20-21 shs handbook - google docs - weebly
TRANSCRIPT
S H O R E W O O D C H O I R S
H A N D B O O K
2020-2021
Jason A. Clark – Director of Choirs
1701 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, Wisconsin 53211
414.961.3157
Choir Web Address = http://shorewoodchoirs.weebly.com/
10 Things that take zero talent
but have a huge and positive
impact on your results
1. Being on time
2. Your work ethic
3. The quality of your effort
4. Your body language
5. The energy you bring to the room.
6. Your attitude
7. Your passion
8. Being teachable
9. Doing more than the minimum
10. Being prepared
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T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
I NTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P AGE 4
H ANDLING Q UESTIONS OR C ONCERNS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 4
S HOREWOOD C HORAL O RGANIZATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P AGE 4
Concert Choir
Independent Study Concert Choir
Chamber Singers
O THER P ERFORMING O PPORTUNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 5
Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Music Project
WSMA Solo and Ensemble Festivals
Solo and Ensemble Fees
WSMA Accompanying Fees
N ON -P ERFORMING O PPORTUNITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 6
Choir Council and Executive Board
A UDITIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P AGE 6
B EHAVIOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 6
C LASSROOM E XPECTATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 6-7
G RADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 7
A BSENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .P AGE 7
H OW Y OU E ARN Y OUR G RADE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGES 8 & 9
P ERFORMANCE T ESTS
P REPARATION Q UIZZES
P ROTESTING Y OUR S CORE
P ERFORMANCE T EST B ONUS
I NDEPENDENT S TUDY R EHEARSALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 1 1
C oncert Choir
Chamber Singers
S IGHT S INGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 11
E XTENSIONS
F EES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 11
C ONCERT A TTIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE 11 & 12
F OLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P AGE
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M USIC
F INES
T YPICAL P ERFORMANCE S CHEDULE
A WARDS AND H ONORS
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I NTRODUCTION
Welcome to the outstanding tradition of the Shorewood Choral program! I am excited for the
opportunities and experiences we will share together. Being a part of this program will be fun, but will
also be filled with hard work. I hope you enjoy all that is in front of you!
One of the main challenges of running an organization like a choir is to keep everyone informed as to
their responsibilities and the benefits of their participation. This handbook has been written to better
inform members, parents, administrators and friends about the choirs and their related activities and
functions.
Much of the information contained in this handbook will apply to all of the choirs, while some will only
apply to one group or another. Please make it your responsibility to read all of the information that
addresses your involvement in the choirs at Shorewood High School.
H ANDLING Q UESTIONS OR C ONCERNS
Some rules or requirements may occasionally bring up questions, confusion or concern. Veteran choir
members can often answer questions about policies and procedures, but the best way to deal with serious
concerns or questions is to make an appointment to discuss them one-on-one with the director. If your
questions and concerns are dealt with in this way, you are assured of getting the time you deserve to
express yourself, and the atmosphere of rehearsals will remain positive and productive.
C OMMUNICATION
In this age of technology with the many more means by which we can communicate: it is very important
to learn how, and when to use the proper and appropriate form of communication. The three most
common types are; written word (e-mail, note, text message), a phone call, or face-to-face interaction. As
a general rule, the more serious the conversation, the more important it is to have face-to-face
communication.
S HOREWOOD H IGH S CHOOL C HORAL O RGANIZATIONS
C ONCERT C HOIR
Membership is open to any ninth through twelfth grader by audition (please refer to the audition section) .
This class meets five days per week during fifth hour. Concert Choir is combined with the independent
study section of Concert Choir (when offered) and Chamber Singers to perform four concerts per year.
This chorus is geared toward improving singing and musical knowledge through rehearsals and
performances. Enrollment is open every semester, and one course credit is given per semester.
