VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH

SCHOOL CHOIR HANDBOOK

2013-2014

“The Voice of the Patriot Nation!”

VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR STAFF AND VERTICAL TEAMVeterans Memorial HS Mr. D. Savedra, Head Choir DirectorMs. V. Rodriguez, Asst. Choir DirectorMrs. K. Warkentin, Accompanist

Mission Junior High SchoolMrs. Linda Mussolari

R. Cantu JHMrs. Evangelina Guerra

GRADING POLICYGrades will be based on attendance and punctuality, effort, memorization of music, care of equipment (music, folders, etc...), cooperation, and written and aural assignments. The choir grade is broken into three parts. They are: 1. Attendance/Class Performance = 45% **Please

note that, under Attendance, ALL CONCERTS & EXTRA REHEARSALS, shall be included as well**

2. Test/Quiz = 40%3. Semester/Final Exam = 15% (overall grade)

1. DAILY CLASSROOM PERFORMANCE & ATTENDANCE 45% OF GRADEA. Materials (folder, music, pencil) must be in hand as soon as a student enters the room - Each student starts each week with a 100% Performance Grade. Points are deducted each time a student engages in an infraction of the rules. B. Rehearse/Practice like a Champion - Be prepared to actively engage in proper rehearsal etiquette, vocalization, sight reading, and yes . . . dancing. C. Treat the class (Choir) as well as fellow VMHS Staff, Administration and Students with RESPECT - This is not the Library or “Make-Up” Missed Assignments in “other” Core Classes Class. The highest expectation of “excellent behavior” is demanded of each and every student. Failure to do so will result in loss of class points, referrals, parent conferences and removal from the class.

D. Excused absence from class - Students are expected to make up any missed assignments. Ask the choral director what was missed on the day(s) of absence. E. Unexcused absence from class - If a student is truant, any tests and/or assignments taken on that day cannot be credited toward the student’s grade.F. Classroom Tardies – Tardies are unacceptable. Each student must be on the risers, with their materials, when the bell rings. Any violation of this is considered a “tardy”. Three (3) tardies within one six weeks = Referral, Parent home phone call and parent/teacher conference.

G. Absence from performance (concert) - A major performance is worth ONE-HALF of the grading period average. A student will not receive credit (0%) for a major performance if the absence is unexcused. Only in cases of extreme emergency, illness, or bereavement will a student be excused from a performance. With an excused absence, the student is required to make up the missed performance by typing a 4 page paper on a musical topic for which the basis the director will provide. The student will be given 2 days from the day of the concert to complete the assignment. The paper will be graded using all determined rubrics and standards appropriate for the student’s grade level. H. After school rehearsals, private lesson, sectional, special rehearsals and performances - Performances and rehearsals are considered an extension of the class. It is your obligation to make every effort to attend.

2. TEST/QUIZ GRADE 40% OF GRADEWritten and vocal/singing assignments will be given periodically during the course of the year. Late assignments will be weighed heavily. You will be given advance notice of most exams. Pop quizzes (which will include sight-reading, note identification, rhythm identification) shall occur. There shall be a TEST EVERY SIX WEEKS. Exam can be WRITTEN, ORAL, PERFORMANCE BASED or a combination of ALL THREE.

3. FINAL EXAM 15% OF OVERALL GRADEAll classes will have a both Mid-Term Semester and End of the Year Final Exams. Exams shall include, but not be limited to, Written Music Theory (Notation, Solfege, etc.), Aural Skills, Sight-Reading, and Memorized Musical Performance. Students will be tested on material to which they have been exposed during the course of the year (semester).

VMHS CHOIR RULES2013-2014Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful.

1. ARRIVE ON TIME. IF ONE IS NOT ON THE RISERS WHEN THE BELL SOUNDS; ONE SHALL BE COUNTED TARDY.2. HAVE MUSIC, FOLDER AND MATERIALS READY IMMEDIATELY.3. ALWAYS READ THE BOARD FOR INSTRUCTIONS.4. NO FOOD, GUM, DRINK PERMITTED AT ANY TIME. 5. ABSOLUTELY NO TALKING DURING REHEARALS. ZERO = 0%.

6. YOU MUST HAVE PERMISSION TO LEAVE THE HALL (RESTROOM, NURSE, OFFICE, ETC.)7. MAITAIN AN ATTITUDE OF RESPECT AT ALL TIMES WHILE IN THE CHOIR HALL. THIS PERTAINS TO CARE INSTRUMENTS, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT, TEACHERS AND INTERACTION/ATTITUDE(S) TOWARDS FELLOW STUDENTS. 8. NO CELL PHONES OR I-PODS OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES PERMITTED AT ANY TIME. THIS APPLIES TO AFTER SCHOOL/WEEKEND REHEARSALS AS WELL. YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE PRACTICE FOR TEXTING DURING REHEARSALS. 9. DRESS CODE SHALL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO AND ENFORCED.10. ANY ADDITIONAL RULES AND/CHANGES IMPLEMENTED BY MR. SAVEDRA DURING THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR.

CLASS PERFORMANCE POINT CHART

(Negative and/or – (minus) Deductions Off Of A Student’s Daily Grade)

1. Tardy (-10 points)2. No pencil (-10 points)3. No folder (-10 points)4. No sheet/choir music (-20 points)5. Excessive Talking/Disruption (-20 points)6. Eating, drinking, gum chewing (-25 points).7. Cursing/Belittling/Demeaning Comments (-25 points: Plus Referral)8. Horseplay (-25 points: Plus Referral)9. Playing piano/TV/stereo without director’s consent (-25 points: Plus Referral)10. VMHS Campus Mission CISD Discipline violations (-30 points: Plus Referral)

VMHS CHOIR LETTERMAN’S JACKETSIn order to obtain a Letter in Choir, students need FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE. Additionally, in order to attain a Letterman’s Jacket a student must attend three of the following during one calendar year: 1) All State Choir Auditions, 2) Treble Choir Auditions, 3) Solo & Ensemble Contest, or 4) UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest.Only Juniors/Senior Women will be allowed in VARSITY WOMEN’S TREBLE. The ONLY EXCEPTION to this rule would be if an underclassmen advances to the AREA FINAL AUDITION of ALL-STATE CHOIR.

