Department of Fine and Performing Arts
Chenery Middle School
Choral Music Program Handbook
Welcome!
I am so excited that you have chosen to participate in one or more of the Chenery Middle School choral ensembles! This handbook has been compiled to assist you in understanding the choral music program as well as explain the commitment and responsibilities that are required from you as a singer. As I strive to maintain the high standards and excellence of the performing ensembles, I hope you will utilize this handbook as a guide. The excellence and success of any program is due to the support it receives from the singers, the parents, the school administration and teachers, and the greater Belmont community. Thank you in advance for giving your support to the Chenery Middle School Choral Music Program!
You are now a part of an ensemble, a team of musicians who have joined together to create beautiful music. To continue the tradition of excellence in the Chenery Middle School, you need to actively and energetically commit to your ensemble. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link (paraphrased, Thomas Reid, 1786); you don’t want to be the weakest link. Along with the obvious desire to sing, there are expectations and responsibilities for all singers who participate in the program. These expectations and responsibilities are laid out in the following pages.
I strongly recommend referring to this handbook regularly as well as posting a copy of the Calendar in your home and agenda. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. My goal is to instill in you a lifelong passion for making music through the performance of high quality repertoire in a successful, positive ensemble experience.
Sincerely,
Megan Fitzharris Harlow
Director, Chenery Middle School Choral Program
Commitment
Music ensembles receive academic credit. Most academic courses require outside preparation and performance ensembles at Chenery Middle School are no exception. In addition, specific performances are scheduled after school hours and attendance IS REQUIRED. Attendance at these events is considered by the school administration to be a supplement to the exam schedule and, therefore, absence from a performance commitment will be reflected as a failing mark to be included in the period grade. The after-school performance schedule is found on the Calendar page of the Choral Music website (chenerychorus.weebly.com) as well as on the last page of this handbook. Please place this calendar in a conspicuous spot near your personal calendar at home and refer to it as you plan your other commitments. Any additions to this schedule will be reached by mutual agreement between the director and students involved.
By choosing to participate in a CMS Chorus, students are dedicating themselves to a successful, productive, enjoyable ensemble. This is only possible if everyone works to his or her highest potential. Disruptive behavior affects everyone in the group. Students should not allow negative behavior to disrupt the enjoyment and growth of the whole group. Positive behaviors that are expected of students in the ensembles include: respect for oneself, all members of the ensemble, the director, the music and other materials; patience; support and encouragement of others; a consistent desire for musical growth.
Grades
Grades are performance-based as assessed through preparedness, learning growth, and concert attendance (see above). Learning growth will be documented through in-class performance tests, historical and cultural context assignments, and music literacy evaluations.
Preparedness
All students are expected to bring to rehearsals their
· Music Binder with music, lined paper, and a divider (see below)
· Pencil
· A positive, ready to learn attitude
All students are expected to practice on their own, outside of rehearsal in order to contribute positively to the ensemble experience. Choral practice can focus on a variety of topics, including practicing good vocal technique, learning or mastering melodies and harmonies, memorizing text, researching historical or cultural information, finding and listening to good choral examples, etc.
All students are expected to be ready to begin rehearsal on time. The door to the Chorus Room will be closed when rehearsal begins. In order to begin, singers must be in their assigned seat in good vocal posture with their music folder (and music) and pencil out.
Music Folders, Binders, and Care
All students in Fifth Grade Chorus have paper folders with music that are kept at the school. Students are expected to treat the materials with respect, returning them at the end of each rehearsal.
Students in the 6th- 8th grade choral ensembles will provide a three-ring binder to serve as their music folder, lined paper, and a pencil for the year. The binder will hold all the music to be practiced by the ensemble in addition to this handbook, any warm-ups, music reading activities, and information that may be given out by the director. The binders will be checked periodically and that grade will be averaged into the term grade.
All students in the choral program receive copies of the music for learning purposes. This music should be marked only with pencil and returned in good condition after each concert. Please note that lost or severely damaged music will need to be replaced at the expense of the student.
Concert Attire
5th Grade Chorus: Appropriate, nice clothing (“your best”).*
Examples of appropriate concert dress are:
Boys: nice khaki slacks, button up shirt, and dress shoes
Girls: nice dress or blouse and skirt/pants and dress shoes
All other ensembles: Formal white and black.
Girls: Black pants or knee-length or longer skirt; white blouse; black
nylons or socks; nice, black shoes.
Boys: Black pants; white button down shirt; dark tie; black socks;
nice, black shoes.
* At no time should any student wear sneakers, flip-flops, Uggs or similar soft boots, jeans, gym shorts/pants, short skirts, or spaghetti strapped tops.
Leadership Roles
Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the 6th Grade Chorus, 7th & 8th Grade Chorus, and Chamber Singers. Leadership roles are given at the discretion of the director to students who demonstrate the interest in being a leader and who exemplify a positive role model, and consistently strive for musical excellence.