I NDEPENDENT S TUDY C ONCERT C HOIR
Membership is open to any tenth through twelfth grader through audition (freshman must get instructor
approval before registering) (please refer to audition section) . This class is intended for students who
wish to participate in the choral program but due to class conflict, or a full schedule, cannot meet during
the concert choir’s fifth hour class period. Students who wish to participate in this class must have
elevated musical skills and be highly organized! Independent Study Concert Choir students must be able
to work independently and keep up with all of the course requirements of Concert Choir. Students in I.S.
Concert Choir will meet with Mr. Clark one day a week at lunch from 12:15-12:36 and after school on
Thursdays from 3:30-4:15. Attendance at these rehearsals is mandatory. If a rehearsal is missed, it must
be made up in a lesson with the instructor or a section leader. The remaining details of involvement in
Independent Study Concert Choir are outlined under the Concert Choir heading. This class is worth one
credit per semester.
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C HAMBER S INGERS
Chamber Singers is the most advanced choral group at Shorewood High School and meets daily during
sixth hour. Additional responsibilities include a required weekly quartet rehearsal at lunch (12:15-12:36),
along with an optional rehearsal (or makeup) Tuesdays after school from 3:30-4:15. Membership in the
Chamber Singers is open to a limited number of students in grades nine through twelve by audition
(please refer to the audition section) .
This ensemble is responsible for many performances each year, including five principal concerts and extra
community and outreach programs. In addition, the Chamber Singers perform a madrigal for WSMA
District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals. This course is treated in many ways like an
advanced-placement class. This means that the workload and standard of excellence is higher for this
ensemble than for either of the Concert Choir sections. Chamber Singers will be responsible to learn and
perform all Concert Choir literature, serving as a leadership core for the larger group. This course
requires advanced skills in musicianship, organization, sight singing, discipline, maturity, teamwork and
commitment. Enrollment is open once each year (depending on spot availability) and is worth one credit
each semester.
O THER P ERFORMANCE O PPORTUNITIES
W ISCONSIN S CHOOL M USIC A SSOCIATION H ONORS M USIC P ROJECT
The Wisconsin Honors Music Project offers talented young musicians the opportunity to rehearse and
perform with nationally recognized conductors in a professional setting. All Honors groups perform at
the WMEA State Music Conference in Madison in late October. High School Honors Students sight read
their music at the three-and-a-half day Summer Camp in June and rehearse before the fall concerts.
Auditions for the Honors Project are held at the Milwaukee High School of the Arts in mid-February and
include:
➢ Performance of a Class A solo for a judge - The solo must be from the WSMA Required List.
➢ Tonal Memory Exercises- Students will hear recorded patterns and sing them back to the judge.
➢ Sight Reading – (Material will be presented by the judge).
➢ Range- The student will sing short scale patterns moving up and down by half steps accompanied by
the judge.
Being selected to perform as the member of one of the Wisconsin Honors Music Project Choirs is a
prestigious honor. In the fall of each year, I will ask for names of students interested in training for this
unique challenge, and we will begin your preparations immediately.
WSMA S OLO A ND E NSEMBLE F ESTIVALS
For students interested in expanding their performing experience beyond that of large ensembles, there
are WSMA District and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals. This year, the District Solo and Ensemble
Festival will again be virtual. This means that students will need to record their performances and submit
them to WSMA for evaluation. These events afford students the opportunity to perform in small groups
from solos to madrigals. Solo and Ensemble Festivals are great experiences and I encourage those
interested to participate. It appears at present, that there will be a sizable window to submit your work
both for District and State events. If you would like more information, come and see me to discuss these
events.
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S OLO A ND E NSEMBLE F EES
Each student is responsible for paying their own entry fee for their solo and a percentage of the fee for
each ensemble (based on the number of performers in the group) for both District and State Solo and
Ensemble Festival. For this fee, students receive a written critique from a WSMA-approved judge, a
performance rating from *I-V, and the medal they earn for their performance. All entry fees are
non-refundable, regardless of the reason for not performing.
