2014-2015 RHS Chorus Handbook

Robbinsville High School
Choral Music Department
David Westawski,
Director of Choirs
2014-2015 Choral Handbook
(Revised 8/28/14)
September 4, 2014
Dear Parents and Students,
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you back to Robbinsville High
School for the 2014-2015 school year. I look forward to another exciting year working
with each of you. It is an honor and a privilege to become a member of the RHS Raven
Chorus. Last year, 10 Raven Chorus members were selected to participate in the
CJMEA Region II Honors Choir. Five students successfully auditioned into the 2014 NJ
All-State Choruses. Additionally, the RHS Raven Chorus ended the year by taking 1st
place in our division and the Select Choir won Best Overall High School Choir at a
competition held in Hershey, PA. We have a fine reputation of performing the best
choral literature to the highest standard. We will continue to build our reputation as we
work together to develop a strong and challenging choral music program.
The Disney Trip is all set for February 5-9, 2015 and is open to all full-year chorus
students. The cost will be approximately $1350 per student. Details will follow later this
month after our travel company has a chance to solidify our itinerary and travel costs.
Given the current economic climate, we realize that the trip cost may be a great
hardship for some families. We will fundraise to help defray the cost (Gertrude Hawk,
Cinderella Cheesecakes, and one other to be determined later). In the past, many
students have been able to fundraise a majority of the trip cost by working hard. We
also have a limited number of partial scholarships available as well as flexible payment
plans. Please be sure to check my website often for important trip information.
Included in this packet are the General Requirements, Grading Policies,
Performance Attendance Requirements, Repertoire Policy, Honors Choirs Information,
Spring Musical Information, and an Agreement Form. Please read and discuss this
information with your child and return the agreement form no later than Friday,
September 12th. Additionally, please submit the online Student Information Sheet
located on my website. It is very important that each student and parent accept the
responsibilities that are outlined in this packet. The return of this document and
completion of the online form will count as a test grade and will help to ensure that the
RHS chorus continues to improve and excel.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the choral music program,
please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at (609) 6320950 ext. 7021. I am looking forward to another successful and musically exciting year.
Thank you for your continued support of the RHS Choral Music Department.
Sincerely,
David Westawski
Director of Choirs
“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention,
sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many
alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.” ― Aristotle
RHS Choral Department
Repertoire Policy
The Raven Chorus performs a variety of musical styles and genres including English
madrigals, Broadway, classical, African-American spirituals, South African praise
songs, and popular music. Some of these songs utilize what might be considered
religious texts. These songs serve an important role in the development of a student's
musical understanding and knowledge. It is important to note that the role of sacred
music is one of neutrality, neither promoting nor inhibiting religious views. Please visit
my website for a link to the policy statement authored by the National Association for
Music Education (NAfME).
Course Prerequisites
Certain Performing Arts classes have course prerequisites that must be fulfilled before a
student can enroll. These are outlined below:
Vocal Techniques: three semesters of high school Chorus
Select Choir: Vocal Techniques, spring audition, B+ or better in every chorus marking
period and exam
Musical Theater: Vocal Techniques and Theater I
**this class runs every other year**
General Requirements
1. Arrive to class on time. All students should be seated in their assigned seats
when the bell rings. Please use the restrooms and water fountain before entering
the chorus room. Students will be marked late if they arrive after the bell
without a pass from another teacher or the office.
2. Attend classes regularly. You are responsible for all work missed/songs learned
during your absence. Listening examples must be made up within one week.
3. Keep the classroom clean by placing all paper and trash in the trashcans. I am
not your garbage man!
4. Use correct alignment for singing when sitting or standing. You may sit back in
your seats if your section is not singing. Failure to do so will result in a lowered
weekly participation/effort grade
5. The Clavinova Keyboard and Boston piano are expensive musical instruments.
They are not toys! Please do not play the keyboard without permission from the
director. Students are not permitted to play the baby grand piano for any reason!
6. Bring the proper required materials to each class meeting:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Choral folder and music, notebook paper
Pencils
Any other materials requested by your director
Your RHS agenda book
7. Cooperate and focus while in class. Do not talk, write notes, or complete work
for other classes during rehearsals. Cell phone use is prohibited during class.
Each student is expected to participate fully in each rehearsal, including
sectionals in the practice rooms.
8. Refrain from chewing gum, eating, or drinking in the chorus room. The
underside of the desks is not the proper place for your gum!
9. Contact the choral director regarding make-up work and assignments. Any
work missed during an excused absence can be made up within one week of a
student’s return to school. It is the student’s responsibility to seek out the
director, not the other way around!
10. Printed music is expensive and must be treated with care. All music will be
marked with your folder number. If your music is lost or damaged, you are
responsible for the full cost plus shipping and handling. Use only pencil to
mark your scores. You are expected to mark your music with the rehearsal
notes. Failure to do so will result in a lowered grade.
