GRADING POLICY

Each student will be graded individually on Sight singing every other week. The choir class as a whole will also be graded on Sight singing as an ensemble each day.

Grades will be given as follows:

Individual grade = 100 points

Ensemble grade = 100 points (20 points per day)

Total = 200 points per week

Students will receive written assignments periodically in class. These may include assignments on music theory and notation, music vocabulary, vocal technique, and diction. Point values will vary based on the assignment. Most written work will be done within class time.

Rehearsal grade = 100 points

Each student can earn 5 points per day for actively contributing to each rehearsal. The purpose of this grade is to help ensure an effective, well-organized rehearsal that will be productive and beneficial to all students. These points do not have to be made up in case of an excused absence.

Every student in the choral department is a member of a performing ensemble. Therefore, it is imperative that every member be present for all concerts and festivals. A performance is a test of the student’s ability to apply what has been learned in class. All major concerts and choral festivals will count as major test grades. This type of performance is always scheduled months in advance giving students ample opportunity to make arrangements to be in attendance. For smaller concerts, such as civic performances, students will be given at least two (2) weeks notice whenever possible.

Major Concert / Festival = 250-500 points

National / State Festival = 800 points

Small Concerts = 200 points

Students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances. Every effort must be made to work your personal schedule around this rehearsal / performance schedule. Every rehearsal you miss adds up to performance flaws…..errors that affect everyone’s performance, not just your own.

Only school excused absences will be excused. A student’s work schedule will not be considered an excuse for absence. Students will be given adequate notice before a concert in order to make arrangements to attend. "Making arrangements" includes making sure you are not scheduled to work, arranging to have transportation to school, and not making other commitments for the night of a concert. Not having a ride is not an excuse to miss a choir function.

Grades for excused absences = OPTION to make-up work

Grades for un-excused absences = 0 points and no option to make-up work

Record yourself singing your part on any songs that were rehearsed  within one week. (All of the other students earned their grade in the rehearsal.  You must demonstrate that you have aquired the knowledge and skills that you missed.)  You may check out a tape recorder if you do not have access to one at home.  Acappella selections need to be performed acappella.  You may use accompaniment for accompanied selections, however, accompaniment is not necessary.  The director will NOT accompany for you - she did that in the rehearsal that you missed.

 You will be graded on your ability to perform the selections accurately.   Accuracy includes correct pitches, rhythms, diction, breath support, and vocal technic.  Completion of the assignment does not guarantee a good grade.  You must demonstrate skill and accuracy to receive an exemplary grade.

Late assigments
After one week, 50% will be deducted from your grade.  An additional 50% will be deducted for each week the assigment is late.

Sing your part on all songs on tape. You will be graded on your ability to perform the selections accurately. Tapes must be received within one week after the performance or no credit will be given.

On the tape:

1) State your name

2) State the title of each selection you will be singing

3) State which voice part you are singing

4) Sing your part

**You may erase and record this as many times as necessary. I only want your finished product.

II. Pick up an evaluation form and listen to the recording. You will do a self-evaluation and give yourself a grade based on the criteria on the form. You must write comments in the "comments" section. They may be positive or negative comments.

III. Turn in both the tape with your name written on the tape and the evaluation form for each selection. I will fill out an evaluation form and give a final grade based on my evaluation and your evaluation.

It is imperative for students to observe proper stage etiquette. The performance begins the moment you enter the warm-up room. The director may remove you from the performance before entering the stage if you are exhibiting improper behavior backstage. In this case, you will receive a zero for the performance. This grade may not be made up.

You are being graded from the minute you walk on stage until the time you leave. If you are observed either while on stage, or later on video, exhibiting improper behavior on stage, you will lose 40% of your grade. These points may not be made up. Inappropriate behavior may include communicating on stage either during a song or between songs.

You are representing Brentwood High School every time you walk onto a stage. It is an honor and a privilege to perform with the BHS Choral Department. Students who cannot conduct themselves properly will not be allowed to perform or travel with the choir.

Students will be restricted from traveling and / or performing with the choir if the following criteria are met:

1) Student accumulates excessive tardies or absences which affect learning.

2) Student exhibits disrespect for authority or for other students.

Alternate assignments will be provided if the student is restricted from a graded activity by the teacher.

All chorus members are members of a performing ensemble and will therefore be expected to participate in all major choral events unless otherwise stated. You will receive a detailed calendar containing all major dates during the year. You are responsible for these dates. Because of its prestigious reputation in the community, the Brentwood Choir receives invitations to perform at many different functions throughout the year. The schedule of performances will be updated during the year to include any additional performances. Every effort will be made to give members a minimum of two weeks notice if a required event is to be added to the calendar.

Since many students participate in other school activities, every effort will be made to avoid conflicts. However, when conflicts are unavoidable, the student must meet with the director to discuss the situation. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate schedule conflicts with the director.

The ladies’ uniform will consist of:

Black long formal dress (Cost: $70)

Black dress shoes

(Jewelry that is distracting from a uniform look is not acceptable.  No chunky necklaces, dangling earrings, huge hair bows, or other large accessories.  The object of the game is to look alike so that the audience is not distracted from our performance.)

You will receive more detailed information about obtaining your uniform. No one will be allowed to perform unless their uniform is complete. It must be clean and pressed.  If your uniform is unacceptable, you will not perform and will not receive credit for the performance.

The men’s uniform will consist of:

Rental

Cost: $50.00 per year

Purchase

Cost: $110 polyester or $140 wool blend

Men must wear black dress shoes and black socks (not provided).

Tuxedos may be rented through the choral department for the entire year. If a student chooses to purchase a tuxedo, it must be purchased at the beginning of the year when the rental tuxedos are ordered. No one will be allowed to perform unless their uniform is complete.   It must be clean and pressed.  If your uniform is unacceptable, you will not perform and will not receive credit for the performance.

Choir fee = $20.00 per year
Choir t-shirt = $10.00
You may pay for fee and shirt in one check.  Make checks payable to BHS Choir.

Fees will be collected August 14-18. Checks only, please.

This fee is essential to the operation of the choral department. Your continued support of this program is appreciated.

Please turn in money in the envelopes provided in the classroom. Fill in the necessary information on the front of the envelope. *** Be sure to include the check number on the outside of your payment envelope.  Always turn in checks – no cash, please.

CLASS RULES

The following guidelines have been set to provide a climate that is conducive to effective learning.

1) Be in your seat with all of your materials when the bell rings.

If you are not in your seat with all of your materials when the bell rings, you will be counted tardy. The tardy policy will be strictly enforced.

2) Do not bring food, drinks, or gum into the choir room.