A CCOMPANIST F EES F OR WSMA E VENTS
Accompanist fees are $40.00 for Honors Auditions and District Solo and Ensemble Festival and $30.00
for State Solo and Ensemble Festival and will include:
➢ Two rehearsal sessions with your accompanist for District and Honors.
➢ One rehearsal session with your accompanist for State.
All rehearsals are to be arranged by the student and accompanist. Payment is due for any of these services
at or before the first rehearsal for each event.
N ON -P ERFORMING O PPORTUNITIES
C HOIR C OUNCIL AND E XECUTIVE B OARD
The purpose of the Choir Council is to give the student members of the choirs a voice in some of the
decision making and planning regarding the choirs and their related activities. This council consists of
two bodies: the General Council comprised of section leaders from each choir class; and the Executive
Board, which is made up of the officers: up to two Co-Presidents, two Vice Presidents, a Secretary for each
choir, a Librarian for each choir, a social chair for each class as well as a freshman representative from
each class. Elections are held each year as needed for most of the Executive Board positions. Elections
for the Freshman At-Large positions are held in the fall. Section leaders are chosen by the director and
serve in one-semester terms, based on the quality of their leadership. Both the Executive Board and
General Council meet monthly out of school. Executive Board members are expected to attend both their
meetings and those of the General Council. Participating in either of these two bodies is a great
opportunity to take some ownership in the choirs and improve your leadership skills as well as have
impressive leadership credentials on your college applications.
A UDITIONS
Auditions for the choirs take about fifteen minutes and consist of the following:
1. The student fills out an audition card detailing their musical experience, extracurricular involvement,
and standard personal information.
2. The student sings ascending and descending scale patterns to determine range.
3. The student listens to and repeats tonal memory exercises to determine pitch retention ability.
4. The student will chant and clap a short rhythmic exercise to determine rhythm reading ability.
5. The student sight-reads a short melodic exercise to determine their ability to read the multiple
components of music.
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B EHAVIOR
While a member of any Shorewood Choir, students are expected to demonstrate exemplary behavior. This
is to be the case whether in rehearsal, contest or festival, choir related social activities, on tour, at a
concert, or any other time when you are representing the choirs. Choir members represent themselves,
their school, and their community while participating in choral activities. Failure to behave in a
respectful, responsible and kind manner will result in penalties outlined in this handbook and school
policies.
M R . C LARK ’ S C LASSROOM E XPECTATIONS
The expectations below are to be followed any time you are in chorister mode:
1. Be in your assigned spot with a positive attitude, commitment to improvement and excellence, and
be ready to work when the bell rings (Responsibility)
2. Bring ALL required materials to every class, unless otherwise instructed by the teacher
(Responsibility)
3. Listen and stay seated or in your spot when someone is speaking (Respect)
4. Follow directions the first time they are given (Respect and Responsibility)
5. Turn in and complete assignments on time (Responsibility)
6. Treat everyone and their property respectfully including the materials, equipment and facilities of
the school (Kindness and Safety)
G RADING
Your grade in choir is earned. It will be based upon the contribution you make toward the success of the
group and demonstration of your growth and improvement. Please remember, you are tested differently
here than you are in your other classes. Your grade will be based on the quality of your work and effort, as
well as, your attitude, improvement, behavior, and participation in all classes, rehearsals, activities and
concerts. You must demonstrate, through your actions, that you are dedicated to your own improvement
and the excellence this organization represents.
Each quarter you will receive an outline regarding the components of your grade. This outline will
contain information regarding assignments, activities, performances, tests, and quizzes. These outlines
will explain the expectations for each quarter in detail.
The items listed below contribute to your grade:
1. Students must be in attendance for all classes, performances, field trips and testing unless illness or a
family emergency prevents it. The student must notify the director 48 hours BEFORE an anticipated
absence to be excused (responsibility and organization). Excessive absences, for whatever reason, will
result in a lowered grade. Since this is a group experience and the Choir’s success depends upon
EVERYONE’S contribution, attendance is VITAL!
