Beginning

RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
CHORAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
Beginning Men & Women
2018-2019

Classroom Expectations

1. Be on time to class and be ready to go when the bell rings.
2. Do not bring food, candy, drinks, or GUM in the chorus room (except water).
3. Upon entering the classroom, make sure your cell phone AND Apple Watch (or anything that can send text messages) is on silent and put it in a zipped portion of your book bag or purse. Place your bag in the same place each day. Only take your notebook and writing utensils to your seat.
4. Materials needed for class:
• 3-ring, one-inch binder (any color or design)
• Dividers and/or tabs
• Writing utensils (must use pencils for staff paper, written quizzes & tests)
• Highlighters
5. Be respectful to EVERYONE. You must give respect to receive it. 

*************************************************************************************
Course Objectives

This class is designed to follow the North Carolina Essential Standards for Beginning Vocal Music.

1. Musical Literacy
• A.ML.1- Apply the elements of music and musical techniques in order to sing and play music with accuracy and expression.
• A.ML.2 – Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music.
• A.ML.3 – Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources.
2. Musical Response
• A.MR.1 – Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances.

3. Contextual Relevancy
• A.CR.1 – Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music.

School Board Policy 3030.3
In teaching about great works of music, art, and drama, religious themes are permitted if presented in a prudent and objective manner, within the context of a broader cultural heritage, and without promoting a religious point of view.

*************************************************************************************
Grading System

Chorus is a performance-based course, therefore your attendance is extremely important in class and MANDATORY for all rehearsals and performances.

1. Performances & Rehearsals 30%
• Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
• Students must have the appropriate costume pieces for the performance. Students will lose points for missing components of the attire.
• Students must be on time. Students will lose points for tardiness.
• Students must demonstrate proper concert etiquette on and off stage.
• Students must demonstrate the correct singing and performance skills learned in class.
• Any student that has a conflict with a performance or rehearsal must have his/her parent contact me in writing ASAP!!!!
• Students with an excused absence (with written notification from a parent) for a performance will have to come after school and sing his/her part for the entire concert. If there is choreography, it must be performed as well. A written assignment will be given for excused absences during rehearsals.
• If the excused absence is not pre-arranged before the performance or rehearsal (excluding emergencies), the student will receive a zero.
• WORK AND DRIVER’S EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT EXCUSES!!!!

2. Classroom Performance 30%
• Students must demonstrate correct posture while singing.
• Students must use proper mouth position while singing.
• Students must bring all required materials to class each day.
• Students must stay focused and on-task during class.
• Students must work with others and maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
• Students who miss three or more days of school within one week will have to complete a written assignment.

3. Tests 25%
• Students will have two notebook checks each quarter to test their knowledge and skills of writing in their music.
• Students will have an end of quarter test that will be a culmination of written quizzes and assignments throughout the grading period.
• Students will have singing tests throughout the year in which they must demonstrate knowledge of their voice part in the concert repertoire.

4. Written Assignments & Quizzes 15%
• Students will be assigned written work to reinforce their music notation and literacy skills.
• Students will be given written quizzes to assess their knowledge of music notation and literacy.
• Students will be given singing quizzes to assess their ability to demonstrate proper singing technique, intervals, scales, and sight-singing skills.
• Students will write journal responses from teacher prompted questions throughout the school year.


