Dear Students and Parents,
On behalf of the Wayland High School Music Department, I would like to welcome you! Wayland has a developed a fabulous choir program over the years, and I am glad that we will be working together to continue this tradition. To make this happen we need every choir student to show good effort, enthusiasm, and teamwork. I look forward to getting to know new students and families, as well as seeing the seasoned veterans again.
Parents, we need your help. In order to build and maintain these high standards in WHS Choirs, we need your support. Your attendance at our events will encourage your son or daughter, and allow you to share in their progress. We will need help with fund raisers, costumes, bus trips, and special projects and events. Please stop by and introduce yourselves during open house, conferences, and events.
This handbook is designed to reinforce and clarify expectations and policies for choir participants. Please read through this handbook, mark dates in your calendar, and return the last page with signatures. If you have any questions, please contact me by e-mail or at the high school, 269-792-2254. We are in for a great year!
Thank you,
Ricci Sabin
[email protected]
Director of Choirs
Wayland Union High School
Choir classes offered at W.U.H.S.
Concert Choir – most freshmen and beginners will start in this choir. Basic vocal techniques and theory will be taught. Three trimesters.
- Choral Explorations – students will explore different aspects of music such as composing, in-depth theory, piano or guitar playing skills and performance techniques. Singing is offered as well. Students must have approval from director to take this class. Two trimesters.
- Honors Choir – students must audition for this 20 member choir. This is a choir for women only. Solo and Ensemble will be a priority. Three trimesters.
- Select Choir - students must audition for this 20 member choir. This choir is for women and men. Solo and Ensemble will be a priority. Three trimesters.
Reasons to join a Wayland Union High School choir:
Choir teaches self-discipline, confidence, dedication, and how to work with others toward a common goal. Choir is a place to make friends, have fun, learn about life, history, language, literacy, and mathematical divisions of time.... but above all, choir is about making music! Music combines all of these studies and parts of life, and creates beauty and emotion in a way that words alone can’t do.
Student Activities
We have performances for community groups, elementary schools, school activities and athletic events. We put on a Holiday Concert, Collage Concert, and a Spring Showcase. Top groups compete at Solo and Ensemble.
Choir Policies
Daily Rehearsals: - 1. Be on time.
- 2. Be prepared, have your MUSIC, a PENCIL, and required items EVERYDAY! *Daily points are lost when unprepared.
- 3. Give constant energy, effort, and a positive attitude.
- 4. Use correct posture
- 5. Give the director your attention when she is addressing you.
- 6. Mark your music as directed with your pencil. (no pens)
- 7. Water is encouraged, but no other drinks, NO FOOD/CANDY/GUM!
*Daily points will be lost for having food, candy, gum, or drinks
*Detention will be served for repeat offense.
Materials - PENCIL. A sharpened pencil for marking music and doing theory papers is mandatory. Never use a pen to mark music!!
- MUSIC FOLDER. Pick up your singing folder as you enter the room, before massage. Take care of your folder, you will be fined if folders and music are lost or returned in damaged condition.
- IPAD. We will use this as a learning tool and a place to keep your agenda/homework assignments.
Performance Attendance
· Attendance at all performances and rehearsals are mandatory.
· An unexcused absence will result in the trimester grade being lowered two letter
grades
· In the event of a conflict, a note from the parent requesting an absence must be given to the director at least two weeks before the event. The director will then determine whether the absence will be excused or unexcused. Babysitting, athletic practices and your birthday are not excused absences.
*Serious illness or a death in the family is an excused absence.
Performance
- Outfits required
- No gum chewing
- Use assigned seating and standing position
- Proper audience behavior should be shown when sitting, respectful attention given to the performers.
Performance Outfits (all choirs)
Women
· You will be required to clean the outfit at the end of the school year. This may include dry-cleaning fees. If the outfit is lost or damaged, you will be required to pay for it.
· Natural colored nylons are encouraged, no other colors may be worn.
· Black dress shoes are required – NO flip-flops.
· No hairbows/flowers, bracelets or watches, dangling or large jewelry. A simple barrette or elastic band, close to the color of your hair may be worn. Small stud earnings may be worn. A simple pendant on one short chain may be worn (above the neckline of the dress).
· Your eyes and eyebrows must be visible at all times (check your hair).
