ApolloHighSchool

ChoralMusicDepartment

<The human
experience expressed
through sound>

StudentChoralHandbook
20162017

Welcome
ChoirFamilies,

WelcometoanewyearhereatApollo!Iamlookingforwardtowhatisinstoreforthisyearof
learningandsinging.Pleasereadthroughthepacketandreturntheformattheend.Concerts
arelistedhere,postedtotheApolloActivitiespage,andarealsoonmyTeacherPage/Weebly
Website.
Feelfreetocalloremailwithanyquestions.

VictoriaJanasz
victoria.janasz@isd742.org
3202531600x2122
Office:A112B

Table of Contents:
Mission Statement
Philosophy
National Standards
Ensemble Descriptions
Rules and Procedures
Performances
Grading Policies
Concert Attire
Parent Communications
Choir Calendar
Performance Opportunities
Tours and Fundraising
Varsity Lettering Requirements
Forms
Student and Parent Commitment Form
Uniform Contract Form

Mission Statement:
TheApolloHighSchoolMusicDepartmentdevotesitselftothestudyofmusic,individual
technique,andensembleskills.Westrivetocontinuouslyexposestudentstoavarietyof
musicliterature,includingthatofvariousstylesandcultures.Weshall,throughrehearsal
andperformance,achieveahighdegreeoflearningandperformanceexcellence,developa
love,understandingandappreciationofmusicandlearntheskillsnecessarytosuccessfully
participateinanyApolloensemble.

Teaching Philosophy:

Ibelievethepurposeofeducationistoinspirestudentsgrowthtowardshigherlevelsof
excellenceandlifelonglearning.Itismyhopetogivestudentstheinstructiontheyneedto
bethebesttheycanbeinmusicandbeyond!

Musicisthehumanexperienceexpressedthroughsound.Itspansovervarioussubjects
fromforeignlanguage,toart,socialstudies,languagearts,science,math,andthelistgoes
on!Everycontentareaholdsitsownuniquepurposeandwhenaddedtogethercreatesa
masterpiece.

Iplaceaveryhighvalueoncreatingapositivelearningcommunitywhereallstudents
thriveinacaringandsafeenvironment.Everyoneisencouragedtotrynewthings,tofail
andtosucceed.Thisishowwelearn.

Learningoccursinmanydifferentwaysintheclassroom.Iteachwithvariousmethodsand
useavarietyoflearningstylesthroughoutrehearsalandinstruction.Irecognizeevery
studentlearnsdifferentlyandwanttodomybesttomeeteachstudentwheretheylearn
best.

Mydesiretoteachmusicisrootedinmypassiontoinspirestudentstocreateexceptional
andmeaningfulmusic.Itiscenteredonmyconvictionthatmusicholdsthepotentialto
havealastingimpactinthelivesofstudents.

National Standards for Music Education

1.Singing,aloneandwithothers,avariedrepertoireofmusic
2.Performingoninstruments,aloneandwithothers,avariedrepertoireofmusic
3.Improvisingmelodies,variations,andaccompaniments
4.Composingandarrangingmusicwithinspecifiedguidelines
5.Readingandnotatingmusic
6.Listeningto,analyzing,anddescribingmusic

7.Evaluatingmusicandmusicperformances
8.Understandingrelationshipsbetweenmusic,theotherarts,anddisciplinesoutsidethe
arts
9.Understandingmusicinrelationtohistoryandculture

Ensemble Descriptions
FRESHMANMEN
Yearlongcourse(1.5credit)

MembershipinFreshmanChoirisopentoanystudentingradenine.Therewillbe
variouspublicperformancesthroughouttheyear.Studentsareexpectedtoparticipate
insmallgroupvocalinstructionaswellasthemainensemble.Propervocaltechniques,
musicsightreadingskills,andbasicmusicalknowledgewillbetaughtinthisclass
throughthestudyofhighqualitychoralliterature.Occasionalperformances,practices,
andothereventsoutsideofregularschoolhoursarerequiredaspartofthegrading
procedure.

