LHS Choral Handbook

To conserve paper and taxpayers' money, the LHS Choral Handbook's 24-hour availability online will eliminate the expense of providing a hardcopy to each student this year. The handbook is maintained and updated as necessary by Mrs. Nevins, Director of Choirs.

STUDENT CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

Choir is an elective performance class requiring a clear understanding of classroom and performance discipline, uniforms, and permission to travel. Students must utilize the online choir calendar for scheduling personal events around choir performances. At the beginning of each year and with the enrollment of new students throughout the school year, students will be provided the following contracts which require parent and student signatures. These completed and signed contracts must be returned to Mrs. Nevins promptly to activate the student's participation in LHS choral events. Contracts include the following: Uniform Contract, Health Form and One-time Permission Slip, and a Classroom and Performance Discipline Contract. While these documents will be provided to each student the first week of school in hard copy and MUST BE ON FILE IN THE CHOIR OFFICE FOR PARTICIPATION, a PDF file of each document will be added to this website for printable download should a student's hard copy be lost or damaged or in the event that a student's information changes and must be resubmitted for update during the school year. For the student's safety, Mrs. Nevins will carry these documents to every choir event. Choir is an elective class requiring a solid team effort. Anyone failing to provide required documents will be unable to continue in the choir program as determined by the director.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

LINCOLN WOMENS CHORUS #263 1 Credit
Length of Course: 1 year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition required with approval from director

This is a developmental choral class for the female student. Because of Freshman Academy, all freshmen women must sing in this choir. In this class, students will be expected to develop skills in sigthtsinging, singing diction, improved vocal and choral technique, and rehearsal discipline. Small and large group formats will be offered, along with individual vocal opportunities. Music literature will be appropriate to the female gender, and will include historical and contemporary classical, folk, multi-cultural, pop, and show tunes. At least 4 performances will be required per year. Additional opportunities may be offered. Performance is a formal affair. Flip flops are not permitted for performance when uniformity is essential. Black flats and natural colored nylons are required to be worn with assigned choir robes for performances. Pant legs should not show below the robe hem. Diversion from this concert attire constitutes no performance and no grade, as determined by the director. Natural haircolors are part of the uniformity of this choir. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE and PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE IS GRADED and REQUIRED. (See performance make-up options)

MEN OF LINCOLN SINGERS #264 1 Credit
Length of Course: 1 year
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: Audition required with approval from director

This is a developmental choral class for the male student. In this class, students will be expected to develop skills in sightsinging, singing diction, improved vocal and choral technique, and rehearsal discipline. Small and large group formats will be offered, along with individual vocal opportunities. Music literature will be appropriate to the male gender and will include historical and contemporary classical, folk, multi-cultural, pop, and show tunes. Music is selected by the director as appropriate to the ability of the choir and the performance event. Singers in this choir prepare TTB/B and SA/TB literature. Prior to each performance, singers will be auditioned and selected by the director to sing in Concert Choir. Selection will be based upon music preparation, skill, appropriate and mature self-discipline, and added rehearsal requirements called upon by the director. The Concert Choir audition process intends to create opportunity for those who can work to meet select-choir standards for each concert. Only the best-prepared male singers will be selected as determined by the Director. Selection is not automatic and should not be assumed. Additional opportunities may be offered. Men are required to wear black socks and dress shoes with assigned tuxedos. Shirttails must be tucked in and collars buttoned. Natural haircolors are part of the required uniformity of this choir. Diversion from this concert attire will be as determined by the director. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE and PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE IS GRADED and REQUIRED. (See performance make-up options)

CONCERT CHOIR #262 1 Credit
Length of Course: 1 year
Grade Level: 10-12 (Director reserves the right to promote as needed)
Prerequisite: Yearly audition and written director recommendation to counseling staff

This choir is for the serious and well-disciplined singer who has accomplished above-average commitment, self-discipline, vocal technique, sightsinging skills, team effort, and respect for the choral art. Singers in this class are female. They perform both SSA and SA/TB literature with select men of all genres including historical and contemporary classical, folk, multi-cultural, pop, and show tunes. Music is selected by the director as appropriate to the performance event. At least 4 even performances will be required in addition to MSVMA Choral Festival performances. Students will be expected to perform in choral workshops. Students with band, orchestra, or keyboard skills are encouraged to audition for this choir even if prior choral classes have not been experienced. Members of this choir are required to wear assigned school-owned gowns with black low dress shoes and natural-colored nylons. Natural haircolors are part of the required uniformity of this choir. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE and PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE IS GRADED and REQUIRED.

