Choir

 

Bare Voices | Bel Canto | Blue Notes | Cadet Choir | Cantilena | Concert Choir | Troubadours

Nick Juknelis | Melissa Touvannas | Angela Fortune | Directors

This handbook has been developed for members of the Lake Zurich High School choir program and their families with the intent of communicating the standards, policies and expectations of the choir.  Being a part of a performing ensemble is a tremendous responsibility.  Self-discipline, commitment and passion for excellence are expected to help provide a rewarding and exciting experience.

This is going to be a fantastic year full of many exciting opportunities for all!  We are committed to constantly improving the high quality of the choir program as well as increasing the membership and excitement surrounding the Lake Zurich High School choirs.  Take pride in this program.  It is your hard work that will make it an excellent year!

All choir members and parents/guardians are asked to read this entire handbook and to sign and submit the commitment statement through Canvas.

Standards For Music Education

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) outlines these essential questions for ensemble music education.

Create

How do musicians generate creative ideas?

How do musicians make creative decisions?

How do musicians improve the quality of their creative work?

When is creative work ready to share?

Perform

How do performers select repertoire?

How does understanding structure and context of musical works inform performance?

How do performers interpret musical works?

How do musicians improve the quality of their performance?

When is a performance judged ready to present?

How do context and the manner in which musical work is presented influence audience response?

Respond

How do individuals choose music to experience?

How does understanding the structure and context of music influence a response?

How do we discern the musical creators’ and performers’ expressive intent?

How do we judge the quality of musical work(s) and performance(s)?

Connecting

How do musicians make meaningful connections between creating, performing and responding?

How do the other arts, other disciplines, contexts and daily life inform creating, performing and responding to music? 

Goals

The goals of the music department are:

1.  to help students develop their musical potential;

2.  to foster growth in cooperative learning skills;

3.  to encourage self-esteem through the pride of accomplishment;

4.  to stimulate creativity;

5.  to promote self-expression;

6.  to broaden aesthetic appreciation, and

7.  to help make music a source of enjoyment throughout life.                                                                                                              

Expectations

1.  All school rules in the student handbook apply whether the choir is on or off campus.

2.  Students demonstrate 100% effort and participation at all times.

3.  Students show respect the directors, other students, other ensembles and school property including the classroom, practice rooms, pianos, music and folders.

4.  Students are in their assigned seats with required materials when the bell rings.

5.  Food and drinks are not allowed in the choir room; water is allowed in the choir room.  No water bottles are allowed on the risers!

6.  Students should not be in the choir room without a director’s supervision.  Students should not store books, coats or any personal items in the choir room. 

7.  At the end of rehearsal students are dismissed by the director.  Folders should be returned to their assigned cabinets.  There should be no trash left in the room.

Student Leadership

The student leadership program is specifically designed to engage students in the choir’s daily happenings.  Students are encouraged to accept leadership positions that develop their skills of responsibility by acting as liaisons between the director and the choir while positively influencing the learning of others. These positions combine to form the choir board which may meet periodically to discuss the status of the choir program or an individual choir.  Each choir may have the following positions:

1.  Student Conductor—The student conductor is a responsible student that demonstrates strong musical skills and sets a positive example for others to follow.  This student can study selected pieces and can assume the duties of the director during his/her absence.  Piano skills are helpful.  This is a director-appointed position.    

2.  Section Leaders—The section leaders are responsible students with strong leadership qualities that are capable of running smaller sectional rehearsals.  These students must be confident musicians who set a positive example for other section members.  These leaders will be called upon regularly to help teach other section members.  Piano skills are helpful.  These are director-appointed positions.

3.  Choir President—The president is fully dedicated to the choir program.  This student must set a positive example and work with the director on communication, event planning and serve as a student figurehead on behalf of the entire choir.  The president assists in planning social activities and serves as a liaison between the choir, vice president and the director.  This is student-elected position.

4.  Choir Vice President—The vice president represents their choir and assists the president in publicity and the planning of social activities.  The vice president is also responsible for the celebration of choir birthdays.  This is a student-elected position.

5.  Secretary—The secretary is responsible for the distribution and collection of forms and attendance when necessary.  This student may also assist the director with other organizational tasks.  This is a student-elected position.

6.  Spirit Leaders—The spirit leaders are responsible for maintaining positive choir morale.  They will arrange for community building activities to be enjoyed once per week.  They will also work with the director to ensure there is no negative energy filtering through the choir.  This is a student-elected position.

7. Librarians—The librarians work with helpers on the maintenance of the choral library.  The librarians aid in the distribution and collection of music and maintain the appearance of the library.  These are director-appointed positions.

