Welcome to Choir at BFHS!
My goal is to teach you all that I can about music and help you to become the finest and most knowledgeable performer possible. If you always make your best effort, you will experience much success here. The study of music is both very rewarding and a lot of fun. The purpose of this handbook is to explain how I am going to help you find those rewards and discover the joy of music.
Everything in this handbook is important. Please read it carefully with your parent so that we can all be on the same page as we start the year in choir.
I hope you will enjoy your musical studies here. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Mrs. Amanda Clegg
480-558-1197
[email protected]
Everything in this handbook is important. Please read it carefully with your parent so that we can all be on the same page as we start the year in choir.
I hope you will enjoy your musical studies here. If you ever have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
Mrs. Amanda Clegg
480-558-1197
[email protected]
Behavior
BEHAVIOR: Our primary responsibility in choir is to learn about music. Any behavior that distracts from, or interferes with this learning process will not be permitted.
Choir room rules are provided as special guidelines for your behavior while you are in this room. Quiet attention to the teacher, remaining in your seat during the class period, and following directions are naturally expected of you in choir –just as they are in your other classes.
Infractions of the rules or disruption of class will result in an attempt to help you adjust your behavior. These consequences and discipline will follow the outline of discipline in the Family Handbook and include a warning, a conference between you and the director, and a call home if the behavior continues. As is stated in the Family Handbook, “ The goal of school discipline is to correct undesirable behavior.” And this can best be achieved through employing the three C’s “ consistency, consequences, and caring. It is in the students’ best interest that they are given consistent consequences in a caring manner.” This holds true in the choir classroom. (See page 19 of the Family Handbook for reference)
My goal is to help each student be as successful as possible in the music program.
Choir room rules are provided as special guidelines for your behavior while you are in this room. Quiet attention to the teacher, remaining in your seat during the class period, and following directions are naturally expected of you in choir –just as they are in your other classes.
Infractions of the rules or disruption of class will result in an attempt to help you adjust your behavior. These consequences and discipline will follow the outline of discipline in the Family Handbook and include a warning, a conference between you and the director, and a call home if the behavior continues. As is stated in the Family Handbook, “ The goal of school discipline is to correct undesirable behavior.” And this can best be achieved through employing the three C’s “ consistency, consequences, and caring. It is in the students’ best interest that they are given consistent consequences in a caring manner.” This holds true in the choir classroom. (See page 19 of the Family Handbook for reference)
My goal is to help each student be as successful as possible in the music program.
Rehearsal Routine
Establishing a normal rehearsal routing is important because it allows daily rehearsal time to be used efficiently. The routine begins as you enter the room.
Everyday, without exception, class will begin when the bell rings. Students who are not seated by this time will receive a verbal warning. If a student his habitually unobservant of this rule further discipline as described in the Behavior section of this handbook will be applied.
Every class period will begin with bell work, sight reading, and vocal warm-ups that are related to the music we be singing that period. We will rehearse our concert music for the remainder of the period.
During a rehearsal, there will be times when the director is working with a section other than your own. You are expected to “score study” during these times.
The class will be dismissed by the director when:
Everyday, without exception, class will begin when the bell rings. Students who are not seated by this time will receive a verbal warning. If a student his habitually unobservant of this rule further discipline as described in the Behavior section of this handbook will be applied.
Every class period will begin with bell work, sight reading, and vocal warm-ups that are related to the music we be singing that period. We will rehearse our concert music for the remainder of the period.
During a rehearsal, there will be times when the director is working with a section other than your own. You are expected to “score study” during these times.
The class will be dismissed by the director when:
- The room has been returned to its original state of order.
- All students are sitting quietly in their assigned seats.
- The director has made any necessary reminders and announcements.
Materials For Class
Students must have the following items in class every day:
You will have music and materials checked out to you. If any of it is lost, damaged, or stolen, you will be charged its full replacement cost (normally $1.50-$3.50 per score). The music we use is very expensive and, in some cases, no longer in print –so please take good care of it.
After every rehearsal, it is your responsibility to return your folder to storage. You are only permitted to handle your own folder. You are required to write rehearsal/performance notes in your music as long as they are in PENCIL. All pencil markings must be erased completely before the music is turned in at the end of the quarter.
Students not in possession of any of these items are considered unprepared for class and are subject to discipline.
- A sharpened pencil (pens are not acceptable)
- Your bell work paper (a new one will be passed out each week)
- Your music and music folder
You will have music and materials checked out to you. If any of it is lost, damaged, or stolen, you will be charged its full replacement cost (normally $1.50-$3.50 per score). The music we use is very expensive and, in some cases, no longer in print –so please take good care of it.
After every rehearsal, it is your responsibility to return your folder to storage. You are only permitted to handle your own folder. You are required to write rehearsal/performance notes in your music as long as they are in PENCIL. All pencil markings must be erased completely before the music is turned in at the end of the quarter.
Students not in possession of any of these items are considered unprepared for class and are subject to discipline.
Performance Attire
All members of the BFHS Choirs are responsible for a choir uniform. Required dress for each concert may vary as the year progresses, but here is a list of basic requirements that will not vary dramatically from concert to concert:
BFHS Men:
BFHS Women:
Students will be given further information about required concert uniforms during Charger Days and in class. Information will be given with plenty of time to obtain the needed items. If you have any questions about attire please contact the director.
If you cannot meet these expectations due to financial hardship, please notify the director immediately so that assistance can be arranged. I am here to help if it is needed.
BFHS Men:
- White long sleeved dress shirt (tuxedo shirt)
- Black bow tie
- Black dress shoes & black socks
- Black dress slacks (no jeans or corduroy)
- Black belt
BFHS Women:
- BFHS Choir Dress (students needing a choir dress will be fitted for one during the 3rd week of school)
- Black nylons/tights
- Black closed toed dress shoe with a heel of 1 inch or less
- Hair must be half up
Students will be given further information about required concert uniforms during Charger Days and in class. Information will be given with plenty of time to obtain the needed items. If you have any questions about attire please contact the director.
If you cannot meet these expectations due to financial hardship, please notify the director immediately so that assistance can be arranged. I am here to help if it is needed.
Grading Policy
Your grade in choir is made up of the following categories
- Daily Rehearsal Participation 30%
- Daily Bell Work 30%
- Concert Attendance/Participation/Behavior 30%
- Choir Service 10%
Extra Help
You may make an appointment with the director to come in before or after school or during lunch for tutoring if you are having difficulty with an of the music we work on in class. You also may be asked to come in before school, after school, or at lunch for extra help if you have not passed a test. I am more than willing to help you if you ask. I cannot know you need help unless you ask. Always remember to make an appointment before coming in for help. I am also happy to help you with any special music or audition materials on which you may be working.
Private Lessions
While it is not required that you take private lessons in order to participate in choir at BFHS, nothing can take the place of individualized, expert attention and guidance. Private lessons greatly increase the chance for you to participate in activities such as High School Regional Choir and All-State Choir. You may also consider private piano lessons. Keyboard skills can help you to become a much better musician in a relatively short period of time. If you are interested in finding a private voice or piano teacher, the director would be happy to recommend someone.