SPLIT DIMENSIONS #265 1 Credit
Length of Course: 1 year
Grade Level: 10-12 (Director reserves the right to promote as needed)
Prerequisite: Yearly audition required with permission from Director

This class is solely for the accomplished, highly self-disciplined, and committed choral singer. Historically made up solely of treble singers, in the event there are not enough women, the director reserves the option of adding male voices for balance and skill. This group will perform numerous community and school concerts in and out of the normal school day, in at least 2 school concerts per semester, at choral workshops, and in MSVMA Festival competitions as determined by the director. Performance commitment is essential as part of this team. Students can expect to sing in solo and small group formats, and must have the ability to sing and move for the inclusion of choreography and dance. Appropriately, all music styles will be approached, with an Intermediate to Advanced literature. Members of this choir will be expected to purchase a new or slightly used gown as selected by the group and approved by the director. Black character shoes and natural colored nylons are part of the performance uniform as are natural haircolors are part of the uniformity of this choir/ensemble. COMMITMENT IS ESSENTIAL. DEPENDABLE BEHAVIOR AND SELF-DISCIPLINE, REHEARSAL and PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE IS GRADED are MANDATORY.

POINTS TO PONDER

POTENTIAL - signifies a person's individual growth limits

ABILITY - determines a person's capability

MOTIVATION - required in order to achieve

ATTITUDE - drives a person's level of success

CHARACTER - determined by choices one makes when no one is looking

MATURITY - how one uses her/her free time

INTEGRITY - how we encourage others to utilize their time

COMMITMENT - revealed in loyalty to yourself and your work

SELF-ACTUALIZATION - a person's ultimate level of life achievements

TENACITY - unwaivering persistence toward excellence

THE AUDITION PROCESS

Auditions are required of all students for entrance into the Lincoln High School Choral Program. Students seeking positions in an entry-level choir must demonstrate the ability to match pitch with a clear understanding of beginning singing and musical theory skills. In the entry-level classroom, the audition begins for select choir placement by the student's ability to stay on task, and work cohesively within the choral rehearsal classroom. A student's 1st semester music theory exam will be considered in the audition screening process. In keeping with the high choral standards established at Lincoln, students wishing to progress to Concert Choir must have who demonstrated an excellent level of self-discipline, acceptable attendance, dependability, attentiveness, a respect for others and a working relationship with the Director.

Auditions for Concert Choir are conducted in 2- or 3-parts and are typically conducted utilizing festival musical literature, which all students should have learned, memorized and polished. Students must have demonstrated an excellent ability to read beginning to intermediate music with a clear understanding of music theory and sightreading. Concert Choir students learn music in treble and mixed voicing. Therefore, students must have demonstrated the ability to be self-discipline, positive, and eager to do their work. Students should have demonstrated the ability to be punctual, responsible, and able to work cohesively with his/her peers and the Director within the choral rehearsal classroom. Students represent their school and the LHS Choral Program. Students with any questionable behavioral issues may not be considered for this select choir.

Only those who have demonstrated superior levels of self-discipline, respect, and musicianship will be considered for the rigors of progressing to Split Dimensions where advanced Treble and mixed literature will be learned. Intermediate to advanced vocal skills and music reading skills are required. Grade point average eligibility is also a serious consideration because Split Dimensions are frequently released from school for day-time and evening community performances. Split Dimensions singers typically score A's on theory examinations and carry GPAs of 3.0 or better. Students being considered for Split Dimensions will audition by the Director's invitation. Auditions are conducted after school for the Director and a panel of veteran Split Dimension seniors. Being invited by the Director to auditon for Split Dimensions, a student must have exceptional vocal discipline and a superior level of commitment for every performance.

The Director reserves the right to make final decisions on all auditions and placements for the good of the students and the Lincoln Choral Program.

REQUIRED DAILY MATERIALS

A healthy body and a positive attitude.
1-1/2" 3-ring binder - solid black (no writing on outside)
Assigned music in class daily (even when physically unable to sing)
Sharpened pencil in music folder daily
Additional special items will be announced as needed
NO FOOD OR BEVERAGE aside from water is permitted on on the new classroom chair risers.

YOUR CHOIR/MUSIC TEXT

Your choir's choral music is your classroom text. All music is the property of the school unless it is borrowed from Mrs. Nevins or another school. LHS octavos are purchased with budgeted funds, inventoried, and stored in our choral library for future use. All distributed music will be documented. Students are responsible for the return of original sheetmusic. Returned music will be credited to the student; and lost or damaged music will constitute that the student's choir account be charged a current replacement fee. These fees will be added to the students personal debt to be settled at the end of the year. Assigned music can be taken home for rehearsal, but must with the student for each classroom rehearsal. Students are required to have music for rehearsals until the week prior to a performance, as designated by the Director. In preparation for a performance, music must be fully memorized unless otherwise designated by the Director. Students have proven that errors are learned when music is put away too soon.

American Choral Directors Association/M.S.V.M.A. Philosophy on Sacred Music

For the past thirteen plus years, Lincoln H.S. Choirs have followed the American Choral Directors Association and Michigan School Vocal Music Association philosophies on sacred music. This philosophy is also followed by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. In representing the historical and cultural aspects of the history and development of music through the ages, choral music cannot be taught without the inclusion of historical and cultural sacred choral literature. In representing historic composers and the various styles and forms of music, the use of sacred music is essential to the curriculum and is introduced without teaching and/or promoting specific doctrines. Since 80% of choral literature today is sacred and 20% is secular, that ratio could be performed at any given LHS concert or festival performance.

