mrs. rogers director [email protected] 267-893-2800 · pdf filelenape choir handbook 2015-16 2...
TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. Rogers – Director
267-893-2800 x6404
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 1
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Lenape Choir. I am truly excited about the 2015-16 school year,
and very excited to meet you! This Choir Handbook is designed to give you the
information needed to understand the expectations and guidelines for the
Lenape Middle School Choir program. These guidelines will provide the general
information you need to prepare for a full year of learning, music, and fun!
In addition to the guidelines, this handbook also presents the information you
will need to successfully participate in our music program. Grading policies and
performance schedules are provided for student use. Each student is expected
to read the entire handbook, and complete the digital form (link below) to
account for their first grade of the year.
We are very proud of the standards Central Bucks music programs hold, and
hope that through your genuine support we will be able to continue to uphold
the standards of music here at Lenape. If you have any questions regarding this
handbook please contact me at [email protected] or 267-893-2800 x47404. I
look forward to a wonderful year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jaime Rogers
Choir Director
Click HERE to complete the digital form.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 2
Table of Contents
Introduction Letter……………………..……………..…………………………………………1
Table of Contents…………………………….………………………………………………….2
About the Director………………………….…………………………………………………...3
Objectives…………………………………….………………………………………………….4
Procedure/Policies…………………………….…………………………………………………5
Performance Dates and Ensembles………………...….……………………………………….6
Performing Groups……………………………………………………………………………...7
Concert Attire ………………………………………………………………………………...…8
Grading Policy………………………………………………………………………...………9-10
Missed Rehearsal/Performance Policy ……………………………………..………………….11
National Standards for Music Education …………………………...…………………..……..12
First Homework Assignment………………………………………..………………………...13
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 3
About the Director
Mrs. Rogers was born and raised in Bucks County, PA. At the suggestion of her school music teacher, Miss. Mace,
Mrs. Rogers began taking organ lessons at the age of six. The summer after third grade, she received a piano for her
birthday and began her formal piano training, eventually dropping organ to focus more on her piano studies. When
she entered Jr. High School she started studying voice with Mrs. Sally Beck, her school choir director (formally Miss
Mace from elementary school). In high school she began vocal studies with Helen Holcomb, voice professor at Bucks
County Community College. All through Jr. High and High School Mrs. Rogers was very active in the school and
community music programs. She performed leading roles in the Palisades High School musicals, performed in
District and Regional Choir, and placed first in the BCMEA Choir twice. She also participated in talent competitions
and regional theatre across Bucks County.
Before coming to Lenape Mrs. Rogers received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from
Ithaca College School of Music in Ithaca, NY. While at Ithaca Mrs. Rogers studied voice with Dr. David Parks and
conducting from the highly regarded, Dr. Janet Galvan. Post-college, Mrs. Rogers taught vocal and general music to
grades 5-12 in the Tioga Central School district in Tioga Center, NY for three years. In 2001, Mrs. Rogers moved back
to the Philadelphia area to teach choir, music theory, and general music in the William Penn School District. In 2003
she finally landed her dream job, teaching choir and Performing Arts at Lenape Middle School.
In 2009 Mrs. Rogers completed her Master’s Degree in Educational technology. She has also completed 30
additional post-graduate credits in the field of music education. Over the past ten years Mrs. Roger’ choirs have had
the opportunity to meet and perform for composers, Rollo Dilworth and Deke Sharon. Deke Sharon composed a
special arrangement of “Go Tell it On the Mountain” for the Lenape Men’s Ensemble in 2011. Amy Bernon wrote an
original piece, titled “When We Sing” for the Lenape Choir, under Mrs. Rogers’ direction in 2015. Mrs. Roger’s choirs
have received numerous superior ratings and “Best in Show” awards at the Music in the Parks competitions held
every spring at Dorney Park. In 2015, the LMS Women’s Ensemble received the Grand Sweepstakes Award from
Music Showcase Festivals for earning the highest scores of all choral ensembles that competed at Dorney in the 2015
competition season.
