Welcome to the Northview Choral Music Program!

The Choral Music Program at Northview High School has a proud history of
musical excellence. Northview Choirs are consistently among the finest
performing groups in the State of Ohio. Choir students have the opportunity
to learn and perform some of the most exciting and beautiful music from the
repertoire of choral literature, and are proud to share in the tradition of
excellence that is the hallmark of Northview choral music.

This handbook is written to provide Northview Choral Music students and

their parents with complete information regarding vocal music classes,
choirs, and other singing opportunities at Northview High School. Senior
officers of the A Cappella Choir and Northview Chorus prepared it, with the
assistance of the Choral Director and the Choir Booster Club. We hope you
find it useful.

Have a great musical career at Northview!

Sincerely,
Student Officers of the A Cappella Choir
Student Officers of Symphonic Choir
Student Officers of the NV Women’s Chorus
Dawn Kingman, Choral Director
The Northview Choir Booster Club

Northview High School Choral Music Department

Northview High School
5403 Silica Drive
Sylvania, Ohio 43560
824-8570, ext 5127

Choral Director: Dawn Kingman sy.dawn.kingman@nwoca.org

Accompanist: Mrs. Teresa Blowers
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the Choirs …Page 3
A Cappella Choir
Symphonic Choir
Northview Women’s Chorus
A Cappella Men’s Chorus
A Cappella Women’s Chorus
Harmony Road Show
Men’s & Women’s Quartets

Grades and Evaluations …Page 5

Attendance Policy …Page 6

Honors Program …Page 7

Fees and Obligations …Page 7

Choir Rules …Page 7

Communication with the Choirs …Page 8-9

Competitions and Contests …Page 9

Concert Attire …Page 10-11

Student Officers …Page 12-15

Literature Selection Policy …Page 16

Northview Choir Boosters …Page 17

Financial Support …Page 18

2009-2010 Information …Insert

Calendar of Events (Hang it up on your fridge!)

Choral Department Guidelines …Page 19 (Needs to be

signed and returned by
Friday, 9/10/10!)
Medical Form …Page 20
(Needs to be signed and returned by
Friday, 9/10/10!)

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 About the Choirs
A Cappella Choir
The A Cappella Choir is an auditioned mixed voiced choir (men and women) in grades
11and12. Auditions for the A Cappella Choir are held in the early spring for the following school
year. The A Cappella choir performs some of the most challenging literature from the choral
repertoire and has consistently scored a rating of “I” (outstanding) in the AA category (most
difficult) in District and State Choir Competitions. The Choir performs regularly throughout the
school year.
The Choir meets during regular class time five days a week. In addition, students are
expected to attend Sectional Rehearsals at times set by the section leaders.
During even numbered years, the A Cappella Choir performs a “Madrigal Dinner
Concert” in December. Choir members dress in full Renaissance costumes and perform Baroque,
Renaissance, and Medieval holiday music. December of odd numbered years features the choir
performing a “Holiday Dinner Concert” in formal black attire while singing international music of
the season. December dinner concerts and Winter Madrigal or Formal, are sold out well in
advance.
In odd numbered years, the A Cappella Choir performs on tour. A Cappella Tour is both
a highlight for the students and a way to have 3-6 days of intense performing as preparation for
District and State Contest. Tour combines a challenging performance schedule with sightseeing
and cultural events.
March and April/May are contest months, with the A Cappella Choir participating in the
OMEA District Contest. By scoring a “1”, the choir advances to State Competition. May
features the Spring Concert with all of the Northview Choirs.
In addition to the traditional concerts, the A Cappella Choir is frequently invited to sing
with other professional musicians and at community functions. The A Cappella Choir has
performed with the Toledo Symphony, Cincinnati Opera, BGSU's & UT’s Choirs and for the
Sylvania Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. In any given year, the A Cappella Choir performs
several additional concerts by invitation.
Symphonic Choir
The Northview Symphonic Choir was created in the 2001-2002 school year, as a result of
the growth of the vocal music department. This mid-level auditioned mixed choir is composed of
all incoming Freshman boys and students in grades 10 through 12. The Symphonic Choir
performs moderately difficult music ranging from classical to spirituals and novelty numbers.
Throughout the year, Symphonic Choir members focus on honing their sight-reading skills and
developing solid vocal technique.
The Symphonic Choir begins its performance schedule with the Great Lakes Choral
Festival. This Festival includes choirs from Sylvania and western suburbs of Cleveland. The
Chorus traditionally performs in a shared concert with the Northview Women’s Chorus in
December and with all choral ensembles in May. In addition, Symphonic Choir competes in
District contest and also goes to State Competition if a score of “1” is achieved at District
Contest.