FRESHMANWOMEN
Yearlongcourse(1.5credit)

MembershipinFreshmanChoirisopentoanystudentingradenine.Therewillbe
variouspublicperformancesthroughouttheyear.Studentsareexpectedtoparticipate
insmallgroupvocalinstructionaswellasthemainensemble.Propervocaltechniques,
musicsightreadingskills,andbasicmusicalknowledgewillbetaughtinthisclass
throughthestudyofhighqualitychoralliterature.Occasionalperformances,practices,
andothereventsoutsideofregularschoolhoursarerequiredaspartofthegrading
procedure.

VARSITYCHOIR

Women414541464147Men414341444148
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(3credits)
Prerequisite:InstructorApproval/Discretion

MembershipinVarsityChoirisopentoanystudentingrades1012.Thischoirisa
naturalprogressionfrom9thgradechoirandfocusesoncontinuedvocaldevelopment.
Previouschoralexperienceisnotaprerequisiteforthiscoursebutdirectorapprovalis

required.Thisensemblewillperformatvariouspublicperformancesthroughoutthe
year.Anyoutsiderehearsalswillbeannouncedwellinadvanceofthedate.

WOMENSCHOIR
417041714172
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(3credits)
Prerequisite:InstructorsApproval

WomensChoirisopentofemalestudentsingrades10,11,and12.Theensemblewill
performatvariousconcertsandotherpublicfunctionsrequiringvocalentertainment.
Previouschoralexperienceisnotaprerequisiteforthiscourse.Studentswillbe
expectedtoparticipateinsmallgroupinstructionandlessonsaspartofthegrading
process.Performancesand/orrehearsalsoutsideoftheschooldaymaybenecessary,
butwillbeannouncedwellinadvanceofthedate.

CONCERTCHOIR
416041614162
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(3credits)
Prerequisite:Audition/InstructorsApproval

TheConcertChoirisanadvancedchoralensemblewithmembershipopentoall
sophomore,junior,andseniorstudentsonanauditionbasis.Previouschoral
experience,whilehelpfulandstronglyrecommended,isnotarequirement.Various
performanceswillbescheduledthroughouttheyeartheseperformanceswillbe
includedinthegradingscaleoftheclass.Performancesandsomerehearsalsmay
needtooccuroutsideoftheschooldaythesewillbeannouncedwellinadvanceand
arealsopartofthegradingprocess.TheConcertChoirtoursbiannuallyandserves
asambassadorsfortheApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsdepartment.

CHAMBERCHOIR
415041514152
Elective:10,11,12
Yearlongcourse(1.5credits)
Meet:Tuesdaysbeforeschool.
Prerequisite:MembershipinChoralEnsemble/Audition

Rules
1. Cometoclassreadytosingwithfolder,chorallog,andpencil.
2. Takecareofbusinesspriortobeginningofclass(water/bathroom)
3. Berespectfultoself,others,andteacher.
4. Befullyengagedinclasswithsingingandattitude.
5. Nofoodorgum.
6. Havefun!

