Director:  Alan Brockmeir

2011-12 WCHS Choir Handbook

Introduction to WCHS Choir Families:

Hello, welcome one and all to an exciting new year in the WCHS Choir.  In this class, I believe each student will be a better musician as well as a better disciplined person. They will develop skills in performing vocal technique, critical listening, reading notation, and cultural awareness. I adhere strictly to the National Standards for Arts Education, and work hard to encourage all students to be as involved as possible in the arts. Thank you for choosing to be involved in a wonderful program, it's sure to be an exciting year!

I.     Attendance... Read Carefully

Attendance is extremely important if this ensemble is going to function as a cohesive whole. Attendance is required at all special rehearsals as well as performances (marked by an asterisk on the Choir Calendar).

Tardies- Students are allowed one tardy per nine weeks. Students will be counted tardy if they are not in their places with folders and pencils when the bell rings. the SECOND tardy will result in a 20 point deduction in the grade. The THIRD tardy will require a parent conference with the student, parents, and instructor.

Absences (READ CAREFULLY)- If  a student absence is to be excused from a performance, a parent/guardian must call Mrs. Koehn (375-2903) BEFORE missed performance. If an absence is to be excused from a required rehearsal, a parent must supply a written note as to why the rehearsal was missed. Any student not providing the note will receive a zero for the rehearsal. This class also functions under the attendance policy of Wichita County High School as stated in the Student Handbook.

II. Grades - Based on Effort, Not Talent

          1.  Preparation for class. Music is learned. Pencil in folder.

          2.  Cooperation, attitude and discipline in class.

          3.  Attendance in class and all performances, concerts, and field trips.

          4.  Quizzes randomly placed throughout the semester.

          5.  A three-page writing assignment per year.

          6.  Exams

   The grading scale is the same as the rest of USD 467.

III.  Disciplinary Actions

          1.  Verbal correction/warning

          2.  Teacher/Student conference

          3.  Principal/Teacher/Student conference

          4.  Conference with parent/guardian at school

IV.  Dress Code for Concerts/Contests

     The Board of Education has decided on the concert attire required for performances.

           Women:   White turtleneck, black skirt/slacks, black hose and black shoes.

           Men:  White turtleneck, black slacks, black socks, and black shoes.

V.  Parent Help - Mothers, Fathers, and Guardians

     If you are able to volunteer at any time to help with any aspect of the class, please let me know. Thanks! (School:  375-2213 or Home:  375-2903)

VI.  Music

     All choir members will receive a folder of music. Music will be stored in the music cabinets in the choir room. Music can be checked out for home study.

*Students are responsible for replacement cost of all music and folder if lost.

VII.  Musical

This year, the Wichita County High School Choir will present Annie as its fall musical presentation. The performances will be on November 13 & 14. Tickets will be on sale for the public in the weeks to come. All members of the choral music department are required to participate in come capacity. Some of the most important roles are the stage managers, stage crew, lighting crew, etc. Auditions for the speaking/singing roles will take place in the choral room on September 3rd at 6:00 p.m. The cast and crew list will be posted at 3:40 on Friday, September 4th. More details will be given at a later date.

VIII.  KMEA District and All-State Chorus

Each year, members of choruses from across the state are selected to sing in the various district honor choirs around the state. From these groups an All-State honor choir is formed. In order to be eligible for these choruses, a student in vocal music must travel to Dodge City in November for a short live audition. At this audition, a tape will be played with the other three voice parts, and the students must fill in their own voice part. The music is selected well in advance, and the entire choir will work on the music in class. Please see me if you are interested, and more details can be given.

*Note: if you would like to be eligible for the Outstanding Senior Vocalist Award, you must audition for these choirs at least twice.

IX.  Other Information

The Outstanding Senior Vocalist Award will be given out in May.

The recipient will be chosen from the senior class by meeting the following criteria:

          1.  Seriously involved in developing as a musician.

          2.  An A average in Choir all 4 years.

          3.  Choir Letter earned all 4 years.

          4.  League and Regional Music Festival solo &/or ensemble all 4 years

          5.  Auditioned for District KMEA Choir a minimum of 2 times

          6.  Solo at State Contest at least once OR member of KMEA State Choir

          7.  Leading or secondary role in the musical minimum 2 of 4 years.

          8.  Freely volunteer his/her services and shows positive leadership

             *In the case of a tie, final decisions will be made by the director

Allen Brockmeier

Vocal Music Instructor

Wichita County High School