2013-

2014
Warrenton High School

Vocal Music Department

[CHOIR HANDBOOK]
 Table of Contents

A letter from the Director 2

WHS Course offerings 3-4

Rules of Conduct 5-6

Concert Attendance Policy 7

Grading Policy 8-10

Concert Attire 10-11

Choral Department 11-14

Choral Handbook Contact 15

Lettering Points 16-17

Servant and master am I, servant of those dead, and master of those living.
Through me spirits immortal speak the messages that make the world weep,
and laugh, and wonder, and worship.
I tell the story of love, the story of hate, the story that saves, and the story that
damns.
I am close to the marriage altar, and when the graves open I stand nearby, I
am the instrument of God
I am Music
Anonymous
 Why Choir?
In today’s society there is so much conversation about school curriculum and the use of
academic time. With an emphasis on “back to basics” it becomes increasingly more important
to focus on music as it relates to this ongoing educational discussion.

Why should a young person join choir?

What will it mean to her/his life?

University studies show that music education instills students with responsibility, discipline,
maturing social skills, communication and analytical skills. Music students tend to possess the
qualities that employers consider essential. Simply put, learning to sing is a positive
preparation for life. Music appeals to part of the mind that opens new horizons. The study of
music supports wonderment, imagination, appreciation and sensitivity. This creativity leads to
an inventive thinking style allowing the individual greater personal choices.

Music is one of the few disciplines that require the individual to access both the cognitive
and affective sides of the mind. Critical assessment, the ability to conceptualize and respond to
any given situation, is the foundation of intelligence as it applies to living a full rich life, and
music is a pathway to this intellectual pattern.

The key to success is completion of the tasks at hand. Positive, productive living is based
on the establishment of habits of tenacity, personal persistence, and commitment. In music,
commitment is fundamental. It becomes a part of the musician’s personality and transfers to
every avenue of life. Participation at the level of excellence is not a personal preference in
music—it is a requisite. The musician quickly discovers that it is not the destination, but the
journey that counts. It is not the product, but the process. The joy of music generates further
growth and understanding of our very existence.

The Warrenton High School vocal music program is a unique organization whose purpose
these life expanding educational opportunities to students so they can further their skills and
nurture personal growth and self-appreciation through an array of musical activities and events,
while embracing all aspects of vocal music education (six curricular choirs plus VoiceMale,
voice lessons, musical, and numerous solo and ensemble opportunities).

“We must encourage our youngsters in such pursuits as music education. In addition to
learning the valuable lesson that it takes hard work to achieve success, no matter what the
arena, music education can provide students with a strong sense of determination, improved
communication skills, and a host of other qualities essential for successful living.”

Edward H. Rensi, President & Chief Operation Officer – USA

McDonald’s Corporation

“We cannot forget that music is an integral part of a student’s educational element. We
must insure that the present ‘back to basic’ mentality includes access to arts and music
education. As we push to increase high school graduation and college entrance requirements,
we must not ignore the cultural and artistic development of our students.”

Paul Simon, Illinois

Former U.S. Senator
Dear WHS Choir Members, Parents and Friends:

Welcome to the pride, excitement and fun of the Warrenton High School
Choir
Program!

The Warrenton High School Choirs have established a tradition of

excellence, and we are proud to have earned a reputation as an innovative and
exciting organization that provides its membership with quality musical and
educational experiences.

The Choral Handbook reminds all students of the commitment and

responsibilities that are necessary to keep our tradition alive. The choral
ensemble is a dynamic instrument which consists of an effective group of
diverse spirits. The WHS choirs are a “melting pot” whose members reflect a
cross-section of the student body. A central ingredient to the success of any
group effort is the cultivation and maintenance of this collective group.
Through our striving for excellence in choral singing, we will develop not only
as musicians, but also as people.

Both the choir member and his or her parents should read the following
pages. This Choral Handbook provides information regarding policies, rules,
co-curricular activities, grading policies, organizational structure, calendar,
voice lessons and other information necessary to give choir members and their
families a clear and concise picture of expectations and opportunities for each
WHS choir student.

Becoming a member of the Warrenton High School Choir Program requires a

great deal of commitment, hard work and a positive attitude on the part of
every individual. These are all essential ingredients that are necessary for
success.

Again we welcome you to the pride, excitement and fun of the Warrenton
High School Choir Program! May all of your experiences be musically satisfying,
personally meaningful, and a source of great pleasure and pride!

