Mrs. Rogers – Director

jrogers@cbsd.org

267-893-2800 x6404

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 1

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Lenape Choir. I am truly excited about the 2015-16 school year,

and very excited to meet you! This Choir Handbook is designed to give you the

information needed to understand the expectations and guidelines for the

Lenape Middle School Choir program. These guidelines will provide the general

information you need to prepare for a full year of learning, music, and fun!

In addition to the guidelines, this handbook also presents the information you

will need to successfully participate in our music program. Grading policies and

performance schedules are provided for student use. Each student is expected

to read the entire handbook, and complete the digital form (link below) to

account for their first grade of the year.

We are very proud of the standards Central Bucks music programs hold, and

hope that through your genuine support we will be able to continue to uphold

the standards of music here at Lenape. If you have any questions regarding this

handbook please contact me at jrogers@cbsd.org or 267-893-2800 x47404. I

look forward to a wonderful year!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jaime Rogers

Choir Director

Click HERE to complete the digital form.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 2

Table of Contents

Introduction Letter……………………..……………..…………………………………………1

Table of Contents…………………………….………………………………………………….2

About the Director………………………….…………………………………………………...3

Objectives…………………………………….………………………………………………….4

Procedure/Policies…………………………….…………………………………………………5

Performance Dates and Ensembles………………...….……………………………………….6

Performing Groups……………………………………………………………………………...7

Concert Attire ………………………………………………………………………………...…8

Grading Policy………………………………………………………………………...………9-10

Missed Rehearsal/Performance Policy ……………………………………..………………….11

National Standards for Music Education …………………………...…………………..……..12

First Homework Assignment………………………………………..………………………...13

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 3

About the Director

Mrs. Rogers was born and raised in Bucks County, PA. At the suggestion of her school music teacher, Miss. Mace,

Mrs. Rogers began taking organ lessons at the age of six. The summer after third grade, she received a piano for her

birthday and began her formal piano training, eventually dropping organ to focus more on her piano studies. When

she entered Jr. High School she started studying voice with Mrs. Sally Beck, her school choir director (formally Miss

Mace from elementary school). In high school she began vocal studies with Helen Holcomb, voice professor at Bucks

County Community College. All through Jr. High and High School Mrs. Rogers was very active in the school and

community music programs. She performed leading roles in the Palisades High School musicals, performed in

District and Regional Choir, and placed first in the BCMEA Choir twice. She also participated in talent competitions

and regional theatre across Bucks County.

Before coming to Lenape Mrs. Rogers received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from

Ithaca College School of Music in Ithaca, NY. While at Ithaca Mrs. Rogers studied voice with Dr. David Parks and

conducting from the highly regarded, Dr. Janet Galvan. Post-college, Mrs. Rogers taught vocal and general music to

grades 5-12 in the Tioga Central School district in Tioga Center, NY for three years. In 2001, Mrs. Rogers moved back

to the Philadelphia area to teach choir, music theory, and general music in the William Penn School District. In 2003

she finally landed her dream job, teaching choir and Performing Arts at Lenape Middle School.

In 2009 Mrs. Rogers completed her Master’s Degree in Educational technology. She has also completed 30

additional post-graduate credits in the field of music education. Over the past ten years Mrs. Roger’ choirs have had

the opportunity to meet and perform for composers, Rollo Dilworth and Deke Sharon. Deke Sharon composed a

special arrangement of “Go Tell it On the Mountain” for the Lenape Men’s Ensemble in 2011. Amy Bernon wrote an

original piece, titled “When We Sing” for the Lenape Choir, under Mrs. Rogers’ direction in 2015. Mrs. Roger’s choirs

have received numerous superior ratings and “Best in Show” awards at the Music in the Parks competitions held

every spring at Dorney Park. In 2015, the LMS Women’s Ensemble received the Grand Sweepstakes Award from

Music Showcase Festivals for earning the highest scores of all choral ensembles that competed at Dorney in the 2015

competition season.

