Choir Students and Parents:  The following handbook is not broken into pages for ease of printing.  If you would like a copy of this handbook as a Word document, please e-mail at the address below.  I will send the handbook as an e-mail attachment. For the most up-to-date calendar, click on the "calendar" link on the left.   eveile@heliashighschool.com   Helias Choirs       2009-2010 Choir Handbook       Policies and Procedures of the Helias High School Vocal Music Program             1305 Swifts Hwy. Jefferson City, MO 65109 (573) 635-6139 eveile@heliashighschool.com http://users.heliashighschool.com/users/eveile         Dear Helias Choir Members,   Albert Einstein once said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Don’t we all wish we could be musicians! We often forget the importance of music in our everyday lives-- the way it makes us feel, think, and act. There is a different song, a different sound for each occasion. A song just like a smell or taste takes us back to pleasant memories of our past-- a loved one, a fantastic vacation, or just a wonderful day that will forever be engrained into who we are. Even though I don’t have a musical bone in my body, music is a constant in my life. As I work in my office, music whether it is New Country, 70’s Rock, or Samba is constantly playing through my iPod or computer. As a college athlete, Carlos Santana’s “Carnaval” was a part of my pre-game ritual. Thank you for using your God-given talents in bringing pleasure to us all. I hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable choir year. I know we will all take pleasure in the music you sing. From Concert Choir to the Chorus to the musical and beyond, we look forward to your performances.   God bless you,       Didier Aur, President                           Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever! Introduction   This handbook is intended to serve as a guideline for all activities involving the vocal music program at Helias High School. While no handbook can cover all situations and events that may occur in the course of a school year, this handbook can be used as a guide to most choir functions. If a problem or questions not covered by this handbook should arise, please ask one of your directors for guidance.   Philosophy of Music Education   The vocal music program at Helias High School is intended to give all participating students a well-rounded experience in music, including a variety of ensembles, music theory, music history, and music performance. A well-rounded music program cannot put the majority of the emphasis and effort into one ensemble, at the downfall of other ensembles. Choirs at Helias offer students the opportunity to perform in Concert Choir, Chorus, and musical theatre, as well as numerous small ensembles. Students are encouraged to participate in as many Helias music ensembles as possible, as well as community ensembles.   Students who enroll in any of the vocal ensembles at Helias High School must understand that they are joining a group that has high standards for each member. All members are expected to put forth their best effort to help each ensemble succeed. The choir program is oriented towards group goals, not individual goals; each student’s number one priority is expected to be the success of the group. Success will be determined by the self-discipline displayed by each individual and the group as a whole.   All choir students are also expected to do well in all other academic subjects, maintaining a high GPA. While what is considered to be a high GPA varies by student, all students should put forth their best effort in all classes. All students must maintain their academic eligibility. Helias Choir Personnel   Eric Veile Choir Director Sue Logston Assistant Director   Helias Choir Student Officers Taylor Buckingham Choir President Dani Mann Choir Vice-President Beth McGrail Choir Secretary Hannah Smith, Sarah LePage, and Joe Schneider Section Leaders   Additional Student Positions Jen Schweiss Historian TBD Librarian TBD Show Choir Officers   Ensembles   The vocal music program at Helias High School is comprised of numerous ensembles. These include: Concert Choir, Show Choir, Chorus, spring musical, and Solos/Small Ensembles. For performance and rehearsal dates and times for all ensembles please see the calendar posted on the choir bulletin board, in the supplemental forms section of this handbook, the music department web page (http://users.heliashighschool.com/users/eveile).   Concert Choir is the top performing vocal ensemble at Helias. Members of this ensemble are chosen through an audition process, held in the spring of each school year. Concert Choir presents numerous performances each school year. These performances include 4 concerts (October, December, March, and May), State Contest (March), and civic functions (Veteran’s Day Mass, Living Windows, etc.). Concert Choir focuses primarily on SATB and SAB music, though other voicings will also be used.   Show Choir is the newest ensemble in the vocal department, Show choir combines song and dance to create a unique, high-energy show. Show choir performs various places and also will attend competitions.   Chorus is intended for a variety of students – those wishing to develop as a singer, sing in a choir for a fine arts credit, or who simply enjoy music. Chorus does not require student auditions and focuses on 2- and 3-part music. Chorus performs 4 concerts per year (October, December, March, and May).   The Spring Musical is a non-credit music experience. All students who enjoy musical theatre or wish to experience a different type of musical experience are encouraged to audition for the spring musical. Auditions are held each December.   