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

Uniforms provided by the school remain the property of Lincoln. Students issued a uniform are responsibile for cleaning and repairs throughout the year and before returning uniforms at the end of each school year. Uniforms should always be stored on a hanger and in a plastic bag to alleviate wrinkles and damage. Students and parents should check for hemming and mending repairs prior to all performances. Select choir gown hems should be at least 1" off the floor (in bare feet). Hems should be hand sewn (not machine sewn) to allow the next person the ease of adjusting the hem without damage to the fabric. In the process of altering and hemming, fabric shall NOT be cut except with written permission from Mrs. Nevins. (i.e., a short student may require an unusually deep hem. DO NOT CUT). A student who arrives for a performance with a dragging or partially sewn hem or missing uniform parts will not be allowed to perform. The student's grade will be lowered for this negligence. (See uniform guidelines below)

YEAR-END UNIFORM RETURN

All uniforms must be turned in laundered (or drycleaned with dated drycleaning receipt) at the end of each school year. Anyone failing to do so will expect his/her student account to be charged a non-credited drycleaning fee of $20 per uniform. The cost of the uniform parts will be charged to the student's account until all parts have been returned to the choir office. Students who are re-issued a larger sized uniform will be charged additionally until the original uniform part is cleaned and returned. In the event that a uniform is damaged beyond repair or not turned in at all, the replacement value of the uniform and a dry cleaning fee will be posted to the student's school debt. Lost or damaged items are the responsiblity of the student and will be charged to the student's school debt for the replacement value. Students and parents are expected to examine uniforms at least a week prior to a performance to assure that the uniform is prepared for performance.

Women's Chorus Choir Robes
Choir robes are provided by the school and are kept in the choir uniform room between performances. No robes should be taken home for any reason. Natural flesh-colored nylons, black low heels, and no visible jewelry are worn for performances.

Men of Lincoln Tuxedos
Wool tuxedos are provided by school. Men should purchase black socks, black dress shoes, with no visible jewelry for performances. TENNIS SHOES ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR PERFORMANCE. Men can use their student accounts to purchase their custom-fitted formal shirts.

Concert Choir Women Gowns
Gowns are provided by the school and maintained by the student. All gowns should be washed and returned to the school on a hanger and in a drycleaning bag for storage at the end of the year. Natural flesh-colored nylons, low black heels, and no visible jewelry are required for performance.

Split Dimensions Gowns
New are purchased and maintained by the singer. Used gowns may be available through graduates as long as matching gowns are still available. Current gowns are no longer available from the distributor. Natural flesh-colored nylons and matching black character (dance) shoes, are required. School-owned jewelry may be provided for special events and must be returned to avoid charge to the student's choir account. In the event that jewelry is not provided, small earrings and small necklace may be permitted for uniformity.

Additional Special Uniform Concerns
Unnatural Hair Colors (blue, green, pink, purple, orange) are a performance distraction and can detract from the performance. Natural hair colors, therefore, are required as part of the choirs' uniformity in performance presentation. Dog collars, stud bracelets, combat boots, etc are likewise disallowed.

GRADING POLICY

REHEARSAL SKILLS - 50% of grade
Students will be evaluated based upon all facets of the rehearsal preparation. Rehearsals serve to provide education in the elements of music, sightreading, vocal technique, and preparation for performances. A grade is issued the second week of school for submission of choir health forms and permission slips. Each student must provide a spiral-bound notebook for music theory notes, a solid black (not white or colored) three-ring binder for music bearing the student's name inside the cover, and a sharpened pencil for each rehearsal. For the safety of the student, GUM CHEWING DURING REHEARSAL is strictly prohibited to avoid choking, aspiration and potential death.

Rehearsal preparation supplements individual growth and unification of each choral section. Other rehearsal-grade factors include: following classroom rules, having music and pencil, and paying respect toward peers, student teacher (when applicable), accompanist, and director. Rehearsal attendance is essential and is a major factor in the preparation process. Points will be relinquished for non-compliance with rehearsal expectations at the discretion of the director. The best singer cannot be promoted if he/she is not dependable. Excessive socialization or behaviors that disrupt the education process will greatly lower a student's rehearsal grade. If, after two warnings, a student fails to co-operate with a directive from the director, a student may be removed from the choral seating arrangement and the parent will be notified of the problem. (For add'l information, please refer to CLASSROOM REHEARSAL CONDUCT.)

