STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

CHORAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK 2013 -2014

“Throughout my career, if I have done anything, I have paid attention to every note and every

word I sing - if I respect the song. If I cannot project this to a listener, I fail”.

Frank Sinatra

“The only thing better than singing is more singing.”

Ella Fitzgerald

Stone Bridge High School

43100 Hay Road

Ashburn, VA 20147

Main Office – 571-252-2200

Choral Office – 571-252-2204

Mr. Glenn Cockrell, Choral Director

gcockrel@lcps.org

Glenn Cockrell is in for Director Debbie Settle for the 2013/14 Season

PURPOSE STATEMENT

To achieve a standard of excellence that instills confidence in students in a positive environment that

fosters the growth of musical and personal integrity; building a lifelong appreciation and pursuit of music

and the performing arts.

GOALS – Based on Virginia Dept. of Education as well as The National Standards of Learning for

Intermediate, Advanced, and Artist Levels of Fine Arts Instruction and Performance.

Students will:

1 – Develop skills resulting in *quality musical performances

Personal vocal skills development

Accompanied and A cappella part singing in harmony; in tune

Sight-singing and ear training

Rhythm/counting skills development

2 – Acquire knowledge of the elements of music

Read and interpret vocal scores

Name and identify various musical terms and symbols

3 – Demonstrate a positive attitude as a working ensemble member

4 – Enhance aesthetic sensitivity

5 – Evaluate and perform a variety of musical styles

*Quality musical performances include authentic and expressive representations of songs that create an

atmosphere resulting in individual and/or combined audience response

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS - “Excellence Begins With YOU!”

Students will:

1. Be READY

-The SBHS attendance policy applies at all classes

-Arrive to class on time. Good time management is a skill necessary for success after high school.

Practice it now! If emergencies arise that causes you to be tardy, please enter without disruption.

-Have your music notebook and pencil with you when you come to class.

You may use pencil or pen for notes in your composition book. Choral music may only be marked in

PENCIL.

-Rehearsal time is VALUABLE. Let your primary focus be on the music and class business. We all have

other “stuff” going on that demands our time and attention. It is my experience that if we put that

“stuff” aside temporarily, the time we spend with music gives us a better perspective to go back and

deal with it.

2. Be RESPONSIBLE

-Participate fully in all class rehearsals, after-school rehearsals, performance activities, and concerts.

Your attendance is required because you are important to the group! Major performance dates are

listed on my website and will be posted in the room. These dates should be treated as priorities in your

life.

-When UNAVOIDABLE conflicts arise, your parent or guardian must submit the reason in writing (note or

email) two weeks prior to the absence. Emergencies such as sudden illness or family problems require a

written excuse on the day you return to school. Written work will be given to earn a grade for ANY

absence from a mandatory rehearsal or performance.

-Because written work does not fully compensate for missing rehearsals or performances, the highest

grade to be earned for an Excused absence is 90.

Actions of irresponsibility which result in missing mandatory events can result in an Unexcused absence.

Unexcused absences can result in failing grades. Unexcused absences can also result in your not earning

your Choral Letter or Pin. Repeated absences of ANY kind may result in dismissal from your Ensemble/s.

-All music and equipment should be handled with care. We are privileged to have wonderful property to

use in rehearsals. Anyone who loses or damages music or equipment will be charged replacement costs.

Students who wish to take music home need to clear that with the Director.

3. Be RESPECTFUL

-Cell phones and/or ANY technological device should not be used for ANY purpose during class/rehearsal

time. NO TEXTING during class. Stay focused on what we are working on and always be thinking ahead

or problem-solving on your own.

-I will be listening to you and expect you to listen to me. Learn to read my signals and interpret my

motions. I will be learning to read and interpret you. If our music is to reach others, we must work

TOGETHER.

-Support and encourage music and personal maturity. Our performances reflect who we are and how

we do things. If we want to produce superior quality music, then we must practice superior musical and

personal manners. Practice makes PERMANENT.

-The Chorus Room needs to be a place where productive work can be accomplished. Chairs and music

need to be in their appropriate places and used for their intended purposes. Litter and trash are

unacceptable. Always take proper care of your backpacks and personal items.

