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Castro Valley High School

Choral Music Department

“He took his pain and turned it into something beautiful. Into something that people connect

to. And that's what good music does. It speaks to you. It changes you.”

― Hannah Harrington

Madrigals

A Cappella

Les Chanteuses

Vocal Ensemble

Laryssa Sadoway, Director

Parent-Student Handbook

2013-2014

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Hello to the Castro Valley High School Choirs of 2013-2014! I am honored to returning as the choir director of CVHS’s Choral Music Program. I truly believe in the power of choir to challenge students to personal and interpersonal growth. Ensembles thrive on teamwork, responsibility, and discipline. Individually you will learn musicianship, vocal production, history, and performance practices. The Castro Valley High School choral program aims to make every student the best musician he/she can be. Students will be introduced to new concepts of understanding music – from the point of view of the composer, the performer and the audience member. Those of you involved in creating music every day will soon find that people who are not on the “inside” of it have a difficult time understanding why we are so passionate about it. This might include parents, friends, family, teachers, etc. On the other hand, we also find a lot of people who do, in fact, “get it”. Those are the people who you see in audiences at our performances outside the usual moms and dads. One of our main missions is to create an experience for our audiences that will speak even to the skeptical critics out there. It shall be our goal to “bring them in” to a clearer understanding of how and what we do and why we do it. This handbook lets you know everything there is to know about Castro Valley High School Choirs. Information about concert attire, classroom rules and expectations, and grading is included. The choral classroom is meant to be a safe and nurturing environment in which all students feel free to express and develop their musical abilities. All policies are intended to maintain this environment and students in violation will be subject to disciplinary action. Parents: Your children will enjoy a multitude of opportunities for great musical experiences. Please be aware of the following ways in which you may be involved:

Come to performances and concerts Become a member of Castro Valley Music Parents Society (MPS). Go to cvmps.org. Do keep close tabs on the CVHS Choirs’ Google Calendar

(http://tinyurl.com/cvhschoralcalendar) Please DO NOT schedule a family trip, doctor/dentist appointments during rehearsal, dress

rehearsals, performances or concerts! Rehearsals and performances are required and your student’s grade will be lowered if they are missed.

Support and applaud your student’s hard work in the choral program Read the correspondence that will be sent to you every six to eight weeks or so to keep abreast

of what is happening in the life of the Castro Valley High choral program Volunteer in any number of ways that you may be called upon, including:

Driving students to a performance Chaperoning at a choir event Supervising POPS rehearsals Helping out with refreshments at a choir event Helping with fundraising Helping with alterations to our concert attire

After reading this handbook, please sign the parent-student agreement and the off-campus permission slip form. These are very important and due on Thursday, September 5, 2013. I have an open door policy. If a student or parent would like to speak to me about anything, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 510-537-5910 ext. 3602. Sincerely, Laryssa Sadoway Director of Choral Activities

mailto:[email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Classroom Expectations, Rules, Guidelines.................... page 4

• Choir Classes Offered…………………………………………… pages 5-9

0 period Vocal Ensemble............................................... page 5 5th period Les Chanteuses …………………................... page 6 2nd period Men’s A Cappella …..……..………………… page 7 1st period Women’s A Cappella ………........................ page 8 6th period Madrigals ….................................................... page 9

• FAQʼs about Choirs at CVHS.................................................. page 10

• Performance Attire................................................................... page 11-12

• How Do I Get an “A”? (Grading Criteria)......................... pages 13 Daily Classroom Participation Policy Effort & Attitude Written Work Assessments

• Behavior and Conduct in Public……………………………. page 14

• Calendar……………………………………………………………… page 15

• Commitment Contract............................................................. page 16

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Classroom Expectations, Rules, & Guidelines R-E-S-P-E-C-T. It all comes down to respect. Classroom expectations, rules, and guidelines are entirely derived from respect as a value and goal for our classroom. Being respectful means many things in the classroom.

Just as in any other classroom at Castro Valley High School, the following behavior is not tolerated: insubordination, racist comments, remarks about another student’s sexual orientation, inappropriate behavior. There is no horseplay or physical violence within the classroom. The choral rehearsal space is a safe environment and will not be compromised.