Men
· You will be required to clean the outfit at the end of the school year. This will include dry-cleaning fees. If the outfit is lost or damaged, you will be required to pay for it.
· Black dress shoes are required.
· BLACK Socks must be worn.
· No earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches.
· Your eyes and eyebrows must be visible at all times (check your hair).
Conflicts of Time (Athletics, Clubs, etc):
Students are encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible. Music directors and coaches will work together to insure the student receives the best possible experiences. The general policy promotes performance (musical or athletic) over rehearsal (musical or athletic). A performance takes precedence over a rehearsal or a practice. In the event of two performances (one athletic, one musical) at the same time; the music director, coach and student will work together toward the best solution.
Grading Policies
To earn the letter grade “A” = Excellent, the following is required:
- attention always focused on director during rehearsal
- exhibits a high level of energy
- work ethic is strong
- always brings materials to class
- puts forth effort in sight-singing
- test and homework scores are high
- attends all performances within the trimester
- uses correct posture while singing
- does not socialize during active rehearsal time
PARTICIPATION is a major part of your grade: You are granted one free absence per trimester for school day rehearsals only. After that, makeup work will be required to earn daily points.
- 1. Be on time.
- 2. Be prepared, have your MUSIC, a PENCIL, and required items EVERYDAY! *Daily points are lost when unprepared.
- 3. Give constant energy, effort, and a positive attitude.
- 4. Use correct posture
- 5. Give the director your attention when she is addressing you.
- 6. Mark your music as directed with your pencil. (no pens)
- 7. Water is encouraged, but no other drinks, NO FOOD/CANDY/GUM!
- PENCIL. A sharpened pencil for marking music and doing theory papers is mandatory. Never use a pen to mark music!!
- MUSIC FOLDER. Pick up your singing folder as you enter the room, before massage. Take care of your folder, you will be fined if folders and music are lost or returned in damaged condition.
- IPAD. We will use this as a learning tool and a place to keep your agenda/homework assignments.
- Outfits required
- No gum chewing
- Use assigned seating and standing position
- Proper audience behavior should be shown when sitting, respectful attention given to the performers.
Dear Students and Parents,
On behalf of the Wayland High School Music Department, I would like to welcome you! Wayland has a developed a fabulous choir program over the years, and I am glad that we will be working together to continue this tradition. To make this happen we need every choir student to show good effort, enthusiasm, and teamwork. I look forward to getting to know new students and families, as well as seeing the seasoned veterans again.
Parents, we need your help. In order to build and maintain these high standards in WHS Choirs, we need your support. Your attendance at our events will encourage your son or daughter, and allow you to share in their progress. We will need help with fund raisers, costumes, bus trips, and special projects and events. Please stop by and introduce yourselves during open house, conferences, and events.
This handbook is designed to reinforce and clarify expectations and policies for choir participants. Please read through this handbook, mark dates in your calendar, and return the last page with signatures. If you have any questions, please contact me by e-mail or at the high school, 269-792-2254. We are in for a great year!
Thank you,
Ricci Sabin
[email protected]
Director of Choirs
Wayland Union High School
Choir classes offered at W.U.H.S.
Concert Choir – most freshmen and beginners will start in this choir. Basic vocal techniques and theory will be taught. Three trimesters.
- Choral Explorations – students will explore different aspects of music such as composing, in-depth theory, piano or guitar playing skills and performance techniques. Singing is offered as well. Students must have approval from director to take this class. Two trimesters.
- Honors Choir – students must audition for this 20 member choir. This is a choir for women only. Solo and Ensemble will be a priority. Three trimesters.
- Select Choir - students must audition for this 20 member choir. This choir is for women and men. Solo and Ensemble will be a priority. Three trimesters.
Reasons to join a Wayland Union High School choir:
Choir teaches self-discipline, confidence, dedication, and how to work with others toward a common goal. Choir is a place to make friends, have fun, learn about life, history, language, literacy, and mathematical divisions of time.... but above all, choir is about making music! Music combines all of these studies and parts of life, and creates beauty and emotion in a way that words alone can’t do.
Student Activities
We have performances for community groups, elementary schools, school activities and athletic events. We put on a Holiday Concert, Collage Concert, and a Spring Showcase. Top groups compete at Solo and Ensemble.