2. Students must be on time to class and in their assigned spot on the risers with their binders, music,
and pencils, without gum or food in their mouths, and be ready to sing when the bell rings.
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3. Students must demonstrate adequate knowledge and preparation of their music by individual
performance tests, periodic octet or quartet checks and at the concert.
4. Students must demonstrate and execute, a positive attitude and the disciplined behavior for which this
excellent choral program is built.
5. Students must show a willingness to cooperate in every way their talents permit.
In general, each rehearsal, activity, assignment and event has an assigned point value. At the end of each
grading period the points are tallied then divided by the total points possible, to reach a percentage which
is applied to the following grading scale:
A+ = 110% and above B+ = 87-89 % C+ = 77-79 % D+ = 67-69 %
A = 94-109 % B = 84-86 % C = 74-76 % D = 64-66 %
A- = 90-93 % B- = 80-83 % C- = 70-73 % D- = 60-63 %
F = 0-59 %
A BSENCES (M AKE UP WORK DURING C OVID IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY )
C LASS
Just like in any class, you are expected to make up missed work. If you have an excused absence from
class, you will be given the opportunity to make it up the work you missed in one of two ways: in a lunch
rehearsal (12:15-12:36 daily) with the teacher or your section leader, or by attending an Independent Study
rehearsal after school on Tuesdays for Chamber Singers or Thursday for both Concert Choir and
Chamber Singers (not applicable for Independent Study Concert Choir students). In any case, your
make-up must be completed no more than two weeks after the absence. On the date the make-up takes
place, the student will receive the points for the rehearsal that was missed. If no make-up is completed,
the student will receive a zero for that missed rehearsal.
Tutti Rehearsals or Performance Tests
In order to receive an excused absence from a tutti rehearsal for any reason but illness or family
emergency, you must do two things.
1. Speak with the director about your absence 48 hours in advance to discuss your make-up strategy.
2. Submit a written note or send an email 48 hours in advance of the rehearsal confirming your plan
for making up the time you missed for the tutti rehearsal or performance test.
If you have an excused absence from a tutti rehearsal or performance test you will have one week from
the date of the absence to make up the two hours of that rehearsal or make up the test. In order to make
up a performance test you must arrange a group of students that meet the requirements for that test, (size
and voicing of the group, accompanied or unaccompanied etc.) and make an appointment to perform your
make up with the instructor at lunch or after school. If no make-up is completed, the students will receive
a zero for that rehearsal or performance test.
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Concert and Performance Attendance
Concerts and performances are the reason we do all this work. Therefore, all performances are required.
Absence from a concert or performance is only excused if the performer is ill or in case of a family
emergency. Other conflicts are not considered excused for any reason. Dates for all concerts and
performances are communicated at the beginning of the year to allow for adequate planning on the part
of the ensemble member. Please plan accordingly. You are a member of a team who is counting on you
to fulfill your responsibility as a contributing member of our choir. Excused absences for illness or family
emergency will require a performance or concert make up. Details of your performance or concert
makeup will be arranged between the students and director prior to the absences if known, or upon the
student’s return to school.
Note: No points will be awarded for unexcused absences from performances.
H OW Y OU E ARN Y OUR G RADE
1. 10 points are earned for each rehearsal: one point for SUCCESSFULLY completing each of the five
categories below. (Approx. 160 pts. a quarter.)
➢ having all proper supplies (binder, music, pencil, etc.)
➢ actively participating in the warm up activities
➢ executing the rehearsal plan with a high quality of focus, effort and improvement
➢ fully participating in all class activities
➢ demonstrating a high quality of preparation and retention of previously learned material
2. 300 points are earned for each concert or performance. (2 concerts per semester = 600 pts.) An
unexcused absence from a concert will result in failure of the course.
3. 700(C.C.) or 800(C.S.) points are earned for completion of your major projects;
A. 400 points for Completion of a sight-singing packet. (See Sight Singing Section for details.)
B. Six hours of independent study (C.C.) or eight hours of independent study (C.S.) rehearsal
(50pts. per hour.)
