#MARSHALLMUSIC

Welcome to the Marshall High School Choral Department! I’m your friendly neighborhood choir director, Gina Jorgenson, and I am excited to be back again this school year.  I have seen first-hand over the past 20 years the excellent tradition of music that has been created at Marshall, and I am thrilled to be a part of this wonderful organization!

 

This Choral Handbook provides information regarding policies, rules, co-curricular activities, grading policies, organizational structure, calendar, voice lessons and other information necessary to give choir members and their families a clear and concise picture of expectations and opportunities for each MHS choir student. 

 

 

 

Your Responsibility:

Becoming a member of the Marshall Choral Union requires a level of commitment unlike other classes: you are required to come to events outside the school day as part of the performance assessment for this class.  Choral ensembles are dynamic instruments which consist of diverse people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences, socioeconomic levels, talents, developmental levels and ages.  Follow our class agreements, sing to the best of your ability, hand in assignments, and come to concerts – you will have no problem getting a 4 in this class!

 

You and your parents or guardians absolutely need to read the following pages.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me: gjorgenson@marshallschools.org. 

 

ACTION STEP: Please electronically sign, and have a guardian electronically sign in your google classroom. 

 

My (the Teacher’s) Responsibility

I vow to:

• Make the choir room a place where you can be exactly who you are, air grievances respectfully, and sing your heart out without receiving judgement from peers.

• Help you become the best singer and performer you can be

• Choose music from a variety of musical genres and teach you why I feel these are important pieces of music

• Assign things to you that have meaning and are relative to what we are learning

• Teach you musical vocabulary so you can become a life-long music reader

• Be open-minded and sensitive to your struggles, feelings, joys, concerns, etc.

• Never force you to sing music from any religion if you honestly feel uncomfortable

• Have a safe space for all students to learn

• Care about each and every one of you

 

Rules of Conduct

Whenever and wherever the choir appears in public or in a school event, we are representatives of the entire music program at Marshall Public Schools, the school itself, and all citizens and alumni who are in any way associated with this school. Whether in performance attire or out, at a performance or a practice, on the road or at home, in an official capacity or in a social setting, members of the Marshall Choral Union music conduct themselves in a mature, responsible, courteous, respectful and professional manner. Anything done by a single member of the choir reflects on the entire choral organization, its leaders, the school, and our community. Just as we strive for excellence in our music, so, too, must we concentrate on excellence in our behavior and the manner in which we conduct ourselves.  This includes:

 

 

 

RESPECT YOUR FELLOW CHOIR MEMBERS, THE TEACHER, AND OTHERS’ PROPERTY

- Use appropriate and courteous language
- Be sincere, fair, and considerate

- Clean up after yourself

- Do not touch things/music that don’t belong to you
- Treat the building and your music with care

- Cooperate fully with directors or anyone else who is in a position of leadership (this includes

substitute teachers, guest directors, section leaders and officers).

- You are responsible for the safekeeping of your music, pencil, performance attire, and any

other school owned equipment you may use. Loss or damage of school owned property will become your financial responsibility (repair and/or new replacement).

 

 

BE READY

- Come prepared

- Tardy to class? Stop in the office and get a pass.

- Be ready with music no less than 1 minute after the bell rings.

 

 

BE RESPONSIBLE AND THINK POSITIVELY, TAKING THOUGHT OF OTHERS’ NEEDS!

- Look for creative solutions if you see problems.
- If necessary, contact Mrs. Jorgenson if you can’t solve something

- Everyone should feel this is a safe environment to learn and to sing.

- Develop your personal skills when in the choir department.

 

 

Be tactful, respectful, courteous, supportive, diligent, conscientious……and smile!

 

 

We will create classroom working agreements that align with our beliefs about how our classroom should run.  Please respect these agreements! 