Financial Obligations
In performing arts ensembles, there are uniform attire and extra costs that are not fully covered by the school system. To help cover these costs, we offer three individual fundraising opportunities during the fall semester. Students may also turn in donations that will go directly to his/her chorus account. If your family is experiencing a financial hardship, please contact Mrs. Boliek no later than September 7th to discuss options for payments.
In order to participate in extra-curricular chorus activities (Evening of Entertainment, spring trip, etc.), the student’s chorus account must be paid in full.
*************************************************************************************
Riverside Chorus Boosters Returned Check Policy
Any check that is turned in for payment for chorus-related expenses (fundraisers, tickets, attire, chorus fee, spring trip, etc.) that is returned for any reason (insufficient funds, etc.) will result in the following:
• The amount of the original check plus the bank fees will be added to the student’s chorus account.
• The student/family may only use cash or money order for future payments.
*************************************************************************************Attire
In choral ensembles, it is very important to be unified not only in sound, but in the visual presentation of the group. For informal performances, we will wear our chorus t-shirt and jeans that do not have any rips or tears in them. For formal performances, ladies will wear our chorus dress, shoes, and pearls (purchased as a package) and gentlemen will wear our chorus tuxedo along with black dress shoes. For the formal performances only, hair color must be a natural shade and pulled away from the face. Please ask Mrs. Boliek if you have any questions about this policy.
Please see the attached attire form for more specific information.
Chorus Fee
All chorus students will be required to pay a $30 chorus fee. Students may pay this fee directly or use the first fundraiser. This fee will cover the increasing costs of materials for the classroom (i.e. music, chairs, piano repair/maintenance, microphones, activity buses, sound engineer for concerts, MPA fees, accompanists, concert musicians, concert posters and programs, recordings and videography). The chorus fee is due on Tuesday, September 11th. As stated in the Financial Obligations section above, if your family is experiencing a financial hardship, please contact Mrs. Boliek no later than September 7th to discuss options for payments.
*************************************************************************************
Mandatory Performance Dates
10.12.18 Homecoming Football Game Rehearsal at 4:30pm
Line-up at 6:20pm
Performance at 6:50pm Chorus t-shirt, blue jeans (no rips or tears), shoes that have rubber bottoms
11.07.18 Fall Concert Dress Rehearsal 4:30-7:00pm Formal attire
11.08.18 Fall Concert Attendance at 5:30pm
Performance at 7:00pm Formal attire
12.17.18 Holiday Concert Rehearsal 8:00-11:30am (during school)
4:30-6:00pm (Riverside students only) School clothes
12.18.18 Holiday Concert Attendance at 5:00pm
Performance at 7:00pm Formal attire
2.18.19
**Snow Date 2.25.19** Masterworks Rehearsal with Band and Orchestra 4:30-7:00pm School clothes
2.19.19
**Snow Date 2.26.19** Masterworks Concert with Band and Orchestra Attendance at 5:30pm
Performance at 7:00pm Formal attire
3.14.19 MPA (Meredith College) TBA Formal attire
5.10.19; 5.13.19 through 5.15.19 Rehearsals for Spring Show 4:15-7:00pm Show costumes
5.16.19 & 5.17.19 Spring Show Attendance at 5:30pm
Performance at 7:00pm Show costumes

Additional Performance Opportunities (Optional)
9.28.18 Honors Chorus Auditions (UNC-Greensboro) During the school day Professional attire
10.4.18* Rehearsal for All-County (Location TBA) 5:45-8:00pm School clothes
11.15.18* Rehearsal for All-County (Southern HS) 5:00-9:00pm School clothes
11.16.18* All-County
(Southern HS) 9:00am-Concert at 7:00pm School clothes & formal attire
2.8.19* Evening of Entertainment (DPAC) Rehearsal Schedule TBA TBA
4.04.19 through 4.06.19 Spring Musical Rehearsal Schedule TBA TBA

*In order to participate in Evening of Entertainment, you must participate in All-County. There will be weekly after-school rehearsals for All-County and Evening of Entertainment in addition to the district dates.
If you would like to stay connected with Riverside Chorus through social media:
• Like our Facebook page (Riverside High School Chorus)
• Follow us on Twitter (@Rhschorus)
• Follow us on Instagram (@Rhschorus_)
Let me know if you have any questions. Here is my contact information:
919-560-3965 ext. 65103
Jill.Boliek@dpsnc.net

I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Jill Boliek

.................................................................................................................................................