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Northview Women’s Chorus
The Northview Women’s Chorus is a performance group whose only prerequisite is to
match pitch and sing a recognizable tune, selected by the director. Northview Chorus is composed
primarily of students in grades 9 and 10, along with a number of upperclassmen interested in
choral music. As a result of the growing vocal music program, all incoming freshman women are
placed in the Northview Women’s Chorus. The choir performs music that introduces the student
to more complex choral literature. Learning to read music, sing a cappella (without
accompaniment) and perform in public is emphasized.
The Northview Women’s Chorus will share in the Fall Follies tribute to Broadway in the
fall. Also, they traditionally perform in a shared concert with the Symphonic Choir in December
and with all choral ensembles in May. In addition, Northview Women’s Chorus competes in
District contest in the “C” or “B” category and also goes to State Competition if a score of “1” is
achieved at District Contest.
Individual students may audition for solo parts within the choir and for the Northview
Women’s Chorus Ensemble and are encouraged to further their music education outside the
classroom. Members of Northview Women’s Chorus are encouraged to attend other choir
performances and to participate in as many musical events as possible including Solo and
Ensemble Contest.
A Cappella Men’s and A Cappella Women’s Choruses
The A Cappella Men’s and A Cappella Women’s Choruses are comprised of male and
female members of the A Cappella Choir. The Men’s Chorus and the Women’s Chorus learn
musical literature written for soprano/alto choirs (Women’s Chorus) or tenor/bass choirs (Men’s
Chorus.) Each Chorus performs as a distinct choir during all A Cappella performances, and both
the Men’s Chorus and the Women’s Chorus compete in District and State Contest.
Harmony Road Show
Specializing in vocal jazz, Harmony Road Show (“HRS”) is a mixed voice audition-only
group of 16 singers. Students learn jazz performance techniques as they sing into their own
microphone. They are expected to learn about sound equipment and tech set-up of speakers and
microphones in various performance venues. HRS performs by invitation at many community
functions, at the Winter Choral Concert, and, occasionally, with the A Cappella Choir. One of the
highlights of the year is a performance and clinic at the Ohio Jazz Summit, held in Tiffin each
spring.

Men’s and Women’s Quartets

Auditions for the Men’s and Women’s Quartets are held in the spring for the following
year. Both the men and women sing “Barbershop style” in four-part harmony as tenor, lead,
baritone, and bass. (The parts are named the same for women as well as men.) Both quartets
rehearse on their own time and often perform at various concerts, as well as acting as “choir
ambassadors” for many school and community functions. The quartets are auditioned in the
spring of the preceding year and are encouraged to attend Harmony Camp, which occurs in
August on the campus of The Ohio State University. Northview is traditionally represented by
more than twenty students at Harmony Camp.

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 Northview Choirs Grading Scale
Weekly Grade = 20 points
Full credit will be given each week to students who participate in daily rehearsal
and have all of the necessary equipment, music, and supplies.

Weekly grade points will be taken from students who do not participate in
rehearsal (for an unexcused reason), and from students who do not have the
necessary equipment, music, and supplies.

Concert Attendance = 100 points

Full credit will be given to students who attend evening or out of school required
performances, have the necessary equipment, music, attire, and supplies, and display
proper concert etiquette. These performances are listed in the back of the handbook
in the choir calendar.

Partial credit will be given to students who attend the evening or out of school
concert, but do not have the necessary equipment, music, attire and supplies. Partial
credit will also be given to students who do not display proper concert etiquette.

School-Day performances = 50 points

Periodically the choir is asked to perform for events during school. Examples of this
would be the junior high tour, the senior assembly, or graduation rehearsal.

Full credit for a school day performance will be given to students who attend these
performances with all necessary equipment, music, supplies, attire, and display proper
concert etiquette. Partial credit will be given to students who attend, but do not have
the necessary equipment, music, supplies, attire, or who do not display proper
concert etiquette.

