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Chorus Handbook

McArthur High School

2023 – 2024 Chorus Handbook

Mr. Gerald Armbrister, Director

“We strive to impact lives through our music.”

 

 

 

 

Website: singingmustangs.wixsite.com/chorus

Email: singingmustangs@gmail.com 

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                                                    @McArthurChorus

 

 

         Welcome to McArthur High School Chorus! This school year will be one of new excitement and great music achievements. You are a crucial part to building the success of our choral program. Whether at school or away, the McArthur Chorus will demonstrate maturity and quality musicianship in its performances.

         Our McArthur High Choral Program is open to all students interested in acquiring knowledge of various vocal techniques, various musical literature, performance etiquette, and music reading. Music students must not simply perform, but need to seek proper instruction to adequately.

         As a member of the McArthur High Chorus, you will receive high quality instruction. In return, Choral students are expected to be diligent in improving their vocal skills. Greatness does not simply happen. There is no substitute for hard work. Our commitment to excellence will allow McArthur Chorus to be mentioned among the elite Choral Programs in Florida.

         The McArthur High School Chorus is a product of the vision and hard work of McArthur High School and the School Board of Broward County. As a result, behavior and work ethic of the Choral members must reflect the sentiments of these entities. There is no substitute for hard work.

         In addition, promoting our work to the student body and public is crucial to sustaining and further building of the Choral Program. (Why put in months and months of hard work only to have a few people show up to the show?) Thus, cooperation from all parties is essential for achieving the high heights to which we aspire.

Performance Ensembles

         The choral program at McArthur High School is committed to excellence in the performance of choral music literature from the Middle Ages to the 21st Century through the acquisition of music literacy and vocal skill. We find our place in the world through exposure to multicultural literature as well as that from our own American heritage. Sacred music is performed for its historical and artistic merit and not for its theological content.

The performing groups are:

This group requires after-school rehearsals and performances.

Chorale is made up of all returning members to Chorus. The Chorale performs a variety of classical music and popular music.

Women’s Choir is made up of Beginning and Chorale female choral members.

Combined Chorus is the mass group and is made up of all the male and female members of Chorus.

Advance Chorus (Chorus 2, Chorus 3, Chorus 4, Chorus 5 Honors, and Chorus 6 Honors) is made up of advance returning female choral members and all male members.

Beginning Chorus (Chorus 1) is made up of all members Chorus 1. Beginning Chorus will learn the properties of high quality choral performance by learning music theory and music literature. Members in this group will have fewer performances than members in Chorale but will have opportunities for joint performances.    

 

Opportunities for special ensembles and solos will be made available at the Director’s discretion.

Boosters

         Boosters are parents, guardians, and members of the community who desire to help the McArthur High Chorus raise funds and promote the Chorus Program. Boosters meet in the Chorus Room. All individuals interested in supporting the Choral Program as a Booster are encouraged to contact the Director with fundraising ideas.

Fundraising

         Fundraisers are designed for use in Chorus activities ONLY! Some fundraising projects are for corporate (the entire Chorus) use and others are individual use. Students will have an opportunity to earn money for their individual account. Because many travel companies do not allow refunds, if a member leaves Chorus, all remaining money raised by the member will be forfeited.

Field Trips

         Field trips are a privilege, not a right and are designed to enhance the learning process. Field trips include in-school performances, out-of-school performances, on- campus performances, off-campus performances, and recreational trips such as the Chorus Banquet. Chorus members must qualify to participate in field trips. Qualifying for trips will include but is not limited to: demonstrating knowledge of music as taught by the Director, completing all required paperwork, attending rehearsals, and exhibiting satisfactory behavior. Because many travel companies do not allow refunds, if a Chorus member is not permitted to attend a trip after money has been received, money may or may not refunded. Chorus members represent McArthur High School. Appropriate behavior is always expected while on field trips. Broward County School Board rules apply during all school functions.

Chorus Officers

            Chorus Officers are in place to provide a voice for the members with the guidance of the Director. Officers must demonstrate a high level of musicianship and will be required to conduct sectional rehearsals. You MUST have been in a high school chorus for at least one year and be an upcoming Junior or Senior in order to be selected as a Chorus Officer EXCEPT for Section Leaders. The Director will remove any officer who does not fulfill his/her duties. In such cases, the Director will appoint someone to the vacancy.