Intermediate

​RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
CHORAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK
Intermediate Men & Women
2018-2019

Classroom Expectations

1. Be on time to class and be ready to go when the bell rings.
2. Do not bring food, candy, drinks, or GUM in the chorus room (except water).
3. Upon entering the classroom, make sure your cell phone AND Apple Watch (or anything that can send text messages) is on silent and put it in a zipped portion of your book bag or purse. Place your bag in the same place each day. Only take your notebook and writing utensils to your seat.
4. Materials needed for class:
• 3-ring, one-inch binder (any color or design)
• Dividers and/or tabs
• Writing utensils (must use pencils for staff paper, written quizzes & tests)
• Highlighters
5. Be respectful to EVERYONE. You must give respect to receive it. 

*************************************************************************************
Course Objectives

This class is designed to follow the North Carolina Essential Standards for Beginning Vocal Music.

1. Musical Literacy
• A.ML.1- Apply the elements of music and musical techniques in order to sing and play music with accuracy and expression.
• A.ML.2 – Interpret the sound and symbol systems of music.
• A.ML.3 – Create music using a variety of sound and notational sources.
2. Musical Response
• A.MR.1 – Understand the interacting elements to respond to music and music performances.

3. Contextual Relevancy
• A.CR.1 – Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21st century connections with music.

School Board Policy 3030.3
In teaching about great works of music, art, and drama, religious themes are permitted if presented in a prudent and objective manner, within the context of a broader cultural heritage, and without promoting a religious point of view.

*************************************************************************************
Grading System

Chorus is a performance-based course, therefore your attendance is extremely important in class and MANDATORY for all rehearsals and performances.

1. Performances & Rehearsals 30%
• Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
• Students must have the appropriate costume pieces for the performance. Students will lose points for missing components of the attire.
• Students must be on time. Students will lose points for tardiness.
• Students must demonstrate proper concert etiquette on and off stage.
• Students must demonstrate the correct singing and performance skills learned in class.
• Any student that has a conflict with a performance or rehearsal must have his/her parent contact me in writing ASAP!!!!
• Students with an excused absence (with written notification from a parent) for a performance will have to come after school and sing his/her part for the entire concert. If there is choreography, it must be performed as well. A written assignment will be given for excused absences during rehearsals.
• If the excused absence is not pre-arranged before the performance or rehearsal (excluding emergencies), the student will receive a zero.
• WORK AND DRIVER’S EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT EXCUSES!!!!

2. Classroom Performance 30%
• Students must demonstrate correct posture while singing.
• Students must use proper mouth position while singing.
• Students must bring all required materials to class each day.
• Students must stay focused and on-task during class.
• Students must work with others and maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
• Students who miss three or more days of school within one week will have to complete a written assignment.

3. Tests 25%
• Students will have two notebook checks each quarter to test their knowledge and skills of writing in their music.
• Students will have an end of quarter test that will be a culmination of written quizzes and assignments throughout the grading period.
• Students will have singing tests throughout the year in which they must demonstrate knowledge of their voice part in the concert repertoire.

4. Written Assignments & Quizzes 15%
• Students will be assigned written work to reinforce their music notation and literacy skills.
• Students will be given written quizzes to assess their knowledge of music notation and literacy.
• Students will be given singing quizzes to assess their ability to demonstrate proper singing technique, intervals, scales, and sight-singing skills.
• Students will write journal responses from teacher prompted questions throughout the school year.