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Grading Policy

 

Your grade in choir will consist of:

                  25% Rehearsal Skills (daily grade)

                  25% Written work

                  25% Private or Group Lessons (6 per semester)

                  25% Concert and Performance Attendance

Rehearsal Skills: Each vocal student is expected to be in class ON TIME and be ready to work! When warm-ups or announcements begin, you should be in your seat with your music. You will be evaluated on you punctuality and active, positive participation. You will get a 1-4 EVERY DAY toward your regular grade AND your citizenship grade which includes Integrity and Work Ethic. 

Written Work: Being a well-rounded choral student means not only learning how to sing effectively, but also developing a solid understanding of musical concepts.  Choir students will complete worksheets, essays,  and quizzes that help to reinforce these educational values. Occasionally, journal and writing assignments will be assigned. All of these can be completed in class, so your only “homework” should be our concerts!

 

Private or Group Lessons – NEW: Each vocal student is expected to attend three 20-minute vocal lessons per quarter.  It is imperative that I hear every student in small groups or individually so I can help you become a better singer, which, in turn, helps the whole choir.  It also gives you feedback.  I understand that singing is a very personal thing, but there’s a right way and a wrong way to sing, just as there’s a right way and a wrong way to dribble a basketball.  We will talk about the rights and wrongs to help you become the best singer you can be!  It also make sense for you to see me during Solo and Ensemble time, should you choose to participate,  so we can perfect your song! 

 

Vocal lessons will take place during your 3A period.  IF YOUR GRADES IN YOUR 3A CLASS BECOME A PROBLEM AND YOU NEED TO ATTEND YOUR CLASS INSTEAD OF YOUR CHOIR LESSON, reasonable effort will be made to accommodate a lesson for you during Flex or after school.   This sign up will be available via Google Classroom. 

 

If you forget your lesson you will need to sign up for a different time.  DO NOT SAVE ALL LESSONS FOR THE END OF THE SEMESTER.  The point is for me to see you about every 6 weeks to talk about progress!

Concert and Performance Attendance: When we perform, everyone is expected to be present at warmup time. A make-up assignment will be given to those students that have an “excused” absence for a concert or performance. This will include: recording each song for me, singing your voice part, plus an essay of my choosing.  Unexcused absences will lose grade points without the opportunity to make these points up. It is not only expected that you be at the concert, but that you have made a suitable effort to come prepared to the concert. A concert is not only part of your grade (such as a test), it is also a privilege!

*Behavior problems at performances will also result in the lowering of the student’s citizenship grade and may include writing an apology to your choir or other choirs*

 

 

Concert Attendance Policy - IMPORTANT

Attendance at concerts/performances is MANDATORY as it is part of the STATEWIDE CURRICULUM in choir.  This is a fundamental and integral part of your membership in choir. Concerts and performances are a public demonstration of what has been learned in choir. Each performer in the ensemble is dependent on each choir member being present to perform his or her part.

 

Because the choir is more than just a collection of individual performers, it is necessary that we rehearse and perform as a unified group. A problem with an individual performer’s attendance seriously inhibits our consistency and excellence. Each member's voice is unique and vital to complete our team. Every attempt has been made to structure a performance calendar that includes a reasonable number of performances.

 

 

 

Excused absences from a performance include:
 

• You are ill the day of the performance and are absent from the majority of the school day

• A family emergency happens and you are not able to make it last-minute

 

Please call the office and leave a note for me in advance to report your illness/absence OR call me directly to let me know that you are not going to be able to make it.  I will need a note from parents after the fact describing why you were not in attendance, and I may follow up with a phone call to parents as well. 

 

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Unexcused absences from a performance include:

• I forgot (we announce for WEEKS before the concert that a concert is coming up.  Put it on your calendar/planner.  Make an appointment in your phone.  Remind yourself!)

• I had a haircut (These can be rescheduled.  A concert cannot)

• I didn’t want to come (Let’s talk through this…are you afraid to perform in public?  What can I do to help ease your tension surrounding performing?)

• I couldn’t get a ride (tell me BEFORE the day of the concert that you don’t think you can get a ride, and I’ll find someone who can bring you!)

 

Unexcused absences from performances will negatively affect your grade in choir.
Student jobs or sports conflicts are no excuses for missing a concert/performance as academics need

to be your #1 priority!  If bosses need a phone call from me, I’ll gladly reach out and have a

conversation.