Memorization tests
Memorization tests may be given periodically. The total points possible will be
based on the length and difficulty of the memorization test.

Students’ quarterly grade will be based on the total number of points earned.

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 Why Performing Ensembles Require Attendance
1. The opportunity to perform for a public audience is an integral part of the curriculum
that cannot be taught, provided, or experienced during the school day. For those who are
not present to perform, the educational conditions presented in a performance cannot be
recreated at a future time. Having a student sing the concert after the performance may
measure a student’s ability to sing correct pitches, but is otherwise useless.

Missed completely is the measurement of the ability to control and develop skills
such as balance, blend, intonation, adjustment to an audience/venue, recovery from
nervous anxiety, and adjustments to one’s own and others’ mistakes.

2. Performances are exams! This is the means with which we as music teachers measure
and evaluate the group performance class. If we as music educators compromise this
requirement, it merely serves to chip away at the importance of not only the individual
but the worthiness of our subject area.

Teachers want each performance to be at its best; failure to insist on full

attendance hampers the ability of the entire group. It also makes for the perception that it
is only “extra-curricular” and not really that important. "Extra-curricular" applies to
those activities not taught during the school day... such as clubs and sporting activities.

3. In most regular classrooms, a student’s ability to perform, as well as the success of the
overall class performance, is NOT usually damaged by a single student absence. In fact,
a better student-teacher ratio exists if fewer students are in the classroom.

In music ensembles, however, a single absence impairs the other students’ ability,
morale, and group reputation. When only one person is missing it does affect balance,
blend, intonation, and technical proficiency.

4. Many choir members are also involved in athletics, jobs and other extra-curricular
activities both at school and in the community. This is highly encouraged and respected
by your director. However, if a conflict arises in scheduling it is the student's
responsibility to contact the director in order to reach a solution before the conflicting
event occurs. Your director is willing to help you if he is aware of the conflict well in
advance. You have been given the choral schedule of events for the entire school year.
Please keep these commitments in mind when scheduling other activities.

To preserve the quality of the performance, the morale of the entire

ensemble, and the dignity and integrity of the educational values,
attendance must be required.

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 Honors Program
Forms and description can be found at www.nvchoir.org

A student may take A Cappella Choir for Honors credit with the approval of the
instructor and by meeting the following guidelines each quarter an Honors grade is
attempted:
1. Student is taking private lessons and receives a “good” or “excellent” evaluation
for the quarter.
2. Student is studying Class “A” literature for the soloist.
3. Participation in Solo/Ensemble contest at the Class “A” level is required.
4. An honors project is required for each quarter that an honors grade is attempted.
Students must see the Director for a list of suggested projects and have the project
approved by the Director before submitting the project.

Fees and Obligations

1. All students are required by the Sylvania Board of Education to pay a $35 “Pay to
Participate” fee. Checks payable to Sylvania City Schools. Pay to Participate
checks should be given to Mrs. Mayers in the main office.
2. All students are required to pay a costume maintenance fee, which covers dry-
cleaning and repairs. The maintenance fee for Northview Chorus and Symphonic
Choir is $15. The maintenance fee for A Cappella Choir is $10 for Women and
$20 for Men. Checks should be made payable to Northview Choir Boosters.
3. Students are required to own a “choir polo” for casual concerts. The shirt costs
$25. Checks should be made payable to Northview Choir Boosters.
4. Women’s concert shoes (required if you don’t have already) $32.67 – checks only
payable to Opening Night ($34.59 in-store price; 419-536-3202)
***Men’s Concert Attire fitting for Tuxedo Shirts & Shoes will be held
Thursday, Sept 9th during your choir period*** this is a change from last year
Men’s concert shoes(required) $37.35 A Cap Men’s Tuxedo Shirt(required)
$21.34 (checks made payable to Men’s Warehouse ,419-474-8553 & will be
collected on September 9th, fitting day)
Women in A Cappella Choir are required to purchase a pearl necklace and earrings
through the NV Choir Boosters, at a cost of $15.00. Pierced or clip earrings are
available. Checks should be made payable to Northview Choir Boosters.
5. Replacement costs for lost or damaged music and/or costumes will be assessed.