11. All choral students are required to participate in the performances given by the
RHS chorus. Since Chorus is a performance-oriented course, attendance at
scheduled performances is mandatory. Please see the Performance Grading
Policy in the handbook for more information.
12. Permission to attend field trips for other classes will not be granted three classes
before a scheduled performance.
13. All choral students are required to arrive at the performance site at the time
specified by the director (usually 45 minutes before the scheduled performance).
Tardiness will result in a lowered grade.
14. Attendance at evening dress rehearsals (one per concert) is mandatory. Students
will be made aware of these rehearsals at least three weeks in advance.
Tardiness or absence will result in a lowered grade. In order to perform in a
concert, students must attend the Thursday night dress rehearsal in its entirety.
After school jobs, lessons, sports practices and games, or lack of transportation
do not constitute an excused absence!
15. The dress code for performances is included in this handbook and will be posted
on Mr. Westawski’s website well in advance of each date. It is the student’s
responsibility to follow the prescribed dress code. Failure to do so will result in a
lowered performance grade or the student being sent home from the
performance.
Grading Policy
Each student’s grade is determined through earning points in these three areas of
evaluation:
• Weekly Participation/Effort
The participation of each member in any large organization is vital to its success.
Such is the case with the RHS choral music program. Students learn to be part of
a “team” working towards a common goal.
The focus of the Weekly Participation/Effort category is the development of the
student’s musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills. These skills include
the ability to work with others, either as a section leader or as a team member.
Also included are the abilities to follow rules and directions, to learn music in a
timely fashion, to practice independently, demonstrate effort, observe deadlines,
to work towards a common goal (performances), and to adapt to one’s
environment (different classes, conductors, or performance/rehearsal spaces).
The sense of pride and self-esteem that results from the student’s continued
efforts in this area are invaluable.
Some of the most common reasons for not earning one’s Weekly
Participation/Effort points are:
! Failing to arrive on time to class
! Talking during morning announcements
! Failing to be prepared for class (no folder, music, or pencil)
! Unauthorized cell phone usage during sectionals
! Chewing gum
! Eating or drinking during rehearsal (water is acceptable)
! Failing to mark music during rehearsals
! Failure to use good singing technique
! Sitting on the floor during sectionals
! Disturbing the class or failing to participate fully in rehearsals
! Exhibiting an attitude unbecoming a team player, showing little effort
The effectiveness of any music program can be measured by the progress made
by each individual musician. Self-control, courtesy, respect and dedication are
essential from each participating student in order for the group to attain a level
of performance that will be satisfactory for all.
Grading Scale for Weekly Participation/Effort:
A+= Exemplary Achievement. The pupil has mastered the skills needed to
produce a quality choral sound, shows initiative, applies knowledge gained to
new situations, consistently shows exceptional effort in class, and always accepts
responsibility for learning.
A= Outstanding Achievement. The pupil has mastered most of the skills needed
to produce a quality choral sound, above average in initiative, application of
knowledge, always shows above average effort in class, and accepts
responsibility for learning.
B = Above Average Achievement. The pupil has mastered most of the skills
needed to produce a quality choral sound, generally above average in initiative,
application of knowledge, shows above average effort in class most of the time,
and accepts responsibility for learning.
C = Satisfactory Achievement. The pupil has mastered the basic skills needed to
produce a quality choral sound and with direction and stimulation by the teacher
is progressing in initiative, application of knowledge, effort, and accepting
responsibility for learning.
D = Below Average (Needs Improvement in) Achievement. The pupil has
mastered few of the skills needed to produce a quality choral sound, shows little
effort.
F = Unsatisfactory Achievement. The pupil has not mastered the basic skills
needed to produce a quality vocal sound, shows no effort.
• Written/Oral Assessments
Periodic evaluations of each student’s progress will be given in the form of oral
and written assessments. Criteria for grading will be announced prior to each
test or quiz. Some common areas for evaluation include: proper singing tone,
correct articulation (style and technique), proper alignment, rhythmic accuracy,
correct dynamics, note accuracy, etc. Student’s comprehension of various
musical concepts and terminology discussed during rehearsals may also be
evaluated. These evaluations may be announced or unannounced and will be
varied in length and design. In the event of a student’s absence, the school policy
regarding make-up work will apply.
• Performances
A very important aspect of any music program is concert performance
participation. The student’s faithful participation in the group as well as his/her
growth as a young musician are realized in a successful concert performance.
The overall success of the organization relies on the respective and collective
efforts of each individual. Therefore:
Participation in all performances is mandatory. Any unexcused absence
from a performance will result in the student’s quarter grade being
lowered to a grade no higher than a “C”. All absences will be considered
unexcused unless written notice is submitted and approved by the director
at least three weeks before the performance date. It is important to note
that the director may not approve every request. Piano lessons, sports
tryouts, after school employment, trips, vacations, parties, and other
activities do not constitute an excused absence!