PERFORMANCE - 50% of grade
In the classroom and on the stage is our main objective for this course. This being an elective class, each student makes a performance commitment when he or she registers for the class. Students are encouraged to stay healthy and avoid passing illness on to other singers. Missing voices greatly affect our performances goals. If, for whatever reason, a student misses a performance, he will not receive a grade. A performance cannot be replicated and can only be made-up in time by a director-approved written make-up assignment due the Friday following a performance. A student who, for whatever reason, misses a great deal of school prior to a concert may be required to perform an vocal examination for the director prior to the concert to determine his/her preparedness to perform. The director may require an unprepared student to sit out of the concert for the good of those who have fulfilled their rehearsal obligation. The student's grade will be determined by the director based upon individual factors. Because every voice is critical to sectional balance, students must be in class the day of a performance. Any student who misses school on the day of a concert or competition risks being disallowed permission to perform, as determined by the director. The director reserves the right to make some performances optional to some singers when selecting a subgroup from a choir for special events. Transportation is an invalid excuse for missing a performance when there are so many students who are willing to provide transportation when a student plans ahead. If a student does not have a ride, the teacher and other students will do their best to assist in transporting the student to the school. School disciplinary policies regarding language, dress, behavior, sex, drugs, and alcohol are strictly followed at all performance events. Behavior, concert conduct, and self-discipline are always part of the performance grade.

OTHER GRADING FACTORS

WRITTEN EXAMINATIONS
Writing is an essential educational tool and the handwriting process instills the informational gathering process. The Lincoln School Board established that all students must write for their semester exams. All choir students will take a written examination at the end of each semester to meet classroom and school board policy. A missed exam constitutes a failing grade to be averaged in with the student's Marking Period grades.

WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS
To further support writing in the classroom, students will be required to evaluate their own performance recordings and/or the performances of other choirs through a listening exercise followed by a written evaluation. Because music theory is an essential part of reading and performing music, students can expect assignments involving written worksheet materials. Such written assignments are graded and averaged into the Rehearsal grade.

GUM CHEWING
For the safety of the student, gum chewing is strictly prohibited in the choral classroom warm-ups (vocalise), rehearsals, and at performances (on-and off-stage). Students who elect not to follow this policy should expect his/her grade to be lowered one mark (A to A- to B+) with every three events. Students are given ample opportunity to dispose of gum prior to the taking of class attendance, vocal warm-ups, and the rehearsal process. In the event that a student refuses to comply with this essential safety precaution, the student may be required to stay after school with the teacher for a detention at the Director's discretion. There will be no exceptions to this rule.

TARDIES
Tardies disrupt the rehearsal and the learning process. A school policy for tardies has been established. That policy will be followed in the daily attendance system. Tardys affect the grade as follows: for every three tardies to the choir classroom, the student's grade is lowered by one mark (i.e., from A to A-). Changing school administrative tardy policies are followed.

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE
(See the prior choir uniform outline noted above for more detail). The assigned formal uniform is the property of the school district. Choir uniforms are not to be worn to non-choir events. All uniform parts are to be worn for choral events and returned to the school. Replacement and/or professional quality repair of lost or damaged uniform parts are the responsibility of the student and damages or loss will be added to the student's debt. Arriving to perform in full uniform is a required of every performer. Should a student arrive with missing uniform parts, the student may be disallowed the opportunity to perform with the choir. In this event, the student will receive a lowered grade for the performance at the teacher's disgretion.. Natural hair colors are part of the uniformity of each choir for the performance. Diversion from natural hair colors constitutes the inability to participate, and will result in a lowered or lost grade at the discretion of the director.

MISSED PERFORMANCE
The student knows the when registering for choir, he/she is registering for a PERFORMANCE CLASS. Performance is a required. Students are informed far enough in advance to allow for personal and family scheduling. Music is instantaneous, and a missed performance can be made up only in time. Thus, a large portion of a marking period grade will be missing. (ANALOGY: If a student misses a math or science test, the grade can only be acquired if the test is completed.) The 2007-08 LHS Choir concert and festival competition schedule is posted and updated on this website and in the classroom from the beginning of the school year. Changes to the initial performance schedule will always be posted on the website calendar, on the website announcements, and announced to each choir well in advance of the performance. The lhschoirs.com website and the "announcement" link will be your means of receiving performance notes, fundraising, festival and/or trip announcements and notifications, and directions to events.

It is the student's responsibliity to keep track of the official choir calendar posted on our website. Arrange for his/her choral commitments with parents and employees early! Drivers ed instructors, athletic coaches, and employers are accustom to accommodating the student who needs to meet graded performance requirements. Additional performances are frequently added to our schedule as invitations are received. Students should speak with employers about these potential changes and be prepared to arrange to attend performances accordingly. Should a concert grade be lost through absence for any reason, arrangements for meeting grade make-up requirements and deadlines are the sole responsibility of the student. Except for the mandatory Commencement performance, a research report can be submitted to make-up for a missed concert grade. (See make-up report guidelines). In some instances (physical injury or illness with the inabaility to sing) as determined by the Director, a student may be allowed to attend a performance (without singing) for partial or full graded credit based upon the student's level of work and commitment prior to the performance and circumstances leading to the performance.

CONCERT MAKE-UP REPORTS
Handwritten (not word processed) make-up reports must be pre-arranged with the Director for an appropriate topic. A written make-up assignment is by no means to be interpreted as PUNISHMENT, but should be viewed as an OPPORTUNITY to receive the individual's lost grade. Written assignments must be three (3) to five (5) pages--handwritten and single spaced. The more complete the research, the higher the grade. They are due the Friday following a performance unless otherwise arranged by the director. In some cases, a student's illness encompasses a performance and cannot be made-up within the required time limit. The Director will determine an appropriate submission deadline. If a paper is not submitted by marking period grade deadlines, a grade will be assigned without the addition of the paper. Once a make-up report is completed and submitted, the grade can be changed for the next mark. If a papere is not completed and submitted, the student will forego the make-up opportunity and the unraised performance grade will stand.