Classroom Rules and Regulations

See Choral Department Guidelines 2010 at www.nvchoir.org and sign the agreement at
the bottom.

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 Communication with the Choirs
Students
Students have the responsibility to make sure that their families are aware of all concerts
and performances, and to be present, on time, and appropriately dressed for all events.
Information, schedules of upcoming events, announcements, and deadlines are shared with choir
students in a number of ways.
www.nvchoir.org
The choir website continues to grow and become a valuable resource for students and
parents. Tickets for the Madrigal/Holiday Dinner Concerts can be purchased online, as well as
Choir CDs and other choir related merchandise. The website contains information about
upcoming events, with directions and ticket information. Occasionally, photos from concerts will
be placed on the website.

“The In-Choirer”
This newsletter is published 4-5 times a year and is posted electronically on www.nvchoir.org.
Make sure to read the entire issue for details about special happenings. Previous issues of the In-
Choirer are available for download at www.nvchoir.org as well. If you do not have internet
access, the boosters and director will mail a hard copy of the In-Choirer to your home.
Email List
At the beginning of the year, students and parents are asked to give the director his or her
email address so that they can be sent important announcements electronically. All private email
addresses will be placed in the “blind carbon copy” portion of the emails to respect the privacy of
the recipients. These emails may include driving directions, itineraries, and information on
graded events. If you do not have internet access, the boosters and director will make sure that
the handouts are sent home with the students. Mrs. Kingman can be reached at
sy.dawn.kingman@nwoca.org.
Class Bulletin Board
There is a black bulletin board in the front of the Choir Room to the right of the
chalkboard. Upcoming deadlines, events, and performances are listed on that board. It is the
student’s daily responsibility to check the board.
The Chalk Board
Occasionally, student announcements will be written on the chalkboard. It is the choir
student’s responsibility to check the chalkboard.
Booster Club Calling Committee
The Calling Committee is designed to ask for parent help and to inform parents of
unscheduled events of interest to parents or of a last-minute change of schedule. For example, a
visiting choir may be performing and the information was not available by the In-Choirer’s
publication date. The Calling Committee does not call to remind families of a concert or
performance. That is the student’s responsibility.
Class Officers
Class officers are available at school or by phone to answer any student’s questions. Try
to ask the officer who is in charge of that area (for example, if you have a question about your
tuxedo, ask the Clothier.)

Class Announcements

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 The Director, Accompanist, Class Officers, or Booster Club Officers will make
announcements in class from time to time. These announcements will always be repeated or
written on the Board for anyone who is absent.
The Choir Handbook
This Handbook should answer most general questions and is also posted online at
www.nvchoir.org. Many details about performance times, dress, set-up, etc. will be on the board
at school.
Competitions and Contests
“Ohio Music Educators Association” Adjudicated Events

1. District I Large Group (Choir) Contest

The A Cappella Choir, Men’s Chorus, Women’s Chorus, Symphonic Choir, and the
Northview Women’s Chorus all participate in “District I” Choir Contest. District I is
comprised of six counties in Northwest Ohio. Choirs enter District Contest within
categories according to the level of difficulty of performance pieces. There are four
performance levels: “C,” “B,” “A,” and “AA,” with the “C” level being the easiest or
beginning category and “AA” being the most difficult. Participating choirs at all levels of
entry each perform three pieces of choral music and are also judged on sight-reading. A
choir achieving a composite score of “1” at District Contest is invited to compete at the
state level.

2. State Large Group (Choir) Contest

Choirs receiving a score of “1” at the District level, advance to State Competition. The
format at the State level is identical to District judging.

3. Solo and Ensemble Contest

Individual members of the choral music program may choose to participate in “Solo and
Ensemble Contest.” Soloists choose their performance music with the assistance of the
Choral Director or their private music instructor. Students may also wish to compete as
an “ensemble.” Women’s ensembles vary in size from 3 to 9 singers, and men’s
ensembles range from 4 to 9 singers. Mixed groups (men and women) range from 4 – 24
singers. Participation in Solo and Ensemble Contest is mandatory for Honors Students
and while optional, is encouraged for any other choir student.

Other Choral Music Opportunities at Northview High School

Solo and Ensemble Contest: Students with an interest in vocal performance are
encouraged to participate in “Solo and Ensemble” competition in February. The Choir Director
will assist students in choosing a piece of music for competition, and in putting together an
ensemble.