Sincerely,

Jarrod Hendricks
Warrenton High School
Phone- 636-456-6902 x 2173
hendricksjj@warrencor3.k12.mo.us
WHS Choir 2013-2014 Curricular Course Offerings

Men’s Chorus (9-12th grade men)

Concert Choir (9-12th grade women and men)

A cappella singers (9-12th grade men and women)

Varsity Women’s (9-12th grade women)

Women’s Chorus (9-12th grade women)

All students are auditioned and placed into performing groups that best fit
their individual needs. All curricular choirs meet daily for one class period
throughout the entire year (four quarters). The extracurricular choirs meet at
different times of the week before and/or after school.

Course Overview:

The Warrenton High School Choral Program is designed to fulfill the needs
of students who enjoy choral singing. The choirs will perform all styles of
choral literature from Renaissance to Contemporary periods. Emphasis will be
placed on solo and ensemble singing. The choirs will perform at festivals,
contests, concerts, and other school events.

Learning Outcomes:
To the student: Most of the progress and success that you will achieve
comes through your willingness to express yourself, your desire to be an
involved member, and your attention to details in the music and remarks given
by the director. To achieve a high degree of success, you must be willing to
work individually as well as within our performance groups, continually strive to
improve yourself as a member of the WHS choirs, and be proud of your
accomplishments. The WHS Choirs will maintain a reputation of performance
excellence through the outstanding work of our students. Talent is nice, but
hard work is better appreciated and rewarded.

Vocal Skills Emphasized:

Understanding of the proper care and use of the voice.

Knowledge and demonstration of breath support.
Knowledge and demonstration of vowel production and modification (when
needed).
Understanding and demonstration of the proper use of dynamics.
Understanding and demonstration of meter signatures.
Understanding and demonstration of key signatures.
Understanding and demonstration of general music terminology.
Knowledge and demonstration of musical phrasing.
Knowledge and demonstration of expression markings.

Personal Skills Emphasized

 Pride in yourself and in the WHS Choral Program

 Working together for a common goal: the enjoyment of singing
 Accepting responsibility in attendance at daily rehearsals, special
concert rehearsals, concerts, festivals, and lessons
 Positive self-discipline and classroom behavior
 Your development of leadership with in the choral program
 Your willingness to continually develop your singing voice
 To discover choral music as an art
 To learn to become intelligent and sensitive musicians in expressing
the emotion of music.
 Striving to improve yourself and the WHS choirs to be the best you can
be!
 To set standards of excellence for the future
 Respecting your fellow students and directors
 To become a better listener
 Working together to develop self-confidence
 Showing a desire to attract new students in to the choir program
 Positive criticism.

Required Materials

Each student will be assigned a specifically numbered music folder for

the entire school year. You will be held responsible for this assigned music
folder and a pencil in that folder to mark your music during every rehearsal. All
music will be furnished. The folder as well as your music must remain in
excellent condition or you will be required to pay for any damaged materials.
Each Student is assigned a robe. It is the students’ responsibility to keep it
clean and Kept in the correct numerical order in the assigned closet.
 Rules of Conduct

Whenever and wherever the choir appears in public, we are representatives

of the entire music program at Warrenton High School, the school itself, and all
citizens and alumni who are in any way associated with this great school.
Whether in performance attire or out, at a performance or a practice, on the
road or at home, in an official capacity or in a social setting, members of the
Warrenton High School Choral Program music conduct themselves in a mature,
responsible, courteous, respectful and professional manner.
Anything done by a single member of the choir reflects on the entire choral
organization, its leaders, and the school and community. Just as we strive for
excellence in our music, we also do so in our behavior and the manner in which
we conduct ourselves.

 RESPECT YOUR FELLOW CHOIR MEMBERS AND CHOIR ROOM:

Use appropriate and courteous language
Be sincere, fair, and nice
Treat the building with care
No writing on white boards, bulletin boards, posters or classroom
calendars
Pick up trash – even if it’s not yours to begin with!
Take good care of equipment
Look out for the private property of others
 BE ON TIME! Come prepared and not bearing excuses for the
contrary.
 Think Positively. Look for creative solutions if you see problems. If
necessary, contact a officer or the Choir Director
 Cooperate fully with directors or anyone else who is in a position of
leadership (this includes substitute teachers, guest directors, section
leaders and officers).
 No talking when anyone is “on the podium” working with the group.
 You are held accountable for any information presented in a rehearsal or
posted on the board.
 All Missouri State High School League Rules and Warrenton High
School Rules with be followed and enforced, at home and “on the
road”
 Smoking, use and/or possession of any alcohol, drugs, weapons, or any
mood-altering chemical substances, is strictly forbidden and will not be
tolerated!
 You are responsible for the safekeeping of your music, pencil,
performance attire, and any other school owned equipment you may
use. Loss or damage of school owned property will become your
financial responsibility (repair and/or new replacement).
  ABSOULUTELY NO FOOD, GUM, OR BEVERAGES IN THE MUSIC
DEPARTMENT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. The only exception is water
in a clear bottle. PICK UP AFTER YOURSELF!!!!
 NO PERSONAL ITEMS SUCH AS CALCULATORS, CELL PHONES, MAKE-
UP, HAND LOTION, PERFUME, HAIRSPRAY, COMBS, HAIR BRUSHES,
CURLING IRONS, MIRRORS, ECT WILL BE USED (OR SEEN) DURING THE
REHEARSAL!
 Correct posture in rehearsals is “six on the floor” (your two feet and
the four of the chair) and sitting up straight.
 NO HATS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE CHOIR ROOM!
 Develop your personal skills when in the choir department. Be
tactful, respectful, courteous, supportive, diligent,
conscientious…and smile!

Final Note: As you know, your grade depends on your daily attendance
and participation. Your inability to abstain from TALKING will be a negative
influence on your grade. Choir students are traditionally from the upper
25% of their class. You are BRIGHT, TALENTED, and VERY ACTIVE in all
school activities. However, NO STUDENT has the RIGHT TO DISTRACT this
class or any member of this class during the choir rehearsal. It is an
INFRINGEMENT on other students, on the director, on the process of
learning and on the enjoyment of music. NO ONE will be permitted to
interrupt the education of others!

Attendance at Concerts/Performances

Attendance at concerts/performances is required and is part of the

grading criteria in choir classes. This is a fundamental and integral part of
your membership in choir. Concerts and performances are a public
demonstration of what has been learned in choir (“authentic performance
assessment of learning”). Music is meant to be heard. Each performer in the
ensemble is dependant on each choir member being present to perform his or
her part. Because the choir is more than just a collection of individual
performers, it is necessary that we rehearse and perform as a unified group. A
problem with an individual performer’s attendance seriously inhibits our
consistency and excellence. Every attempt has been made to structure a
performance calendar that includes a reasonable number of performances.

The only excused absences from a performance are:

You are ill the day of the performance and are absent from the majority of
the school day. To perform, you must attend at least a half day of
classes. If you must miss more than half a day, please call the office and
leave a note for me in advance to report your illness/absence.
A family emergency occurs. Please call the office.
 Unexcused absences from performances will negatively effect the letter
grade in choir and may lead to loss of choir membership.
Student jobs or work conflicts are absolutely no excuses for missing a
concert/performance. A year long Choir Calendar appears in this
handbook. Read and share this calendar information with you parents,
employer, coaches, etc. And check for possible conflicts. In the event of a
conflict, COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY!! Talk to your choir director, we
support YOU! Every attempt will be made to be fair and understanding in
the event of unusual circumstances.

Choir Grading Policy

Each vocal music student participating in choir has the opportunity

to earn an “A” grade that will be based on talent and/or personality. Your
grade will be based on the level at which you perform in each rehearsal
and performance.
Rehearsal Skills (40%)
Written Work (10%)
Concert Attendance (50%)

Rehearsal Skills (40%): Each vocal student is expected to be in class ON TIME

and be ready to work! When warm-ups or announcements begin, you should
be in your seat with your music. You will be evaluated on you punctuality
and active, positive participation. Behavior problems will result in the
lowering of the student’s grade.

Written Work (10%): Being a well-rounded choral student means not only
learning how to sing effectively, but also developing a solid understanding
of musical concepts. WHS choir students will complete worksheets and
quizzes that help to reinforce these educational values. Occasionally, journal
and writing assignments will be assigned.