Speak only at appropriate times. Students are expected to listen quietly and follow the music while another section is rehearsing their part. Clean up after yourselves. It is a reality that we have food in the choir room sometimes when we meet during lunch or snack. Use the trash cans! This is your choir room- make it a clean place you want to be. When music and folders are handed out, please treat them with respect. Keep music neatly in your folders, marking it only with pencil. Do not tear or damage music or folders while they are in your possession. Students will be expected to return music in good condition or a fee of $5/score will be charged for its replacement. Follow directions. In addition to musical direction, many procedures will be taught over the course of the year to ensure a safe and effective learning environment, both in the classroom, and when we leave the classroom to perform outside of school. It is the expectation that all students will follow directions. Cell phones MUST be OFF – not on vibrate or silent – and OUT OF SIGHT. If you are playing with your phone, answering your phone, text-messaging, or your phone rings in rehearsal, it will be taken from you until the end of the school day and you will lose all participation points for the day. The teacher, not the bell, dismisses the class.

A word on Attendance: Teachers are now using ABI to take attendance during the first 15 minutes of each period. Parents/legal guardians must clear absences within 48 hours of the date of absence or absences will be permanently unexcused and automatically converted to cuts. Parents/guardians are STRONGLY DISCOURAGED from taking students on off-schedule vacations, which are disruptive to the educational process.

Excused Absences Unexcused Absences - Pre-approved Independent Study Contracts - Oversleeping - Pre-approved participation in school activities - Car problems - Illness - Work - Verified medical/dental appointments - Recreational activities - Funeral of immediate family member - Missing the bus - Court appearances - Carpool problems - Quarantines - Athletic workouts - Family emergencies – with approval of - Family vacation without a pre-

Administrator approved independent study contract - Religious holidays – when approved by the

Principal or designee upon prior written request - Religious retreats (four [4] hrs per semester maximum) – when approved by the Principal or designee upon prior written request

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Description of Vocal Music Classes at Castro Valley High School Vocal Ensemble (Grades 9-12) O-period Vocal Ensemble is open to all first-year participants in the CVHS choral program, regardless of experience or background. Students in this class will study the following:

- Basics of vocal production - Diverse repertoire of SATB choral music - Rehearsal and performance practice - Music theory (sight-singing, notation, phrasing, rhythm, harmony, music terminology)

Vocal Ensemble students will participate in all dress rehearsals, concerts, and festivals as outlined on the CVHS Choir Calendar. This will include times outside the regular scheduled class period. All performances are required. Rehearsal expectations and conduct, attendance, and knowledge of music will be assessed prior to performances. In the event that a student does not know the music sufficiently for a performance, an alternative assignment will be made and the student will not be allowed to perform. If a student does not perform and has to do the alternative assignment, an “A” cannot be earned for that grading period in the class. This is a class that is designed primarily for 1st or 2nd year high school students. After the student’s 10th grade year, it is at the discretion of the director whether the student may repeat the class. As the fine arts requirement has been met, the student must either audition to move on to an advanced ensemble or have the permission of the director to remain in Vocal Ensemble. PLEASE NOTE: It is also at the discretion of the director to dismiss a student from this class should she deem it to be in the best interest of all the students in the class or if the student is consistently acting in a way that undermines the integrity of the CVHS choral music program. Should this happen, the student will not participate in singing every day. He/she will still have to attend class, but will “sit on the sidelines” and have alternate work. Not attending a performance or mandatory event can cause this to happen. Excessive absence, to the point where the student cannot keep up, is also a scenario in which this may occur.

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Les Chanteuses (Women Grades 10-12) Les Chanteuses is an intermediate level women’s chamber ensemble. Membership in this choir is open by audition and at the discretion of the director. This class is designed for women who are taking choir for the second, third, or fourth time. Here, students will continue to emphasize music theory and development of vocal technique, posture, and rehearsal and performance practice. The audition process for this ensemble will include the following:

- Singing the following a cappella exercises: Major scale (both up & down) Chromatic scale (both up & down) Major triad (up & down) Minor triad (up & down)

- Tonal memory 1. A series of 5 notes are played on the piano. The student listens. 2. The same series is played again and this time the student may sing along with

the piano. 3. The student sings the series of 5 notes unaccompanied.

