JENKS VOCAL

A Heritage of Harmony

policy book
Jenks High School and Freshman Academy 2013-2014

A Tradition of Excellence with a Vision for Tomorrow

August 19, 2013 Dear JHS Singer, We welcome the many talented and interested learners of music who choose to join together in a HERITAGE OF HARMONY. The long time traditions of the Vocal Music Department are embraced and revelations of musical visions are embraced for the future. Your involvement in this program will create a legacy rich in quality choral productions. Your choice to participate in choir activities promises life enduring encounters with integrity structures that will last your lifetime. We are thrilled to share this HERITAGE OF HARMONY with you. The study of music will contribute in important ways to the quality of your life. Every musical work is a product of it time and place, although some works transcend their original settings and continue to appeal to humans through their timeless and universal attraction. Through singing you can express yourself creatively, while knowledge of notation and performance traditions will enable you to learn new music on your own. Skills in analysis, evaluation and synthesis are important because they will enable you to recognize and pursue excellence in your musical experiences. Because music is an integral part of human history, the ability to listen with understanding is essential for you to obtain a broader and historical perspective to all types of music. Your life will be enriched by the skills, knowledge and habits acquired in the study of vocal music. Throughout this school year, you will not only be working your individual singing skill, but through your efforts, you will be contributing to the group as a whole. As a choir, we will continually strive for musical growth and excellence in performance. Since our finished product depends on the positive attitude and combine commitment to quality of all choir members, the following policies, expectations and guidelines have been established to help realize our potential. Singcerely, Mr. Downey Mrs. Hester

Director Expectations

Students will practice proper rehearsal and performing techniques, including: Arriving on time Care of school property Respect for other students and for the directors No gum or candy Refraining from disruptive behavior Appropriate language Having materials and music ready Alertness and cooperation Refraining from unnecessary talking Correct singing posture whether sitting or standing

Attendance Procedures

Student Expectations

Students may expect the directors to: Plan rehearsals so that the choir can perform confidently at festivals, concerts and contests Help the student improve his/her sight singing skills and voice production Help the student prepare solos and ensembles for contest Help the student prepare for auditions Try to be caring, fair and consistent

Attendance is always expected and will influence the grade received for the class. Extra rehearsals are occasionally necessary in preparation for a performance. Most all performances are outside of class time. Any absence from any extra rehearsal or performance must be cleared in writing (with parent SIGNATURE) PRIOR to the event. The student has two weeks from the first announcement of the rehearsal or performance to be excused. In extreme emergencies, a message must be left on the choir room voice mail (299-4415 ex 3700) prior to the event. In the event that the date or time must be changed from originally published or director announcements, every effort will be made to communicate changes through electronic mail. An absence will not be excused after the event.

Classroom Procedures

How things are done: Choir members are expected to be in their assigned seat when the bell rings. Books, bags, and purses are to be keep in appropriate storage areas Students are expected to participate from the beginning of the class until dismissed by the teacher. Restroom or locker passes will be kept to minimum A student must have permission to be in the directors office.

Travel Procedures

Grading Procedures

Grade in choir class is based on criteria: Performance and cooperation in class Respect for teachers, and school property Attendance and participation in all rehearsals and performances Personal growth as a musician Points are awarded for positive response to these guidelines and are demonstrated through daily participation in group activities and individually through part checks and solfege drills. There is no make up work for a missed performance.

Performances often occur during the regular school day and away from school property. These educational opportunities are valuable for individual student growth and choir group performance. Every effort must be made for students to attend. When bus transportation is provided, all students will ride the bus. A Jenks Public Schools Field Trip Permission Form must be signed by parent and be on file in the music office. The permission form will last for all choir trips the entire school year. Parents of all choir members are asked to sign the Jenks Public Schools Authorization for Emergency Care to Minors form. The form last for the entire school year. Meals on trips are provided by the parents of each student Parents are welcomed, needed and encouraged to attend trips as chaperones and audience members.

Financial Policies

Each choir member must obtain a participation fee of $100 for year. This can be raised through personal contribution or through department fundraisers. The funds raised at the beginning of the year is the source for all music, equipment, field trips, guest musicians, printing costs, group entry fees and services that benefit the entire music program. A student, who wishes to go beyond the expected through the department fundraisers or additional Booster Club opportunities, can use profits for, uniforms, all state/ solo contest entry fees, showchoir /musical expenses or optional trip expenses. Each student will be set up with a personal escrow account of money and expenses. Students needing financial assistance are encouraged to visit counselor before financial obligations are due.

Messiah

The

December 16, 2013

This classic oratorio will be presented by Jenks High School Vocal, Orchestra and Band students. It will also include Jenks Alumni Professional Soloists.

JENKS VOCAL

A Heritage of Harmony

WEBSITE: JENKSVOCAL.COM TWITTER: @jenksvocal EMAIL: jenksvocal@yahoo.com

Take Note of these Dates

Please refer to attendance and grading policies in this Vocal Music Policy Book. Pancake Breakfast Saturday, September 21 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fall Concert Monday, October 14 7:00 p.m. Messiah Concert Monday, December 16 6:00 p.m. AND 8:00 p.m.

REQUIRED ATTENDANCE FOR All STUDENTS

These dates should be added to your calendar today in case they apply to you later. August 22 Oct. 21 24 October 24 October 26 November 9 Show Choir Auditions Show Choir Clinic (HS teaches) Show Choir Clinic Concert All State Choir Auditions Second Round All State Auditions (10th 12th grades) November 12 Jazz Choir, 9th grade All State Auditions January 9 - 11 OCDA (Jazz/Jr. Hi. All State) January 16 Mens Chorus Performance for OkMEA January 16 -18 OkMEA (All State Choir) April 3 - 6 Trojanaires Show Choir Contest in Nashville May 14 Commencement Performance (Concert Choir)

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES FOR SOME STUDENTS

Tarzan the Musical February 28, March 1,2 7:30p.m./2:00 p.m. Spring Concert Monday, May 5 7:00 p.m.