8. Robe Custodians—The robe custodians are in charge of all aspects of uniforms for the choirs.  These students will assist in the fitting and storage of all robes, be in charge of distribution and collection during concert events and work with a robe team regarding travel logistics.  These are director-appointed positions.

District 95 Choral Festival

Each October the choirs of District 95 come together for a day-long festival.  A guest conductor will work with students in preparation for an afternoon concert.  In addition to combined pieces, each choir may perform a piece on their own.  This is a great opportunity to learn and grow from each other as we come together as a District.  It is an important time for high school recruitment as well; many high school students remember their first festival experience!  The 21^st Annual District 95 Choral Festival is on Saturday, October 19.

Private Voice Lessons

All students are encouraged to take private lessons in order to develop the musical concepts and techniques which can best be explored through individual training.  There are four private voice teachers available at school during the day for lessons.  The cost per lesson is $30.  The directors may solicit feedback from voice teachers regarding an individual student’s performance in the private studio.  Students attend lessons once per week during a study hall, lunch, open period, before or after school.  Students are not permitted to attend lessons during any academic course.  Private teachers will explain their own studio expectations.  Students taking private lessons should take this responsibility seriously. 

In March, students are given the opportunity to participate in our Solo and Ensemble Festival.  A vast majority of participants take private voice lessons.  Those that do not take private voice lessons must be preparing long term to perform at Solo and Ensemble.  Do not participate in Solo and Ensemble solely to fulfill a Tri-M requirement. 

Classical or art song repertoire is expected for Solo and Ensemble.  Musical theater and pop selections may be acceptable depending on the number of performers that are interested.  The focus of our choir program is classical literature.  Our Solo and Ensemble Festival is organized accordingly.

Students wishing to perform a vocal solo are responsible for paying an entrance fee of $10.  The entrance fee for ensembles is $15.  Students are responsible for securing their own accompanist for rehearsal and performance.  Students must rehearse with their accompanist at least twice before the festival.  They are also expected to pay their accompanist for their time and talent; a typical fee is $40-$50. 

Entries will be accepted in this order—1) students taking lessons that wish to perform one vocal solo; 2) students taking lessons that wish to perform in one ensemble; 3) students not taking voice lessons that wish to perform one solo or one ensemble; 4) any student wishing to perform additional solos or ensembles.  We can accommodate 60-80 entries. 

Entries are due by Friday, December 20.

Communication

Communication between home and school is a necessity.  Students should check their lz95.net email address daily.  Students with access to Facebook should like the “Lake Zurich High School Choir” page.  Follow the choir on Twitter @LZHSchoir.  Follow the fine arts department @LZHS95FineArts.  Parents will receive weekly email updates through Home Access; if your email address is not in Home Access, please contact the school’s database administrator.  Parents with access to Facebook should like the “Lake Zurich High School Choir” page.  Follow the choir on Twitter @LZHSchoir.  Follow the fine arts department @LZHS95FineArts.   

Fundraising

The purpose of fundraising is to earn money for activities the choir otherwise could not afford such as an awards banquet and tours.  Every student is welcome to participate in fundraising projects; though, fundraising is always optional.

Profits from music department-sponsored fundraising shall be maintained and allocated solely by the LZHS music program in which the funds were raised. Fundraiser money may be allocated to individual students based on their participation in the activity. The disbursement of these funds will be at the discretion of the director(s) for the appropriate events/activities of the organization. Some of the expenses covered by these disbursements may include: travel, LZHS summer music camps, performance attire and banquets. Fundraiser money cannot be used to pay for district music program participation fees. Funds may only be transferred between separate music department programs for trip expenses.

Upon graduation or exit of the program, remaining funds may only remain allocated for siblings currently involved in District 95 music programs. If no siblings remain in the program, remaining funds will benefit current students within the organization where the funds were raised.

Travel

Students in the choir program will be given the opportunity to participate in a concert tour on a rotating year basis.  The cost of these tours will be at the students’ expense.  Those wishing to travel should embrace every fundraising opportunity.  Choir tour will be limited to 100 participants including directors, chaperones and students.  

In addition to extensive tours, students may have the opportunity for off campus performances and field trips.  During these times all school rules will be enforced and exemplary citizenship will be expected.  Remember, these trips are privileges not rights.  You are representing Lake Zurich High School during these outings and your conduct will determine whether these trips will continue. 

Technology

Students should bring their iPad to school every day.  If you need your iPad, your director will tell you as you enter the classroom.  Your cell phone must be in one of three places—1) secured in your bag; 2) plugged in at a charging station; 3) in the numbered pocket chart.  Cell phones should not be at your seat or on the risers.  If a cell phone is needed for class, your director will tell you as you enter the classroom.                                                                                                                                              

Assessment for Honors Level Choirs

Performance and Written Assessments

An honors level singing course will certainly assess singing!  Performance assessments may include pitch and rhythmic accuracy, proper diction, dynamics, expression, memorization or all elements combined.  Performance assessments will happen as necessary.  They may occur as individual or section spot checks, with or without iPad recordings and may be announced or unannounced.  Most performance assessments are considered summative.