MAKE-UP REPORT GUIDELINES

A three- to five-page single-spaced and handwritten (in ink) report can produce a make-up grade of between a "C" and an "A" based upon the quality, quantity, and neatness of a report. A minimal report will produce a minimal grade. Each voice in the choir is critical to the performance. A missed competitive festival event grade requires an exceptional paper to receive full make-up, as determined by the Director. If the student has participated responsibly in rehearsals leading to the performance, bear in mind that a rehearsal "A" averaged with the report "C" will provide a "B.".

All make-up reports MUST BE PREPARED OUTSIDE OF THE CHOIR CLASS since the student is making up concert time. MEDIA CENTER PASSES WILL NOT BE PROVIDED FROM THE CHORAL CLASSROOM TO COMPLETE THIS MAKE-UP WORK. Students must plan to visit the school or city library and/or research online. Plagerism constitutes the grade of "E." (Please note that in most other districts, a missed competitive festival event constitutes an "E" for the marking period with no opportunity for raising the grade. To assist further, please do the following:

Select topic agreeable with both director and student that directly relates to literature/composers being performed at the concert.
Research the topic in New Groves, online, or utilizing school and/or public library resources.
Compose a five-page, single-spaced, handwritten report on the selected topic that provides solid definition and relating the topic to familiar performance literature. Typed computer documents will be unacceptable, since the learning process is more effective by handwriting the material..
Plagiarism is illegal and can be easily recognized. Electronic scanning options can be used to identify plagerism and the Director owns a personal set of the New Groves Encyclopedias of Music and Musicians as a personal reference. Be certain that all reports are written in your own words.
Accurate spelling and grammar must be utilized and neatness is a must.
All resources must be documented in bibliography at the end of the paper.
A topic of particular interest to the group, can be orally presented to the class for added credit by permission of the director.
Written reports will be retained by the teacher and topics will not be duplicated by other students.

Reminder - Any written make-up assignments turned in after teacher grades submission deadlines may constitute a grade change on the next report card.

CLASSROOM/REHEARSAL CONDUCT

One must assume that students who register for choir are in the class because they wish to sing and learn music. Students are to be in their seats with music in hand, prepared to begin when the director rises to the podium to begin class. Book bags and purses are to be placed under the student's chair. While students are expected to be on task during attendance and the rehearsal, there will be time for socializing at the end of class. Students are expected to take care of personal classroom needs before rehearsal begins or at the end of class. In an emergency, the student is to make a quiet and discrete exit to avoid disrupting the educational and rehearsal process.

DISCIPLINARY POLICIES
Lincoln Consolidated Schools and Lincoln High School disciplinary policies will be followed in school and at evening and out-of-district choir events and trips.

Music and pencil are required for every rehearsal and at Honors Choir events.

Cell phones and all other electronics
These devices are a significant distraction from your choir rehearsal and are strictly prohibited in the choir/music classroom. While students may be able to bring them into the school, they must keep them turned off and out of sight to avoid having them confiscated by faculty, staff, or administration.

Restrooms
There are two restrooms in the music suite. If a student must use the restroom during choir class on a daily basis, please arrive early to check in with the Director and use the restroom at the beginning of the class to avoid being arked tardy. Departure and entrance during the rehearsal must be discrete and quiet to avoid interruption. Only in rare cases will a student be provided a written pass from the Director to utilize a restroom outside of the music suite.

Punctuality
Students are expected to arrive to the classroom on time. Upon arrival, place personal items under his/her chair, retrieve music folder, pencil, and water bottle, and prepare to begin class.

Attentive Behavior
Students are expected to follow directions throughout the rehearsal in small group and large group activities. Participation is required.

Illness
Vocal health and success in the choir relies greatly upon physical health, good nutrition, and rest. A singer who comes to school in a state of illness exposes everyone in the school to his/her illness. Anyone who is too sick to sing is likewise too sick to socialize during the classroom rehearsal and (out of respect from others) should keep your distance from other students and the Director. Students are ill are may be sent to the counseling office to recline if they cannot sing.

All singers are expected to take out their music and follow the rehearsal with pencil in hand to take Director notes. Illness does not constitute utilizing rehearsal time to do homework for other classes. Anyone who is too ill to follow the music should be at home in bed.

Requesting a pass to another classroom.
To be excused from the choir classroom to another class, the student requires a valid reason and must plan ahead by requesting a written pass from the other teacher or administrator. The pass should provide the teacher's extension, which will allow the Director to confirm the validity of the pass. Do not request permission to leave another class for choir without my written permission.

