve,
rather than harm the working atmosphere of the choir. MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. comments can
often be taken out of context and have a negative effect.
Excel
in All Performance Opportunities
1. Work
hard each day to be prepared musically and physically.
2. Take
all rehearsals and performances seriously and give 100%.
3. Arrange
your transportation ahead of time!
4.
Encourage parents/guardians, friends, principals and teachers to attend
concerts.
5.
Attend all full and sectional rehearsals.
6. Take
care of your voice.
Maximize
Your Talent
1. Work
hard each day to improve and form good singing habits.
2. Stand
like a real singer. Listen like a real singer.
3. Work
outside of class on the music.
4. Apply
previously learned material to each rehearsal or performance.
5.
Listen and use your pencil to mark your music.
6.
Improve your sight-reading skills individually and as an ensemble.
7. Sing
with expression and sensitivity.
8. Have
a desire to be great: never be satisfied with low quality!!
Present
a Positive Image of our CHOIR to the Community, School, Peers
1. Show your
Cyclone Choir pride! Walk like a real singer! Talk like a real singer!
2.
Invite people to our concerts. Tell them what we are learning to do. SPREAD THE
GOOD WORD ABOUT EVHS Choir!! Be competitive but appreciate
and encourage the abilities of others.
4. Pay
attention while other choirs are performing their songs.
Keep
a Positive Attitude Throughout the Year
1.
Always look ahead and see the desired goals we are working toward. KEEP
THE VISION IN FRONT OF YOU.
2. Don’t
let personalities get in the way of our unified effort. Work together to move forward and make progress!!
3.
Encourage each other in positive ways. Help each other.
4. Be Flexible- Be Ready
for the unexpected, it will happen!!!
5.
Always honor each other and the members of all choirs.
6. If
you don’t get it right the first time, keep trying over and over and over
again. Success means you never stop trying..never!!!
CARE OF MUSIC
Students are responsible for all music that they are assigned. Any needed markings should be done in pencil only. Any damage to the music or loss of music will result in a replacement fee to the student of $2.00 per copy. Music should be kept in the student's binder and in a safe place at all times. A music contract will be kept in the choir room and a copy will be given to students listing your assigned music.
All
Concerts on the schedule are REQUIRED.
Clean up –
Each student will receive a job for Clean Up after a concert event. This will
be a grade. Students who fail to complete the assignment will be given a
failing grade. Students who cannot stay
after the event need to fill out a Reason of Absence Form two weeks prior to
the event.
Concert Etiquette
Every member of the choir
must sing, focus, and pronounce together. Any movement, wandering gazes,
giggling, laughing, elbowing those around you, looking at other choir members,
or acknowledging people in the audience, takes attention away from the choral
group.
1. Enter
the stage, looking straight ahead, arms at sides watching your step.
2. Do not talk,
gaze around the room, or acknowledge anyone in the audience in any way when in
place.
3. Keep
your hands at your sides while performing.
4.
Resist the urge to adjust glasses, flip hair, scratch your nose, etc.
5. Focus
on the director.
6. Do
not respond to movement in the audience.
7. Do
not talk or lose your focus between songs, when the audience is applauding.
8. Walk
off quietly when the performance is completed.
9. The
audience can still hear you, even if you are offstage.
10. Listen to others
when they are performing.
11. Do not ridicule,
discredit, or criticize other student’s performances.
12. When you distract
the performance of others, you are being a disruption.
13. Do not leave during
a concert.
14. Encourage other
performers even if you did not like what they had to offer, find something good
in what they did and praise them for it.
**15. All students will
now sit in the auditorium during concerts.
Students will be directed by a designated stage manager parent when they
are able to go to the warm-up room before their performance. Students will then be routed to the stage for
the performance by the designated stage manager parent. There will be no
students backstage unless they are about to perform.
16. In a concert, it is
not choir against choir or performer against performer. It is a number of
fellow musicians striving to improve, and fulfill their potential. We are all a TEAM!!!
