The High School Choir Handbook is now online for students to view. Some policies have changed so please take the time to read through it! You may click here Student Handbook or simply read below.
FAIRBANKS HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR POLICIES
2012-2013 School year
I. Grading Policy
The breakdown of grades will be as following (all grades will be posted on Progress Book):
1/3 of total grade is class participation, attitude, and a self-evaluation
1/3 of total grade is written tests, check-offs, musical improvement
1/3 of total grade is attendance at scheduled rehearsals & concerts
Bonus point will be given to students who help with concert set up/tear down.
Points will be given on a per rehearsal & performance basis on the following:
1) Promptness at each rehearsal & performance.
2) No gum chewing, food, pop, or candy.
3) Putting music and folders in proper assigned slot.
4) No talking during rehearsals or performances.
5) Having pencil, paper, & music folder at all rehearsals.
Unexcused absences from performances or rehearsals will result in O points for that performance or rehearsal. A second unexcused absence from a concert will result in a disciplinary form being sent home explaining the action taken.
II. Attendance Policy
Absences from performances or extra rehearsals are to be kept to a minimum. A note signed by your parents must be turned in after each excused absence (excused absences include illness, death in a family or family emergency, etc). The director has the final say as to whether the absence is excused or not, and the excuses will be judged on their individual merit. You must request approval for all other absences two weeks in advance. This request must be in writing and signed by your parents. Make-up work will be assigned. If you are uncertain about whether an absence will be excused or not, ask the director as he/she has the final decision about the absence.
Students are expected to stay for the entire length of the concert unless the director has received at least one week prior notice in writing (note or email) stating the reason why the student would be leaving early.
III. Make-up work requirements
An excused absence from a performance and/or an evening
rehearsal will require the student to perform the music in front of the choir during class. This is to insure that the students know the material that has been covered in class, or during the evening rehearsal, and to fulfill 1/3 of the total grade requirement for performances and scheduled practices.
All choir students are expected to stay for the duration of the entire concert (this includes singing and as an audience member), unless approved by the director at least one week in advance. Failure to stay for the entire concert will result in 0 points for the performance.
For unexcused absences, the student will not be allowed to
make-up the missed work and will be given 0 points for that performance and/or rehearsal.
III. Dress Policy
The dress policy for all concerts & contest (unless otherwise stated) will be:
Girls – black: dresses, dress shoes, or dress pants; no flip-flops
Boys – black: dress slacks white: dress shirt, dress shoes
The school dress code will be strictly enforced.
The goal for the choir is to present a uniform look and not draw attention to individuals (i.e. colored hair, big jewelry, etc.) Failure to comply with this expectation will forfeit the student’s right to perform and he/she will be unexcused and receive 0 points for the performance.
If there is a problem with meeting these standards, please contact me at the school and we can arrange a suitable substitute.
IV. Concert Schedule
The concert schedule for school year has been set. Publication and distribution of these dates will be given to the students during the first week of school.
Any and all parents & friends are invited to our concerts. Most concerts are videotaped. If your parent is interested in a copy of a concert please contact Mrs. Cooper for further details.
V. Awards
Awards are given at the end of the school year.
Awards may be forfeited for the following reasons:
1) Any unexcused absence for rehearsals or performances.
2) Dropping the activity any time during the school year.
VI. Discipline Policy
The purpose of this discipline plan is to improve instruction and educational opportunity is removing disruptive conduct and negative social attitude. This discipline plan applies consistently to all students. No favoritism will be shown.
1. Required classroom observable behavior
a. Everyone is to be in his or her assigned seat and ready to begin rehearsing at the designated time.
b. No talking while directions are being given. Raise hand to receive permission to talk.
c. Come to class prepared with materials (paper, pencil, and music.)
d. No food, gum, pop, or candy is permitted during any rehearsal or performance.
e. Respect for the teacher and other students will be shown at all times.
f. Music will be cared for properly.
2. Consequences for unacceptable classroom behavior
a. 1st offense: Verbal warning
b. 2nd offense: Detention
c. 3 or more offenses: Principal’s office
***When necessary to improve classroom discipline, some offense steps may be skipped for the disruptive student.***
A TEACHER SHOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED FROM TEACHING FOR ANY REASON.
NO STUDENT SHOULD STOP ANOTHER STUDENT FROM LEARNING FOR ANY REASON.
VII. Student Director
1. A student will be selected to assist the director or in the absence of the director, assist
the substitute during the rehearsal when needed The following criteria will be considered
in selecting a student director:
a. Attendance
b. Ability to interact with all sections of the choir
c. Musicianship
d. Positive attitude
e. Hard worker
f. Wants to help the choir reach their goals and success
VIII. Choir expectations
1. All music will be memorized. If necessary, individual check-offs will be used.
2. The music office is off limits to all students except when talking to the director.
3. Each person will be assigned a music slot. You are responsible for the music (and folder) that is issued to you. If the music is lost or damaged, you will be charged for it. After class, put music (and folder) away in your assigned slot. You may take the music with you as long as it is returned the next day.
4. No decision concerning the choir or its activities will be made without consulting the director.
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