Algonac Community Schools
Choral Music Handbook
Adrienne Seeley
Director of Choral Music
(810)794-4911 ext. 3278
(810)794-9317 ext. 3342
Algonac Community Schools
Choral Music Handbook
Member Handbook
Welcome to the Algonac Community Schools Choral Music Program. If you enjoy singing and want to become a better musician, then this is the place for you. We have a growing tradition of music excellence in Algonac and we are excited to have you in our program! You will enjoy the experience of learning in groups whose members not only possess quality citizenship, but also maintain a tradition of music excellence. Every fine choir has high standards in rehearsals, concerts, and code of conduct, and these standards and expectations are a vital part to the Algonac choir program. This handbook is designed to help make your orientation to the Algonac choir program a quick and easy task.
Through the reading of this handbook, you will be informed of the responsibilities that encompass being in our successful and active choir program in the Algonac schools.
Parents and students are requested to read the content of this booklet. Your careful attention will answer most of your questions and hopefully eliminate any misunderstanding later in the school year. Remember, your positive attitude may contribute as much toward your success in music as your musical excellence and skill.
My hope is that the expectations set forth in this booklet will aide students in their musical growth, their feelings of accomplishment, and their appreciation of the rewards and positive emotions connected with commitment. These are acquired life skills that develop with sincere involvement in the Algonac Choir program, where the real satisfaction comes with the hard work students are willing to devote to their choir or band.
We know your pride will grow with each musical accomplishment. Let’s have a great year!
Ensembles
Algonac High School Choir
The AHS Choir includes students in 9-12th grade. The skills learned and honed during middle school choir are the foundation for rehearsal at the high school level. The AHS Choir prepares music to be performed at various concerts throughout the year and also competes in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA) Choral Festival in March of each year. There are also opportunities for students in the AHS choir to participate in the MSVMA Solo & Ensemble competition as well as audition for the MSVMA Honors Choir.
Rainbow Connection
The Rainbow Connection ensemble is a long-standing tradition in Algonac Choir’s history. This ensemble is a subset of the AHS Choir and students must pass an audition to be a member. This audition-based group sometimes takes on a “show-choir” feel by incorporating choreography into some of their performances. Rainbow Connection prepares music to be performed throughout the year and performs in the MSVMA Solo & Ensemble festival. They also serve as the ambassador choir at AHS by performing at many school ceremonies including graduation. This group represents the highest level of choral study in the Algonac Schools.
Performance Uniforms
Middle School Choir (6th-8th Grade): There is no set uniform for the middle school choirs at this time. In the past middle school students have worn their own clothing to performances following these guidelines: no tennis shoes, no jeans, and compliant with school dress code. Since the middle school uniform is subject to modification a reminder is sent out prior to performances to allow people to prepare accordingly.
AHS Choir: The choir program provides a navy blue robe to be worn during performances. Students must wear the following underneath: black pants, black or nude colored stockings and solid black dress shoes and a shirt/top that will not show through the top of the robe’s collar. Students are responsible for the care and cleaning of their robes. Any damage done to the robes must be paid for by the student and remedied by the end of the school year. All robes are to be turned in by the end of the year.
Hair/Make-Up/Etc.
The concept of a uniform look is so that we can show our unity as an ensemble and keep the focus on the music – where it belongs. Hair and make-up should not be worn in such a way that draws unnecessary attention to an individual performer. Accessories should be worn minimally if at all. If a student chooses to dress in a distracting manner they will be asked to change their appearance. Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the performance and 0 credit.
Rehearsal Procedures and Policies
The Algonac Choral program will use the following procedures in daily classroom rehearsal
Rehearsal
All students must be in the room by the bell, and students entering late will need apass. Tardy students will lose points from their daily participation grade.
The signal for class to begin will be when the director steps to the front of the class orsteps up to the piano.
When the signal occurs all sounds will cease. The directorwill then follow with announcements and/or attendance.
Rehearsal will then begin. When the director is standing up front or
by the piano, the rehearsal is in progress. Save your conversations or questions notrelated to the rehearsal for the end of class.
If you have a medical problem that prevents you singing, you must
inform the director before the rehearsal with a Doctor’s note stating your medical
condition. You will be asked to sit in your section and follow along with your music. If you are only suffering from a cold, allergies, headache, sore throat,upset stomach, etc. you will be expected to sing during rehearsal as best you can. Resting for a short episode during a rehearsal is acceptable, but you are still expected to doyour best to keep up with the other students. If you are not well enough to singthen you will be asked to go to the office to call a parent to take you home.