-Bottled water is acceptable; snacks are sometimes acceptable and we will work out those particulars as

we define our routines for the year.

-NO GUM!!! At the very least, gum inhibits your best singing; at the very most, gum can be a choking

hazard while you are singing. Our big trashcans are happy to be “Gum Drops”.

All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking

excellence.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.

Vince Lombardi

GRADING POLICIES

Students will demonstrate formal musical knowledge by taking periodic written assessments each

Quarter. Students may be assessed on any information which has been discussed or rehearsed in class

including, but not limited to sight-singing, Solfege, rhythm and interval studies, vocabulary, and

memorization of music.

Vocal evaluations may be done periodically by small groups performing short sections of pieces studied

during the quarter. Grading rubrics will be developed for each evaluation and would include note and

rhythmic accuracy, intonation, dynamics, style, and performance etiquette.

After-school rehearsals and concerts are mandatory and graded events occuring throughout the school

year. Dates for these events are on my website. Grading includes, but is not limited to the characteristics

listed in the paragraph above.

Students will also submit short written evaluations after major concerts to demonstrate their growing

knowledge of performance level expectations.

Prior notice will always be given for any major grading assessment.

Grades will be determined by:

40% - Weekly ensemble performance including behavior and attitude

40% - Performance Evaluations (After-School Rehearsals, Concerts)

10% - Written classwork evaluations and analysis

10% - Sight-Singing or other in-class performance evaluations

A detailed description of ensemble performance expectations is listed on the next page.

WEEKLY ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Positive assessment begins with demonstrating by attitude and actions that we represent Excellence

while working towards Intermediate, Advanced, and/or Artist Level VDOE Standards of Learning.

1 – Being READY (3 points)

*I was on time to class and started working appropriately

*I brought all necessary materials

*I demonstrated a positive attitude and willingness to try

2 – Being RESPONSIBLE (3 points)

*I was on-task, focused, and participated fully at all times

*I used proper breathing, posture, style, and energy in my singing

*I was diligent to take proper care of all personal and class belongings

3 – Being RESPECTFUL (3 points)

*I listened to and watched the Director and tried to sing with correct musical expression and

interpretation

*I contributed positively to class activities and did not cause distractions in any way, including

the use of technological devices of any kind

*I showed good character and maturity by choosing not to chew gum in class

4 – Musical Integrity (1 point)

*I listened to others in my ensemble to develop musical awareness and artistic perspective

resulting in heightened blend and balance of parts.

TOTAL POSSIBLE WEEKLY ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE POINTS – 10

STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

As a member of any SBHS performing ensemble, you are expected to look and act professionally in class

and in performance. To achieve the maximum personal and musical success requires a tremendous

amount of self-discipline. I trust that you are willing to work on attaining that kind of discipline. It is

important that you understand that we must learn the mechanics of a composition thoroughly before

we can perform it with musical authenticity and beauty. That means rehearsal may seem tedious at

times but I trust you to understand why and deal with it maturely. It is also important that you know I do

not expect anything of you that I don’t expect MORE of in myself. I love and respect music and the art of

singing and assume that at this stage of your life you have chosen to be involved in this program

because you do, too. Therefore, it is most important that you choose to accept that every student is

subject to all school and LCPS policies regarding behavior, and further accepts that I want to see your

best day in and day out as I pledge to give you the same. For the protection of our choral organization,

certain consequences will result from infractions of school or Choral Department policies:

First offense: Student will fill out a Re-Focus form (copy at end of Handbook)

Second offense: Student will turn in a written letter of apology signed by parent or guardian.

Third offense: Parent or guardian will be notified for a meeting. Student may be placed on

*Non-Performance Status until situation is resolved.

*For students in multiple ensembles, Non-Performance Status applies to all ensembles – enrolled classes

and/or extra performing ensembles. Any student on Non-Performance Status would be required to

complete written assignments including, but not limited to worksheets, research reports, and

composition analysis.

If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is

not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude.