Arriving Late to Choir Class
Be considerate to those already in rehearsal. It is appropriate when arriving to class late, wait outside the choir door until the music stops to avoid interrupting the rehearsal procedure. All late entries must provide a written pass from another teacher or administrator stating the reason for your delay in order to be excused. The Director reserves the right to confirm the validity of a pass with a phonecall to the person granting the pass. Arrival without a pass will be unexcused. Habitually late students may be required by the Director to serve after-school detention in the choir room with Mrs. Nevins.

FALSELY USING CHOIR AS AN EXCUSE TO LEAVE ANOTHER CLASS
Doing so constitutes disciplinary action. Anyone wishing to come to the choir classroom for personal rehearsals must pre-arrange this event with the Director.

Homeroom dismissals
Departure from class requires a pass or an announcement release. In addition, any student leaving my classroom must also sign-out with date and destination verificatio. A sign-out notepad and pencil will be provided at the choir room door. Failure to sign out constitutes written disciplinary referral.

Bottled Water
Water hydration is an essential need for vocal health. Therefore, water (and not pop or sugary juice) Is permitted and may be available for purchase for $1.00 per bottle from the choir store. Proceeds are reserved for year-end choir awards and scholarships.

Food and Snacks
For the safety of the singer, GUM AND FOOD CHEWING IS PROHIBITED during the rehearsal! Food snacks and beverages must be put away once warm-ups begin or during class. Snacks may be consumed AFTER rehearsal is completed.

OTHER CLASSROOM DISTRACTIONS
Yearbooks, photo albums, personal correspondence, and such do not belong in the rehearsal classroom. Keep them in put away until after rehearsal is dismissed by the director.

CORE HOMEWORK SHOULD BE DONE IN THE RESPECTIVE CLASS, DURING HOMEROOM, OR AT HOME
Choir class is not a studyhall. All students should be prepared to participate. For the same reason that you do not rehearse for choir in your math class, it is inappropriate to do core subject homework during choir unless rehearsal is dismissed.

HEALTHY VOICES REQUIRE AMPLE REST
Go to bed early on school nights!! Your success at school relies on a rested and alert brain! A student's rehearsal grade will be lowered if he/she utilizes choir class to snooze. Be reponsible--plan your work schedule, homework assignments, and social dates with school alertness in mind.

EXTRA REHEARSALS ARE MANDATORY
When special performance opportunities arise. Every attempt will be made to provide at least a two-day notice if extra rehearsals occur.

CLASSROOM VISITORS
Occasionally we get adminitrators, teachers, parents, and alumni visitors. Appropriate courteous and mature behavior is essential. Your behavior in and out of the classroom is a reflection on you, your school, your choir, and your community. Please remain in your seat and behave maturely when unexpected and/or planned guests, faculty, or administrators arrive.

THE TEAM SPIRIT
Choir students must be a team. When we make music together, we do so with many voices. Students are expected to pay respect and positive interaction toward members of your choir team and other choirs at all times. Every singer, no matter who you are, has room to grow. Varied music skills are to be respected at all times. Advanced students are expected to assist the younger singers and respect your peers.

CLASS DISMISSAL
Students must remain in the classroom (not in the music suite hallway) until the dismissal bell rings. Anyone using the restroom facility at the end of class must return to the classroom until the bell releases the class. Anyone entering the main hallway without a pass before release will be considered "off limits&quot. Slipping into the main hallway constitutes a disciplinary referral.

CHOIR STUDENTS ARE AMBASSADORS FOR YOUR SCHOOL AND YOUR COMMUNITY.
Your conduct in and out of school will affect on others in your choir and in the school. Always be certain you are a good respresentative of yourself, your choir, and your school.

COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Multiple competitive opportunities are available for the enthusiastic student who seeks individual growth! Individual competitions are ultimately the responsibility of the student. The Director and accompanist will assist the learning process, but time constraints make the student's commitment an essential to his/her success.. The student must commit to daily practice and memorization outside of the choir classroom..

ONE-TIME PERMISSION SLIP AND HEALTH FORM ESSENTIAL
Every effort has been made to make paperwork as simple as possible. Therefore, students are provided a "One-time" permission slip and health form to maintain emergency information at all choral events for the entire year. Students must turn in a completed and signed form by the second week of school. Permission slips will be maintained and carried by the Director to every performance event within and out of the Lincoln School District. Parents are asked to read both thoroughly and provide accurate information. Please fill out both sides of the form completely. Students will return them to class for a grade. As information or personal information changes, it will be imperative that the information is provided to update the student's records.

At at competitive events it is important to impress upon parents and students that we are performing even when we are not on stage. Appearance and behavior represents the Lincoln Consolidated School District. Impeccable student and parent behavior will be expected enroute to and during these events. Anyone behaving inappropriately may be unable to participate that and in future events. In the event of a preoblem, appropriate disciplinary action onsite and will be reinforced when we return to the school. The student will be personally responsible for any damage of which he may be responsible. At events where uniforms are being worn, uniforms must be kept neat and in order at all times. Likewise, when we are not in uniform, appropriate street dress (i.e., wholesome school code attire). School disciplinary policies regarding language, dress, behavior, sex, drugs, and alcohol are strictly followed at all choral events.