Les Chanteuses students will participate in all dress rehearsals, concerts, and festivals as outlined on the CVHS Choir Calendar. This will include times outside the regular scheduled class period. All performances are required. Rehearsal expectations and conduct, attendance, and knowledge of music will be assessed prior to performances. In the event that a student does not know their music sufficiently for a performance, an alternative assignment will be made and the student will not be allowed to perform. If a student does not perform and has to do the alternative assignment, an “A” cannot be earned for that grading period in the class. Membership in Les Chanteuses is totally at the discretion of the director. A student may be removed from the ensemble at any point if it is deemed best for the ensemble.

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Men’s A Cappella (Men Grades 10-12) Men’s A Cappella is the large advanced choir for sophomore, junior, and senior men, and comprises half of the competitive Castro Valley A Cappella Choir. Membership in this choir is open by audition and at the discretion of the director. This class is designed for men who are taking choir for the second, third, or fourth time. Here, students will continue to emphasize music theory and the development of vocal technique, posture and rehearsal and performance practice. The audition process for this ensemble will include the following:

- Singing one’s vocal line from choral repertoire while director plays another voice part (holding one’s part)




- Sight-singing – the student will be given a simple eight-bar phrase to study for one minute. The student will be given the starting pitch and must sing the phrase a cappella.

Men’s A Cappella students will participate in all dress rehearsals, concerts, and festivals as outlined on the CVHS Choir Calendar. This will include times outside the regular scheduled class period. All performances are required. Rehearsal expectations and conduct, attendance, and knowledge of music will be assessed prior to performances. In the event that a student does not know their music sufficiently for a performance, an alternative assignment will be made and the student will not be allowed to perform. If a student does not perform and has to do the alternative assignment, an “A” cannot be earned for that grading period in the class. Membership in Men’s A Cappella is totally at the discretion of the director. A student may be removed from the ensemble at any point if it is deemed best for the ensemble.

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Women’s A Cappella (Women Grades 11-12) Women’s A Cappella is the most advanced women’s ensemble in the school, and comprises half of the competitive Castro Valley A Cappella Choir. Membership in this choir is open by audition and at the discretion of the director. This class is designed for women who are taking choir for the third or fourth time. Here, students will continue to emphasize music theory and the development of vocal technique, posture and rehearsal and performance practice. The audition process for admittance to this ensemble will include the following:






Women’s A Cappella students will participate in all dress rehearsals, concerts, and festivals as outlined on the CVHS Choir Calendar. This will include times outside the regular scheduled class time. All performances are required. Rehearsal expectations and conduct, attendance, and knowledge of music will be assessed prior to performances. In the event that a student does not know their music sufficiently for a performance, an alternative assignment will be made and the student will not be allowed to perform. If a student does not perform and has to do the alternative assignment, an “A” cannot be earned for that grading period in the class. Membership in Women’s A Cappella is totally at the discretion of the director. A student may be removed from the ensemble at any point if it is deemed best for the ensemble.

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Madrigals Madrigals is the premier auditioned ensemble selected from juniors, seniors, and a very few select sophomores in the CVHS A Cappella Choir. The students will study and perform advanced levels of choral literature composed specifically for small ensembles. Students in this ensemble will also prepare the repertoire of the A Cappella choir, and are a part of that larger ensemble in performance and competition. Student achievement will involve the development of vocal technique, posture, rehearsal and performance practice, and music theory. The audition for this ensemble is a two part process. The preliminary audition includes a private audition for Ms. Sadoway where the student demonstrates:






Following the preliminary audition, a select group of students will be called back to audition in a group setting. Students will be asked to learn their own vocal line, and sing in small groups, one on a part. Students will be evaluated on tone quality, pitch, rhythm, diction, and blend. The class is designed for the leaders of the Castro Valley choral music program. These are the students who “set the pace” for the rest of the program by their example. There are additional requirements for participants in this ensemble that include but are not limited to extra rehearsals, participation in festivals and competitions, and community performances. It is not possible for the large A Cappella Choir to perform in many community settings, and therefore the responsibility falls on the Madrigals. Madrigals is the public face of the choral music program, and its members are expected to present the highest level of conduct and excellence. Once a student has joined this ensemble, it is expected that they will aspire to continue with it throughout their high school career so that the student can continue on this advanced track. Non-graduating madrigals will have to re-audition for the group every spring to earn their spot for the following year.