Procedures
StartingClass:
1. Classbeginswhenthebellrings.Ontimemeansyouareinyourseatwith
folder,chorallog,andpencil.Studentsnotintheirseatswillbemarkedtardy.
Studentsnotintheirseatwithin5minuteswillbemarkedabsent.Studentsnotin
theirseatwithin10minuteswillbemarkedtruant.
2. Backpacksshouldbeplacedatthesideoftheroom.
3. YouwillknowwhenitistimetostartclassorbeginsomethingnewwhenMs.
Janaszshandisintheair.Studentswillrespondbyplacingahandintheair.
4. Classbeginswithwarmups.Quietlystandandcheckposturewhenyouhear
thepianoorseeMs.Janaszshandintheair.
5. AttendancewillbetakenbysectionleadersviapostitsandputonMs.Janaszs
computer.
DuringClass:
6. Therewillbeaneedonoccasiontomovearoundtheroomandstudentsshould
feelfreetodosoduringgivenactivities.Studentsareotherwisetoremainin
theirassignedspotduringrehearsal.
7. Rehearsalswillrequirebothsittingandstanding.Pleasebepromptinstanding
andsittingwhenaskedtodosoinordertocontributetoasmoothrehearsal.
8. Bathroombreaksneedtobekepttoaminimumduringrehearsal.Ifyouneedto
usethebathroomusethebathroomsign.Ms.Janaszwillindicateifitisagood
timetoleavetheroom.
9. Waterbreakswillnotbeallowed.Studentsareencouragedtobringawater
bottletoclass.
10. Ifastudentneedstoleavetheroomforanyotherreasontheyneedtoraisetheir
hand.
11. Anystudentleavingclassneedstohavepermissionandneedstohaveeitherthe
bathroompass,agreenpass,goldpassorbluepass.
12. Studentswhobecomeillduringclasswillneedabluenursespass.

13. Anystudentthatneedstoleaveearlywithanypass(yelloworgreen)needsto
showMs.Janaszthepasspriortothebeginningofclass.
14. Cellphonesarenotallowedinclass.ReffertotheP.E.D.Policy
15. Excessivetalkinginclassisnotallowed.Excessivetalkingwillresultinlossof
dailyparticipationpoints.
16. Pencilsarerequiredforrehearsal.Donotwriteinpenonanymusic.
Ms.Janaszwillprovideapenciltoeachstudentatthebeginningoftheyear.
Pleasesharpenpencilspriortothebeginningofclass.
EndingClass:
17. Attheendofclassmusicneedstobeputinyourfolderandinyourfolderslot.If
musicisbeingcollectedattheendofclassmusic,pleaseplacemusicneatlyon
thestand.
18. Pleasereturnchairstotheiroriginalspotintheroom.
19. ClassisdismissedbythebellorbyMs.Janasz.Studentsarenottopackup
earlyorwalktothedoor.
StudentWork:
20. ChoralLogsshouldbeplacedinyourappropriateclasscubbyevery
Thursday/Friday.Anycoursework/formswillbeturnedintothesamecubby.
21. ChoralLogsnotturnedinwillnotbegraded.Studentsmaystillturnintheir
ChoralLogforcredit,butwillneedtodosothenexttimetheyarecollected.
Pleasemakenotethatyouareturninginlateworkaviapostitonthefrontof
yourlog.Thisletsmeknowthereissomethingnewtograde.
22. AnymissingworkwillbemarkedassuchonSkyward.
23. Incompleteworkwillresultinlossofpoints.However,pointscanbemadeupby
completingthework.Pleasemakenotethatyoumadecorrectionstoyourwork
viaapostitonthefrontofyourlog.Thisletsmeknowthereissomethingnew
tograde.
24. PleasewriteneatlysoIcanunderstandyourwork.Illegibleworkmaybehanded
backungraded.
25. AnystudentabsentfromclasswillneedtochecktheChoralLogtoseewhatwas
missedfromthedayabsent.Itisthestudentsresponsibilitytotoseewhatthey
missedfromthatday.
NewStudents
26. AnynewstudentthatjoinsduringtheyearneedstomeetwithMs.Janaszto
completeavocalplacement.

Performance Expectations
Allstudentsareexpectedtoparticipateinscheduledconcerts.Theseconcertsarethe
finalassessmentofstudentlearning.Thesearemeanttobemeaningfultimeswhere
studentssharewhatwehavebeenworkingonasachoir.Everymemberisvitaltothe
successofperformances.Pleaseputthesedatesinyourcalendar.