MSVMA REGIONAL, STATE, and ALL-STATE HONORS CHOIR
Students with a 2.5 GPA or better and an outstanding tenacity for learning and memorizing detail should take part in the most honorable and gratifying MSVMA Honors Choir program. Auditions begin in the early fall, and students are responsible for their Regional audition fees. To avoid showing partiality, your director will provide music and preparation will begin after school begins. Fee and form deadlines are posted on the choir calendar. The Regional audition will take place on October 13th. The audition will require that you learn and memorize one specified piece. You will also be required to sight read for your voice type. Pitches will be provided in the audition room.

Students winning seats inthe Regional Honors Choirs traditionally receive booster scholarships to cover State and All-State fees. Peraonal items such assweatshirts, rehearsal CDs, and performance CDs are the responsibility of the student. The State Honors choir rehearsals and performance take place at Grand Rapids in January. The All-State rehearsals and performance are at W.M.U. Youth Arts Festival in May. Travel and overnight arrangements are the responsibility of the student/parent. See the 2007-08 calendar for specific dates and details.

MSVMA DISTRICT AND STATE SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
Every select choir student should consider participating Solo and Ensemble Festival. Anyone who prepares well can succeed! In partnering with others for small and large ensembles. Remember that your best friend may6 NOT always be your best singing partner. Always strive to allow your director to help you match singing partners based upon voice timbre and level of musicianship and commitment. The director's goal is ALWAYS to avoid potential disappointments. The best festival experience is important for your personal progress and encouragement.

FEES AND FORMS
Solo and Ensemble Festival Fees, forms and music selections are due at the time of application. All Solo and Ensemble fees are the responsiblity of the singer. Small Ensemble fees are divided equally among each ensemble member. Large ensemble fees paid by the school are those made up of LHS Choir classes (i.e., Split Dimensions, Men of Lincoln) are paid for by the school and are considered mandatory performances. All other large ensembles are paid collaboratively by members of the ensemble. Extra credit is provided for all participants. Solo and Ensemble Festival travel arrangements are the responsiblity of the student. School transportation may be arranged for large ensembles; however, transporation budgets may limit this option.

MSVMA DISTRICT AND STATE CHORAL FESTIVAL
Generally, if we register to participate in choral festivals, participation is mandatory. Generally, fees and travel are paid for by the School. Each singer is critical to the culmination of excellent choral tone and quality performance. Choral festival performances require full uniform (hemmed and repaired uniforms) and are mandatory/graded events. Individuals with a history of low levels of self-discipline or musicianship may be asked to sit out of an event as determined by the Director. Anyone who is ill and unable to sing may be granted special permission to receive credit if the student can attend the festival (with a parent) to audit performance(s). Missed festival events require a written report to receive credit. (See Make-up Report guidelines). Students must travel with their choir to and from choral festivals. In special instances, a student may be permitted to travel home from festival if permission slips are provided to the director from both the parent of the rider and from the parent driver. These notes must be provided to the director prior to departing from LHS to the event. These notes release the school from further liability. A student over the age of 18 may qualify to drive only in specified circumstances as determined by the Director and pre-approved by the parent. Students who do not follow policy may face disciplinary referral.

YEAR-END AWARDS

SERVICE AND MERIT AWARDS
These awards are purchased by the Lincoln Choral Boosters with monies acquired from concert and concession revenues. Every student can expect to receive an award at the end of the school year if he/she has performed in the classroom and on the stage. Because choir is a performance class, a student to comes to class but does not participate in performances may be deprived of receiving a service award. The Director has the authority to determine a student's level of contribution on an individual basis. In addition to awards for years of service, merit awards are determined to recognize special dedication and commitment to Lincoln Choirs.

SERVICE AWARDS
1st year - Certificate; 2nd year (or Select Choir Freshman) - Letter or G-Clef; 3rd year - Pin or Pendant; 4th year - Plaque. Students can select awards at a lower level, but cannot select from a higher award level. An award selection sheet will be distributed to students following the festival season.

MERIT AWARDS
Outstanding Freshman; Leadership; Most Improved; Outstanding Performance for each choir; Chopin Award (outstanding piano skills); McGehee Director's Choir Award; National Choral Award

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
Students considered for a monetary Senior Scholarship Award must have served the choral program for more than one year. By Director recommendation, an exception to this ruling may be extended to a student who has served the choral program in an extraordinary manner which created greater opportunity for other students. To facilitate documentation of recognizable service, all students are advised to keep an accurate record of choir and musical theatre participation throughout four years of choir. These events include participation in: Solo and Ensemble Festival, Honors Choir, Musical Theatre (chorus, secondary, and lead roles, etc), Choral Festivals, solo performances at choir concerts, working at or contributing to MSVMA hosting events and festivals, fundraising events (car washes, community clean-up, etc), and any performance or fundraising event added to the choir calendar by the Director. Seniors are recognized by a point system for participation merit. Senior parents are not involved in the tally or award process. The Choral Boosters determine scholarship awards, based upon the amount of money accrued from concert entrance fees. All scholarship submission deadlines must be met to be considered for scholarship. All event entries must be approved by the director

FALL MUSICAL THEATRE PRODUCTION

Auditions are posted onthe Lincoln Drama Website. The LHS Drama (Jacobs), Music (Nevins/Waldenmyer), and Dance (Wilson) directors work collaboratively to produce a fall music each year. This year's production is "Beauty and the Beast." Students who love to act and sing, must consider auditioning! GPA requirements are outlined on the Drama website.