Miscellaneous Choir Events   The following are optional events (except State Contest) that all students are encouraged to consider.   State Contest State Contest is held yearly in the spring at various locations around the state (we perform at JCHS). This is the most important performance the Concert Choir will give each year. At this event the choir performs approximately 10 minutes of music for three judges. These judges, who are often college directors or well-respected high school directors, grade the choir on a variety of criteria. Each judge then grades the choir from I (Outstanding) – V (You shouldn’t have shown up). After performing for these judges, the choir then must sight-read a piece of music for a different judge. This judge grades the choir on criteria such as correct pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and articulation. The four scores are then totaled and an overall score is given. A I-rating, though difficult to achieve, is given to the best choirs in Missouri.   Solo and Ensemble Also held yearly in the spring at various locations throughout the state, Solo and Ensemble is a chance for Concert Choir students to work on solos or small groups. These pieces are prepared and performed for a judge who rates all pieces on the same I-V scale used for State Contest. Those students who earn a I rating at District Solo and Ensemble (we go to JCHS) are then eligible to perform at State Solo and Ensemble (at the University of Missouri). Here students are again rated, though on a more difficult scale. Only the finest solos or ensembles in the state are able to earn a State I rating. All Helias students, in good standing, who earn a State I rating receive automatic music letters.   District/State Choir Auditions for District Choir are held in late September. Those selected to a district choir attend an all day clinic in November, which is followed by a concert of the prepared music. Guest conductors are hired to work with these choirs. Juniors and seniors who are selected to the top district choir are then eligible to audition for the All-State Choir. Those selected to the All-State Choir spend four days at the Missouri Music Educators Conference in January working in clinics with the guest conductor. These clinics are followed by a concert. Students, in good standing, selected to an All-State choir earn automatic letters.   Music Theory All students entering their sophomore, junior, or senior years are encouraged to register for Music Theory. This one semester class focuses on the basics of music, such as rhythm, pitch, chords, and scales. The more advanced the class the more advanced the material. If there is sufficient interest, a second semester of music theory may be able to be offered.   Rehearsal Procedures   Students are expected to be in their assigned seat, ready to sing, when the bell rings. Students who are not prepared to sing will be counted tardy. During class we will work on sections of the music with the entire ensemble, small groups, and individuals. When not singing, all students must sit quietly, with absolutely no talking, playing, or wandering around the room. This is a good time to look through difficult sections of the music. Students are not to work on homework or any non-choir related items. This delays rehearsal when it is time to switch groups. If there will be an extended time where some students will not be singing, Mr. Veile or Mrs. Logston may give permission to work on other work. Students may be pulled out of class in small groups or as individuals to work on sections of the music or to take singing tests.   Rehearsal does not end when the bell rings, but only when Mr. Veile or Mrs. Logston dismisses the group. On most days the class will be given time to put music away before the bell rings. If class runs long students are not to stop singing and run for the door. Other procedures will be covered in class and may change as the year progresses.   Students are expected to meet the Helias dress code at all times during in-class rehearsals.   Performance Procedures   Concert Choir and Chorus members will be given a specific call-time before all performances. At this time all members should be ready to perform the concert, including all music at hand (if being used) and complete concert attire. Students not prepared will be counted tardy.   As Choir performances are generally not held in the music room, choir risers and any other necessary equipment will need to be moved and set-up for the performance. Choir members will have an opportunity to volunteer to help. If volunteers are scarce, sections of the choirs will be assigned to a concert and be expected to help at their assigned time. All workers can earn service hours. After the performance all choir members are expected to help more equipment back to the music room. Those who do not help will have their grade lowered.   Grades   Students registered for any choir class receive grades and class credit. These grades are weighted the same in each student’s GPA and class rank as any other class. Grading criteria varies as each ensemble has its own grading needs. The following is a rough explanation of the grading process, which is always subject to change as needed.   Grade Breakdown   Grades in choir class will be a combination of rehearsal points, performances, and singing tests. The exact number of points will be determined as the year progresses, varying based on the number of rehearsals, performances, and tests. This class is not an automatic A; students should not approach it as such. In general performances will be worth more points than rehearsals, as there are fewer performances and they are more important. Concerts are worth more than other performances, which are worth more than rehearsals.   