Spring Musical: Produced by the Northview Drama department, the Spring Musical
offers an opportunity for students to sing in a stage production. Students may also be involved
with the crew and set and scenery production.

Private Study: There are many fine vocal instructors in the Toledo area. Students
interested in expanding their knowledge and performance abilities are encouraged to study
privately. A list of approved teachers is posted in the choir room each fall. For additional
information, contact Mrs. Kingman.

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 Concert Attire
A Cappella Choir
Care of your concert attire is your responsibility.
1. Always store your clothing in the garment bag, and hang it up at all times.
2. Performance jewelry should be stored in the drawstring bag, and kept inside the garment
bag. Men should keep their ties in the inside pocket of their tux.
3. Keep your shoes in your garment bag.
4. No cologne, perfume, or after-shave.
5. Hair must be pulled back off the face so it cannot fall on the face.
6. No jewelry (watches, etc.) other than that which is part of the concert attire.

A Cappella Women
1. One-piece costume consisting of a floor-length black dress.
2. A pearl necklace and pearl earrings must be worn with the black dress. (Pierced and
clip earrings are available through the choir boosters.)
3. Black sheer hosiery (no opaque, no flesh tone hosiery)
4. Black concert shoes
5. Black lingerie

A Cappella Men
1. Tuxedo, consisting of black jacket, black pants, white tuxedo shirt
2. Black cummerbund and black bow tie
3. Shirt studs and cuff links
4. Black socks
5. Black concert shoes
6. A white undershirt is highly recommended to protect the tux shirt

Northview Women’s Chorus

Choir robes are stored in garment bags in the choir room. You must remember to bring your
shoes, socks, and hosiery to a concert.
1. Black choir robe with white cowl
2. No turtle necks or high necked tops that show above the robe
3. Sheer black hosiery – NO KNEE HIGHS!
4. Black concert shoes
5. No jewelry (including decorative hair jewelry/scarves) is to be worn with the choir robes
6. No perfume
7. Hair must be pulled back off the face so it cannot fall on the face.

Symphonic Choir
Choir robes are stored in garment bags in the choir room. You must remember to bring your
shoes, socks, and hosiery to a concert.
1. Black choir robe with gold cowl
2. No turtle necks or high necked tops that show above the robe
3. Black socks and black slacks for men
4. Sheer black hosiery for women
5. Black concert shoes

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 Concert Attire (cont.)
6. No jewelry (including decorative hair jewelry/scarves) is to be worn with the choir robes
7. No perfume, cologne, or after-shave
8. Hair must be pulled back off the face so it cannot fall on the face.

Harmony Road Show (formal)

Women
1. Full length formal gown consisting of solid black and solid white colors. Mostly
black with “pops” of white is preferred. Gown must be tasteful, age-appropriate, and
fitted properly. (no gloves this year)
2. Modest pearl or rhinestone jewelry. Nothing tinted or pigmented a “color”.
3. Hair must be pulled off the face so that it cannot fall on the face.
4. Comfortable dress shoes in black, white, or silver. Maximum heel height of 2” is
required for safety and performance comfort.
Men
1. A black and white tux or formal suit. The suit should be well-fitted and tastefully sewn.
Those new to the group should wear a black suit with pops of white. Men can choose to
wear part of their A Cap tuxes and supplement the outfit with other pieces.
2. Men need to be neatly groomed and hair should be worn off the face.
3. Shoes can be any style as long as they are formal black-and/or-white. Shoes need to fit
well and be comfortable for long periods of performing.
Harmony Road Show (“spirit” uniform)
All

1. Tee Shirt: At the beginning of the year, the Harmony Road Show President and
Miss Gallehue will select a tee-shirt design for students to wear during less formal
performances.
2. Students will either be asked to wear solid black pants or jeans with these shirts at
informal performances.

Casual Attire
Occasionally, a concert will be “casual” (announced in advance). Students wear black
choir polo shirts with blue jeans. You are representing Northview High School, and it is
important to wear your choir shirt with pride. Choir shirts are to be worn tucked in from the time
the choir leaves Northview until the choir returns to school. No hats are allowed at any time
when participating in a choir function.