Financial Obligations
In performing arts ensembles, there are uniform attire and extra costs that are not fully covered by the school system. To help cover these costs, we offer three individual fundraising opportunities during the fall semester. Students may also turn in donations that will go directly to his/her chorus account. If your family is experiencing a financial hardship, please contact Mrs. Boliek no later than September 7th to discuss options for payments.
In order to participate in extra-curricular chorus activities (Evening of Entertainment, spring trip, etc.), the student’s chorus account must be paid in full.
*************************************************************************************
Riverside Chorus Boosters Returned Check Policy
Any check that is turned in for payment for chorus-related expenses (fundraisers, tickets, attire, chorus fee, spring trip, etc.) that is returned for any reason (insufficient funds, etc.) will result in the following:
• The amount of the original check plus the bank fees will be added to the student’s chorus account.
• The student/family may only use cash or money order for future payments.
*************************************************************************************Attire
In choral ensembles, it is very important to be unified not only in sound, but in the visual presentation of the group. For informal performances, we will wear our chorus t-shirt and jeans that do not have any rips or tears in them. For formal performances, ladies will wear our chorus dress, shoes, and pearls (purchased as a package) and gentlemen will wear our chorus tuxedo along with black dress shoes. For the formal performances only, hair color must be a natural shade and pulled away from the face. Please ask Mrs. Boliek if you have any questions about this policy.
Please see the attached attire form for more specific information.
Chorus Fee
All chorus students will be required to pay a $30 chorus fee. Students may pay this fee directly or use the first fundraiser. This fee will cover the increasing costs of materials for the classroom (i.e. music, chairs, piano repair/maintenance, microphones, activity buses, sound engineer for concerts, MPA fees, accompanists, concert musicians, concert posters and programs, recordings and videography). The chorus fee is due on Tuesday, September 11th. As stated in the Financial Obligations section above, if your family is experiencing a financial hardship, please contact Mrs. Boliek no later than September 7th to discuss options for payments.
*************************************************************************************
Mandatory Performance Dates
10.12.18 Homecoming Football Game Rehearsal at 4:30pm
Line-up at 6:20pm
Performance at 6:50pm Chorus t-shirt, blue jeans (no rips or tears), shoes that have rubber bottoms
11.07.18 Fall Concert Dress Rehearsal 4:30-7:00pm Formal attire
11.08.18 Fall Concert Attendance at 5:30pm
Performance at 7:00pm Formal attire
12.17.18 Holiday Concert Rehearsal 8:00-11:30am (during school)
4:30-6:00pm (Riverside students only) School clothes
12.18.18 Holiday Concert Attendance at 5:00pm
Performance at 7:00pm Formal attire
2.18.19
**Snow Date 2.25.19** Masterworks Rehearsal with Band and Orchestra 4:30-7:00pm School clothes
2.19.19
**Snow Date 2.26.19** Masterworks Concert with Band and Orchestra Attendance at 5:30pm
Performance at 7:00pm Formal attire
3.14.19 MPA (Meredith College) TBA Formal attire
5.10.19; 5.13.19 through 5.15.19 Rehearsals for Spring Show 4:15-7:00pm Show costumes
5.16.19 & 5.17.19 Spring Show Attendance at 5:30pm
Performance at 7:00pm Show costumes

Additional Performance Opportunities (Optional)
9.28.18 Honors Chorus Auditions (UNC-Greensboro) During the school day Professional attire
10.4.18* Rehearsal for All-County (Location TBA) 5:45-8:00pm School clothes
11.15.18* Rehearsal for All-County (Southern HS) 5:00-9:00pm School clothes
11.16.18* All-County
(Southern HS) 9:00am-Concert at 7:00pm School clothes & formal attire
2.8.19* Evening of Entertainment (DPAC) Rehearsal Schedule TBA TBA
4.04.19 through 4.06.19 Spring Musical Rehearsal Schedule TBA TBA

*In order to participate in Evening of Entertainment, you must participate in All-County. There will be weekly after-school rehearsals for All-County and Evening of Entertainment in addition to the district dates.
If you would like to stay connected with Riverside Chorus through social media:
• Like our Facebook page (Riverside High School Chorus)
• Follow us on Twitter (@Rhschorus)
• Follow us on Instagram (@Rhschorus_)
Let me know if you have any questions. Here is my contact information:
919-560-3965 ext. 65103
Jill.Boliek@dpsnc.net

I am looking forward to a fun and exciting year!!!!!!

Sincerely,
Jill Boliek

..................................................................................................................................

