"Equipping the next generation to think, discern, and act through biblically-directed, Christ-centered education.”
Des Moines Christian School
Choral Handbook
2007-2008
“The level of thinking and action that got us to where we are will not get us to where we need to go.” Jeff Myers
Welcome to the Des Moines Christian School Choral Program. It is with enthusiasm and excitement that we welcome you. We are glad you have chosen to sing with us and look forward to an outstanding year together! The purpose of the DMCS Choral Program is to help each individual develop - musically, socially, personally, and most of all spiritually. We believe that being in music classes helps build self-discipline, confidence, dedication, and learning how to work with others toward a common goal. As performance oriented groups, we strive to the best we can be in all respects.
Literature for each of our choirs is chosen very carefully. It is the belief of the DMCS Vocal Music Department that students are to be exposed to a variety of choral literature. The selection of choral music is determined by the instructor based upon availability, quality, educational value and suitability for healthy vocal development. It is not the intent of this department to persuade student views with opposing beliefs or ideals that a musical selection’s text may present. Rather, we desire to familiarize students with quality choral literature that will give them a better historical and global perspective as well as to make them conversant with musical aesthetics. It is our goal to give the students a broad perspective of the numerous choral composers, styles and types.
Procedures that should be followed in the classroom are as follows:
1) Do whatever it takes to be your best.
2) Don’t settle for 2nd best.
3) Discipline yourself so others won’t have to.
4) This is a safe place to be yourself.
5) Respect others.
6) Hard work always gets results.
7) Bring all your tools.
Attire during performance for the Concert Choir is robes and stoles provided by the school. Women are to wear a dress or skirt underneath with nude nylons and black shoes. Men are to wear black dress pants, shoes, socks and a white shirt under their robes. Victory Singers also performs in robes. Women are to wear a dress or skirt underneath with nude nylons and black shoes. Men are to wear black dress pants, shoes, socks and a white shirt under their robes. Appropriate shoes need to be acquired by the individual families. Women are to wear black flats without decorative buttons or clasps. No open toed shoes. Men should have black dress shoes.
*Please Note: Students not properly dressed, will not be allowed to perform.
EARNING YOUR GRADE
Grades are given each quarter for the choral ensembles at DMCS. The following criteria are considered when determining grades:
ATTENDANCE AND FULL PARTICIPATION
Singers are expected to be present at all rehearsals and performances and to participate fully in those rehearsals and performances. Unlike some other academic endeavors, in which the absence of individuals may have no appreciable impact on the work of the class, the vocal music ensemble’s ability to function optimally is directly related to the full participation of each member in each rehearsal. Vocal music students must make a commitment to give 100% effort in every rehearsal and performance. Attendance is required at ALL PERFORMANCES AND PRE-SCHEDULED EXTRA REHEARSALS. Any student who must be absent MUST bring a note from home explaining the nature of the absence in order for it to be excused. Absences will only be excused in the event of family emergency, illness or death. If the note is not brought in within one week of the missed event, the absence will NOT be excused. A student that is absent from a performance for any reason is also required to compose a paper/project approved by the director which will be due by the end of the corresponding quarter. PERFORMANCES are an important part of each student’s grade. An absence from a performance that is not made up according to the director’s standard will result in the loss of 100 test points.
ATTENDANCE IS RECORDED AND LOSS OF POINTS WILL OCCUR AS OUTLINED BELOW:
•Poor classroom participation - half of daily points
•Each unexcused absence will result in the loss of all daily points.
•In the case of tardiness not associated with a class conflict, the grade will be lowered by half of daily points for late entry to a rehearsal (you have one no-penalty tardy per quarter). Tardiness is calculated from the appointed class start time.
•An unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal will result in the loss of 50 points.
LISTENING ASSIGNMENTS
Rehearsals and performances may be taped, and choir members will be asked to listen to excerpts of those recordings. In order to develop critical listening and thinking skills, students will be asked to reflect in writing upon what they hear. Questions will be provided to guide these listening experiences.
TESTING
We will directly assess students' abilities to sing their parts independently, with accuracy of pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and articulations, using a healthy and appropriate vocal production. Following each evaluation, students will receive a comment sheet, which may provide feedback on these categories, as well as the score earned. Testing will take place at least once each quarter.
LESSONS
Each term, both Junior High and Sr. High students will be expected to attend a minimum of three 20 minute private voice lessons. Lessons will be scheduled during the school day. Students will work with their teachers to self schedule lessons on a day and time that is most convenient for both students and teachers. In the event that students are unable to attend a scheduled lesson due to "pop quizzes" or other unexpected but necessary classroom activities, a pass or note from that instructor will be required in order for the lesson points to be earned in the future. Students will need to reschedule their lesson. Students who miss scheduled lessons will not be allowed the opportunity to reschedule or earn those points.
Those students who study private voice lessons throughout the year are exempt from this requirement. In order to earn these points, a verification form will be given to these students for their private instructor to complete.
LESSON ATTENDANCE IS RECORDED AND LOSS OF POINTS WILL OCCUR AS OUTLINED BELOW:
•Each unexcused absence will result in the loss of all points.
•In the case of tardiness, the lesson grade will be lowered by half.
Miscellaneous Assignments
Each term various small assignments will be given. These may include, transferring markings into the student’s music, numbering measures in music, etc.
EVALUATION
Daily Work 25%
Testing/Concerts 25%
Lessons/Practice 25%
Behavior/Attitude 25%
LETTERING
Each student involved in the DMCS Vocal Music Program has the opportunity and potential to earn a Vocal Music Letter. The criteria are explained below.