4. A final exam worth 20% of the semester grade. The final will include a written test based on basic
music theory principles. In addition, for the first semester the final will include a performance test on
literature for the second semester. Students will prepare that music on their own without help from
the director. There will be numerous study aides to assist you in the preparation for the performance
portion of the final exam.
5. Tutti rehearsals are worth 100 points each. Students from all of the choir classes participate in three
to four of these rehearsals for each concert cycle. These rehearsals are evenly distributed between the
school day and outside the school day based on necessity and the performing forces for each concert.
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Service Points (or extra credit)
Service points are earned and accumulated each quarter. There are endless ways to earn these points; the
possibilities are limited only by your imagination. The point value of proposed activities should be
discussed with the director. Service Points are extra credit, not supplemental credit. Service Points will be
awarded and added to your grade at the end of the quarter and ONLY if ALL course requirements for the
quarter are met. Failure to complete all course requirements will result in forfeiture of your service
points. Some possibilities are listed below:
Service Point Possibilities
50 pts ∙ Serve as Section Leader.
25 pts per half hour ∙ Take a private voice lesson with the instructor or other approved teacher.
(Approval and verification required)
25 pts per event ∙ Participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival (district)
50 pts per event ∙ Participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival (state)
100 pts per person ∙ Recruit a serious music lover into the choir.
25 pts per half hour ∙ Help the instructor with any number of projects.
100 pts per project ∙ Complete a written project: (See Mr. Clark for Guidelines)
composer paper
concert review
choral recording review
25 pts ∙ Receive a perfect score on a quartet or octet check
25 pts ∙ Audition for a solo in choir.
50 pts ∙ Perform an auditioned solo at an SHS concert.
25 pts ∙ Serve as an usher or attend another SHS Music Department Concert.
(Approval and concert program required)
25 pts ∙ Serve on Choir Council.
25 pts each ½ hour ∙ Attend extra sectional or Independent Study rehearsal beyond your required six or eight
hours.
50 pts per qtr. ∙ Membership in a Performance Group (outside of school)
25 pts each ∙ P erform the National Anthem at a sporting event (Verification Required)
At the beginning of each quarter you will be given a schedule of dates for which you are responsible. This
list may not be all-inclusive. If any dates are added or removed you will be given adequate notice and
consulted. If you have any questions about your responsibilities, please make an appointment and I will
be happy to clarify them.
2020-2021 Concert Season
Shorewood Choirs Winter Concert – 7-12 Choirs - Thursday, December 17, 2020
SHS Auditorium Call – 5:45, Curtain 7pm
*Chamber Singers & Chamber Orchestra In Terra Pax Concert - Sunday, January 24, 2021
Kingo Lutheran Church, Shorewood Call – 5:45, Curtain - 7pm
Shorewood Choirs Spring Concert - Thursday, March 18, 2021
North Shore Presbyterian Church, Shorewood Call – 5:45, Curtain 7pm
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rd
Annual Masterworks Concert - Tuesday, April 20, 2021
St. Robert Church, Shorewood Call - 5:45, Curtain - 7pm
Shorewood Choirs Benefit Concert - Sunday, May 23,, 2021
SHS Auditorium Call – 12:45, Curtain 2pm
Students’ progress with regard to independent study rehearsals, sight singing, service points, and rehearsals and
missing assignments are posted weekly on the Choir Board in the SHS Choir Room. Students are responsible
to check these forms regularly to be sure they are current in all areas of the class. The student’s scores and
grades for all areas of the class are entered in Infinite Campus daily. Therefore, students can check Infinite
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Campus or make an appointment with the director to check the status of their grade at any time and get an
accurate representation of their academic progress.