Colin Powell

OTHER IMPORTANT EXPECTATIONS OF CONDUCT

Our performers are music ambassadors and therefore, members of the SBHS Choral Department

represent themselves, their families, their programs, their school, and their community at all times. It is

important that students consistently present themselves in an exemplary manner. Therefore, the

following conditions are ALWAYS in effect:

1 – All rules as stated in the official student handbooks of both SBHS and LCPS must be adhered to at all

times whether on or off of school grounds. This includes established guidelines for tobacco, alcohol,

illegal substances, weapons, dress codes, and general conduct.

2 – Always show proper respect for authority including, but not limited to Mrs. Settle, guest conductors,

substitute teachers, parent volunteers, and chaperones. Foul language, obscene gestures, and mean or

degrading comments toward ANYONE will be considered bullying and will NOT be tolerated.

3 – School property is not to be vandalized or defaced in any manner at any time; any such act will be

considered an act of vandalism subject to student referral to school administration.

4 – School policy does not allow for student self-transportation to events where bus transportation is

provided. Students SHOULD NOT assume that driving to off-campus events is acceptable; extenuating

circumstances must be cleared IN ADVANCE with the Choral Director and/or school administration.

5- Check with Mr. Cockrell before using Computers, Piano, or anything in the Choral Office.

The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.

Albert Schweitzer

CONCERT ATTIRE POLICIES

All choir members are asked to bring in a check for $50.00 to cover the rental of your formal wear plus

family membership into the Music Boosters Association. This fee entitles you to use your concert attire

for the year, provides us funds for minor repairs, and keeps everyone up to date on all activities. Since

the concert wear is expensive and can be difficult to replace, students are required to take good care of

their uniforms. If something is lost, the rental fee will be used to replace the item and the student is

responsible for making up any cost difference. The price range for a dress or tux is $80 - $120. Be very

responsible with your concert wear!

***Students in multiple ensembles are charged the $50.00 fee plus $10.00 for each additional ensemble

to cover end-of-year cleaning costs for each outfit. ***

MEN: You are responsible for purchasing any shirts required for your particular tux. You need to wear

BLACK DRESS SHOES and BLACK SOCKS with your formal wear.

LADIES: You need to wear BLACK CHARACTER SHOES with your concert dress. If you do not already own

a pair, they will be available for purchase prior to the first concert. Exceptions to this policy must be

approved by Mrs. Settle IN ADVANCE of a performance. Dresses must be hemmed to the required

length before performances.

Necklaces are NOT to be worn with concert attire except for those specifically designated per ensemble.

Any other jewelry must be discreet and in keeping with the formal look we are creating. Because of

stage lighting, some makeup is desirable if you are comfortable wearing it.

ALL STUDENTS: Hair is to be clean and neat when in concert dress. Hairstyles that hide the eyes or

otherwise interfere with your face are not acceptable for concert performances. Do not wear colognes,

perfumes, or strong lotions during performances.

CHORAL LETTER

Students who consistently work hard in Chorus can receive recognition for their efforts. Certificates,

Letters, and Pins are awarded to students who are willing to show the initiative to earn the points

necessary each year. Awards are announced at the Spring Choral Banquet in June. Students must

accumulate 200 points in a school year to be eligible for awards; points do not carry over from one year

to the next. The award system is structured as follows:

1st year meeting qualifications – Certificate

2nd year meeting qualifications – Letter

3rd year meeting qualifications – Pin

4th year meeting qualifications – Senior Pin

POINT SYSTEM

· Each choral concert attended 25 pts.

· Each extra choral rehearsal attended 5 pts./reh.

· Other performances (SBHS or off-campus) attended 15 pts.

· Auditions performed 10 pts.

· All-County, District or State rehearsals attended 5 pts./reh.

· Spring Musical Roles:

Company/Ensemble 10 pts.

Minor Character 15 pts.

Lead Character 20 pts.

· Choir Officers:

President/Co-President 20 pts.

Vice-President 15 pts.

7-4-5 Section Leader 15 pts.

Secretary 10 pts.

Historian 10 pts.

· Perfect Classroom Attendance (per Quarter) 5 pts./Qtr.

· Multi-Ensemble membership 10 pts./year

· Music Theory Class enrollment 10 pts.