Shouldillnessorafamilyemergencypreventastudentfromparticipating,pleaseemail
Ms.Janaszpriortotheconcert.Amakeupassignmentwillbegiventothestudent.
Pleasenotethatexcusedabsencesarerareandonlyunderthespecificationsabove.
Ifthereisanyothermajorconflictwithaconcertdate,emailMs.Janaszpriorto2
weeksbeforetheconcert.Amakeupassignmentwillbegiventothestudent.
Makeupassignmentscanbefoundonmywebsiteunderthematerialstab.
Grading Policy
Participation/DailyWork50%
Assignments20%
Performances30%

Participation/DailyWork50%
Everystudentbeginsrehearsalwith10participationpoints.
Pointsarelostbynotadheringtothefollowing.
1. ChoralLogEntries*
2. RehearsalEtiquette
a. Beontimewithpencil,folder,andchorallog
(nopackinguporleavingearly)
b. Berespectfultoself,others,andteacher
c. Nofoodorgum
d. Takecareofbusinesspriortobeginningofclass(water/bathroom)
3.Participation
a.Befullyengagedinrehearsal(withsingingandmovement)
b.Makepositivecontributionstorehearsalwithcommentsandattitude.
c.Putalldistractionsaway(bags,laptops,phones,andothercoursework)
Assignments20%

Thesewillbewrittenassignmentsthatwillbecompletedthroughoutthe
trimester.Thesewillincludememorizationassignments,research,and
reflections.
AllassignmentsshouldbecompletedinChoralLog.*
Performance30%
Scheduledperformances(seeschedule)
IndividualLessons
Lessons
Allstudentswillberequiredtotakeoneprivatevoicelessonduringeachtrimester.(10
minutes)LessonswillbeginMonday,September12th.Studentswillsignupfortheir
lessonsonMs.Janaszsdoor.Lessonswillbeheldbeforeschool,duringperiod2and
afterschool.Pleaseseesignupformorespecifictimes.Lessonswillaccountforhalf
oftheperformancegrade(15%).PleaseNote:Failuretoshowupforlessontimewill
resultina0.

*ChoralLog
AllstudentsinchoirwillkeepaChoralLog.
ChoralLogswillbecollectedeveryThursday/Friday.Itisrecommendedthatstudents
keeptheirChoralLogsintheirassignedfolderslottoavoidmissingentries.Students
willberesponsibletokeeptheirLogsuptodate.Studentsmusthaveanotebook.
Important:Ifyoumissclassforanyreason(excusedorunexcused)itisyour
responsibilitytocheckthechorallogoraskaclassmatewhatyoumissed.AskMs.
Janaszifyouhavequestions.

CellPhones/Laptops:Cellphones/laptopsarenotallowedinclass.RefertoP.E.D.
Policy

Concert Attire
FreshmenWomen
ConcertBlack
~Blackdressorblackdresspantsandblackshirt(notanktops,jeansoryoga
pants/dressesshouldbewithin23inchesfromthetopoftheknee)
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
FreshmenMen
ConcertBlack
~Blackdresspantsandblackdressshirt(nojeans)
~Blacksocks
~Blackdressshoes(notennisshoes)
VarsityChoir
ConcertBlack
Women:
Blackdressorblackdresspantsandblackshirt(notanktops,jeansoryoga
pants/dressesshouldbewithin23inchesfromthetopoftheknee)
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
Men:
~Blackdresspantsandblackdressshirt(nojeans)
~Blacksocks
~Blackdressshoes(notennisshoes)
WomensChoir
ConcertBlack
~Blackdressorblackdresspantsandblackshirt(notanktops,jeansoryoga
pants/dressesshouldbewithin23inchesfromthetopoftheknee)
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes
ConcertChoir
ConcertDress
Women:
~ConcertDressesandPearls
~Blacknylonsortights
~Blackclosedtoeshoes

Men:
~Tuxes(theschoolwillprovideajacketandbowtie)
Studentsmayneedtobringtheirownwhitedressshirtandblackpantsifwedo
nothaveenoughatschool.
~Blacksocks
~Blackdressshoes

Parent Communications
Itisimportantforstudents,parents,andteacherstoallbeonthesamepageregarding
studentinvolvementinschool.Inchoir,Iseethisespeciallyimportantwhenitcomes
timefordressrehearsalsandconcerts.Yoursupportandencouragementofsuch
functionsisverymuchappreciated.