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES1. Every student will be given a performance schedule at the beginning of the school year. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information.2. Always report to the designated meeting place; unless call is made prior to performance.3. Choir formal attire will be worn for the following concerts: Fall, Christmas, Winter/Spring, UIL, District/Region Organizational competitions and any special performances.4. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that his/her outfit is cleaned and pressed for every performance. The following is the formal attire dress code:ALL WOMEN’S CHOIRS (Freshmen, JV & Varsity)Ladies: Black close-toed shoes (no stiletto heels), deodorant, no earrings, formal dress/gown issued at the beginning of the year. ABSOLUTELY NO PERFUME or COLOGNE!MEN’S CHOIRGentleman: Black pants, black socks, black shoes, deodorant and tuxedos issued at the beginning of the year. ABSOLUTELY NO COLOGNE!

**Students will NOT be allowed to perform if they do NOT meet the above dress requirement**

UNIFORM REPLACEMENT COSTS Men’s Tenor/Bass Choir - $30.00 for a new

shirt, $100.00 for new tuxedo, $20.00 for a new bag.

Women’s Treble Choirs (Freshmen, JV and Varsity Treble) - $85.00 for a new dress, $20.00 for a new bag.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2013-2014VMHS CHORAL DEPARTMENTAll activities on this calendar are required where noted! The only excused absences are those deemed appropriate by the Student/Parent Handbook!

• The director must be notified in advance of a potential conflict!• Illness must come with doctor’s excuse.• It is your responsibility to eliminate conflicts (work, other extra-curricular activities).

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2013-2014VMHS CHORAL DEPARTMENT

Please realize that there are no redundant rehearsals for these groups; new material is presented at each rehearsal, time is utilized to maximize efficiency, and therefore any absence will result in the student being "behind" in various aspects of the learning process. It is therefore, strongly recommended that all effort be directed towards resolving conflicts, especially for new members, to ensure retention of grade and status in the organization. This organization will not be slowed or impeded by the actions (or lack thereof) of a few individuals.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2013-2014VMHS CHORAL DEPARTMENT

This calendar is provided to allow you to resolve conflicts now; however, this calendar is tentative and subject to change with appropriate notice!Unless otherwise marked, all times are in the PM.

AUGUSTFriday, August 30, 2013Handbook Signed/Parental Consent Form is Due Back To Mr. Savedra, Ms. Rodriguez or Mrs. WarkentinBy 4:30 PM in the Choir Hall Saturday, September 28, 2013All State District/Region AuditionsRobert Vela HS (Edinburg)All State Choir Staff, Personnel and Students

OCTOBER October 19, 2013District Treble AuditionsMcAllen Memorial High SchoolTreble Choir Staff, Personnel and Students

October 17, 2013 Fall Choir Concert – VMHS Fine Arts AuditoriumCall Time 5:00 PM Dressed In Formal Attire. Concert at 6:30 PMAll Choir Staff, Personnel and Students

NOVEMBERSaturday, November 16, 2013Pre-Area AuditionsNikki Rowe High SchoolAll Advancing Choir Members & Personnel

Friday, November 22, 2013Region/Pre-Area Clinic (1)McAllen High School; 2:00 – 8:00 PMAll Advancing Choir Members & Personnel

Saturday, November 23, 2013District/Region Clinic & ConcertMcAllen High SchoolAll Advancing Choir Members & Personnel

DECEMBERSaturday, December 14, 2012Pre-Area Clinic (2)Veterans Memorial High School, $5.00All Advancing Choir Members & Personnel Tuesday, December 17, 2013Christmas Concert Call Time 5:00 PM. Concert at 6:30 PM. All Choir Staff, Personnel and Students

Thursday, December 19, 2013Choir Christmas PartyChoir & Mariachi Hall5:30 – 9:00 PM

JANUARYSaturday, January 11, 2014All-State Area FinalsRockport-Fulton High SchoolAll Advancing Choir Members & Personnel

Saturday, January, 25, 2014UIL Solo & Ensemble ContestP.S.J.A. Memorial High SchoolAll Eligible Men’s & Women’s Varsity/JV/Freshman Choir Members

FEBRUARY

Wednesday-Thursday, February 12-15, 2014TMEA Convention & All State Choir ConcertSan Antonio Convention Center San Antonio, TX All Eligible Men’s & Women’s All State Choir Members

MARCH

Thursday, March 20, 2014Pre-UIL ConcertVMHS Fine Arts AuditoriumCall Time 5:00 PM. Concert 6:30 PM.All Eligible Men’s & Women’s All State Choir Members

APRIL

Wednesday/Thursday, April 9-10, 2014Region XV UIL Concert & Sight Reading CompetitionPSJA Southwest High School - $450.00 per choir

MAYMay 10, 2014End of the Year Choir Banquet & DanceTBD6:30 – 10:00 PM

Saturday & Monday, May 24 & 26, 2014Solo & Ensemble State FinalsUniversity of Texas at AustinAll “Class 1” Song Advancing Students from District S/E

JUNE

Thursday & Friday, May 29 & 30, 2014End of the Year Musical Revue”VMHS Fine Arts Auditorium6:30 PM Both Nights$3.00 Charge – General PublicChildren 12 and under are Free.