Written assessments are also beneficial tools for choir.  This may include but is not limited to music theory activities, historical projects, reports, personal reflections and musical analysis.  Most written assignments are considered summative.

Practice

Honors choir students will be asked to practice deliberately and independently for at least five minutes each week.  This practice will be documented and submitted weekly.  This individual practice is considered formative in preparation for sectional work.

Sectionals

Students will attend sectionals outside of daily rehearsal.  Sectionals will be scheduled in thirty minute blocks before or after school or can be arranged during an open period with a director or your section leader.  All sectionals must be completed one full week prior to a concert; sectionals done within one week of a concert will be counted as extra credit only.  Any other sectionals above the graded amount will be awarded extra credit points. 

First sectional             50 points         completed during the first three weeks of the sequence.

Second sectional         40 points         completed during the first three weeks of the sequence.

Third sectional            30 points         generally due during the fifth week of the sequence.

Fourth sectional          20 points         generally due one week prior to concert date.

Extra sectionals          2 points           given after four sectionals have been completed on time.

Honors students will have strict deadline windows to meet.  If a student misses a sectional during one concert sequence, they will be placed on probation.  If they miss a sectional in any subsequent concert sequence they will be removed from the ensemble.  Sectionals are considered summative.

Performance

Concerts demonstrate the understanding of the concepts taught in rehearsal.  Therefore, a concert is equivalent to a major exam in other academic courses.  Included with this handbook are the performance dates for the upcoming year.  Concert attendance is absolutely mandatory.  Additional performance opportunities in which students are expected to perform may arise throughout the year.  Students will be advised of these performances in advance.  Performances are considered summative.  

Choral performance is based on a large group of individuals working as one cohesive ensemble.  Uniform concert attire promotes unity within the group.  Therefore, it is important that students adhere to the prescribed dress code.  Failure to adhere to concert attire will result in partial loss of concert points.  In addition to robes provided by Lake Zurich High School, students are required to wear the attire listed below.  Any items not specifically mentioned should not be visible to the audience. 

Below the hem of your choir robe, wear solid BLACK.

BLACK dress pants or BLACK leggings.

BLACK socks or BLACK tights.

BLACK dress shoes.

Reapply deodorant and limit hairspray, cologne and perfume.  Jewelry and hair fasteners draw audience attention away from the whole performance.  Please leave these at home.  Some might apply make-up.  All should wear their hair away from their face. 

Major concert performances are worth 100 points.  Students not adhering to concert dress attire will lose 10 points.  Students not putting their robe away in the proper manner will lose 10 points.

Absences will only be excused in the case of extreme personal illness, family emergencies and death.  All other absences must be documented with student, parent and director signatures before four weeks prior to the concert.  Documenting an absence does not guarantee the absence will be considered “excused.”  Work and homework are never considered excuses for missing a concert! 

Considering the rehearsal process is crucial to the performance product, students with an excused absence will be given 60 points.  Students have the opportunity to make-up the remaining points by performing all of that concert’s music for their director (or recording with an iPad).  In the case of an unexcused absence, students will also be given 60 points but without the opportunity to make-up the remaining performance points.  It is the expectation that unexcused absences will never exist. 

Part of being a good performer is being a good audience member.  In addition to being a good audience member at our own concerts, you will be asked to attend one additional concert each semester.  This will account for an additional 50 points per semester.  You may attend any Lake Zurich High School band, orchestra, jazz or BV/BN concert or a musical performance.  You must have a director sign your program at the end of the concert.  All programs must be returned within three days of the performance.  This performance is considered formative.  To receive full credit for these performances, you must arrive on time and stay for the entire concert.  You may not be a performer in the concert; you may not be working on some other aspect of the performance (technical support, Tri-M ushering). 

Evaluation for Cantilena & Concert Choir—honors level
Category	Value	Description of Points
Performance & Written Assessments (usually summative)	Varies	May include announced and unannounced group/individual spot checks with or without an iPad.  Written assessments are an important part of the grade.
Practice (formative)	10 points per week	Students are responsible for at least five minutes of individual and deliberate practice per week.  These practice sessions are documented and submitted weekly.
Sectionals (summative)	140 points	First sectional is 50 points; second sectional is 40 points; third sectional is 30 points; fourth sectional is 20 points; additional sectionals are 2 extra credit points each.
Performance (summative and formative)	Varies	100 points for each major concert performance.
		50 points for attending one performance each semester; additional concerts are 2 extra credit points each.