 

President

The President should be one of the better musicians, be dependable and efficient, and display superior leadership ability. The President must desire the responsibility of the position and his/her attitude must be of the highest caliber.

Responsibilities include:

Help in the organization of trips, meetings, and fundraising projects

Organization of special projects such as student orientation, initiation and social activities Establishment of committees for activities such as homecoming, concerts, awards and banquets

Orientation of new students in the program

Overseeing of other officer responsibilities throughout the year

Publicity for concerts, fundraisers etc.

Writing a monthly newsletter

 

Vice President

The Vice-President's qualification must be like those of the President. Responsibilities include:

Establishment of current phone and email list and committee to aid in communication

Assisting of the President in his/her responsibilities 

Preparation/setup and teardown for Chorus activities/performances

Post and maintain a suggestion box  

Serve in the absence of the     President        

Post items of importance on bulletin board   

Assist Director in organizing room lists for field trips          

Collecting and filing music after use

Disbursing music

 

Secretary

The Secretary’s qualification must be like those of the President and Vice-President. Responsibilities include:

Record keeping Issuing of special invitations to upcoming events

Writing thank you cards in appropriate situations

Developing and maintain activity calendar

Taking minutes at meetings and present them to membership 

Keeping pictorial record of year's activities

Keeping "diary-like" written record of activities

 

Director’s Assistant            

The Director’s Assistant’s qualification must be like those of the other officers.          

Responsibilities include:       

Assist the Secretary

Recognize birthdays  

Make encouraging banners and signs for public display      

Post announcements   of special accomplishments of chorus members           

Check compliance with uniform requirements (hem height, shoes, socks, jewelry,)           

Manage chorus uniforms       

Report uniform problems/damages to Chorus Director

Check uniforms in and out and maintain records      

 

Section Leaders        

Section Leader’s qualification must be like those of the other officers. Section leaders will be assigned for each period of Chorus class.    

Record study tracks

Conduct sight-reading tests

Conduct vocal tests

Conduct sectional rehearsals

Monitor Chorus members’ progress of music and assist when needed

 

 

      

 

 

Uniform

The formal uniform is: Male - Black dress pants, white long-sleeved dress shirt, black vest, black tie, black socks, and black dress shoes.  Women – Black Chorus dress and black dress shoes.

 

The casual uniform is:  All Members – The Chorus t-shirt and jeans. Holes and tears are not allowed in the uniform. Members will not be allowed to perform and will receive a failing grade as a result.  All members must adhere to the Chorus Uniform. Prior to each performance uniform inspections will be conducted. Other requirements will be added, as the Director deems necessary. The Director will approve alternate uniforms when circumstances warrant.

 

 

 

 

Evaluation

       Class Activity - 40%

       Performances - 25%

       Rehearsal - 15%

       Chorus Notebook - 20%

Class Activity is the basis of the learning experience, thus the most attention is placed

here. Class Activity consists of appropriate behavior as outlined in you Student Code of Conduct book. Along with that, students are to participate in warm-up exercises, singing, written work, and other directions given by the Director, Director designee (e.g. Student leaders), or substitute teacher. Students who do not participate fully will receive an Incomplete (I) or be removed from the class.

To insure proper learning is taking place, Parts tests will be conducted periodically. Parts tests involve students singing excerpts from the current music. The Director may require the excerpt to be performed solo or as an ensemble.

Performance is the device used to demonstrate our musical abilities to the community. (Why would hide your marvelous talents from the world?) Although there is no suitable substitute for performing live, a make-up assignment will be issued after the performance. Students who are not permitted by the Director to perform must attend the performance and will be assigned a written report as his/her make-up assignment. The make-up assignment is due two school days after the student returns to class. Students who fail to attend a performance and do the make-up will receive a deduction in his/her grade.

Some performances are not required. At times the Director will select students to participate in local and out-of-town performances. No consequences will result for those not selected.

Prior to each performance uniform inspections will be conducted. Points will be deducted from the Performance grade for improper uniforms. (See Uniform for details.) Also included in the Performance Grade is Performance Sign In/Sign Out. Performance Sign In/Sign Out is checking in by the appointed time and checking out after the Director releases the students, after a performance.