Therewillalsobeotherperformancesthroughouttheyear,suchassingingtheNational
Anthematsportingevents,910HonorChoir,Caroling,SoloEnsemble,MensA
cappellaFestival,NightoftheStars,AllStateChoir,LargeGroupContest,andthe
ApolloVarietyShow.Someoftheseeventshavebeenplannedsincelastyear,while
othersmaybeaddedtothislist.Theseperformancesarenotrequired,however,they
areenrichmentopportunitiesforsingers.Tostayuptodateonwhatitcomingup,
pleasevisitmywebsite:www.apollochoir.weebly.comandlookunderthemusic
opportunitiestab.

Iwillalsosendoutemailspriortoconcertswithremindersaboutcalltime,concertattire
andanyotherneededinformation.Iwillalsosendanemailifanewmusicopportunity
arisesforyourchildthroughouttheyear.Mostoftheseemailswillhavealinktomy
websiteformoreinformation.

Choir Calendar
Thedatesinboldareforallchoirsorhighlightanindividualchoirthatwillbeperforming.
Foracalendarviewfollowthelinkatthebottomofthepage.

FallConcertOctober17,2016@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenter
(CalltimeTBD)
ChoralConnections(ConcertChoir)@SCSUNovember1,2016@7:30pmDressRehearsal
timeTBD
FallPlayNovember1719@7:30pm,20th@2:30pm,2526@7:30pm,and27th@2:30pm.
HolidayConcertDecember19,2016@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArts
Center(CalltimeTBD)

SoloEnsemble@TechHighSchool(SelectStudentsandChamberChoir)February1,2017
(AllDay)
NightoftheStars@Paramount(AuditionedStudents,ChamberChoir,ChoirsTBD)February
2425,2017@7:30pm
**NOTSDressRehearsalsFebruary2023duringtheafternoon/evening//Timeswillvarybyact
SpringConcertMarch6,2017@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenter
(CalltimeTBD)
LargeGroup@Apollo(ChoirsTBD)DateTBD(March7thor8th,2017)(AllDay)
CLCHonorChoirRehearsal@Alexandria(SelectStudents)March27,20174pm8pm
***(Dismissal2pm,departure2:15pm)
CLCMusicFestival@Alexandria(ConcertChoir)March31,2017AllDay
AMosaicofGifts(DressRehearsal)@BethlehemLutheranChurch,St.Cloud
(ConcertChoir)April29,2017@10:30am1pm
AMosaicofGifts@BethlehemLutheranChurch,St.Cloud(ConcertChoir)April30,2017
@4pm
ApolloVarietyShow(TechRehearsal)May17,20173:305:30,May18,3:305:30//Timeswill
varybyact
ApolloVarietyShowMay19,2017@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArtsCenter
EndoftheYearConcertMay22,2017@7:30pm@ApolloHighSchoolPerformingArts
Center(CalltimeTBD)
Graduation@River'sEdgeConventionCenter(ConcertChoir)June2,2017@7:30pm
(CalltimeTBD)

Performance Opportunities
~See www.apollochoir.weebly.com for details under the music opportunities tab~
Singing the National Anthem at Sporting Events
9-10 Honor Choir
Caroling
Fall Play
Solo Ensemble
Night of the Stars
Spring Play
Large Group
All-State
Apollo Variety Show

Touring and Fundraising

WetoureveryotheryearhereatApollo.WewenttoMemphis,TNandNewOrleans,
LAthispastMarch.Itwasagreatexperience!Wewillnottourthisyear,however,we

willstillfundraiseinpreparationfornextyear.Informationregardingfundraisingwillbe
senthomeinthenearfuture.