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FAQ’s about the choirs at Castro Valley High School Question: What is the POPS concert? Answer: The POPS concert is a long-standing tradition unique to the Castro Valley High School

choral music program. It is a POP Music show with student leadership that has taken many forms over the years. This year, the show will be held the last weekend of May. The POPS concert will include all of the students in the Castro Valley choral program and features solo, small group, and large group numbers. Auditions will be held in January. If you are interested in being a student leader of this year’s show, please attend the POPS info meeting at the beginning of the school year.

Question: Do I have to be enrolled in one of the choir classes to participate in the POPS concert? Answer: Yes. Question: If I am a freshman, can I be in POPS? Answer: Yes. Absolutely. Your choir will automatically have at least one musical number in the

POPS show, and additionally, you will have the opportunity to audition for small groups/solos. Please know that priority for small groups/solos will be given to upperclassmen.

Question: Does everyone in choir have to participate in the POPS concert? Answer: This year’s POPS will feature ALL CHOIRS. However, students who would like to sing

solos or in a small group must audition with a prepared solo in the pop or musical theatre style. Students who participate in POPS must understand that they are committing to MANDATORY PERFORMANCES and REHEARSALS.

Question: If I am a female sophomore, can I be in Women’s A Cappella or Madrigals? Answer: ANYONE can audition. That being said, sophomore women generally sing with Les

Chanteuses for at least one year before being promoted to A Cappella or Madrigals. In rare cases a sophomore may be considered for this class if they show a high degree of musical expertise, vocal technique, and can pass the outlined audition requirements.

Question: If I am in A Cappella or Madrigals, can I return to a less-advanced choir the following

year? Answer: No. In the same way that you would not repeat your general math class after having

taken advanced Calculus you must always be moving forward. Once a student is admitted to an advanced ensemble, he/she is expected to continue performing in that ensemble for the rest of their high school career until they graduate.

Question: When do we go on tour? Do I have to go? Answer: Castro Valley High School Choirs over the years have toured within the state of

California, out of state, and even abroad. Going on tour is strongly encouraged, but not required. This year, A Cappella Choir (including Madrigals) will have the opportunity to tour to Seattle in April. Les Chanteuses will be doing a Bay Area day tour in February.

Question: I’ve heard that the choir program is very time-consuming. Is it? Answer: It can be. Castro Valley has a long-standing tradition of excellence in the choral

program, and to achieve that level of excellence, students have to put in the time and effort. The more advanced your choir is, the busier you will be. Having said that, the majority of what you have to do is simply show up and do your best.

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Performance Attire Castro Valley High School is committed to providing a complete choral music program with opportunities for our students to perform in formal concert attire. We can only do so through community donations and fundraising. Since there is no District funding for events, your support is critical. In an effort to provide the wide variety of programs and performances, following is information about our 2013-2014 contribution campaign. As a part of the contribution campaign effort, we are partnering with the Music Parents Society and other organizations so that we can offer events and activities that will raise money for our program. From time to time, we will reach out to the community with information about opportunities to get involved and donate through phone calls, mailers, and flyers. Concert Attire/Uniforms: Standardizing concert attire, regardless of ensemble, makes an important statement about musical uniformity and consistency throughout a performance. To that end, students will be required to dress appropriately based upon their ensemble. Students are encouraged to purchase their own concert attire/uniform and donations will be collected through the CVMPS.org website. Any student requesting the use of an ensemble’s concert attire/uniform will be provided one free of charge for the school year. Student or parents must make this request by the "uniform order deadline" given by the instructor at the start of school in order to ensure that all needs are met. For performances, festivals, and competitions, students will wear the following:

WOMEN Vocal Ensemble: White long-sleeve blouse (3/4 length OK) Long black skirt (mid-calf or longer) or black pants (LEGGINGS ARE NOT PANTS) Off-black panty-hose Black dress shoes (heels OK, not exceeding 2” in height) Les Chanteuses: “Wisteria” dress in black Black character shoes 1 ½“ heel Off-black panty-hose Women’s A Cappella: “Cantilena” dress in Indigo Black character shoes 1 ½“ heel Off-black panty-hose *Madrigals: “Gavotta” dress in Black/Claret Black character shoes 1 ½“ heel Off-black panty-hose *Madrigals wear the “Cantilena” dress for the A Cappella Choir

MEN Vocal Ensemble: White long-sleeve dress shirt Black dress pants Black belt Black dress shoes Men’s A Cappella: Black tuxedo ensemble (students will be given information about acquiring the appropriate tuxedo ensemble through Selix Formalwear in Hayward)

Standard coat with notched lapel

One or two-button front

Black tuxedo trousers with stripe

White pleated wing-collar shirt

Black studs (4) and cufflinks (2)

Black satin bow tie and cummerbund

Black dress socks

Black patent leather dress shoes

Madrigals:

Black tuxedo listed above and

Precentor vest in Claret (to match dresses)

Black neck tie

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Concert Dress Checklists FOR EVERYONE:

Do NOT wear strong smelling perfumes, colognes, hairsprays, or gels during performances.

Do bathe and wear deodorant No glitter or sparkles anywhere Keep your hair out of your face – this means bangs especially. Bobby-pin it, gel it,

spray it, clip it, mousse it, or glue it—but get it out of your face so that we can see your eyes and your facial expression.

Students are expected to arrive BEFORE call time, FULLY DRESSED. Fully dressed means you look exactly as you will on stage, no ties untied, different shoes, hair unkempt, etc.

FOR WOMEN:

Ironed and properly hemmed dresses – no wrinkles. The bottom hem of the dress should sit right above the front of your character shoes. It MUST NOT be above your ankles and it MUST NOT touch the floor.

No jeans or leggings under your dresses – you will not be allowed to perform. No sparkly jewelry around your necks or ears. If it’s flashy, you will be asked to

remove it. No bracelets Off-black stockings/nylons Black character shoes Remember: YOU ARE DRESSED ELEGANTLY, SO ACT ELEGANTLY

FOR MEN:

Bow tie! (except Vocal Ensemble) All studs (except Vocal Ensemble) Ironed white dress shirt – TUCKED IN PROPERLY Wrinkle-free tux jacket (except Vocal Ensemble) Wrinkle-free pants – worn properly right ON or ABOVE the waist line. Black dress socks Black dress shoes – well-kept and polished

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Grades (How do I get an “A”???) Participation, Effort, and Attitude 25% Written Work 25% Assessments 50%

Participation – you have to be HERE Choir is different from almost any other class offered in high school because it demands teamwork. People are depending on you. It is important that you as an individual contribute to the choir. You cannot simply be a passenger – you must also help push. Excessive absences will not only affect you participation grade, but will also hurt the rest of the class. The goal of each choir can only be achieved through careful preparation, individual commitment and OWNERSHIP of the goal. The ultimate success of the ensemble depends upon the efforts and participation of every single person. Effort and Attitude To earn an “A” you must demonstrate solid effort and a positive attitude, showing that you are actively engaged throughout the entire rehearsal. This means

o Do not talk at inappropriate times in the rehearsal (while the director or another called upon student is talking, or while another section is rehearsing)

o Sing out and do not be shy, unless the director tells you to modify your vocal production

o Always listen to instruction from the director. o Know what is going on around you. o Do not use your cell phone in choir class. Period. o Stand or sit with proper singing posture – feet planted firmly on

the floor with weight evenly distributed over both legs, spine straight, shoulders relaxed

o USE your face! Facial expression is a key element to your expressiveness when singing in a choir. An excellent choir communicates the text and the composer’s vision through their faces. This is not something that you decide to do just before a performance. It is something that you rehearse on a daily basis in the choir, even when first learning the notes!

o Do not miss any prescheduled mandatory performances.

