Portville Central School
Vocal Music Department
Chorus Handbook
for members of...
Elementary Chorus
Mrs. Katey Archer, Director
“Pride is a personal commitment.
It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity.”
2013 - 2014
Rehearsal Expectations and Procedures
1. Singers are expected to be on time for rehearsals. Remember that punctuality is part of your grade
each quarter.
2. Singers are expected to put gum into the garbage can on the way into rehearsal. Absolutely no drinks
(except water) or food is permitted in the chorus room, unless there is a special occasion.
3. Unless it is an emergency, singers will not be permitted to go to the restroom or anywhere else until the
last five minutes of class- please don’t ask.
4. Singers are expected to conduct themselves as ladies and gentlemen at all times. The student and parents
will be notified the third time that a student needs to be reminded of proper behavior during rehearsal.
A disciplinary referral will be submitted to the office if the behavior does not improve.
5. Each singer needs a pencil and their assigned folder for each rehearsal. PLEASE ONLY WRITE IN
YOUR MUSIC WITH PENCIL, NEVER PEN! In the event that a chorus folder is forgotten, the singer
is expected to see the chorus officer for an extra folder. The music and the other resources in their folder
are the tools to becoming musically literate. Please be responsible and prepared for rehearsals.
6. If a singer is vocally unhealthy, please bring a note from a physician, a parent / guardian, or the school nurse.
Please understand that singers are still able to be and will be expected to be actively engaged in the rehearsal
even if they are unable to sing. No one will be permitted to “sit out” of a rehearsal.
Performance Procedures
1. Singers are expected to report to the warm-up room on time to prepare for the performances. Times to
arrive will be announced in rehearsal and given in writing at least one week before the concert. The time
given is always the time warm-up will begin, NOT when you should arrive. Please remember that
punctuality is part of your grade.
2. How we look as a group is an important part of performing. A unified look helps us to look professional.
Singers need to have a complete outfit for their performances, unless otherwise specified by Mrs. Archer.
Students will not be able to perform if dressed inappropriately. Please plan ahead. If you are unable to
provide these items, please contact Mrs. Archer as soon as possible.
Concert Clothes:
Ladies- Long black skirt (below knees) or black dress pants
- White blouse (please be sure shoulders, chest, back, and belly are covered)
- Black tights or black nylons (no bare legs)
- Black dress shoes (no crazy high heels or flip flops) / Gentlemen
- White dress shirt with a collar
- Black dress pants (no jeans, khakis, etc.)
- Black dress shoes
- Dark socks
- Long tie
3. All performances and rehearsals scheduled outside of the school day that are not already on the school
calendar will be announced in rehearsal and given in writing at least two (2) weeks in advance.
Chorus members have an obligation to themselves and the rest of the ensemble.
Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required.
Grading
50 points – Class Participation Grade
This grade will reflect the singer’s approach to chorus with regard to:
Attendance and Punctuality (10)
Proper Singing Technique -
Vocal Production (10)
Singing Posture (10)
Solfege Hand Signs and Sight Reading (10)
Effort and Working Attitude (10)
10 points - Homework / Quiz Grade
10 points – Vocal Assessment Grade
10 points – Folder Grade
This grade will reflect if the music is in the condition that it was given, and if the designated marks have
been made to the music. This grade will also reflect how prepared the singer is for each rehearsal. Any damaged
or lost music will be the financial responsibility of the singer and a written notice will be sent home.
Each quarter, a point will be deducted for the third time that a folder is forgotten, and every time following.
Please be responsible and prepared for each rehearsal.
25 points – Concert Grade
This grade reflects concert attendance, concert dress, and punctuality.
Attendance at ALL performances is required.
Excused Absences:
1. Absence from school due to illness.
2. An emergency.
3. Advance arrangements – If possible, please submit all advance requests in writing at least
TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE. Please feel free to call to discuss extenuating circumstances.
In the event of an emergency or illness, please send in a note with the student’s name, the reason
for the absence, a phone number, and a parent / guardian signature. If possible, please call the chorus room 933-6000 ext. 1136 so that any necessary arrangements
can be made concert night.
* Students with excused absences, who submit a note on their return to school following the concert, will be assigned a project so that they have the opportunity to earn the 25 points for concert attendance.
2013-2014 Elementary Chorus Dates
**Please mark these dates on your calendar**
September 9 / Music Booster Frozen Food Fundraiser BeginsNovember 6 / Music Booster Frozen Food Pick-Up
November 12 / Music Dept. Poinsettia Sale Begins
December 10 - 7:00 pm / Holiday Concert- Elem Chorus & Band, JH Chorus & Band
December 16 - 7:00pm / Snow Date for Holiday Concerts
February 7, 8 / All-County at Catt. LV– Elem Chorus & Band, JH Band
February 24 / Music Booster Pizza Sale Fundraiser Begins
March 27 / Music Booster Pizza Pick-Up
May 14 – 7:00pm / Spring Concert – Elem Chorus & Elem Band
May 15 / Spring Music Assembly for Pre-K – 6 - Elem Chorus Band
Elementary Chorus Contract
In order for your child to participate in all chorus performances and activities, it is necessary for this contract to be signed and returned to Mrs. Archer by Friday Sept. 13, 2013.
Students, this is your first homework assignment! It is worth 10 points.
**If you return this contract by Monday Sept. 9, you will receive 3 bonus points!!**
Date ______
My son /daughter ______is permitted to be a part of the PCS Vocal Music Department. I have read and support the information in the 2013-14 High School Chorus Handbook regarding Rehearsals, Performances, and Grading, as well as the schedule of 2013-14 events & concerts. I understand that attendance at the performances is part of the course requirements.
Parent / Guardian Signature ______
Parents: If you would like me to contact you by email, please write your email address below.
I will also use email to send reminders and notices throughout the school year.
______
I have read and support the information in the 2013-14 High School Chorus Handbook regarding Rehearsals, Performances, and Grading, as well as the schedule of 2013-14 events & concerts. I understand that attendance at the performances is part of the course requirements. I also understand that being part of this ensemble means that I will participate to the best of my ability and that I will be responsible for my actions.
Student Signature ______
Students: If you would like me to contact you by email, please write your email address below.
I will also use email to send reminders and notices throughout the school year.
______
* If you have any questions or concerns regarding any items in this handbook,
please do not hesitate to call 933-6000, ext. 1136 or email
PLEASE JOIN THE
PCS MUSIC BOOSTERS!
We need your help and ideas.
We meet a Thursday evening each month at 7:00 pm in Mr. Crane’s room.
All are welcome to attend.
2013 - 2014 Music Booster Meetings:
September 12
October 17
November 21
January 9
February 13
March 20
May 15
June 12 (at 6:30)