Varsity Lettering Requirements

Inordertoreceiveavarsityletterinchoir,astudentmustaccumulateatleast150points(see
pointscalebelow)andhavebeeninchoirforatleast3trimesters.Youwillbeaskedtotally
yourownpointsattheendoftheyear,sopleasebesuretokeeptrackofwhatyouhavedone.
Pointsarecumulativeeveryyear.Forevery150pointsbeyondaninitialletter,thestudentwill
beeligibleforachevron.
Lettersandpinswillonlybeawardedattheendoftheyear,notwhenthepointtotalhasbeen
reached.
CriterionPointsAwardedSpecial
Information

EachtrimesterinanensemblewithagradeofA

EachtrimesterinanensemblewithagradeofB

EachtrimesterinanensemblewithagradeofC

Perfectattendanceforentireyear

20

Thisincludesall
rehearsalsand
performances.

Perfectattendanceforonetrimester

Willbeawardedforeach
trimesteraccountedfor

SectionLeader

Mustleadsectionals
outsideofclasstime

AuditioningforHonorChoir


ParticipationinHonorChoir

10

ParticipationinSolo/EnsembleFestival

10

Pointswillbeawardedfor
participationinsoloor
smallensemble

SingingNationalAnthematschoolevents

20pointmaximum

Attendingoutsideperformance(withproof)

20pointmaximum

Auditioningforasoloinperformancerepertoire

Auditionwillbeprivate

Privatevoicelessonsoutsideofschool

10

Pointsawardedper8
lessonstaken

Singinginacommunityorchurchchoir

10

Awardedforentireyear

Participationinsummermusiccamp

20

Pointsawardedforany
discipline

Specialevents/instances

XXX

Pointsawardedatdirector
discretion


StudentContactInformationForm
PleasefilloutthefollowinginformationandsigntheChoralCommitmentForm.
ReturntoMs.JanaszbyFriday,September16,2016.

ChildName:___________________________________________________
Parent/GuardianName(s):_________________________________________________
BestContactPhone:______________________________________________
BestContactAddress:____________________________________________________
PreferredEmailContact:__________________________________________________

ChoralCommitmentForm

I,________________________(StudentName)havereadandunderstandthechoirrules,
procedures,andrequirementsformychoralclass.

__________________________(StudentName)isabletoparticipateintherequiredchoral
activitiesasfollows:
ChoralConnections(ConcertChoironly)@SCSUNovember1,2016@7:30pm
FallConcertOctober17,2016@7:30pm
HolidayConcertDecember19,2016@7:30pm
NightoftheStars@Paramount(ChamberChoironly)February2425,2017@7:30pm
SpringConcertMarch6,2017@7:30pm
AMosaicofGifts(DressRehearsal)(ConcertChoironly)April29,2017@10:30am1pm
EndoftheYearConcertMay22,2017@7:30pm
Graduation(ConcertChoironly)June2,2017@7:30pm

Student
Signature____________________________________________________Date_____________

Parent/Guardian
Signature__________________________________________________Date_______________

Pleaselistanyquestionorconcernsthatyoumayhaveinthespacebelow:

UniformContract
(WomensChoirandConcertChoirOnly)

ConcertAttiremustbereturnedingoodconditionattheendoftheschoolyear.Replacement
feesareasfollows:

WomensConcertDress:$75
MensTuxJacket:$75
MensTuxPants:$35

I,__________________________________,committo:

Maintainconcertattireingoodcondition

Takecareoftailoringandrepairsasneeded(informingMs.Janaszwhensuchisdone)

CleanmyuniformasinstructedontagbeforeIreturnitattheendoftheschoolyear(Tuxes
mustbeturnedintobedrycleaned)

Paythefullreplacementvalue(asseenabove)ofanymissingordamageditemsbeforeI
graduate.Seniorsmustreturnconcertdressattirepriortograduation.

ParentSignature__________________________________Date______________

StudentSignature_________________________________Date______________