Rehearsals take place each Thursday from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Rehearsal is important in any class you take and should receive greater thought when involved in a group activity. Because ensemble singing is a team effort, high attention will be given to attendance, and those who are faithful will be rewarded with the confidence needed to put on a quality performance. Simply knowing your music well will not suffice. Corporate knowledge is the greater goal. If changes are made to the Chorus Calendar, advance notice will be given. Once notice has been given, all members are required to attend the rehearsal. Excessive absences may result in the member not being permitted to participate in future Choral activities and a reduction in grade.

Chorus Notebooks must be brought to class and rehearsal each session (in school or after school). These notebooks must contain issued music, assignments, sharpened pencil with eraser, and any materials the Director has assigned to the notebook. Notebook Checks conducted periodically to ensure learning materials are in place. (Just as a builder needs his tools, a performer needs his reference materials).

 

Chorus Rules

1. Be On Time: Be in the chorus room when the bell rings. If you are not, you are tardy, and will be dealt with in accordance with school policy. If you think you may be late, stop in the chorus room first, then get permission to leave.

2. Be Prepared: Have your music and a pencil, every day. Turn in permission slips, forms, assignments, etc., on time. Late work may not be accepted for full value, late paperwork could keep you from participating in an activity. No food, drink or gum is allowed in the chorus room; water, however, is allowed (and encouraged).

3. Be Attentive: Do not distract the Director, those around you, or talk with your neighbors while the choir is singing, etc. Problems in this regard could result in disciplinary action, in accordance with school policy.

4. Be Excited: You chose Chorus, or you were privileged to be selected to join Chorus. You are here because you understand how good it is to have talent and showcase it. Singing for an audience is an honor and a privilege. Never forget that.

 

Chorus Syllabus

Course Names: Chorus 1, 2, 3, 4, Chorus 5 Honors, and Chorus 6 Honors

The content for this course includes, but is not be limited to, the following:

- vocal production - choral performance techniques

- music literacy

- sight reading and ear training

- elements and characteristics of music

- improvisation, composition, and arranging

- performance analysis

- role and influence of music and musicians

-connections between music and other subject areas

- responsible participation in music activities

The Student Will:

     1. Learn to sing to the best of his/her ability.

     2. Learn musical terms as they pertain to choral music.

     3. Learn to function as a large group.

     4. Be exposed to a wide variety of music.

     5. Be encouraged to be a lifelong consumer of music.

Special Note: This course requires students to participate in rehearsals and performances beyond the normal school day.

 

 

 

1st  Semester Content

Week 1          Introduction to Chorus (Handbook, calendar, class format, syllabus)

                      Various School Handouts (if applicable)

                      Explanation of Uniforms

                      Begin music theory

                           Voice Placement

                      Begin periodic introduction of songs and history                                   

Week 2          Voice Placement (as needed)

                       Introduce sight singing

Weeks 3-14    Music theory development

                             Rehearse selected songs

Weeks 14-17  Rehearse Winter Concert songs

                       Winter Concert – December, 2023 at McArthur

 Week 18       Semester Exam

 

2nd Semester Content

Week 1 - 9          Rehearse for District Music Performance Assessment

                                    District Solo & Ensemble MPA, February 3, 2024 at Cypress

                                        Bay High School

                            District Music Performance Assessment, March, 2024

Week   9 - 13      Rehearse for Spring Concert

 Week 13 – 18    Atlanta Trip April, 2024

   Chorus Spring Concert at McArthur High School April, 2024

                           Chorus Banquet May, 2024

                           Rehearse for Graduation

                           Graduation - To be announced

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    McArthur High School Chorus Member Contract

 

                      

 

Sign in the space provided below to agree to the following: I have read the McArthur High Chorus 2023 – 2024 Handbook and am fully aware of my responsibilities as a member of these ensembles. I consent to the Release for Media.

Additionally:

 - Students will follow the rules previous mentioned in the Chorus Handbook.

 - Parents will fully support his/her child’s fulfillment of the Handbook’s

       requirements.

  - Students and Parents understand the Rehearsal and Performance

        requirements.

  - The Release for Media grants the School Board of Broward County

        permission to photograph, video record, audio record, and publish names of        

        Choral members participating in School activities.

 

Sign and Return to Chorus Director. Due two school days after entering Chorus.

______________________  Parent or Guardian’s Signature

______________________  Print Student’s Name

_______________________ Student’s Signature

_______________________ Date

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