P ERFORMANCE T ESTS AND P REPARATION Q UIZZES
P erformance tests and preparation quizzes are significant ways in which I can measure your progress and
preparation. After all, your primary job in choir is to perform your music well. That, of course, means with the
correct pitches and rhythms, but also means with proper attention to the details that make the music
interesting and enjoyable for you and your audience. Those elements include beauty of tone, vowel shape,
ensemble blend and balance, tuning, musicianship and artistry. There will be at least one preparation quiz
every two weeks and between three to five performance tests per quarter.
P ROTESTING Y OUR S CORE
Since performance tests are done in groups ranging from quartets to octets there is some margin for error in
the grading process. If a student feels the grade they received on their performance test is not accurate, they
may choose to protest their score. In order to do so, they must notify the director within one day of the test and
make arrangements to retest within one week from the original test date. The retest will be performed a
cappella and in a quartet regardless of the original testing parameters. The student will receive the higher of
the two scores.
P ERFORMANCE T EST B ONUS
As an added incentive to do your very best, you will be rewarded for earning an “A” (93%) or higher on any
performance test by a reduction of your independent study major project requirement by one hour. You may
apply your bonus, up to two independent study hours per quarter.
C HOIR M AJOR P ROJECT R EQUIREMENTS
S IGHT S INGING
Sight singing is a crucial part of the choral curriculum. Students are required to complete one packet of written
music theory and sight-singing exercises per quarter. Each exercise consists of one page of four-part music.
Students learn to find the key of the piece and to write in Solfeggio (do-re-mi) notation. Once the music theory
work is completed, the student will submit their packet to the in-box located in the choir room and the
instructor will correct the written work. Once all written work is correct, the student will receive a sticker that
indicates that they are ready to move on to the performance portion of the process. All exercises will then be
performed in small groups as part of our daily warm ups.
I NDEPENDENT S TUDY R EHEARSALS (P AUSED D URING C OVID )
C ONCERT C HOIR
Students in Concert Choir are required to complete six hours of independent study rehearsal over the course of
the quarter. The opportunities to earn this rehearsal time are offered daily for twenty-minutes during lunch.
Lunch rehearsals every day are from 12:15-12:36. Punctuality and preparation are expected in order to receive
credit. If you are late, eat instead of sing, don’t have your materials or take out your mobile device during these
rehearsals, you will not receive credit for that rehearsal. In addition, every Thursday from 3:30-4:15 there will
be an independent study rehearsal offered. The final opportunity to get these rehearsals is to attend a
Shorewood Choral Arts Society Rehearsal. These SCAS rehearsals are only available during the third quarter
and take place on Tuesday evenings from 7-9pm in the SHS Choir Room.
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C HAMBER S INGERS
Chamber Singers are required to complete eight hours of independent study with half of their hours being
earned during Chamber Singer-Specific times such as the Tuesday rehearsals from 3:30-4:15 or during
Chamber quartet rehearsals each week. Each chamber student is required one half hour of rehearsal per week
with his or her quartet group. (These quartet groups will be assigned within the first two weeks of school). The
remaining four hours of extra rehearsal may be earned by following the Concert Choir guidelines listed above.
F INAL E XAMS (P AUSED DURING C OVID )
A final exam worth 20% of the semester grade will be given at the end of each semester. The final will include
solving two basic music theory sight-reading examples. This process is the same as that which you perform for
your sight singing written work each quarter.
For each exam, one of the examples will be in a key with sharps, the other with flats. You will be provided all
of the instructions, reminders and guide sheets you receive when you do this work each quarter.
Each semester the written portion of the final exam will take place on the last regular class period prior to
exam week. In the first semester, the final will also include a performance portion on literature for the second
semester. You will be expected to prepare one piece (concert choir) or two pieces (chamber singers) on your
own with one week of limited help from the director. I will spend one week’s time introducing the pieces to
you and giving you some strategies and tools to help you prepare. After that week of work, the remaining
preparation work will be done on your own. There will be numerous study aides to assist you in the preparation
for the performance portion of the final exam.
The performance portion(s) of the final exam will take place during final exam week in January.