Concert/Festival/Performance Attendance (50%): This will be the easiest 40

percent earned for this quarter. When we perform, everyone is expected to
be there at the stated time. A make-up assignment will be assigned for
those students that have an “excused” absence for a concert or
performance. Unexcused absences will lose grade points without the
opportunity to make these points up. It is not only expected that you be at
the concert, but that you have made a suitable effort to come prepared to
the concert. The directors reserve the right to keep any student from
performing if he or she has not shown adequate attendance or acceptable
behavior. A concert is not only part of your grade (such as a test) is also a
privilege!
 Qualities of the “A” Student:
1. Shows that he or she is ready for class to begin immediately after the last
bell rings.
2. Participates at all times (during stretches, warm-ups, rehearsal).
3. Pays attention to the director.
4. Shows an understanding that a successful choir demands individual
responsibility and mental focus.
5. Attends class on a regular basis with minimal absences.
6. Attends all concerts in appropriate attire.
7. Does not wear hats.
8. Does not have food, candy or beverage in the room –and doesn’t need to be
reminded!
9. Does not chew gum in the room – and doesn’t need to be reminded.
10. Does not have cell phone, or calculator or other “not-essential-for music”
items.
11. Does not work on homework for other classes during rehearsal.
12. Completes all assigned worksheets and evaluations thoroughly and with
attention to detail.
13. Displays teamwork and an understanding that a choir is only as strong as
its least attentive member.
14. RESPECTS the music!
15. Sits and stands with appropriate posture.
16. Uses a pencil to write in the music any notes provided from the director.
17. Exhibits leadership in his or her section and works hard to contribute to
the success of the choir.
18. Treats his or her robe with care and responsibility.
19. Always returns his or her folder to its correct slot.
20. Volunteers to help out without hesitation
21. Brings to class a positive attitude and shares it honestly and sincerely.

Concert Attire for WHS Curricular Choirs

Appearance is important! An audience first “hears” you with their eyes!

Concert Choir: Members of these three choirs will wear robes for all
performances. For both men and women, the color of preference is BLACK.
This means black pants, black shoes, and black socks for the men. For the
women, this will include flesh colored hose, black closed-toe character
shoes, plus a nice dress or skirt under the robe. Please note: You are
responsible for the robe and stole assigned to you. You will NOT change
robes during the year without permission from the Director. If your robe is
lost, stolen or damaged, you are expected to replace it at your own expense.
Exactly one week after every concert, you are expected to have hung up your
own robe in the robe room or the rack provided.
 Choral Department Officers

Choir Officers will be selected or appointed the last week of the previous
school year from all choirs. These officers will have the opportunity to assist
and advise the choral director in various matters pertaining to the entire
organization.

2013-2014 Choir Counsel Officers

President-Brandon Boschenreither
Vice-President-Madi Stevens
Secretary-Morgan Cupp
Treasurer-Logan Stahl
Historian-Priscilla Esteves & Mackenzie Miller
Comm. Specialist-Cassidy Ward & Shelby Barclay
Librarian Assistant-Nathan Adams
Social Chair-Jacob Hickl

President: The president is perhaps the most visible of all of the officers.
Therefore, this person must be a positive role model for all students in the
Program. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:
 Daily announcements in Choir
 Welcome/Introduction at each concert
 Coordinate ushers on concert nights
 Run the point of department bulletin boards
 Monitor any volunteer activities throughout the year and take attendance
 Represent the concerns and needs of your fellow choir members by being
an open and responsive leader
 Be a visible assistance to any substitute

Vice President: The Vice-President is first in line to assist the President.

Similarly, this person must be a hard worker with a positive attitude. Specific
duties include, but are not limited to the following:
 Monthly Robe Room Maintenance
 Manage the Choral Library
 Be involved in any departmental volunteer activities
 Be a visible assistance to any substitute teacher throughout the year

Secretary: The Secretary must be very organized and detail-oriented and

possess good writing skills. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the
following:
 Run the point on Awards and Lettering at the end of the year
 Be involved in any departmental volunteer activities
 Get sports schedule for National Anthem singing
Treasurer: The Treasurer must be good with numbers and record-keeping. He
or she must be organized and detail-oriented. This person will work closely
with Mr. Hendricks to ensure all financial tallies are up-to-date. Specific
duties include, but are not limited to the following:
 Keep accurate records for any money turned in throughout the year and
turn money into Mr. Hendricks
 Work with President to make any necessary announcement regarding
payment deadlines, etc.
 Establish a consistent system (with Mr. Hendricks) for the turning in of
money Be involved in any departmental volunteer activities

Historian: This person will continually take pictures and notes for a choral
archive that can be used for the end of the year video, as well as Newsletter
or press releases. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the
following:
 Have a camera at all choir-related event!
 Communicate with Yearbook staff (Mrs. Hunter) regarding photos and
rosters
 Create and maintain a Social Board which Features various events,
activities and accomplishments of choir students
 Gather senior pictures from choir March 1
 Gather baby pictures choir by April 1
 Create the slide show for the Spring concert
 Frame the senior picture poster for the wall at the end of the year