NOTE Directors carefully assess acting, singing, and dance auditions before posting the cast list. Even though a musical must be carefully selected to assure that voices will cover required parts, each year we are surprised by new and unexpected talent! Competition improves the standard each year! The following is taken into consideration when casting: musical, vocal, acting, dance, stage presence, and physical characteristic appropriate to each part. It is highly inappropriate to challenge final casting decisions. Please refer to the Lincoln Drama website for additional explanation of policies and Drama Club expectations.

CHORAL BOOSTERS

FUNDRAISING
The Choral Boosters sole purpose is to assist and support the Director, the students, and the choral program. Booster meetings are occur monthly and require the Director's attendance. Additional meetings may be called as necessary; however, no decision making occurs without the presence of the executive board and the Director. Personal concerns must be handled by private appointment with the Director and are inappropriate at a booster meeting. Fundraising events must be pre-approved by a forum of boosters and the Director.

For the past ten years, the boosters have been highly active in assisting the Director in hosting MSVMA festivals and events. Historically, Lincoln has hosted MSVMA SSA State Honors Choirs, Regional Honors Choir auditions, and MS Choral festivals, State Solo and Ensemble Festival (South Site). The past four years, they have assisted the hosting of MSVMA State Solo and Ensemble Festival - South Site. Every parent of a choir student is considered a choral booster and may be called upon to assist with various choir events and fundraising projects. Parent involvement increases student's opportunity Some fundraising is specified for purchase of equipment, for student travel accounts, and for scholarships and year-end awards. All monies earned through Choral Booster fundraising is the property of the boosters and is managed by them. Concert ticket sales support student scholarships and year-end awards. Sponsorships and donations are considered tax deductible and may be deducted from your income tax.

Traditional fundraising opportunities are depended upon by members of the community, such as the annual Holiday Greenery sale, which has been provided the past 20 or so years during October and November. Delivery is always the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving. Orders must be pre-paid so that wreaths can be delivered without the need of collection. This year we will again offer new and highly improved Entertainment booklets and Cookie Dough from a new company than utilized the past three years.

TRIPS AND STUDENT TRAVEL ACCOUNTS
Trips are planned every other year for student enrichment and reward. A year-end Amusement Park trip is planned each year. Non-profit performance trips are paid for by the student and all payment deadlines must be met. Except inthe case of trip cancellation, there are no refunds for trip withdrawal once money has been paid to the travel company. Travelers are prioritized as follows: Select choirs, upper classmen, non-select upper classmen, non-select under classmen. In all cases, disciplinary dependability is a factor and may affect a student's ability to travel. On all trips, travel company and school displinary policies will be strictly followed. Any student found in non-compliance may be sent home at the expense of the parent. Parents should explain their behavioral expectations to the student prior to registration and again prior to departure.

Preparation for a trip requires a huge amount of time expended in pricing, planning and in securing administrative and school board approval. On at least two occasions, trips had to be cancelled due to inadequate travelers after being approved by the School Board. Multiple and frequent fundraising opportunities are provided by the Boosters each year to support travel. Students are usually able to pay for an entire trip with fundraising monies. While some parents wish to pay their child's entire trip tuition, it is recommended that students take responsiblity for earning some of the money. Most fundraisers provide at least 50% profit for the student account. Fundraising dealdines and delivery dates can be found on our lhschoirs.com website calendar. On the website, you'll find lots of additoinal information and LHS Choir History.

Student travel accounts support choir trips, choir sweatshirts and some fees. Diversion from these indications must be approved by the Booster Board. Dropping from the choral program or graduating from LHS automatically rolls travel account balances over to the Choral Booster's General account and can be tax deductible. Upon departure from the program, by deliberate request, a student's travel account can be transferred to only another sibling or a traveling parent.

DROPPING FROM THE CHORAL PROGRAM

Maintaining one's musical and vocal skills is essential. Dropping out of the choral program (for whatever reason) for even one semester, can affect your singing. On the other hand, if dropping is essential, a student may continue working to maintain tone and sight reading skills. Students in good standing may re-audition to be readmitted in a future semester. The ability to register will be determined by the Director. A person risks being placed in a lower choir. A student with a history of missed concerts and/or lack of self-discipline in the rehearsal may be denied the ability to re-audition. The following will be considered in the audition process: vocal technique, musicianshipo, sight reading, past show of commitment and the ability to fully re-commit. Any student failing to comply with classroom and performance expectation may be instructed to drop out of the choral program.