Mrs. Rogers is an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educations Association (PMEA), Music Educator’s

National Conference (MENC), and the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA). In addition to teaching, Mrs.

Rogers is an avid reader and enjoys cooking when she has the time. She is also a huge fan of musical theatre and

anything Broadway!

Mrs. Rogers lives in Doylestown with her husband and two young daughters. She loves living in Doylestown and all

the wonderful opportunities, activities, and events that are offered throughout the year. As the choir director at

Lenape Middle School, Mrs. Rogers hopes to continue to grow the Choir Program, expose students to great music,

and foster a life-long love of singing. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone and having a wonderful

2015-16 school year.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 4

Objectives

Students will continue to develop the musical skills they acquired in previous grades,

focusing on improving their musicianship, musical knowledge, and vocal technique.

Students will experience a wide variety of musical styles.

Students will build confidence and a sense of accomplishment both individually and

collectively through pubic performances.

Students will have the opportunity to audition for various select groups, such as

Chamber Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Acafellas, Acabellas, Jazz Band, BCMEA, and more.

Students will develop good rehearsal habits by being responsible for their own music,

pencil, and choir uniform, as well as being expected to be on time and prepared for all

after school rehearsals and performances.

Most importantly – students will HAVE FUN!!!

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 5

Procedures/Policies

Class Materials: Students must bring a pencil and their agenda book to class every day. In addition, all

students will receive a Choir Folder. Choir folders will remain in the choir room at all times as they are shared

with students in other sections of choir. Students are expected to report lost or damaged music immediately.

Food, Drink, and Gum: Only bottled water is permitted in the choir room and auditorium. If a student has a

medical condition that required additional food or drink, exceptions will be considered through parent

conference. ABSOLUTELY NO GUM is permitted in all music areas.

All students are expected to treat their peers, teacher, the choir room and its contents with respect at all

times: Students who do not show respect will be given a consequence. Consequences may include loss of

privileges, lunch detention, after- school detention, cleaning the choir room, writing a letter of apology,

and/or parent conference.

Announcements and News: All announcements and news will be communicated through Mrs. Rogers’

teacher page. You can find a link to Mrs. Rogers’ teacher page on the CBSD website, under “teacher sites.”

Students and parents are expected to check email and/or the site for announcements. Weekly rehearsal

schedules are also posted on the Music Bulletin Board (outside room 325) and on the white board in front of

the room.

Absences from class: Students who are absent from class should check with Mrs. Rogers for any

announcements/classwork that they may have missed. Students should also check the hanging file, stored in

the front of the room, for missed handouts/assignments. Handouts/assignments are organized by date.

Hall Passes: Students who need a pass (bathroom, locker, library, nurse) must raise their hand and ASK MRS.

ROGERS. Once permission is granted students must sign out and take the appropriate pass with them.

Students must sign back in upon their return. Abuse of this policy will result in a stricter arrangement.

Resource/Lunch: Students who wish to come to the choir room for resource or lunch, must ask Mrs. Rogers

for a pass PRIOR to resource or lunch. Mrs. Rogers will write passes IN YOUR AGENDA BOOKS ONLY for this

purpose. You must have a reason for coming to the choir room and you must stay in the choir room for the

entire resource/lunch period. Students will not be permitted to use the alcove. Students who abuse this policy

will lose the privilege of coming to the choir room for lunch/resource.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 6

Performances and Ensembles

Performances are a necessary part of every music program. Through the various ensembles offered at

Lenape, performances allow the students to express themselves in many ways. Students are able to show

audiences of family, friends, and peers their hard work and dedication to the choir. In addition,

performances support the school community. Performing in different venues and for different audiences

allows the students to have a diverse musical experience that will build confidence and positively affect

their daily lives.