Communications Specialist: The Communications Specialist should be a

student eager to share the successes of the program with community, this
person should be a “people person” – outgoing, good with words, organized
and ambitious. He or she must be a strong writer with solid communication
skills. Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:
 Gather names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers of area
newspapers
 When newsworthy events occur in the Department (All-state, honors, etc.)
contact area press. Collect photos of such events from Historian
 Send emails to parents about upcoming concerts (check with Director for
Specifics)
 Send emails to choir when necessary (connect with President for
announcements)
 Submit announcements to the Main Office (Becky Toebben) when
necessary.
 Contact parents for volunteer needs when they arise (see director)
 Write thank-you notes, when appropriate, in a timely manner.
 Communicate with athletic director and post a National Anthem sign-up
list.
 Librarian Assistants: This person (s) will assist the Vice President in
cataloguing and organizing music that is used throughout the year.
 This includes music which is either borrowed from another school or
loaned to another school.
 Duties also include entering new music into the choral library
spreadsheet and filing it appropriately.
 It is important that this person (s) is very organized, conscientious
and has good communication skills.

Social Chair: This person (s) will assist Vice President in organizing choir
related events throughout the year.
 This includes back to school pool/BBQ
 Annual Christmas Party
 Choir Handbook Contract

Student

By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read the Choir Handbook
and understand the expectations, guidelines and requirements of the
course. I have also studied the calendar and am aware of my responsibilities
to are mandatory events, such as Winter Concert, Pre Contest Concert,
Spring Concert, Graduation, and any district festivals or performances that
are specific requirements of the choir in which I sing.

_________________________________
Student’s Printed Name

_________________________________
Student’s Signature

Parents/Guardians

I have read the Choir Handbook and understand the requirements of the
course. I have studied the calendar.

____________________
Name

__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature

Forms are due to your Mr. Hendricks by Sept. 4

 Vocal Music Lettering Policy

All choir members have the opportunity to earn a letter in W choir program. This award is for
recognizing additional service and musical achievement, both in furthering the choir organization
and their own personal growth, throughout their participation in choir co-curricular activities, (co-
curricular: choir activities that take place outside of the curricular school day, but relate to the daily
choir class/curricular experiences). Points can be earned in a variety of co-curricular choir activities,
as listed below. These points accumulate until the student earns a letter. After a student earns their
letter, they start over at zero and begin working towards another letter in the fall. Students are
responsible for keeping any programs or other proof of concert attendance (counting towards a
Letter) to be turned in at the end of the year.
Name__________________________________ Grade_____ TOTAL ________

WHS Choir Lettering Form

To earn a letter, a total of 500 points must be earned from any of the following:
POINTS

SOLO:
1.) District Music Festival
I = 75 pts. ______
II = 50 pts. ______
III = 25pts. ______

2.) State Music Festival

I =100 pts. ______
II = 75 pts. ______
III = 50 pts. ______

ENSEMBLE:
3.) District Music Festival
I = 40 pts. ______
II = 25 pts. ______
III = 15 pts. ______

4.) State Music Festival

I = 60pts. ______
II = 40 pts. ______
III = 20 pts. ______

5.) All-District Honor Choir

Audition = 25 pts. ______
Selected = 30 pts. ______

6.) All-State Choir

Audition = 25 pts. ______
Selected = 100 pts. ______
Des Lee Festival
Participant = 30 pts. ______

Perform National Anthem at athletic event (10 pts. each) ______

(LIST ATHLETIC EVENTS ON BACK)

Summer Music Camp or Clinic, 50 pts. each ______

(Occurring during summer before current school year
this does not include band, theater or All-State camps)
(LIST BELOW WHAT CAMP/WHERE/WHEN)

Choir Officer 50 pts. ______

(LIST BELOW)
Subtotal points: _____

If not, points carried over from last year: ______

TOTAL POINTS: ____________

List Events where you have sung the National Anthem: (10 pts. total)
1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

If you attended a Summer Music Camp: (50 pts.)

Where________________ When________________

Miscellaneous: Check the job that you have assisted in to help out the WHS Choral
Department: (10 pts. each)

_______Summer Volunteer ________Robe Room Assistance

_______June Clean-up ________Music Sorting/filing

_______Computer Work