 

Assessment for College Prep Level Choirs

Singing and Written Assessments

Students enrolled in a singing course will certainly be assessed on singing!  Performance assessments may include pitch and rhythmic accuracy, proper diction, dynamics, expression, memorization or all elements combined.  Performance assessments will happen as necessary.  They may occur as individual or group spot checks, with or without iPad recordings and may be announced or unannounced.  Most performance assessments are considered summative.

Written assessments are also beneficial tools for choir.  This may include but is not limited to music theory activities, historical projects, reports, personal reflections and musical analysis.  Most written assignments are considered summative.

Sectionals

Students will attend sectionals outside of daily rehearsal.  Sectionals will be scheduled in thirty minute blocks before or after school or can be arranged during an open period with a director or your section leader.  All sectionals must be completed one full week prior to a concert; sectionals done within one week of a concert will be counted as extra credit only.  Any other sectionals above the graded amount will be awarded extra credit points.  Sectionals are considered formative. 

First sectional             30 points         generally due before the fourth week of the sequence.

Second sectional         30 points         generally due one week prior to concert date.

Extra sectionals          2 points           given after two sectionals have been completed on time.

Performance

Concerts demonstrate the understanding of the concepts taught in rehearsal.  Therefore, a concert is equivalent to a major exam in other academic courses.  Included with this handbook are the performance dates for the upcoming year.  Concert attendance is absolutely mandatory.  Additional performance opportunities in which the students are expected to perform may arise throughout the year.  Students will be advised of these performances in advance.  Performances are considered summative.  

Choral performance is based on a large group of individuals working as one cohesive ensemble.  Uniform concert attire promotes unity within the group.  Therefore, it is important that students adhere to the prescribed dress code.  Failure to adhere to concert attire will result in partial loss of concert points.  In addition to robes provided by Lake Zurich High School, students are required to wear the attire listed below.  Any items not specifically mentioned should not be visible to the audience. 

Below the hem of your choir robe, wear solid BLACK.

BLACK dress pants or BLACK leggings.

BLACK socks or BLACK tights.

BLACK dress shoes.

Reapply deodorant and limit hairspray, cologne and perfume.  Jewelry and hair fasteners draw audience attention away from the whole performance.  Please leave these at home.  Some might apply make-up.  All should wear their hair away from their face. 

Major concert performances are worth 100 points.  Students not adhering to concert dress attire will lose 10 points.  Students not putting their robe away in the proper manner will lose 10 points.

Absences will only be excused in the case of extreme personal illness, family emergencies and death.  All other absences must be documented with student, parent and director signatures before four weeks prior to the concert.  Documenting an absence does not guarantee the absence will be considered “excused.”  Work and homework are never considered excuses for missing a concert! 

Considering the rehearsal process is crucial to the performance product, students with an excused absence will be given 60 points.  Students have the opportunity to make-up the remaining points by performing all of that concert’s music for the director (or recording with an iPad).  In the case of an unexcused absence, students will also be given 60 points but without the opportunity to make-up the remaining performance points.  It is the expectation that unexcused absences will never exist. 

Evaluation for Bel Canto, Cadet Choir & Troubadours—college prep level
Category	Value	Description of Points
Performance & Written Assessments (usually summative)	Varies	May include announced and unannounced group/individual spot checks with or without an iPad.  Written assessments and assignments are also an important part of the grade.
Sectionals (formative)	60 points	30 points for each of two sectionals.
		2 points extra credit for each additional sectional.
Performance (summative)	varies	100 points for each major concert performance.

 

COMMITMENT STATEMENT

Please review the entire choir handbook on Canvas.  You can also find the handbook on the choir’s website.  All of the information in the handbook is valuable. Complete the following steps!

_____ Review the entire handbook with your family.

_____ Give the paper copy of the calendar to your family! 

_____ Mark all mandatory performance dates into your family and personal calendar.

_____ Consider liking the “Lake Zurich High School Choir” page on Facebook.

_____ Consider following @LZHSchoir on Twitter.

_____ Sign and submit this commitment form.  Keep that calendar posted at home!

I, ____________________________________ (print Student’s name) have read the choir handbook and understand the rules and policies that apply to my assessment and participation in the choir program at Lake Zurich High School.  I acknowledge all the dates on the calendar that apply to my choir and I will participate with my greatest effort.  I realize if I do not meet the expectations stated in this handbook it will be detrimental to my own musical experience, as well as others, and will result in the lowering of my grade.  I understand I am financially responsible if I damage, destroy or lose any of the materials given to me (including choral music, folders, robes and other uniforms).

Signed:  ____________________________________________  (Student name)

Signed:  ____________________________________________  (Parent/Guardian)

Date:    ___________________ Choir(s):_________________________________