Mahtomedi High School Choirs
Devoting ourselves to being a team of musicians
2019-2020 Student Handbook
A Team of Musicians
Welcome to the 2019 -2020 Mahtomedi High School choir program! Our mission statement is devoting ourselves to being a team of musicians. This refers both to how we sing, and to how we interact with each other. It is important that every student and staff member in our program make a strong commitment to uphold our high standards not only at performances, but also at every rehearsal. I ask each of you to accept the challenge of working hard to achieve stunning artistic results. At public performances, it is expected that you reflect the dedication and knowledge gained in rehearsals to have an emotional impact on our audiences and ourselves. Your role as a community member is an important one in many ways, including your growth in accepting and respecting each other’s uniqueness. I am looking forward to working with each of you as you grow as musicians and human beings.
Mr. Chad Garrels – Choir Director 651-762-5978 Email: chad.garrels@isd832.net
The goals of the MHS Choir Program are: 1. To increase musical knowledge and literacy 2. To develop healthy/efficient vocal habits 3. To develop self-confidence in a safe, collaborative community 4. To provide new musical experiences for our audiences and ourselves 5. To increase enjoyment of music listening 6. To develop skills to analyze music and formulate informed opinions about interpretation 7. To discover how music can greatly enhance our lives beyond high school
Classroom (Community) Basic Understandings:
Step 1: Verbal warning in class. Step 2: Conference with teacher outside of classroom. Step 3: Written referral to assistant principal, phone call to parent/guardian.
You are responsible for knowing and abiding by the Zephyr school expectations and MSHSL policies. Violations will affect the entire group, and show a lack of respect for your classmates and yourself. Please understand that Mr. Garrels believes in these rules. He believes that alcohol, drugs, tobacco and other destructive behaviors will prevent students from achieving the success they deserve. Be healthy!
Music is internationally understood as an art form that brings people of diverse backgrounds and opinions together. Harassment in the choir program will not be tolerated. If Mr. Garrels is unaware of a harassment issue, it is the responsibility of a student to bring it to his attention. Do your part to solve simple disagreements and report the serious issues to him. ANY harassment needs to be reported to Mr. Garrels. Human beings can disagree and still treat each other with integrity and respect.
You are responsible for your folder and the contents therein. If music is lost or damaged, you may be assessed the current replacement cost. Take your folders home to practice, but make sure they are returned the next day. Forgetting your music is no different than showing up for math class without your math book.
Assigned robe, black dress shoes (no heels are preferred), black socks (above the ankles), black dress pants (no jeans, leggings or yoga pants), t-shirt or shirt which the collar does not show above the robe.
Belles Voix, our treble choir, may not be wearing robes because our inventory is low. This choir will wear the same as the other choirs from the waist down. The uniform shirt will be a completely black shirt that is short sleeve, three-quarter length sleeve or long sleeve.
You will be expected to understand the meaning of musical notation, music reading skills, vocal skills presented in class, and your own voice part. You will be assessed by Mr. Garrels in these areas. There will be help available from him and from section leaders. Please take advantage of this opportunity to become more confident on your part.
We will be raising funds for choir activities, materials and equipment. These funds are to be used for choir activities only. There will be times when a student can fund-raise toward the cost of choir apparel or field trips. ZPAF (Zephyr Performing Arts Foundation) will be handling the fundraising efforts beginning this year.
MHS Choir Grading & Attendance Policies All students in music at MHS will earn their grade based upon formative (20%) and summative (80%) assessments. These assessments will be based on the following criteria.
Ensemble Skills/In Class Assignments This will be based on the student’s contribution in rehearsals and their effort to display a positive attitude toward choir. Ensemble skills/in class assignments includes the following areas: Class Attitude
Class Contribution
Assessments Students are graded on sight-reading, part testing, and written work. The assessment may be based upon the objective areas of rhythmic, dynamic and pitch accuracy, breath control, support and sound placement. Students will be asked to take written tests on knowledge of note names, key signatures, rhythms, intervals, music vocabulary, composition, and the analysis of music and texts studied in class.
Performance Participation
Concert Attendance Policy Since concerts are an extension of our classroom activities, we expect all students to attend each performance and we use this as one of the grading proficiencies for every quarter. It is recognized, however, that there will occasionally be absences. There are three types of absences. Authorized absence with prior notification School related athletic/activity event (not practice), family vacations Make-up work required for grade.
Excused absence with notification after the event Student illness or family emergency (parent/guardian please email Mr. Garrels) Make-up work required for grade.
Unexcused absence No prior notification: skipping concert, leaving concert early, work conflict This type of absence cannot be made up.
Listening/Analysis
Choir Opportunities 1. Voice Lessons: The voice is a complex instrument. Each person’s voice has unique and special qualities. Mr. Garrels has found that our most successful vocalists study privately. If you are interested in private voice lessons, there are several options available to you.
2. Extra-Curricular Vocal Ensembles: The following extra-curricular (before/after school and during Flex time) ensembles may be offered this year.
4. Audition Opportunities:
5. Choir Accompanists: If you are an accomplished pianist, why not give accompanying a try? See Mr. Garrels or Joan if you are interested! 6. Choir Letters: You may earn a letter in choir by participating in school-related choir activities outside the regular choir class. There will be a list posted with point values at a later date. 7. Practice Rooms: Practice rooms are available throughout the day for individual practice. See one of the music teachers to have a door unlocked. Please be nice to the pianos.
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE TO MR. GARRELS BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2019
Student Name: _________________________ Grade: 9 10 11 12
Choir: Dolce Armonia-9th Grade Choir / Belles Voix-Treble Choir / Concert Choir (circle one)
By signing this, I am accepting responsibility for the policies of the MHS choir program. I understand the concert schedule and the policy for excused/unexcused concert absences.
Student Signature ________________________________ Date __________
Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________ Date __________
Parent/Guardian email address ____________________________________
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