· Tri-M Membership 10 pts.

· Assist MBA with events/concerts 10 pts./event

***Points not awarded in attendance-based categories if absent, even if absence is Excused***

CHOIR OFFICERS

PRESIDENT/CO-PRESIDENT:

The President or Co-Presidents will oversee the entire choral organization. They will help plan the Kick-

Off and other special events, plan and preside over officer meetings, preside at concerts, and

communicate with the Vice-Presidents and/or other Choir Officers and Section Leaders.

VICE-PRESIDENT:

Each ensemble meeting as a class will elect a Vice-President. Vice-Presidents will communicate all

pertinent choral information to his/her ensemble, assist MBA officers with organization and

management of all special activities, give leadership to all other choral activities, and act for the

President/s in case of their absence.

SECTION LEADERS:

7-4-5 Chorale will elect Section Leaders. Section Leaders will takeattendance at each 7-4-5 rehearsal/

concert and keep an accurate attendance log. They will turn in an attendance report to Mrs. Settle after

each rehearsal/concert. They will encourage their section members to be present and on time to all

functions.

SECRETARY:

Each ensemble meeting as a class will elect a Secretary to maintain the point log, take attendance at all

extra rehearsals and concerts, file student information forms and complete any choir correspondence.

Some ensembles will have two Secretaries, depending on the size of the ensemble.

HISTORIAN:

Each ensemble meeting as a class will elect a Historian to keep a pictorial record of the year’s activities.

Pictures should be posted on the choir room bulletin board every Quarter. Pictures should be compiled

into a collage at the end of the school year and presented at the Choral Banquet.

LIBRARIAN:

This position is appointed by Mr. Cockrell. The librarian will file and catalog all repertoire in the Music

Library.

All officers are required to attend occasional officer meetings. These meetings may be held on or off-

campus. All officers are also expected to attend all other planned choir activities, social or otherwise. All

officers are expected to assist the MBA officers with various projects as necessary throughout the school

year. All officers will participate in visible leadership roles in class and in our concerts. All officers should

be exemplary representatives of the SBHS Choral Department and the excellence for which we

consistently strive.

Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected.

Steve Jobs

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

John Quincy Adams

ADDITIONAL CHORAL ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE

In order to participate in any extra-curricular choral activity, students must MAINTAIN at least a B+

average in music classes, be in good standing in ALL courses, and have NO disciplinary infractions in any

school related activity.

ALL-COUNTY CHORUS: Students who are interested in participating must complete an audition. Students

selected are required to attend extra rehearsals and perform in the event which occurs in early

November. This year’s All-County performance will include a Women’s SSAA Choir, a Men’s TTBB Choir,

and a Women’s SSAA Sight-Reading Choir.

ALL-DISTRICT CHORUS: Students must have earned a pre-determined number of points in their All-

County audition and/or participated in All-County Chorus to audition for All-District Chorus. Extra

rehearsals are required to prepare for the performance in February. This year’s All-District event will

feature a Women’s SSAA Choir and a Men’s and Women’s SATB Choir.

ALL-STATE CHORUS: All-State auditions will be held in February 2013 and only those Juniors and Seniors

participating in All-District Chorus are eligible to attend these auditions. Extra rehearsals are required for

the auditions and if selected, extra rehearsals are also required to prep for the performance which is

held in April 2013.

VMEA SENIOR HONORS CHOIR: Honors Choir auditions are held the first weekend in October at

Longwood University in Farmville, Va. Only Seniors are eligible to audition and must pass a screening

audition with Mrs. Settle. If selected to the choir, you must be available to attend the rehearsals and

performance which occur at the Virginia Music Educator’s Conference in November 2012. Extra

rehearsals will be required prior to the audition as well as to the event itself.

ACDA HONORS CHOIRS: The American Choral Directors Association sponsors Honors Choirs at their

annual Regional and National Conferences each February or March. Recorded auditions with specific

parameters are sent in to the selection committee in the fall. A recording session will be available in

September and specific information about that will be passed along in class prior to the session.

SOCIAL EVENTS: Many activities are being planned for this year and information about each one will be

announced separately.