Mrs. Rogers is an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educations Association (PMEA), Music Educator’s
National Conference (MENC), and the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA). In addition to teaching, Mrs.
Rogers is an avid reader and enjoys cooking when she has the time. She is also a huge fan of musical theatre and
anything Broadway!
Mrs. Rogers lives in Doylestown with her husband and two young daughters. She loves living in Doylestown and all
the wonderful opportunities, activities, and events that are offered throughout the year. As the choir director at
Lenape Middle School, Mrs. Rogers hopes to continue to grow the Choir Program, expose students to great music,
and foster a life-long love of singing. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone and having a wonderful
2015-16 school year.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 4
Objectives
Students will continue to develop the musical skills they acquired in previous grades,
focusing on improving their musicianship, musical knowledge, and vocal technique.
Students will experience a wide variety of musical styles.
Students will build confidence and a sense of accomplishment both individually and
collectively through pubic performances.
Students will have the opportunity to audition for various select groups, such as
Chamber Choir, Women’s Ensemble, Acafellas, Acabellas, Jazz Band, BCMEA, and more.
Students will develop good rehearsal habits by being responsible for their own music,
pencil, and choir uniform, as well as being expected to be on time and prepared for all
after school rehearsals and performances.
Most importantly – students will HAVE FUN!!!
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 5
Procedures/Policies
Class Materials: Students must bring a pencil and their agenda book to class every day. In addition, all
students will receive a Choir Folder. Choir folders will remain in the choir room at all times as they are shared
with students in other sections of choir. Students are expected to report lost or damaged music immediately.
Food, Drink, and Gum: Only bottled water is permitted in the choir room and auditorium. If a student has a
medical condition that required additional food or drink, exceptions will be considered through parent
conference. ABSOLUTELY NO GUM is permitted in all music areas.
All students are expected to treat their peers, teacher, the choir room and its contents with respect at all
times: Students who do not show respect will be given a consequence. Consequences may include loss of
privileges, lunch detention, after- school detention, cleaning the choir room, writing a letter of apology,
and/or parent conference.
Announcements and News: All announcements and news will be communicated through Mrs. Rogers’
teacher page. You can find a link to Mrs. Rogers’ teacher page on the CBSD website, under “teacher sites.”
Students and parents are expected to check email and/or the site for announcements. Weekly rehearsal
schedules are also posted on the Music Bulletin Board (outside room 325) and on the white board in front of
the room.
Absences from class: Students who are absent from class should check with Mrs. Rogers for any
announcements/classwork that they may have missed. Students should also check the hanging file, stored in
the front of the room, for missed handouts/assignments. Handouts/assignments are organized by date.
Hall Passes: Students who need a pass (bathroom, locker, library, nurse) must raise their hand and ASK MRS.
ROGERS. Once permission is granted students must sign out and take the appropriate pass with them.
Students must sign back in upon their return. Abuse of this policy will result in a stricter arrangement.
Resource/Lunch: Students who wish to come to the choir room for resource or lunch, must ask Mrs. Rogers
for a pass PRIOR to resource or lunch. Mrs. Rogers will write passes IN YOUR AGENDA BOOKS ONLY for this
purpose. You must have a reason for coming to the choir room and you must stay in the choir room for the
entire resource/lunch period. Students will not be permitted to use the alcove. Students who abuse this policy
will lose the privilege of coming to the choir room for lunch/resource.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 6
Performances and Ensembles
Performances are a necessary part of every music program. Through the various ensembles offered at
Lenape, performances allow the students to express themselves in many ways. Students are able to show
audiences of family, friends, and peers their hard work and dedication to the choir. In addition,
performances support the school community. Performing in different venues and for different audiences
allows the students to have a diverse musical experience that will build confidence and positively affect
their daily lives.