Required performances for grade level choirs for the 2015-16

School Year

Veteran’s Day Assembly (7th/8th/9th Grade Boys)

o November 11, 2015 – during school day, time TBD

Winter Concert (7th/8th/9th Grade Choir & Select Choirs)

o December 2, 2015 @ 7 PM – Performers arrive at 6:15 PM

9th Grade Choir Exchange @ CB West (9th Grade Choir only)

o December 21, 2015 6-8 PM

Spring Concert (7th/8th/9th Grade Choir & Select Choirs)

o April 28, 2016 – Performers arrive at 6:15 PM

POPs Concert (7th/8th/9th Grade Choir & Select Choirs)

o June 2, 2016 @ 7 PM – Performers arrive at 6:15 PM

Select choir members will have additional required performances that will be

communicated separately. Additional optional performances for grade level

choirs will be communicated in class and listed on Mrs. Rogers’ teacher page.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 7

Performing Groups

7th/8th/9th Grade Choir: Choir classes are offered to all students who enjoy singing and are interested. These

students will participate in various concerts throughout the school year. Choir classes meet all year, every

other day for 56 minutes. Students will be required to rehearse both during and after the normal school

day. Please be aware that mandatory after-school rehearsals will be held as we approach the concerts.

Information about these rehearsals will be communicated well in advance.

Chamber Choir/Women’s Ensemble: The Lenape Middle School Chamber Choir and Women’s Ensembles

are comprised of an elite group of musicians. Entry to these ensembles is gained by audition only.

Auditions are held in the third week of September. Students must prepare and sing “The Star Spangled

Banner” for their audition. More information on auditions and a sign up for times will be posted on the

bulletin board located in the hall next to Rm. 325.

Acafellas & Acabellas: The Acafellas and Acabellas exclusively perform a cappella music. Entry into these

groups is by invitation of the conductor. Students will be selected from the current year’s Chamber and

Women’s Ensemble rosters. Students should indicate their interest in these groups when they audition for

Chamber and Women’s Ensemble.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 8

Concert Attire

Choir students wear a particular outfit in order to give the choir a more uniform and professional look and

feel, to minimize distractions caused by clothing choices, and to help make the concert performance feel

special. The concert attire described is expected and required. If you have any concerns about meeting

these requirements please contact Mrs. Rogers ASAP so that we can work something out.

7/8/9 Grade Choir

Boys: White button down shirt, a long tie (any color), black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes.

Girls: White button down shirt, black dress pants or a black skirt that is knee-length or longer, black dress

shoes. No leggings or UGGS.

Select Choirs

Select choir members will wear the outfit described below in place of the 7/8/9 choir outfit.

Boys: Black button down shirt and red neck tie will be provided to you. You must supply black dress

pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.

Girls: A red blouse will be provided to you. You must provide a knee-length black skirt and black dress

shoes.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 9

Grading Policy

Class Performance & Preparation (40% of overall grade)

Students will be graded weekly with short checklists/rubrics. Approximately 6-10 students will be graded

each day. They will receive the rubric at the end of class. The grading topic will be posted on the daily

PowerPoint. A copy of the rubrics will be kept in each choir folder for student reference. Topics will

include…

o Following classroom procedures

o Singing posture

o Diaphragmatic Breathing

o Classroom Performance

o Musical Expression

o Sightreading Skills

Graded Assignments & Assessments (30% of overall grade) = up to 50 pts. each

The number and types of assignments and assessments each marking period will vary. Examples of

assignments and assessments include…

o Vocal Tests

o Written quizzes

o Computer assignments – aural training, music theory assignments

o Voice Journal entries

o Concert reflections

o PowerPoints

Rehearsal and Performance Skills (30% of overall grade) = 10 pts. per week in class, 20 pts. for each after

school rehearsal, & 40 pts. for each performance

o Weekly Grade ( 10 pts.): Students will earn full credit each week by consistently demonstrating

cooperative, selfless, and efficient rehearsal skills during class. Examples of exemplary rehearsal skills

are…

Preparing for rehearsal upon entering class by getting your music, getting to your seat, and

beginning the warm-up activity

Transitioning appropriately between rehearsal activities

Maintaining focus when your section is NOT singing

Following rehearsal directions

Respecting your fellow choir members and the teacher (Mrs. Rogers or a substitute)