Student Officers
Student Officers for A Cappella Choir, Symphonic Choir, Northview Women’s
Chorus, and Harmony Road Show are elected in late May for the following year. During
the summer, A Cappella officers will meet once or twice to plan student activities and to
set up the choir room.

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General Guidelines for Officers
1. Be a leader in the Choir. Officers need to know all music at all times! Officers
need to make a good impression inside and outside the choir.
2. Have a positive, hard-working attitude, and be happy about helping.
3. Be willing to devote time and quality work for the good of the choir.
4. Manage your time – don’t put things off until the last minute.
5. Be on time or early for everything. Follow all class rules, and set a good example.
6. Be proactive. Initiate conversations with other officers and choir members
regarding upcoming dates and deadlines. Stay in constant contact with the
Director.

President
1. Act as the student leader of the Choir.
2. Organize meetings of the student officers.
3. Create an agenda for each officer meeting.
4. Preside over officer meetings.
5. Attend Choir Booster Club meetings, or assign another officer to represent the choir.
6. Communicate perceived needs with both the director and students.
7. Make sure that all action items have an officer or committee chairman who is responsible
for that specific item and that a deadline date is assigned.
8. Follow up on all action items by monitoring the progress of each responsible chairman or
officer.
9. Represent the choir at any school committee meeting where student representatives are
requested/needed.
10. Represent the choir at the “new student” assembly at the beginning of the year and at 8th
grade orientation.
11. Accompany Ms. Gallehue upon arrival at any performance site to meet hosting officials,
help coordinate the unloading process and oversee the choir’s logistical plan for each
performance.
12. Chair the nomination committee for officer elections. The committee should consist of
the senior officers and have a slate presented to Ms. Gallehue by May 14. After Ms.
Gallehue approves the slate, the committee must solicit a nomination acceptance from
each nominee prior to the choir election.

Vice President
1. Be a supporter. Support the President in his/her job functions.
2. Be a cheerleader. Be a vocal supporter of the program, and help get choir members up.
Maintain enthusiasm.
3. Act as Director of Human Resources. Know the members of the choir and work with
them.
4. Mediate differences when necessary.

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5. Act as social director. Plan, organize, and execute all parties and social events with the
Spirit and Traditions committee members.
6. Organize every performance and rehearsal. Plan to arrive early and stay late.
7. Know how the proper, safe, and fast procedures for riser setup and tear down. Take one
class period to demonstrate to each group how it is supposed to be done.
8. Know ahead of time when all concerts are. At least 2 weeks before any performance,
meet with Ms. Gallehue to determine what equipment will be needed and set up loading
crews and schedules. This is your responsibility – you must set up the meeting Ms.
Gallehue. Work with Ms. Gallehue before every performance to determine what needs to
be done to make the concert a success.
9. Plan and organize crews for set up and tear down for all concerts. Involve every member
of the choir at some time during the year.
10. Keep track of all equipment used for concerts, and arrange for any special transportation
of equipment (such as risers for a concert hall.)
11. Two months before tour (during tour years), have a planning meeting with Ms. Gallehue.
12. Organize all rooming arrangements for tour (during tour years). Work closely with Ms.
Gallehue and the Travel Agent. Rooming arrangements must be finalized 6 weeks before
tour.
13. Organize all bus loading and unloading crews for tour (during tour years). For each bus,
there should be one loading crew and one unloading crew for every stop planned along
the tour. Crew lists should be firmed up the week before tour.

Secretary
1. Take class attendance every day. Make sure to put attendance cards out and sign admit
slips.
2. Mark in grade book: tardy- excused (t/e) or tardy unexcused (t/u)
3. Make sure that you have someone to back you up if you are sick.
4. Arrive early (10 minutes before the choir) at all concerts so you can get organized for
attendance.
5. Always know if someone was absent at concerts.
6. Work with the Director to establish, coordinate, and maintain all record keeping.

Treasurer
1. Collect all money for Tour, during tour years. Keep accurate records. Do not assume
that someone else has a financial record.
2. Collect all money for other events, such as student fundraisers.
3. Work closely with the Booster Club treasurer.
4. Go to all officer meetings.
5. Be responsible with money, and very organized.

