2018-2019 Choir Contract

Updated: August 15, 2018

Classroom Procedures

Below are the MATERIALS needed for success in choir:
·      One 1/2 in. to 1 in. 3 ring binder with pockets for each choir in which a student is enrolled
·      Pencils  
·      Highlighter 
Every student will be assigned a choral number for each choir in which they are enrolled. You may choose to leave your folder in the classroom ONLY in your assigned slot number. It is imperative to understand that the student and ONLY the student is responsible for their folder.Failure to provide one’s folder containing the appropriate music in class or during a performance will result in a grade deduction based on being ill prepared. 
PARENTS AND STUDENTS, PLEASE READ THE BELOW PASSAGE AND EMAIL ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS STATEMENT
*** “To achieve any selected educational objective, the quality of (choral) repertoire is of paramount importance…To study and perform music in which the musical setting of a text is artistically accomplished is a highly commendable objective…Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire representative of the choral medium and the history of music, it (has) an important place in music education.” 
Adapted from the American Choral Directors Association publication, “The Choral Podium” Winter, 1992.


Grading Policy
Grades will be determined from Weekly Grades, Part Checks and Sight-Singing Assessments, Mid-Term Exam, Final Exam, and Performances. 
Division of Grades
Points 
Description of qualifications to receive full credit
Weekly Grades
100/Week
25/Day
Prepared with Music, Pencil,
Positive Attitude, No Behavior Issues (including phone usage), 
Participation and Effort
Singing Quizzes and Sight-Singing Assessments
Written Theory Assessments 
Part Checks
50
Vocal Technique/Function, Correct Notes 
Sight-Singing Assessments
25
Correct Demonstration of Rhythm, Pitch, Tempo, Dynamics, Articulations at Sight
Mid-Term Exam (December)
100
Written Theory Assessments,  Vocal Technique/Function, Correct Notes, Sight-Singing
Final Exam (May)
100
Written Theory Assessments,  Vocal Technique/Function, Correct Notes, Sight-Singing
Performances
100/Concert
Arriving and Leaving on Time, Prepared, Positive Attitude, No Behavior Issues, In Proper Attire, Maintains Appropriate Concert Etiquette
Note: Any verbal or physical acts of aggression or slander shown towards ANY other student or teacher by another student will NOT be tolerated. Such acts by a student will automatically be turned into the office and the student will receive a 0 (Zero) for the entire week of class participation and/or the concert if applicable, as well as the probability of being asked to leave the choir. Such a decision is determined by the severity of the offense and with collaboration from the administration. 

Concerts are 100% mandatory for multiple reasons. First and foremost, every singer should have the right to celebrate their hard work throughout the school year by being able to perform in front of family, friends, adjudicators, and other choral members. Secondly, choir is an academic course and concerts are a large portion of assessing all of my singers’ progress throughout the year. A calendar is being provided to you so that we can all work together to ensure that you and your child can make it to the concert. I understand transportation can be difficult. I am willing and happy to help you find a ride either with a friend, fellow choir student, or even a cab if necessary. Please be communicative with me about rides if you need assistance. Every singer should have the honor of being able to represent their choir and themselves by being on stage and performing at our concerts. 




Attendance Policy


The Choral Department is a supporter and follower of all school policies. Ultimately, I cannot teach you if you are not in school. Homework is all but non-existent in the Choral Program; therefore, attendance is the highest priority in this program. Students will lose all points for an unexcused absence without the possibility of make-ups. Students with excused absences will lose all points for the day, but can make them up by providing me a practice log including the warm up’s practiced, the pieces practiced and/or listened to, and the length of time dedicated to practicing.Students should be monitored by an adult during practice. This can be done before school, after school, or during lunch with me, or at home with a parent. A parent must sign off on the practice log before the student turns in the sheet if the makeup is done at home. Students will have 2 days to turn in their practice log once they return to school. If the log is turned in after the 2 day period, no credit will be given back to the student. 


Tardy Policy

Students will lose 10 points for any tardy during the school day. Students with an excused tardy may make up their points by providing a make up sheet to me no more than 2 (two) days after their tardy. 
Professionals in the work force are expected to be on time every morning; professional musicians will lose their job if they are late to a gig; therefore, I expect all of my students to be on time to class, extra rehearsals, performances, and any other event that may arise during the school year. 