Taking care of your music and the classroom

Students will begin each week with 10 points. Students who do not demonstrate exemplary rehearsal

skills will lose points. Grades will be recorded every two weeks. Comments will show why a student

received a minus (if necessary).

o After – School Rehearsal Grade (20 pts.): Typically there will be 2-3 after-school rehearsals before

each performance. Students who attend rehearsal and demonstrate exemplary performance and

rehearsal skills will earn the full 20 points.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 10

After School Rehearsal Grading

20 pts. Attended rehearsal and exhibited excellent singing skills and rehearsal skills.

15 pts. Attended rehearsal and exhibited poor singing skills – OR – poor rehearsal skills.

10 pts. Attended rehearsal and exhibited poor singing skills AND poor rehearsal skills

5 pts. Earned if an Unexcused Absence is only partially made up.

0 pts. (Missing) Earned for Excused and Unexcused absences that are not made up.

o Performances (40 pts. each): Students who attend performances and demonstrate exemplary

choral performance skills and singing skills will earn the full 40 points. Choral performance skills

include the following…

Arriving on time, dressed in the required concert attire, and in the correct location

Recognizing appropriate and inappropriate times to talk

Maintaining focus while you are performing

Listening carefully to and following directions

Respecting your chaperones

Respecting other singers

Performances Grading

40pts. Attended the performance and exhibited excellent singing skills and choral performance skills.

30 pts. Attended the performance and exhibited poor singing skills – OR – poor choral performance skills.

20 pts. Attended the performance and exhibited poor singing skills AND poor choral performance skills

10 pts. Earned if an Unexcused Absence is only partially made up.

0 pts. (Missing) Earned for Excused and Unexcused absences that are not made up.

Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 11

After School Rehearsal and Performance

Absences

After- School Rehearsal Absences

1. Excused Missed Rehearsals

Must be communicated prior to the day of the missed rehearsal on the electronic form on

your director’s teacher site. (Exception – absence from school or leaving early for

illness/emergency)

CB West/Lenape Sports game/match

Students who have sports practices must notify the director of the conflict prior to

the rehearsal to discuss sharing between both activities.

All other situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis

2. Unexcused Rehearsals

Missed rehearsals that are not communicated prior to the rehearsal date

How to make up a missed rehearsal

There will be one resource make-up rehearsal scheduled for each ensemble. You must attend that

rehearsal to make up the grade.

Students with excused absences will earn full-credit by attending the make-up rehearsal

Students with unexcused absences will earn partial credit (70%) by attending the make-up

rehearsal

Performance (Concert) Absences

Excused Absence: o An excused absence includes absence from school on the day of the concert, a medical

emergency that cannot be communicated in advance,e or an extenuating circumstance that is discussed prior to the missed concert.

o A written assignment will be given to substitute the missed points. o The make- up assignment can be found on my teacher site and is due two weeks after the

missed concert. Unexcused Absence:

o An unexcused absence includes not showing up for the concert with no communication before and/or after the date.

o No substitute assignment will be given and the student receives “0” points.

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National Standards for Music Education

1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.

4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.

5. Reading and notating music.

6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.

7. Evaluating music and music performances.

8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

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First Homework Assignment for ALL Choir Classes

As part of your grade for the first marking period, you are required to complete an online form to ensure

that you understand and have read the Lenape Choir Handbook.

This task must be completed by your 3rd choir class.

To acknowledge your receipt of this handbook, click on the link below and follow the instructions given.

RECEIPT OF HANDBOOK VERIFICATION