The Des Moines Christian High School Letter is granted by the music department in joint consideration of participation in the whole music department. Any student that drops any group, or who is dropped for any reason will automatically lose the points earned in the group. Students registered in both instrumental and vocal music programs are awarded their letters by the instrumental department. However, points may be earned in both programs. Full points are awarded in both band and chorus for 5 days a week class. That is, students in both instrumental and choral activities will receive 15 points for both (NOT EACH). A student in band only, or in band and chorus, needs to earn 50 points for their first letter, 55 or more points for the second letter, 60 or more points for the third letter, and 70 or more points for a fourth letter. Points may be earned in the following activities:
Marching Band – 6 Point System
High School Concert Band – 10 (15) 50 pts. 1st letter
All State Audition – 5 55 pts. 2nd letter
All State Festival Member – 10 60 pts. 3rd letter
All-State Alternate – 5 70 pts. 4th letter
Jazz Band -10
All State Jazz Audition – 5
All State Jazz Member – 10
All State Jazz Alternate – 5
Music Theory Course/ Jazz Classes (Miget) – 10
Pep Band – 5
High School Choir – 10 (15)
Victory – 10 Celebration - 10
Swing Choir – 10 School Musical - 3
Large Group Festival - 3 Talents for Christ - 1
Contest Solo – 3 ACSI – state contest points
Contest Solo rating of I – 3 Christian Youth Orchestra - 5
Contest Solo rating of II – 2 Iowa Youth Symphony - 5
State Piano Contest – 3 Church Choir/Inst. - 2
State Piano Contest rating of I – 3 Chapel Worship Team - 2
State Piano Contest rating of II – 2 Special Music for Chapel - 1
Contest ensembles – 2 each CJC Big Band Combo - 2
Contest rating of I or II – 1 each NATS – 1 (Finals – 3)
Contest Accompanist – 1 each Iowa Youth Chorus - 5
School Lessons – 4
Private Inst. Lessons – 6 (school year) 3 (summer)
Private Piano Lessons – 6 (school year) 3 (summer)
Private Voice Lessons – 6 (school year) 3 (summer)
Honor Groups – 3 (auditioned), 2 (not auditioned)
Honor Roll – 1 per quarter
Summer Music Camp – 10
European Music Tour (IAM) – 5
ENSEMBLES
Victory is an auditioned ensemble open to all students, grades 9-12 who elicit a mature vocal tone. Also, students should have enrolled for at least one year in Concert Choir. Students in this ensemble participate in an intensive and highly rewarding musical experience. In-depth study of music from each time period of musical history will be explored, including multi-cultural selections from around the world. Vocal production, independence, and musical precision will be explored in detail with deliberate emphasis on unaccompanied singing. Victory students are eligible and encouraged to participate in other musical opportunities outside of the school day.
Show-Choir is an extension of the choral program at DMCS. Senior High Show-Choir is an auditioned ensemble, which rehearses weekly during the winter season outside of the school day and participates and competes at various festivals throughout Iowa. Participation is open to all.
Junior High Show-Choir will be part of the regular Vocal curriculum. Rehearsals will be during regular class time, while competitions and choreography clinics will be held outside of class time.
VOCAL MUSIC CALENDAR
2007-2008
Please mark the following dates on your calendar to avoid scheduling other events at that time. Not only are the students required to attend, they would also like to see their families and friends in the audience. More detailed information on some of these events may be shared at a later date.
PLEASE NOTE: This calendar does not include every date or event that may be scheduled during the 2007-2008 school year.
August 23, 24, 27 Voice Testing and Part Placement (SATB)
September 8 All-State Workshop Hoover High School
October 26-27 Show-Choir Choreography Clinic
October 20 All-State Auditions
October 22-29 MPA Greenery Sale
November 13 Conference Vocal Festival @ Earlham
November 15-17 All-State Music Festival
December 8 Jr./Sr. High Choir and Band Christmas Concert
January 19 DMCS Show-Choir Dinner Theatre
January 26 IHSMA Show-Choir Festival Alleman, IA
February 2 Show-Choir Competition @ West Liberty
February 10 Victory Sing for Iowa Energy
February 10-17 Victory Singing Valentines
February 23 Show-Choir Competition @ SE Polk
February 26 Victory Sing for Girls State Basketball
March 1 Show-Choir Competition @ Waukee
April 5 Solo/Ensemble Contests
April TBA Band/Choir Trip (Florida)
April 20-21 Spring Musical
May 3 Large Group Contest
May 13 Secondary Spring Concert
Please return the statement of understanding along with the Medical Release Form, Good Conduct contract, and volunteer information sheet to either Michael Gossen (Vocal Music Director), or Gary White (Band Director), by September 4, 2007. This is a course requirement and grades will be lowered if this requirement is not met. Please keep the rest of the handbook for reference, especially the calendar of events. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Michael Gossen or Mr. Gary White at Des Moines Christian School (252-2490). Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to fabulous year of working together and glorifying God with the gifts and talents He has blessed our kids.
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
We have read the handbook and understand the expectations involved in the DMCS Vocal Music Program. We further understand that the directors are always available for consultation and should be contacted should any problems arise.
DATE: ________SIGNATURE OF SINGER: _____________________________
SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN: ________________________________
DMCS VOCAL MUSIC MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM
My child ____________________ has my permission to participate in the Vocal Music Activities and go with the directors or other representatives of the school on any trips during the 2007-2008 school year.
1) List any physical restrictions (if any) below.
2) List any allergies that may effect participation while on choir trips.
3) List any medications that may be dispensed for headache, colds, sore throats, etc.
I give my permission for my child to receive emergency medical treatment in case of illness or injury. I further understand that I am responsible for any medical expenses.
________________________ ________________
Parent or Guardian’s Signature Date
________________________ ________________
Home Phone Insurance Company
________________________ ______________________
Business Phone Policy Number and Group
________________________ ___________________________________
Emergency Phone 2nd Emergency Contact Name and Number