Written Work While Choir has a predominantly performance-based curriculum, throughout the year, students will be assigned written work. This work will factor into the student’s total grade. Assessments Assessments take different forms in the choir class. Our final assessments are always our major, prescheduled, mandatory performances. Students are evaluated on their mastery of the material. A student who misses a mandatory performance will have his/her semester grade lowered a minimum of two letter grades. Throughout the grading period, students will also be assessed individually and in small groups on their proficiency with the repertoire. For students who are in good standing with their participation, effort and attitude, they should have no problem faring well in any additional assessments.

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Behavior and Conduct with the Choir Program in Public Pride in what you do as a choir member should be evident in the demeanor and presence of each choir member. Remember: EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT ON STAGE – YOU ARE ON STAGE!

Be on time at the appointed place – dressed and ready. The conduct of choir members in the view of the public – either before, during, or

after a program – needs to be exemplary at all times. We want to keep our reputation of being “the good kids” in this town.

The choir is a public relations arm of the school, and as such we must represent a standard of excellence.

Be a good audience member so that you can be a good performer. Learn from other choirs. Do not talk, move about, or enter or leave an auditorium during the performance of another ensemble.

Treat other ensembles as you would like them to treat you. If you are respectful you are more likely to be respected. The converse is also true.

Give your all at every performance. Every audience has something unique to share with us. We have no right to cheat any audience. A song you sing may actually change an audience member’s life.

Walk on stage quietly, quickly, and with a sense of purpose. Walk tall, with a pleasant expression on your face showing pride in what we do.

NEVER talk on the risers during a performance. NEVER take your eyes off the conductor during a performance. NEVER chew gum at a performance. You ARE the show at a performance. Be the show. Don’t interact with audience

members. Provide them with a performance. That is what they came to see. If we are at an event in which other ensembles perform, find something good that you

liked about that group’s performance. Seek out the members to congratulate and compliment them. We are all in this art together. It is imperative that we build each other up and encourage one another.

At the conclusion of every performance, no one leaves until the director dismisses you. Do not just vanish – your help may be needed.

Do not discuss the performance in a negative way while within hearing range of your audience or other choirs. We will revisit the performance in our own self-assessment when we reconvene in the choir room. Allow your audience an unblemished experience.

At festivals and competitions be gracious – if you win, be humble. If you didn’t get the rating you felt you deserved, still compliment others on their achievement Save the critiques and venting for the choir room.

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Calendar

The CVHS Choral Calendar is available for viewing at http://tinyurl.com/cvhschoralcalendar. You can also find the link attached to Ms. Sadoway’s class pages on castrovalleyhigh.org. This will show all mandatory rehearsals and performances for the year. Students and families should refer to it often, especially before scheduling a doctor’s appointment, family trip, college visit, or any other major conflict. At this point, the major scheduled performances of the 2013-2014 school year are the following:

December 16, 2013 Simple Gifts Winter Concert December 17, 2013 Simple Gifts Winter Concert December 20, 2013 Madrigals Caroling Tour SF TBA Spaghetti Feed (at Canyon Middle School) March 8, 2014 Women’s Golden State Choral Competition April 11-14/15, 2014 A Cappella Choir Tour to Seattle May 14, 2014 Spring Choir Concert May 20, 2014 Golden State Choral Competition May 30-31, 2014 POPS Concert

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Castro Valley High School Choral Music Parent/Student/Teacher Contract

Parents and Students, Please removed this page from the handbook, fill it out, and return it in class NO LATER than Thursday, September 5, 2013. Thank you. Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ (Print student’s name legibly here) Parent/Guardian’s Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ (Print parent/guardian’s name legibly here) Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Street Address) (City) (Zip) Student’s Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________ (Please print legibly) Parent/Guardian’s Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________ (Please print legibly) Home Phone: __________________________________________ Student’s Cell Phone: __________________________________________ Parent’s Cell Phone: __________________________________________

Parent/Student Choir Commitment Contract

We understand and agree to the requirements of the Castro Valley High School Choral Program for 2013-2014. We

have read and agree to the policies stated in the CVHS Choral Music Program’s parent/student handbook. We agree

that these rules and guidelines are important in helping our students become good citizens with a high sense of moral

integrity, a competitive spirit, and the ability to be honest and forthright in their endeavors. We agree to abide by these

rules, and the spirit of these guidelines to the best of our ability.

STUDENT SIGNATURE:

PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:

DATE: DATE:

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