CHORAL AUDITIONS

In the spring of each school year, auditions will be conducted for individual students to determine

ensemble placement for the following school year. Specific instructions will be given out in class at least

two weeks prior to the start of auditions.

IMPORTANT PERFORMANCES

Each year, all students in the Choral Department are requested to sing the Alma Mata and the National

Anthem at the Homecoming Football Game. Also each year, all students in the Choral Department are

requested to sing the National Anthem and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” at Graduation. While these

events are not Mandatory/Graded events, they are important and special occasions where we want

everyone participating if at ALL possible. These dates are posted on my website as part of our major

performance calendar. Please mark these dates and make every effort to make them a priority so that

SBHS upholds its tradition of excellence in these enriching and memorable performances.

Please consult the Choral Dept. Calendar for all major events.

Remember it is the student’s responsibility to know and attend all

scheduled events both in the calendar and those added throughout

the school year.

STONE BRIDGE HS CHORAL DEPARTMENT RE-FOCUS FORM

Student Name:_____________________________________________________________________

Date: _______________Ensemble/Block_______________________

Time started: ___________________Time ended: _________________

1 – What was my behavior? I was:

2 – What did I want? I wanted:

3 – My behavior probably made my teacher feel:

4 – My behavior probably made my classmates feel:

5 – My behavior caused the following problems in class:

6 – In the future, I can change my behavior by:

7 – I am ready to return to class and try again: YES NO

The Re-Focus exercise should take about 10 minutes. If you need additional time, please ask Mr. Cockrell

to sign the pass below to see your Guidance Counselor:

Pass to Office to fill out request to see Guidance Counselor

CHORAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(This form must be signed and returned by Sept. 10, 2013)

STUDENT NAME: (please print)__________________________________________________________

I understand and agree to all of the rules, guidelines, and standards of conduct as stated in the Stone

Bridge Choral Handbook. I also agree to follow any additional rules, guidelines, and standards of conduct

that may be presented by Mr. Cockrell or other persons of authority, including chaperones and

substitute teachers, while a member of the Choral Program. I understand and accept that infraction of

these rules, guidelines, and standards of conduct, or otherwise inappropriate behavior, may result in

lowered grades and/or disciplinary action, including dismissal from choral activities, early travel home

from off-campus activities at my parents’ expense, and/or dismissal from the SBHS Choral Program.

_______________________________________________ _____________________

Student Signature Date

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parent/Guardian Name: (please print)______________________________________________

I hereby give permission for my son/daughter, ___________________________________, to

participate fully in the Stone Bridge Choral Program. I am confident that he/she will follow the rules,

guidelines, and standards of conduct as stated in the Stone Bridge Choral Handbook whether supervised

or at free time. I understand and accept that infraction of these rules, guidelines, or standards of

conduct, or otherwise inappropriate behavior, may result in lowered grades and/or disciplinary action,

including dismissal from choral activities, early travel home from off-campus activities at my expense,

and/or dismissal from the Choral Program.

________________________________________________ ______________________

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Day Phone Number_________________________ Evening Phone Number______________________

Parent/Guardian Cell Phone_______________________

FIELD TRIP/EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM

(This form must be signed and returned by Sept. 10, 2013)

PARENTS/GUARDIANS – Please fill out and sign the attached Field Trip Permission Form. This form will

cover your son/daughter for ANY and ALL trips that he/she will participate in during the course of the

2012-2013 school year.

Please sign below to acknowledge and accept that if any of the information as stated on the form

changes during the school year, then it is necessary to update that information with Mr. Cockrell

immediately.

PARENT/GUARDIAN Signature:___________________________________________________________

STONE BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL DEPT.

Student Information and Introduction Sheet

NAME: _______________________________________________ GRADE _______________

ADDRESS (Street): _______________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP: ________________________________________________________________

HOME PHONE: _________________________________________________________________

STUDENT CELL PHONE: ___________________________________________________________

STUDENT E-MAIL: _______________________________________________________________

CURRENT YEAR STUDENT CLASS SCHEDULE

BLOCK SUBJECT TEACHER ROOM

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A.S.

A.S. = Club or Extra Curricular Activities