Failure to comply with rehearsal procedures and policies will result in loss of daily participation points. Frequent infractions will result in a discipline referral or expulsion from the program.
Classroom
Treat others as you would like to be treated. Disrespectful behavior towards
persons, music, or equipment will not be tolerated.
Students must be in their assigned seat with their music and pencil.
Always have your pencil at every rehearsal for score marking. Periodic pencil check will occur. Not having a pencil during rehearsal will result in a lowered daily participation grade.
Gum, food, candy, and drink cannot be allowed in the music room. Only water is allowed.
Talking is prohibited during rehearsal time. When the cutoff occurs, stop
singing, and wait for the next direction.
Non-music books and personal items are not to be stored in the music room. Please use your locker.
Leave the music room as you found it. Students are responsible for keeping the
room clean.
Students are responsible for any music assigned to them. Students will be charged for lost or damaged music and folders.
No one is to be in the director’s office without explicit concent from the director.
Performance
All students must attend concerts, performances, and other scheduled events.
Scheduled rehearsals and activities are mandatory.
Pre-planned absences or illness will be taken into consideration. Once a student has signed up for choir it is their responsibility to attend any and all activities.
Unexcused absences will result in a 0% for the activity.
Excessive unexcused absences will result in removal from the program.
Students are responsible for informing parents of their schedule and wardrobe for
activities. Students not in proper attire will be dismissed from the performance
and will not be allowed to make-up lost points.
Excused absences may be made-up by making an appointment with the director.
(The student is responsible for asking to schedule the appointment.) At the
appointment the student will be asked to sing some or all of the concert music
performed at the concert he/she missed (the music must be memorized if it was
done so at the performance). The student will be graded on their appointment
performance.
Extra Rehearsals and Sectionals
It may be necessary to schedule additional rehearsals or sectionals during the school year in order to attain the goals of the Algonac Choral Program. These will be scheduled in advance to allow students adequate time to adjust their schedules. It is the responsibility of each member to attend. If a student has a conflict and cannot attend an extra rehearsal, he or she must notify the director prior to the rehearsal. A signed note from the parent(s) must be given to the director before the rehearsal.
Performances
One of the main functions of the choir is to perform. Each performance is the
culmination of the musical skills that have been worked on and refined during class time. All students are expected to follow directions and the information contained in the handouts distributed regarding each performance. Performances are mandatory
Excused Absence Policy
Because live performances are unique and cannot be replicated, no excuse will be accepted for a missed performance unless it meets the criteria of an excused absence. Only a student’s serious illness, a death in the family, or a family medical emergency constitutes and excused absence from a performance or extra rehearsal. It is expected that the student will take the courtesy of notifying the director of any absence prior to the performance if possible. A signed note from the parent(s) must be given to the director within 24 hours of the student’s return to class explaining the reason for the absence. Failure to do so will constitute an unexcused absence.
Unexcused absences
As stated under the “Excused Absence Policy” performances cannot be replicated. If a student does not show up for a performance they will receive no credit, which will lower their grade. A performing ensemble depends on the contribution of each and every member. Each voice is special and vital so if students do not perform with their group they are doing a disservice to the choir and themselves. If a student misses a performance it may be necessary for the student and their guardians to meet with the director to determine what needs to happen in order for that student to increase their level of commitment to the group. If no improvement is made the student may be removed from the program.
Class Materials
Students will be issued music throughout the year. Once music is signed out to a student it becomes their responsibility to maintain its condition and bring it to class every day.
Music must be turned in after each performance. Students will have to reimburse the school for lost or stolen music.
Students must bring a pencil to class each day.
Website and Calendar
To better the communication among students, parents and the director a website has been set up for the choir:
It is recommended that you bookmark this web address to be in touch with the most up-to-date information.
While I try to maintain the website with accurate information there will still be situations in which letters will be sent home with students. Please, inquire about these things to help keep the lines of communication open.
Closing letter from the director:
I appreciate you taking the time to read this handbook and familiarize yourself with the standards and procedures of the Algonac Community Schools Choral Music Program. If you have any further questions please contact me:
E-mail:
High School: (810)794-4911 ext. 3278
Middle School: (810)794-9317 ext. 3342
I look forward to working with your children.. I hope that together we can continue to build the growing tradition of excellence of Algonac Choral Music.
Musically yours,
Adrienne Seeley
Director of Choral Music
Algonac Community Schools