Students who have questions concerning their grade are always welcome to ask about their grade outside of class. Individual grades will never be discussed during rehearsal.     Attendance and Tardiness   Perfect or close to perfect attendance is required for all students participating in an ensemble. Students who are not present will consistently miss important information.   Attendance at all performances is absolutely mandatory unless there is a family emergency or the student is too sick to attend. Family dinners, work, and general laziness are not excuses to miss performances or rehearsals. If you know of any family conflicts, such as a sibling’s wedding, you must complete the Request for Excused Absence form as far in advance as possible (see the Supplemental Forms section for a copy of this form). All absences from performances will be considered unexcused unless this form has been completed AND approved at least a week in advance. If a student must miss due to an emergency or illness, that student or student’s parent is expected to contact Mr. Veile as far as advance as possible (phone or e-mail), even if the emergency occurred the day of the event. This is especially important if the choir is traveling to a performance and may be holding the bus waiting for one or two students. If a student must miss a performance due to an emergency or illness, a Request for Excused Absence form must be turn in with-in two school days of the student’s return.   Non-emergency medical appointments, driver’s license examinations, team practices, and other arranged events are not excuses to miss performances or rehearsals. If a student is absent from class time, a school blue slip must be presented for credit to be excused.   As choir is a performing medium, attendance and participation at required performances will play a large part in determining a student’s grade. Please see the section on grades for more information.   Tardiness for any reason is simply unacceptable. Students will always be given a call time for any choir activity. At this given time students are not to be walking in the door, pulling in the parking lot, or thinking about leaving home. At this time any necessary equipment should be out and ready to use. If a student is at school, but not ready to sing, then he/she will be considered tardy. Tardiness will affect grades (see the grading section for information). Please note, school policy dictates that four tardies result in the quarter grades being lowered one letter.   Private Lessons   All students are encouraged to take private lessons with an area teacher. Private lessons can be one of the best ways for a student to progress as an individual singer. Private lessons allow students to have individualized attention, as well as expose students to music that cannot be covered in a group setting. Private lessons are of additional benefit to those students who will be participating in District and State Solo and Ensemble. Private lessons also earn students additional points towards a music letter.   Discipline Policy   There are several manners in which discipline will be dealt. As all rehearsals and performances are included in class grades, disruptions will often result in lost points (see Grades). For less/more severe actions and repeat offenses, additional discipline will be used. Some example include:   Detention: Detention can be held before or after school, with times ranging from a few minutes to several hours. As discipline problems generally serve to disrupt the choir, detentions will be a time for the student in question to help the choir. This service can include cleaning, library organization, or any number of jobs. Students are expected to serve the detention at the time and date assigned, regardless of other activities that may be in conflict. Unexcused absences from detention time will result in a doubling of that time. Tardiness to a detention is also unacceptable and will also result in additional time to be served.   Assignments: Students may be assigned out of class assignments, such as worksheets, papers, or busy work. These are intended to take a significant amount of time to complete.   Additional rehearsal time: For excessive time wasted during rehearsal by a large percentage of the full ensemble, additional rehearsal time will added to make up for lost time. This additional time could be extended rehearsals before or after school or early call times to performance.   Please note: Rehearsal time is not the time to discuss any discipline actions. Any arguing during this time will result in additional discipline, regardless of the validity of the argument. If there is a problem the student must talk to Mr. Veile outside of rehearsal.   School policy dictates that on the third offense (sooner for severe actions), students may be suspended from class for three days. On the fourth offense, students may be removed from the class.     Travel Policy   All Concert Choir students must complete the Permission to Travel form included in the Supplemental Forms section of the handbook. This form gives students permission to ride with the choir and specifies which choir parents the student may ride with to or from choir activities.   Students should know how to behave on a bus, at food stops, and at destinations. All possible forms of acceptable and unacceptable behavior will not be spelled out here. Keep in mind, if you are not sure if an action is acceptable, DON’T do it.   Any use or possession by a choir student of a tobacco product, alcohol, or drugs will result in an immediate suspension/expulsion from the choir program and any additional school discipline. This policy includes rehearsals and any choir functions.   