In the case of an excused missed performance, students must complete a written
assignment that will take the place of the performance. This 4-5 paged, doublespaced paper must be on a choral topic chosen by the student and approved by
Mr. Westawski. If a student is ill for a performance and has a signed doctor’s note,
the absence will be considered excused. Medically excused absences still require
the make-up assignment. It is the student’s responsibility to see Mr. Westawski
for paper guidelines and a due date after your excused absence from a
performance.
Thursday After School Rehearsals
Full Chorus rehearsals are held every Thursday after school from 2:10-2:50pm. This is
an opportunity for students to come in for extra help and for all three sections of the
chorus to rehearse together. While these rehearsals are not mandatory for members of
the Raven Chorus, attendance is strongly encouraged, especially in advance of
performance assessments or if a student is struggling in class.
Tri-M Music Honor Society
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society for high school
students. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical
achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to
inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Through more than 5,500
chartered chapters, Tri-M has helped thousands of young people provide years of
service through music in schools throughout the world.
Candidates for this honor society must have been enrolled in a school-sponsored music
ensemble for at least one semester each academic year. After induction, members must
continue to be enrolled in a least one semester of an approved music ensemble.
New Jersey Region and All-State Honors Choirs
RHS Chorus students enrolled in full year chorus may audition for the Central Jersey
Music Educators’ Association Region II Honors Choirs in December, 2014 and the New
Jersey Music Educators’ Association All-State Honors Choirs in April, 2015. These elite
ensembles are highly competitive and bring together the best high school singers in the
state of New Jersey. Audition information will be posted on Mr. Westawski’s website
as soon as it becomes available.
RHS Spring Musical
Many RHS Chorus students choose to participate in the annual spring musical. This
year’s musical will be performed on March 20, 21, and 22, 2015. Important information
regarding rehearsals and the time commitment required of cast members is already
available on Mr. Westawski’s website.
Voice Lessons and Summer Programs
Students who would like to further their vocal studies beyond the choral curriculum are
encouraged to study with a quality private instructor. Mr. Westawski can supply a list
of teachers in the area. Additionally, summer programs such as the High School Vocal
Institute held each year at Westminster Choir College in Princeton provide excellent
opportunities for musical growth and vocal development. Scholarships are available
for first time students, exceptional students, and those who have a financial need.
Concert Dress Code
Boys: Solid black dress pants (no pin stripes); black belt; solid black sports jacket (no
pin stripes); collared, button down, long sleeved dress shirt; black tie; black socks; black
dress shoes
Girls: Solid black dress pants (no pin stripes; yoga or other stretch pants are not
permitted!) or tea-length solid black dress (hem line must be to mid calf); solid colored
dress shirt or blouse; black socks/stockings; black dress shoes, no stiletto heels or
platform shoes (heel must be less than two inches)
Dress Shirt Colors:
December Concert: red, blue or green
March Concert: white
May Concert: spring colors: blue, pink, green, red, etc.
**If a student is having difficulty purchasing concert dress, he/she should contact Mr.
Westawski immediately so that arrangements can be made. **
Robbinsville High School Raven Chorus
2014-2015 Performance Dates
(As of September 1, 2014)
Fall Semester Performances (Sept-Jan)
REF Holiday Bazaar
Sunday, November 23, 2014
11:30am
Robbinsville Twp Tree and
Menorah Lighting
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
6:00pm
Holiday Concert
Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
3:00pm
6:00-8:30pm
Roma Bank Holiday Festival
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
6:00pm
Senior Center Performance
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
11:00am
RHS Chorus Fundraiser
Saturday, December 20, 2014
7:00pm
MIOSM Concert
Dress Rehearsal
March 8, 2015
March 5, 2015
3:00pm
6:00-8:30pm
Spring Concert
Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Thursday, April 30, 2015
3:00pm
6:00-8:30pm
Spring Semester (Jan-June)
Law Enforcement Memorial Service
Ocean Grove Auditorium
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
11:00am
Robbinsville Choir Festival
12-8pm
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
**Additional performances and/or competitions will be added at the discretion of the director.
Chorus members will have at least three weeks notice for any and all changes or additions, and
are fully expected to attend the performances**
Non-Mandatory Dates
CJMEA Region II Honors
Choir Auditions
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Chorus Trip to Disney!
Thursday, February 5-Monday, February 11, 2015
NJ All-State Chorus Auditions
Saturday, April 18, 2015
TBD
TBD
RHS Choral Department
2014-2015 Student Agreement Form
We have read the general guidelines and grading policy for the RHS chorus program
and agree to abide by the policies therein. We understand that failure to do so will
result in a lowered grade. My child has also completed the online Student Information
Sheet.
________________________________________
Student Signature
______________
Date
________________________________________
Parent Signature
______________
Date
Return the signed Agreement Form and complete the online Student Information Sheet
no later than Friday, September 12, 2014.

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