· Librarian
Student volunteers are needed to help maintain the choral music libraries. Student responsibilities include cataloging and filing existing and new music for all the choruses. A few students who work consistently throughout the school year may share this role. See the director if interested.
· Section Leaders
These are the student leaders of the ensembles. They should be positive role models within the group who are willing to take attendance, assist other members in problem solving musical questions, pass out materials, and guide small sectionals. They should have a high level of musicality and serve as musical and social leaders within their section. Section leaders should demonstrate correct techniques as well as maintain a supportive, encouraging manner at all times. The choosing of section leaders is left to the discretion of the director.
· Warm-up Leaders
Musical leaders are needed to guide the group warm-ups occasionally. These warm-ups will be taught and demonstrated by the director in advance. Students who wish to lead warm-ups must have a high level of musical skill and be willing to lead other students. It is also helpful, but not necessary to have a basic knowledge of the piano and/or be interested in learning basic conducting techniques. See the director if interested.
· Other leadership positions such as riser crews, stage managers, etc. may be available throughout the year at the teachers’ discretion.
Other Performance Opportunities
Note: Service credit points are available through participation in these opportunities.
MMEA Northeastern District Junior Festival
Junior Districts is an opportunity for 6th-9th grade boys and 7th-9th grade girls in the Northeastern Massachusetts area to prepare and perform a solo for an adjudicator. Selected students are then chosen from the soloists to perform in a Girls or Boys Festival Chorus under an esteemed conductor. The festival is a three- day rehearsal and concert event. Auditions usually occur in January followed by the festival in March. More information will be distributed to interested students in the fall.
MICCA Solo & Ensemble Festival
The MICCA Solo and Ensemble Festival is an opportunity for students to perform either a solo or small group piece in front of a judge for constructive comments and a rating. Students in 6th -8th grade choruses may participate in this festival. The festival usually occurs in May. Select ensembles that receive a gold medal rating are chosen to perform at a special Honor’s Concert the week following the festival. Interested students will receive information from their director in March.
Parent/Guardian Contact Information Form
I communicate regularly via e-mail with families of the singers. To insure that you receive all the communications regarding concerts, upcoming events, etc., please complete the Parent/Guardian Contact Information Form on the Choral Music Program website.
http://CheneryChorus.weebly.com
You will find a link to the form on the Home page of the website. Completion of this form will also indicate your reading and understanding of this handbook.
I am so excited that you have chosen to participate in one or more of the Chenery Middle School choral ensembles! This handbook has been compiled to assist you in understanding the choral music program as well as explain the commitment and responsibilities that are required from you as a singer. As I strive to maintain the high standards and excellence of the performing ensembles, I hope you will utilize this handbook as a guide. The excellence and success of any program is due to the support it receives from the singers, the parents, the school administration and teachers, and the greater Belmont community. Thank you in advance for giving your support to the Chenery Middle School Choral Music Program!
You are now a part of an ensemble, a team of musicians who have joined together to create beautiful music. To continue the tradition of excellence in the Chenery Middle School, you need to actively and energetically commit to your ensemble. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link (paraphrased, Thomas Reid, 1786); you don’t want to be the weakest link. Along with the obvious desire to sing, there are expectations and responsibilities for all singers who participate in the program. These expectations and responsibilities are laid out in the following pages.
I strongly recommend referring to this handbook regularly as well as posting a copy of the Calendar in your home and agenda. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. My goal is to instill in you a lifelong passion for making music through the performance of high quality repertoire in a successful, positive ensemble experience.
Sincerely,
Megan Fitzharris Harlow
Director, Chenery Middle School Choral Program
Commitment
Music ensembles receive academic credit. Most academic courses require outside preparation and performance ensembles at Chenery Middle School are no exception. In addition, specific performances are scheduled after school hours and attendance IS REQUIRED. Attendance at these events is considered by the school administration to be a supplement to the exam schedule and, therefore, absence from a performance commitment will be reflected as a failing mark to be included in the period grade. The after-school performance schedule is found on the Calendar page of the Choral Music website (chenerychorus.weebly.com) as well as on the last page of this handbook. Please place this calendar in a conspicuous spot near your personal calendar at home and refer to it as you plan your other commitments. Any additions to this schedule will be reached by mutual agreement between the director and students involved.
By choosing to participate in a CMS Chorus, students are dedicating themselves to a successful, productive, enjoyable ensemble. This is only possible if everyone works to his or her highest potential. Disruptive behavior affects everyone in the group. Students should not allow negative behavior to disrupt the enjoyment and growth of the whole group. Positive behaviors that are expected of students in the ensembles include: respect for oneself, all members of the ensemble, the director, the music and other materials; patience; support and encouragement of others; a consistent desire for musical growth.