Choir Policies
Daily Rehearsals: - 1. Be on time.
- 2. Be prepared, have your MUSIC, a PENCIL, and required items EVERYDAY! *Daily points are lost when unprepared.
- 3. Give constant energy, effort, and a positive attitude.
- 4. Use correct posture
- 5. Give the director your attention when she is addressing you.
- 6. Mark your music as directed with your pencil. (no pens)
- 7. Water is encouraged, but no other drinks, NO FOOD/CANDY/GUM!
*Daily points will be lost for having food, candy, gum, or drinks
*Detention will be served for repeat offense.
Materials - PENCIL. A sharpened pencil for marking music and doing theory papers is mandatory. Never use a pen to mark music!!
- MUSIC FOLDER. Pick up your singing folder as you enter the room, before massage. Take care of your folder, you will be fined if folders and music are lost or returned in damaged condition.
- IPAD. We will use this as a learning tool and a place to keep your agenda/homework assignments.
Performance Attendance
· Attendance at all performances and rehearsals are mandatory.
· An unexcused absence will result in the trimester grade being lowered two letter
grades
· In the event of a conflict, a note from the parent requesting an absence must be given to the director at least two weeks before the event. The director will then determine whether the absence will be excused or unexcused. Babysitting, athletic practices and your birthday are not excused absences.
*Serious illness or a death in the family is an excused absence.
Performance
- Outfits required
- No gum chewing
- Use assigned seating and standing position
- Proper audience behavior should be shown when sitting, respectful attention given to the performers.
Performance Outfits (all choirs)
Women
· You will be required to clean the outfit at the end of the school year. This may include dry-cleaning fees. If the outfit is lost or damaged, you will be required to pay for it.
· Natural colored nylons are encouraged, no other colors may be worn.
· Black dress shoes are required – NO flip-flops.
· No hairbows/flowers, bracelets or watches, dangling or large jewelry. A simple barrette or elastic band, close to the color of your hair may be worn. Small stud earnings may be worn. A simple pendant on one short chain may be worn (above the neckline of the dress).
· Your eyes and eyebrows must be visible at all times (check your hair).
Men
· You will be required to clean the outfit at the end of the school year. This will include dry-cleaning fees. If the outfit is lost or damaged, you will be required to pay for it.
· Black dress shoes are required.
· BLACK Socks must be worn.
· No earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches.
· Your eyes and eyebrows must be visible at all times (check your hair).
Conflicts of Time (Athletics, Clubs, etc):
Students are encouraged to participate in as many activities as possible. Music directors and coaches will work together to insure the student receives the best possible experiences. The general policy promotes performance (musical or athletic) over rehearsal (musical or athletic). A performance takes precedence over a rehearsal or a practice. In the event of two performances (one athletic, one musical) at the same time; the music director, coach and student will work together toward the best solution.
Grading Policies
To earn the letter grade “A” = Excellent, the following is required:
- attention always focused on director during rehearsal
- exhibits a high level of energy
- work ethic is strong
- always brings materials to class
- puts forth effort in sight-singing
- test and homework scores are high
- attends all performances within the trimester
- uses correct posture while singing
- does not socialize during active rehearsal time
PARTICIPATION is a major part of your grade: You are granted one free absence per trimester for school day rehearsals only. After that, makeup work will be required to earn daily points.
- 1. Be on time.
- 2. Be prepared, have your MUSIC, a PENCIL, and required items EVERYDAY! *Daily points are lost when unprepared.
- 3. Give constant energy, effort, and a positive attitude.
- 4. Use correct posture
- 5. Give the director your attention when she is addressing you.
- 6. Mark your music as directed with your pencil. (no pens)
- 7. Water is encouraged, but no other drinks, NO FOOD/CANDY/GUM!
- PENCIL. A sharpened pencil for marking music and doing theory papers is mandatory. Never use a pen to mark music!!
- MUSIC FOLDER. Pick up your singing folder as you enter the room, before massage. Take care of your folder, you will be fined if folders and music are lost or returned in damaged condition.
- IPAD. We will use this as a learning tool and a place to keep your agenda/homework assignments.
- Outfits required
- No gum chewing
- Use assigned seating and standing position
- Proper audience behavior should be shown when sitting, respectful attention given to the performers.