Required performances for grade level choirs for the 2015-16
School Year
Veteran’s Day Assembly (7th/8th/9th Grade Boys)
o November 11, 2015 – during school day, time TBD
Winter Concert (7th/8th/9th Grade Choir & Select Choirs)
o December 2, 2015 @ 7 PM – Performers arrive at 6:15 PM
9th Grade Choir Exchange @ CB West (9th Grade Choir only)
o December 21, 2015 6-8 PM
Spring Concert (7th/8th/9th Grade Choir & Select Choirs)
o April 28, 2016 – Performers arrive at 6:15 PM
POPs Concert (7th/8th/9th Grade Choir & Select Choirs)
o June 2, 2016 @ 7 PM – Performers arrive at 6:15 PM
Select choir members will have additional required performances that will be
communicated separately. Additional optional performances for grade level
choirs will be communicated in class and listed on Mrs. Rogers’ teacher page.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 7
Performing Groups
7th/8th/9th Grade Choir: Choir classes are offered to all students who enjoy singing and are interested. These
students will participate in various concerts throughout the school year. Choir classes meet all year, every
other day for 56 minutes. Students will be required to rehearse both during and after the normal school
day. Please be aware that mandatory after-school rehearsals will be held as we approach the concerts.
Information about these rehearsals will be communicated well in advance.
Chamber Choir/Women’s Ensemble: The Lenape Middle School Chamber Choir and Women’s Ensembles
are comprised of an elite group of musicians. Entry to these ensembles is gained by audition only.
Auditions are held in the third week of September. Students must prepare and sing “The Star Spangled
Banner” for their audition. More information on auditions and a sign up for times will be posted on the
bulletin board located in the hall next to Rm. 325.
Acafellas & Acabellas: The Acafellas and Acabellas exclusively perform a cappella music. Entry into these
groups is by invitation of the conductor. Students will be selected from the current year’s Chamber and
Women’s Ensemble rosters. Students should indicate their interest in these groups when they audition for
Chamber and Women’s Ensemble.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 8
Concert Attire
Choir students wear a particular outfit in order to give the choir a more uniform and professional look and
feel, to minimize distractions caused by clothing choices, and to help make the concert performance feel
special. The concert attire described is expected and required. If you have any concerns about meeting
these requirements please contact Mrs. Rogers ASAP so that we can work something out.
7/8/9 Grade Choir
Boys: White button down shirt, a long tie (any color), black dress pants, black socks, black dress shoes.
Girls: White button down shirt, black dress pants or a black skirt that is knee-length or longer, black dress
shoes. No leggings or UGGS.
Select Choirs
Select choir members will wear the outfit described below in place of the 7/8/9 choir outfit.
Boys: Black button down shirt and red neck tie will be provided to you. You must supply black dress
pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
Girls: A red blouse will be provided to you. You must provide a knee-length black skirt and black dress
shoes.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 9
Grading Policy
Class Performance & Preparation (40% of overall grade)
Students will be graded weekly with short checklists/rubrics. Approximately 6-10 students will be graded
each day. They will receive the rubric at the end of class. The grading topic will be posted on the daily
PowerPoint. A copy of the rubrics will be kept in each choir folder for student reference. Topics will
include…
o Following classroom procedures
o Singing posture
o Diaphragmatic Breathing
o Classroom Performance
o Musical Expression
o Sightreading Skills
Graded Assignments & Assessments (30% of overall grade) = up to 50 pts. each
The number and types of assignments and assessments each marking period will vary. Examples of
assignments and assessments include…
o Vocal Tests
o Written quizzes
o Computer assignments – aural training, music theory assignments
o Voice Journal entries
o Concert reflections
o PowerPoints
Rehearsal and Performance Skills (30% of overall grade) = 10 pts. per week in class, 20 pts. for each after
school rehearsal, & 40 pts. for each performance
o Weekly Grade ( 10 pts.): Students will earn full credit each week by consistently demonstrating
cooperative, selfless, and efficient rehearsal skills during class. Examples of exemplary rehearsal skills
are…
Preparing for rehearsal upon entering class by getting your music, getting to your seat, and
beginning the warm-up activity
Transitioning appropriately between rehearsal activities
Maintaining focus when your section is NOT singing
Following rehearsal directions
Respecting your fellow choir members and the teacher (Mrs. Rogers or a substitute)
Taking care of your music and the classroom
Students will begin each week with 10 points. Students who do not demonstrate exemplary rehearsal
skills will lose points. Grades will be recorded every two weeks. Comments will show why a student
received a minus (if necessary).