Librarian (2 elected Librarians)

1. Pass out all music at the beginning of the year.
2. Record in computer each person and what # music is his/hers.
3. You are in charge of making sure everyone has a copy of all music.
4. You are in charge of making sure folders are in slots and miscellaneous music is taken
care of.

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5. Keep accurate records of who has learning tapes out.
6. Filing Cabinets: Keep all files in order!
7. Help file music from previous years that were not properly filed (hopefully, this will
only be a responsibility for the 2008-2009 school year!).

Historian
1. Always bring a camera to every choir event, or arrange for a parent to take pictures.
2. Keep a box or a file to save all programs and papers.
3. Make a photo scrapbook for the year. Make sure the book has lots of photos of everyone.
Involve a lot of people in the design and making of the scrapbook.
4. Have the scrapbook completed and ready to share at the spring banquet.
5. Submit pictures electronically for the website.

Spirit and Traditions

1. Organize at least one fun choir event (i.e. Secret Santa, Movie Night) per semester.
2. Seek out and organize volunteer opportunities for the choirs outside of the NV Choir
organization (i.e. caroling at nursing homes).
3. Teach the Alma Mater to the freshmen during the Freshman Assembly on the first
day of school.
4. Help with polo shirt distribution.
5. Create fun visuals (locker signs, solfege posters, officer mailboxes, etc) to post
around the school and classroom.
6. Design, have the NV administration approve, and organize the ordering of class tee-
shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, etc.
7. Work with Spirit and Traditions committee to decorate and update bulletin boards.

Publicity
1. Two weeks prior to each local performance, design a flyer promoting that choir
performance. Include the title, date, and location of the concert, as well as the names
of the groups performing. Make the flyers catchy and classy.
2. With permission of administration and business owners, post flyers around the
schools and area businesses.
3. Be the go-to person when information and quotes are needed for local and school
newspapers.
4. Write press releases when asked by the director.
5. Work with Spirit and Traditions committee to decorate and update bulletin boards.

Clothiers (two elected Clothiers for A Cappella Choir)

1. Work closely with the parents in charge of clothing all year.
2. One week before August registration, take inventory of all jewelry.
3. Clean all jewelry in rubbing alcohol.
4. Each set of jewelry needs to be in a plastic bag:
--Women: pearl necklace & earrings
-- Men: cuff links and studs
5. Assist in assigning all outfits.

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6. Make sure you have a list of all choir members and their assigned outfits by number.
Include garment bags and additional costume parts.

Robarians (two elected Robarians for Symphonic Choir and Northview Women’s Chorus)
1. Work closely with the parents in charge of clothing all year.
2. Assist in assigning all outfits. Each garment bag must contain a slip of paper with the
proper information. (i.e. choir member/robe number/sharing info.)
3. Make sure you have a list of all choir members and their assigned robes by number.
4. Be ten minutes early for any posted “arrive time” that will require robes.
5. Pass out and hang up robes prior to and after each performance.
6. Organize robes in garment bags in the robe closet.

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 Literature Selection Policy
As a choral musician, it is necessary to be tolerant of other religions and to treat
the singing of religious music as a performance. The art of singing in four-part harmony
and even our system of writing music was developed by the Roman Catholic Church and
is a tradition of Western Civilization. So while it is historically true that the Christian
religion has been a major source of inspiration for much of the world’s great music, is
music, religious differences can become points of understanding between people. Jewish
Synagogue canting became Gregorian chants of the early Christian Church, and Hebrew
folksongs are some of the most beautiful melodies ever sung. George Frederick Handel,
the court composer of King George I of England and composer of The Messiah
(considered one of the greatest choral works ever written), also wrote an oratorio called
Judas Macabeus which is based on the Old Testament hero of the Hebrew people.

There is often controversy over singing choral music due to the text, and while
some would wish to censor what the choir sings, the Music Department in conjunction
with the Sylvania School District and community leaders has adopted a very clear policy
concerning the choral curriculum. In keeping with that policy, that Northview Vocal
Music Program will always include a variety of musical subject matter including some
pieces which have been religiously inspired.

Music is selected on the basis of the highest standards for teaching musical
independence (reading) and choral performance, and is programmed with the audience in
mind. Much of the literature is chosen directly from the Ohio Music Education
Association (OMEA)’s contest lists. This list has grown to include multicultural pieces
by non-American composers. Others are from standard or “classic” choral repertoire
heard at performances and educational conference or by community or student
suggestion. Much attention is given to singing American choral literature including
African American spirituals, jazz, and tunes of the American Musical Theatre.