E XTENSIONS
I am very well aware of how busy you all are, not only with school, but all of your athletic and extracurricular
activities, work etc. I understand that occasionally you may get overloaded and over extended. With that in
mind, I will grant one extension on a major project assignment (sight singing, independent study rehearsals, or
tutti rehearsal make up, per quarter. In order to receive your extension you must follow the directions below.
1. Make an appointment with the director to discuss your plan for getting caught up.
2. Provide a written note or email outlining your plan.
Both procedures must be completed 48 hours before the major project deadline. You will get until the next
scheduled due date to complete your extended assignment. Since you only get one extension per quarter,
choose wisely when requesting your extension!
F EES , C ONCERT A TTIRE , F OLDERS , M USIC , AND F INES
F EES
At this time, the fees for participation in the choirs are those paid at registration at the beginning of the school
year. Solo and Ensemble related fees as described on page six are paid separately at the time of District or State
Solo and Ensemble registration.
C ONCERT A TTIRE
It is the students’ responsibility to provide all (women) or part (men) of their own concert attire. The following
guidelines are to be followed when choosing your concert dress. Variation from these guidelines is
unacceptable and will result in a lowered concert grade.
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Women
A black gown to be purchased in bulk from a uniform company. Black stockings and black dress shoes.
Men
The school has gone to great lengths and expense to provide tuxedos for use by the men participating
in the performing ensembles. At the beginning of each school year, you will be measured and fitted for
a tuxedo for your use during the school year. It is your responsibility to have the necessary alterations
made, store, care for and clean this tuxedo during the year. In addition, you must return it to me,
undamaged and dry-cleaned with a receipt from the dry cleaner at the end of the year. The following
items are necessary to complete your concert attire:
I. Black dress socks and black dress shoes.
II. A black bow tie.
III. A white dress shirt (no button down collars please).
R EQUIRED C HOIR S UPPLIES
Each student is responsible for providing his or her own choir binder and related supplies. Your choir binder is
part of your choir uniform and needs to conform to the following requirements. Your “ choir folder” should be
a one-inch, black “D”-ring or “U” ring binder with pockets.
Required Choir Supplies are….
1. Black, 1 inch, D or U ring binder with your music in it.
2. Red pencil
3. Regular pencil
4. Highlighter
5. Small Post it tabs
6. Name tag on the inside cover of your binder with your name and assigned choir number (Mr. Clark will
provide)
All choir materials need to be brought to every rehearsal and performance starting the first full week of class.
M USIC
The school provides music to each student at substantial cost. Each student is responsible for the music that is
issued to him or her. Any music you lose or damage you will have to pay for. Any scores you purchase are
yours to keep.
F INES
Standard fines to cover replacement of lost or damaged equipment are as follows:
Lost or damaged music- $2.00-$25.00 per octavo
Lost or damaged tuxedo- $75.00-$150.00
T YPICAL P ERFORMANCE S CHEDULE
5:30 PM Choir room or performance venue opens
5:45 PM Warm-up begins in performance space
7:00 PM Concert Begins
8:30 PM Concert Ends
8:45 PM Reception
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A WARDS AND H ONORS
The Civic Music Award is sponsored by the Civic Music Association of Milwaukee and is presented to one
outstanding senior musician in band, choir and orchestra at Shorewood High School. The recipient of the
award will demonstrate leadership within the music department and throughout the school and community.
To receive this award, a student must be a four-year member of their ensemble and receive a unanimous vote
from the three members of the Shorewood High School music faculty. The award consists of a certificate and
pin from the Civic Music Association, and the recipient’s name is added to the school’s wall plaque.
The National School Choral Award is presented to an outstanding senior member of the choirs who has
demonstrated excellence in vocal music in the areas of performance, leadership, service, teamwork and
commitment.
The Director’s Award is presented to an outstanding choir student who has demonstrated excellence in vocal
music through leadership, teamwork, commitment, performance, and service.
WSMA District and State Solo and Ensemble Awards are given to students who participate in WSMA District
and State Solo and Ensemble Festivals and earn a division I or II rating.
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