Music Letters   Students involved in the music program at Helias program at Helias High School may earn a music letter. This letter may be worn on a letter jacket and is intended to represent the hard work and dedication put in by those who earn a letter. Most students will be able to earn a letter in one year of Concert Choir, with up to four letters possible in a high school career. Due to the limited performance schedule, it is difficult, if not impossible, to earn a letter in one or two years if not in Concert Choir. Only students who are in good standing with the choir are eligible for letters. Being selected to the Missouri All-State Band, Choir, Orchestra or Jazz Band or earning a I rating at State Solo and Ensemble earn students in good standing an automatic letter.   Music Room Use When a director is present, students are free to use the music room before or after school for practice or study. If a rehearsal is in progress, those students not involved should be quiet. If you need to talk, please go out in the hall or in a closet.   No food or drink is allowed in the music room. Water bottles are allowed if properly disposed of after the rehearsal. Music is to be put away in correctly after every choir activity. All choir students will be given a folder where music may be stored.   The music room is not a locker room. Please leave all personal belongings in your school locker. If space allows, a designated area will be assigned where students can leave school items. This space must be kept clean. The choir and school are not responsible for any items left in the music room.   The music room is not a place for vandals of thieves. People caught dismantling trophies, writing on walls, breaking into the instrument closet, stealing personal items, band/choir items, or money, sabotaging instruments, rummaging through band booster items (all things that have happened before), or doing any other inappropriate actions will be dealt with severely.   The music library is off-limits to all students without permission. Do not root through cabinets or music files. This also applies to the mailboxes used by the choir.   Supplemental Forms   Enclosed are the following forms. Please note the due date on each form.   1)     Updated Calendar – now located on the department web page. Check often for updates. 2)     Information Sheet 3)     Request for Excused Absence (Due as soon as possible before all conflicts) – also found on the department web page. 4)     Permission to Ride Form (Concert Choir Only) 5)     Medical Form (Concert Choir Only) 6)     Student/Parent Signature Page   2009-2010 Information Sheet (Please Print Neatly)   Student Name ____________________________ Year in School ________________________   Parent Names ____________________________________________________________________   Address __________________________________________________________________________   Home Phone _________________________ Student Cell ______________________ Text? _____   Parent Cell(s) ____________________________ Parent(s) Work ___________________   Student E-mail ___________________________________________________________________   Parent E-mail ____________________________________________________________________   Voice Part (If Known) _____________________________________________________________   Instrument(s) played _____________________________________________________________   Other Ensembles (Community or School) __________________________________________   __________________________________________________________________________________   Request for Excused Absence This form must be completed and turned in at least one week in advance of any anticipated absence by a choir student. (Excluding extreme emergencies). Requests known about further than one week in advance are expected to be turned in as far in advance as possible (Weddings, etc.).     Student Name __________________________________ Today’s Date __________   Date of anticipated absence ___________________   Reason for absence ___________________________________________________________________   __________________________________________________________________________________   __________________________________________________________________________________   * Please note: Be specific! I must have enough information to be able to determine whether or not an absence may be excused. “Important matters”, “Family reasons”, etc. do not give me an opportunity to excuse a student.     Student’s Signature _______________________________________   Parent’s Signature ________________________________________   Date __________________________________________________     **** FILLING OUT THIS FORM DOES NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE ABSENCE WILL BE EXCUSED. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT/PARENT TO FOLLOW UP WITH FURTHER INFORMATION OR MAKE-UP WORK.     ________EXCUSED ________UNEXCUSED     Notes: _______________________________________________________________________   ______________________________________________________________________________   ______________________________________________________________________________   ______________________________________________________________________________       Director’s Signature ____________________________________ Date _________ Permission to Ride   Helias Policy States: Helias High School is responsible and liable for the safety and welfare of all representatives of Helias during trips to and from interscholastic contests and events. All students MUST ride both to and from all contests and events in the transportation provided by Helias High School. The only exceptions to this policy are that a student may, with prior approval of the head coach or the activity advisor and after having been properly signed out, ride home from an event with his/her parent(s). Further, students, with written permission from their parent, may, with prior approval of the head coach or activity advisor, ride home from an event with another parent or adult family member as specified in the note [for example: My child has permission to ride home from ________ (town) with Mr./Mrs. ____________________ on _________(date)].   