Performances

Scheduled choral performances are MANDATORY by ALL choir members. Parents, please mark the performances on your calendars now. If an emergency should arise where your child cannot go to a performance, you must contact me AT LEAST 24 hours prior to the rehearsal or performance. I realize there may be an occasion where an emergency may arise less than 24 hours before a performance and in that situation, please contact me ASAP to explain the situation. I hold the discretion to determine excused absences. Unexcused absences from a performance will receive an automatic 0 (Zero) for the performance without the possibility of a make-up. Excused absences will be made up with an assignment determined at the time of the absence. Missed performances may result in dismissal from the choral program. 


Parents: I am providing a Calendar of Events for you in sincere hope that I do not have to apply this policy to your child. Please arrange proper transportation both to and from the concerts for your child in advance to the events outside of class time. If transportation is going to be an issue for your family, please contact me and I will gladly assist in finding an alternative ride for your child. If you are tardy for a performance you will receive an automatic 70 (Seventy) for that performance.  If your ride is more than 20 minutes late after a performance, you will receive an automatic 10 points off of your concert grade. 




Performance Attire

TREBLE CHOIR: 
All members of the Bartlett Treble Choirs will wear all blackfor concerts. Options include: black dresses, dress shirts, blouses, skirts, dress pants, etc. Skirts or dresses shorter than floor-length must be worn with black, opaque leggings or tights. Shoulders will be completely covered and shirts must not be low cut.  All shoes must be black flats or low high heels without embellishments. 

TENOR/BASS CHOIR:
All members of the Bartlett Tenor/Bass Choir will wear black dress pants and a white button down shirt. White undershirts should be worn. Blue ties will be provided. Musicians will wear black dress shoes. 

CONCERT CHOIR AND BEAR-A-TONES: 
Women will wear all blackfor concerts. This can include long black dresses, dress shirts, blouses, long skirts, dress pants, etc. Skirts or dresses shorter than floor-length must be worn with black, opaque leggings or tights. Shoulder will be completely covered and shirts will not be low cut. 
Menwill wear black dress pants and a white button down shirt.White undershirts should be worn. Blue ties will be provided. 
Shoes must be black, closed-toe flats, or low heel dress shoes. No stilettos or embellishments on shoes. Tennis shoes are not considered to be dress shoes.  All socks worn should be black. 

BEAR-A-TONES: 
All members of the Bartlett Bear-A-Tones will wear blue and black. Musicians will be able to choose how to coordinate these two colors within their ensemble. Skirts and dresses shorter than floor length must be accompanied with black, opaque leggings or tights. Low-cut shirts or blouses will not be permitted. Shoes will be black character shoes, flats, or dress shoes. 


FOR ALL BARTLETT MUSICIANS:

In order to present a strong, united, and professional looking choral program, no excessive jewelry will be permitted on stage. Earrings will be studded and colorless. No necklaces will be permitted on stage. 

Hair should be tidy and off of one’s face so that the stage lights will illuminate your face.

No perfume/cologne/scented lotion while singing/performing. The odor can negatively influence breathing technique. Deodorant is highly recommended. 




Concert Etiquette

During choir performances, you are expected to behave as a professional musician. This includes:

·     Showing up on time and leaving when the concert has concluded.
·     Being respectful to fellow musicians which includes clapping when appropriate and refraining from shouting names and cheering during performances. 
·     Refraining from conversing while on stage, backstage, or while waiting in the audience to perform.
·     Putting your cell phones in a safe place that is NOT in your pocket. Phone boxes will be provided for safe keeping.
·     Being alert and focused and maintaining eye contact while singing. 
·     Standing and sitting with proper posture before, during, and after singing on stage. 




                                                             Contact Information

Bartlett High School Choir
Katy Green, Choir Director
1101 Golden Bear Drive
Anchorage, AK 99504

Best way to contact Mrs. Green is via email: green_katy@asdk12.org
Choir Office # (907) 742-1970
Bartlett High # (907) 742-1800