A year-long Choir Calendar appears in this handbook, in our Google Classroom, and on the Marshall Music

website. Read and share this calendar information with your parents, employer, coaches, etc. And check

for possible conflicts. In the event of a conflict, COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY!! Talk to me - I support YOU!

 

 

Every attempt will be made to be fair and understanding in the event of unusual circumstances.  However, because a concert setting cannot be reproduced, the best thing would be for you to find a way to attend the concert. 

 

 

Qualities of the Exemplary Student

1. Shows that he or she is ready for class to begin immediately after the last bell rings.
2.Participates at all times (warm-ups, rehearsal).
3. Pays attention to the director.
4. Shows an understanding that a successful choir demands individual responsibility and mental focus.
5. Attends class on a regular basis with minimal absences.
6. Attends all concerts in appropriate attire.
7. Does not have food, candy, gum or beverage in the room –and doesn’t need to be reminded!
8. Does not have cell phone or other “not-essential-for music” items.
9. Completes all assigned worksheets and evaluations thoroughly and with attention to detail.
10. Displays teamwork and an understanding that a choir is only as strong as its least attentive member.
11. RESPECTS the music!
12. Sits and stands with appropriate posture.
13. Uses a pencil to write in the music any notes provided from the director.
14. Exhibits leadership in his or her section and works hard to contribute to the success of the choir.
15. Treats his or her robe with care and responsibility.
16. Volunteers to help out without hesitation.
17. Brings to class a positive attitude and shares it honestly and sincerely.

 

IN ADDITION: ALL “CITIZENSHIP” EXPECTATIONS STILL APPLY!

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Choral Department Student-Leaders
 

These leaders will have the opportunity to assist and advise the choral director in various matters pertaining to the entire organization. They may have extra duties and meetings with the choir director. To become a choir leader, students must be selected by their section (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) in each ensemble. 

 

These are my “go-to” people.  If something is off, if there’s a problem, if the dynamics have changed, I will be asking these people what’s going on.  You should feel comfortable going to them with issues they can help with or that they can ask the director to help with.  If something happens and these people can no longer be relied upon because they have done or said something unbecoming of a leader, they will be removed from office.  IF AT ANY TIME YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THEIR BEHAVIOR TO THE DIRECTOR, PLEASE MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH ME!

 

In addition, duties will include:

 

• Daily announcements in Choir

• Welcome/Introduction at each concert

• Coordinate ushers on concert nights

• Monitor any volunteer activities throughout the year and take attendance

• Represent the concerns and needs of your fellow choir members by being open and responsive leaders

• Be a positive assistant to any substitute

• Monthly Robe/Costume Room Maintenance

• Manage the Choral Library

• Be involved in any departmental volunteer activities

• Run the Point on Awards and Lettering at the end of the year

• Pass out & collect music

• Keep accurate records of who has and has not turned in money in their section

• Work with director to make any necessary announcement regarding payment deadlines.

• Have a camera at all choir-related events (and a parent to photograph during concerts!!!!!!!!)

• Communicate with Yearbook staff regarding photos and rosters.

• Create and maintain a Social Board which Features various events, activities and accomplishments of choir students.

• Gather Senior pictures and baby pictures from choir by April 1st.

• Create the Senior slide show for the Spring concert.

• Gather names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers of area newspapers

• Submit announcements to the Main Office when necessary.

• Contact parents for volunteer needs when they arise (see director)

• Write thank-you notes, when appropriate, in a timely manner.

• Write a birthday card to people in your section on their birthday (cards and dates will be provided!)

• Organize events with the director like the White Elephant Party, End-of-year Banquet, etc.
  
  
  
  These students will be relied upon heavily to support the director, and they must maintain a high standard of excellence in choir or they will lose the privilege of being a leader.

 

As a reward for excellent service to the choir, they will be guaranteed a letter of recommendation by the choir director for any future jobs or endeavors pursued.  They will also be recognized at concerts.