While every person is entitled to his or her opinion, discussion of personal

preferences or religious beliefs has no real place in the choral classroom. It is the
responsibility of the choir director to select music that is appropriate for the students’
academic needs, understanding, and musical ability. It is the duty of the choral performer
to learn that music to the best of his or her ability and to perform it for the benefit of an
audience.

An array of music from diverse time periods and cultures will be performed by
Northview choirs. While each performance may not be authentic, it is understood that
performances and rehearsals will be culturally sensitive and respectful.

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 The Northview Choir Booster Club
The Northview Choir Booster Club is an organization of parents and interested
community members who actively support choral music in the Northview Community.
There are no dues, and all parents are welcome at all meetings and Booster Club
functions. The Booster Club meets the 2nd Monday of every month. Meetings are at 7:00
p.m. in the Choir Room. Election of officers is held at the annual meeting in May, which
is part of the Awards Banquet.

The Choir Boosters support all choirs at Northview primarily in two ways:
financial support and volunteer support.
Volunteer Support
Volunteers are the heart of the Booster Club. All parents are welcome to
participate in Booster Club activities and are encouraged to become involved.

1. Chaperones are needed an all school busses. When any choir performs away from
Northview, at least 2 adults should ride every student bus. Some performances
are during the school day, and some on the weekends.

2. Baking and Food Preparation. The Booster Club provides food for special events
and performances. For example, when a choir visits Northview, we serve baked
goods, coffee, and juice. The spring concert features a reception, and the Booster
Club donates food items.

3. Registration. The two days of schedule pickup at Northview also involve

collecting choir fees and fitting costume attire in the choir room.

4. Sewing and costume maintenance. Volunteers sew and design all Chamber
Costumes and Madrigal Dinner costumes. At registration volunteers fit choir
members’ Dresses, Tuxedos, and Robes. Volunteers need not have special skills
– just enthusiasm for the job. Please provide your own tape measure & straight
pins.

5. Communications. Because our choirs are very active, maintaining timely

communications with families and the community is essential. The Booster Club
publishes The In-Choirer four times a year and also maintains a phone committee.

6. Public Support. We welcome and encourage you to come to all choral music
performances and to bring family members and friends. Audience support is vital
to the performance aspect of choral music education.

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 Financial Support
The Booster Club contributes approximately $30,000 annually to the Choir
Program. These funds go directly to the students and the choir program in the form of
scholarships, music and equipment purchases, costume and concert-wear purchases, and
learning tapes and materials. Large capital items, such as risers and sound equipment, are
also purchased by the Choir Boosters and donated to Northview.

1. Sponsorships. Fundraising volunteers actively solicit both individual and business

sponsorships. Gifts at any donation level are welcome, and we show our gratitude
by recognizing all sponsors in concert programs, The In-Choirer, and by display
boards. Donations throughout the year will help our choirs maintain their status
among the top choirs in the state.

2. Advertising. Vendors and choral supporters may purchase advertising space in

every program.

3. Fundraisers. Throughout the year, the Booster Club sponsors various fundraisers.
Fundraisers vary from year to year, and will be decided in the fall.

4. Kroger Cares: The use of a Kroger Plus encoded to the choir allows the booster
organization to receive 5% of all purchases made at Kroger. This program could
help the boosters eliminate the need for extra fund-raisers throughout the year.
Instructions for registering Kroger Plus cards for the Northview Choir fund can be
found at www.nvchoir.org

5. Underwriting. Special projects, such as the choral CD project, are funded through
underwriting by individuals and corporations.

6. Special Projects. From time to time, the Booster Club sponsors projects that focus
on community good will, such as “Whack-a-Cougar” ($1 for a sledgehammer
swing at a donated car before the Northview-Southview football game.) The
Booster Club welcomes any and all fundraising suggestions and community good
will projects.

7. The Endowment Fund

The Endowment fund has been established as a long-term investment fund to
benefit the choral music program. As with all endowed funds, the principle can
never be spent. Dividends/interest from the principle can be used for the choral
touring funds and for scholarship. This is the type of gift that will continue to
give perpetually.

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