Advanced

RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL
CHORAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK Advanced Men & Women – Rapids
2018-2019

Classroom Expectations

1. Be on time to class and be ready to go at 8:00am!!
2. Do not bring food, candy, drinks, or GUM in the chorus room (except water).
3. Upon entering the classroom, make sure your cell phone AND Apple Watch (or anything that sends text messages) is on silent and put it in a zipped portion of your book bag or purse. Place your bag in the same place each day. Only take your notebook and writing utensils to your seat.
4. Materials needed for class:
• 3-ring, one-inch binder (any color or design)
• Dividers and/or tabs
• Writing utensils (must use pencils for staff paper, written quizzes & tests)
• Highlighters
5. Be respectful to EVERYONE. You must give respect to receive it. 

*************************************************************************************
Grading System

Chorus is a performance-based course, therefore your attendance is extremely important in class and MANDATORY for all rehearsals and performances.

1. Performances & Rehearsals 35%
• Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
• Students must have the appropriate costume pieces for the performance. Students will lose points for missing components of the attire.
• Students must be on time. Students will be deducted points for tardiness.
• Students must demonstrate proper concert etiquette on and off stage.
• Students must demonstrate the correct singing and performance skills learned in class.
• Any student that has a conflict with a performance or rehearsal must have his/her parent contact me in writing ASAP!!!!
• Students with an excused absence (with written notification from a parent) for a performance will have to come after school and sing his/her part for the entire concert. If there is choreography, it must be performed as well. A written assignment will be given for excused absences during rehearsals.
• If the excused absence is not pre-arranged before the performance or rehearsal (excluding emergencies), the student will receive a zero.
• WORK AND DRIVER’S EDUCATION CLASSES ARE NOT EXCUSES!!!!

2. Classroom Performance 35%
• Students must be on time to all Rapids rehearsals. Students will lose one point per minute late.
• Students must demonstrate correct posture while singing.
• Students must use proper mouth position while singing.
• Students must bring all required materials to class each day.
• Students must stay focused and on-task during class.
• Students must work with others and maintain a positive and respectful attitude.
• Students who miss a Rapids rehearsal must submit the make-up assignment no later than one week after the date he/she is absent or it will result in a zero.


3. Critique 30%
• Students must attend one concert, recital, or other live musical performance during each quarter. It is suggested that the performance have vocal music components, however, it may be instrumental. Students must turn in the rubric, paper, and program together on the due date. Students will be given a rubric each quarter.
Mandatory Performance Dates
Before-school rehearsals for Rapids will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00-8:50am. These rehearsals are part of your classroom performance grade. There is a make-up assignment for each class missed.
The dates below are the mandatory dates for Rapids and are included in the performances and rehearsals category (in addition to Overtones and Sirens).
9.11.18 Open House 7:15-8:00pm Chorus t-shirt, blue jeans (no rips or tears), any shoe
10.04.18 All-County Rehearsal (Location TBA) 5:45-8:00pm School clothes
11.15.18 All-County Rehearsal (Southern HS) 5:00-9:00pm School clothes
11.16.18 All-County Rehearsal & Performance (Southern HS) 9:00am – Concert at 7:00pm School clothes & formal attire
12.02.18 Temple Baptist Church 10:00am-12:00pm Formal attire
12.19.18 Hillandale Elementary 8:30am-10:30am TBA
1.08.19 Basketball Game 5:45-6:30pm Chorus t-shirt, blue jeans (no rips or tears), any shoes
2.05.19 Basketball Game 5:45-5:30pm Chorus t-shirt, blue jeans (no rips or tears), any shoes
6.12.19 Graduation Arrive at 12:30pm
Ceremony at 1:00pm Formal attire

Additional mandatory performances will be scheduled during the month of December. I will give you these dates as soon as I receive them.

We will also be traveling to Brogden and Carrington throughout the year for workshops and performances. These dates will be announced as soon as possible. Some of them will take place during our regular Rapids rehearsal times.

I am looking forward to a great year with you!!!!!


Sincerely,
Jill Boliek

RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS

Copyright 2019