o After – School Rehearsal Grade (20 pts.): Typically there will be 2-3 after-school rehearsals before
each performance. Students who attend rehearsal and demonstrate exemplary performance and
rehearsal skills will earn the full 20 points.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 10
After School Rehearsal Grading
20 pts. Attended rehearsal and exhibited excellent singing skills and rehearsal skills.
15 pts. Attended rehearsal and exhibited poor singing skills – OR – poor rehearsal skills.
10 pts. Attended rehearsal and exhibited poor singing skills AND poor rehearsal skills
5 pts. Earned if an Unexcused Absence is only partially made up.
0 pts. (Missing) Earned for Excused and Unexcused absences that are not made up.
o Performances (40 pts. each): Students who attend performances and demonstrate exemplary
choral performance skills and singing skills will earn the full 40 points. Choral performance skills
include the following…
Arriving on time, dressed in the required concert attire, and in the correct location
Recognizing appropriate and inappropriate times to talk
Maintaining focus while you are performing
Listening carefully to and following directions
Respecting your chaperones
Respecting other singers
Performances Grading
40pts. Attended the performance and exhibited excellent singing skills and choral performance skills.
30 pts. Attended the performance and exhibited poor singing skills – OR – poor choral performance skills.
20 pts. Attended the performance and exhibited poor singing skills AND poor choral performance skills
10 pts. Earned if an Unexcused Absence is only partially made up.
0 pts. (Missing) Earned for Excused and Unexcused absences that are not made up.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 11
After School Rehearsal and Performance
Absences
After- School Rehearsal Absences
1. Excused Missed Rehearsals
Must be communicated prior to the day of the missed rehearsal on the electronic form on
your director’s teacher site. (Exception – absence from school or leaving early for
illness/emergency)
CB West/Lenape Sports game/match
Students who have sports practices must notify the director of the conflict prior to
the rehearsal to discuss sharing between both activities.
All other situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis
2. Unexcused Rehearsals
Missed rehearsals that are not communicated prior to the rehearsal date
How to make up a missed rehearsal
There will be one resource make-up rehearsal scheduled for each ensemble. You must attend that
rehearsal to make up the grade.
Students with excused absences will earn full-credit by attending the make-up rehearsal
Students with unexcused absences will earn partial credit (70%) by attending the make-up
rehearsal
Performance (Concert) Absences
Excused Absence: o An excused absence includes absence from school on the day of the concert, a medical
emergency that cannot be communicated in advance,e or an extenuating circumstance that is discussed prior to the missed concert.
o A written assignment will be given to substitute the missed points. o The make- up assignment can be found on my teacher site and is due two weeks after the
missed concert. Unexcused Absence:
o An unexcused absence includes not showing up for the concert with no communication before and/or after the date.
o No substitute assignment will be given and the student receives “0” points.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 12
National Standards for Music Education
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Lenape Choir Handbook 2015-16 13
First Homework Assignment for ALL Choir Classes
As part of your grade for the first marking period, you are required to complete an online form to ensure
that you understand and have read the Lenape Choir Handbook.
This task must be completed by your 3rd choir class.
To acknowledge your receipt of this handbook, click on the link below and follow the instructions given.
RECEIPT OF HANDBOOK VERIFICATION