Grades
Grades are performance-based as assessed through preparedness, learning growth, and concert attendance (see above). Learning growth will be documented through in-class performance tests, historical and cultural context assignments, and music literacy evaluations.
Preparedness
All students are expected to bring to rehearsals their
· Music Binder with music, lined paper, and a divider (see below)
· Pencil
· A positive, ready to learn attitude
All students are expected to practice on their own, outside of rehearsal in order to contribute positively to the ensemble experience. Choral practice can focus on a variety of topics, including practicing good vocal technique, learning or mastering melodies and harmonies, memorizing text, researching historical or cultural information, finding and listening to good choral examples, etc.
All students are expected to be ready to begin rehearsal on time. The door to the Chorus Room will be closed when rehearsal begins. In order to begin, singers must be in their assigned seat in good vocal posture with their music folder (and music) and pencil out.
Music Folders, Binders, and Care
All students in Fifth Grade Chorus have paper folders with music that are kept at the school. Students are expected to treat the materials with respect, returning them at the end of each rehearsal.
Students in the 6th- 8th grade choral ensembles will provide a three-ring binder to serve as their music folder, lined paper, and a pencil for the year. The binder will hold all the music to be practiced by the ensemble in addition to this handbook, any warm-ups, music reading activities, and information that may be given out by the director. The binders will be checked periodically and that grade will be averaged into the term grade.
All students in the choral program receive copies of the music for learning purposes. This music should be marked only with pencil and returned in good condition after each concert. Please note that lost or severely damaged music will need to be replaced at the expense of the student.
Concert Attire
5th Grade Chorus: Appropriate, nice clothing (“your best”).*
Examples of appropriate concert dress are:
Boys: nice khaki slacks, button up shirt, and dress shoes
Girls: nice dress or blouse and skirt/pants and dress shoes
All other ensembles: Formal white and black.
Girls: Black pants or knee-length or longer skirt; white blouse; black
nylons or socks; nice, black shoes.
Boys: Black pants; white button down shirt; dark tie; black socks;
nice, black shoes.
* At no time should any student wear sneakers, flip-flops, Uggs or similar soft boots, jeans, gym shorts/pants, short skirts, or spaghetti strapped tops.
Leadership Roles
Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within the 6th Grade Chorus, 7th & 8th Grade Chorus, and Chamber Singers. Leadership roles are given at the discretion of the director to students who demonstrate the interest in being a leader and who exemplify a positive role model, and consistently strive for musical excellence.
· Librarian
Student volunteers are needed to help maintain the choral music libraries. Student responsibilities include cataloging and filing existing and new music for all the choruses. A few students who work consistently throughout the school year may share this role. See the director if interested.
· Section Leaders
These are the student leaders of the ensembles. They should be positive role models within the group who are willing to take attendance, assist other members in problem solving musical questions, pass out materials, and guide small sectionals. They should have a high level of musicality and serve as musical and social leaders within their section. Section leaders should demonstrate correct techniques as well as maintain a supportive, encouraging manner at all times. The choosing of section leaders is left to the discretion of the director.
· Warm-up Leaders
Musical leaders are needed to guide the group warm-ups occasionally. These warm-ups will be taught and demonstrated by the director in advance. Students who wish to lead warm-ups must have a high level of musical skill and be willing to lead other students. It is also helpful, but not necessary to have a basic knowledge of the piano and/or be interested in learning basic conducting techniques. See the director if interested.
· Other leadership positions such as riser crews, stage managers, etc. may be available throughout the year at the teachers’ discretion.
Other Performance Opportunities
Note: Service credit points are available through participation in these opportunities.
MMEA Northeastern District Junior Festival
Junior Districts is an opportunity for 6th-9th grade boys and 7th-9th grade girls in the Northeastern Massachusetts area to prepare and perform a solo for an adjudicator. Selected students are then chosen from the soloists to perform in a Girls or Boys Festival Chorus under an esteemed conductor. The festival is a three- day rehearsal and concert event. Auditions usually occur in January followed by the festival in March. More information will be distributed to interested students in the fall.
MICCA Solo & Ensemble Festival
The MICCA Solo and Ensemble Festival is an opportunity for students to perform either a solo or small group piece in front of a judge for constructive comments and a rating. Students in 6th -8th grade choruses may participate in this festival. The festival usually occurs in May. Select ensembles that receive a gold medal rating are chosen to perform at a special Honor’s Concert the week following the festival. Interested students will receive information from their director in March.
Parent/Guardian Contact Information Form
I communicate regularly via e-mail with families of the singers. To insure that you receive all the communications regarding concerts, upcoming events, etc., please complete the Parent/Guardian Contact Information Form on the Choral Music Program website.
http://CheneryChorus.weebly.com
You will find a link to the form on the Home page of the website. Completion of this form will also indicate your reading and understanding of this handbook.