The coach or advisor will have a form at each event on which parents who are in attendance may sign out their child. It is imperative that no student leaves, even with his or her own parent(s), until this form is signed.   Helias frequently asks parents to help provide transportation to school events in an effort to reduce expenses. It is important that everyone involved understands that if a parent’s vehicle is being used to transport students, the parent’s auto policy would respond in the event of a claim.   Parent Permission Slip Choir Transportation 2009-20109   Name of Student _________________________________   In some circumstances, as a cost saving measure, Helias asks parents to drive students to and from activities.   Please respond to the following:   ______ I give my child permission to ride to and from choir events with the parents of other participants as specified below. ______ I do not give permission for my child to ride with other parents. If possible a director will transport my child, otherwise I will be responsible for the transportation of my child to and from the event. ______ I give my child to ride to events in the Jefferson City area with current high school choir members.   Please note: If you do not grant permission for your child to ride with other parents/students, you will be responsible for the transportation of your student whenever a bus is not being used.   Signature of Parent(s) ________________________________________ Date __________   If you give your child permission to ride with other parents, please list the parent(s) with whom your child may ride. If you give permission for your child to ride with any choir parent, please write “All Choir Parents.”   __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ __________________________________ Medical Form     I/We the undersigned, being the parent, legal next of kin, or legal guardian of (student’s name) ________________________, hereby authorize any necessary medical treatment for said student during the time in which he/she is traveling with the Helias High School Bands or Choirs.   I/We authorize any parent, chaperone, or director to take said student to a local hospital for medical treatment in case of an emergency, illness, or injury.   I/We authorize any attending physician to medically treat said student as deemed appropriate and guarantee payment of all charge incurred during the course of said medical treatment (physician, hospital, emergency room, x-rays, lab, medications, ambulance, etc.)     Name of Student ___________________________________________ Name of Parent/Guardian __________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________ Home Phone ____________________ Cell Phone _______________________ Work Phone _____________________ Alternate Contact Person _____________________________ Relationship __________________________ Contact Number(s) _____________________ Family Physician _____________________ Phone Number _________________________   Does the student have any allergies __________ If Yes, please explain _____________________________________________________________   __________________________________________________________________________________ Does the student take any medications? ________ If Yes, please explain _____________________________________________________________   __________________________________________________________________________________ Please list any special needs or problems we need to be aware of: __________________   __________________________________________________________________________________   Name of Insurance Company: ____________________________________________________ Policy Number: __________________________________________________________________   Signature of Parent/Guardian ___________________________________________________ Date __________________ Student/Parent Signature Page 2009-2010   Parents:   Please read this choir handbook and let me know if you have any questions. It has been complied with the knowledge and experience I have gathered in my teaching career, as well as through consultation with numerous teaching colleagues and other choir handbooks.   By signing this form you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to follow all of the principles outlined in the handbook. This signature is required for all parents who wish their child to participate in the vocal music program at Helias High School.   Thank you for your cooperation and your continued interest in and support of the vocal music program at Helias High School.   ____________________________________________ ______________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date       Choir Member:   Please read this handbook carefully and thoroughly. You are responsible for all of the information contained in the handbook. If you have any questions, please let me know.   By signing your name, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to follow all of the principles outlined in the handbook. This signature is required for all students who wish to participate in the vocal music program at Helias High School.     ____________________________________________ ______________ Signature of Student Date