2016-2017
UPPER ARLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
CHORAL HANDBOOK
UAHS VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
www.uavocalmusic.org
ERIC KAUFFMAN,
DIRECTOR
[email protected]
614.487.5240 ext. 2053
AMY LEACOCK,
DIRECTOR / ACCOMPANIST
[email protected]
614.487.5240 ext.2054
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS
1
2
2016-2017
Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Upper Arlington High
School Choral Program! We are excited
for everything that the vocal music area
has in store for this year as we continue
the program’s tradition of musical
excellence. We look forward to meeting
all of the family members at our concerts,
booster meetings, and open house
(Wednesday, September 7).
Students, our overarching goal in the
choral department is to give you the tools
to become self-sufficient musicians so
that, post-graduation, you have the ability
to continue singing successfully in
whatever capacity you choose. As such,
we will not only be preparing music for
concerts, but also learning the
foundations of sight-singing, theory, and
history to support our performances.
Becoming musically literate and wellversed opens so many exciting doors, and
we are eager to assist in empowering you
in that way!
This handbook has been created to inform
you of all of the events in which the choral
students will be involved. Our hope is that
your questions and concerns will be
addressed here. We understand that
communication between students,
parents, and directors is of the utmost
importance if we are to maintain our level
of excellence.
Parents, please take the time to read
through the handbook and discuss its
contents with your student. After you are
finished reading, please click on the
www.charmsoffice.com link, or find the
icon on our homepage, and register your
family’s information by Monday, August
29 (for SATB choirs) September 1 and 2
(for ALL CHOIRS this year).
You can also find a calendar of events for
the year, and this calendar should be
printed out and signed and turned in with
your $35 choral fee no later than Monday,
August 29 (for SATB choirs), September 1
and 2 (for ALL CHOIRS this year). Running
an organization with over 300 students is
an expensive, but incredibly worthwhile,
investment.
Again, we are very excited for this year,
and we look forward to working with you!
-Mr. Kauffman and Mrs. Leacock
CALENDAR
-Open house is Wed. 9.7.16.
-UA Vocal Music Booster meetings are held
on the 2nd Monday of every month at
7:30pm beginning 9.12.16
-Visit www.uavocalmusic.org for more
information
CHORAL FEE
Each student will be provided a 3-ring
binder, dry cleaned choir robe and stole or
glee club / chorus jacket and tie. The fee
also assists in covering the expense of
having an events photographer for Encore!
and the musical.
Please make checks payable to the
UA Vocal Music Boosters.
2016-2017
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
All students are responsible for reading and abiding by the Students Rights and
Responsibilities. In addition, conduct in the choral area is as follows:
1. Have a teachable positive attitude.
2. No food, beverages, or gum in rehearsal or performance areas.
3. Students will be in assigned seats with music folder and pencil by the
designated time. Backpacks and other belongings that are not needed for choir
should be placed underneath your seat.
4. Rehearsal time is for rehearsal only. No exceptions.
5. Stay seated and quiet during rehearsal. Be respectful of those who are trying to
learn. If you have a question, please wait to be called on before speaking or
getting out of your seat. Remember - you are dismissed by the teacher, not the
clock.
6. Use the restroom before or after class. Only in cases of emergency will passes
be given.
7. Respect school property. Be proud of our room and facilities. If you drop
something, pick it up. If you move something, put it back where you found it
when you’re done.
8. Follow the Golden Rule: Treat others as you yourself want to be treated!
Disruption or any kind of misbehavior may result in one or more of the following
consequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Verbal warning and loss of participation points
Detention
Parental phone conference
Office referral
Removal from class / choral program
IN-CLASS ACTIVITIES
In class each day, we will typically do two or more of the following:
Daily warm-ups / vocal exercises, sight - reading / rhythm reading, singing choral
arrangements from sheet music, listening exercises, and theory worksheets.
Every student should keep a pencil in their (provided) 3-ring binder containing
everything presented in class (music, completed worksheets, calendar, notes, etc.)
A cabinet in which you can keep your folder will be made available for you, should
you choose to use it .
2016-2017
GRADES = SKILLS BASED GRADING
Participation (Approximately 50% of 9-week grade):
Students will be given a daily class grade based on their participation and readiness
for class. This means coming to class with all materials (yes, this includes both your
music and your pencil) and actively participating in the singing process in order to
receive full credit.
Glee Clubs / Chorus: Missing from glee club / chorus only is
considered an unexcused absence. You are only excused from glee
club / chorus if you are officially excused through the attendance office
from 1st period on.
Written Tests / Quizzes and Sight-Reading and Part-Reading Tests / Quizzes
(Approximately 20% of 9-week grade):
Students will be learning about note-reading, musical expression, musical terms,
correct singing techniques, etc., and will be tested at various times throughout the
year. Students will also be tested on pitch and rhythmic accuracy, using sightreading examples, as well as the songs we are preparing throughout the year.
Performances (Approximately 30% of 9-week grade)
Our performances are where we share our hard work with friends and family. If a
student is going to miss a performance for any reason, a note or email from his/her
parent should be given to the directors at least two weeks in advance. If a
performance is missed for an unexpected emergency, the student must present a
note or email from his/her parent the next school day. Everyone is encouraged to
make performances a priority!
Bonus Points
UAHS choral students are encouraged to attend local choral concerts. A list of area
high school and college concerts will be posted on the bulletin board in the music
hallway. Students will earn bonus points for each concert they attend. In order to
receive points, the student must present a brief oral overview of the concert to Mr.
Kauffman or Mrs. Leacock the following school day, in addition to bringing in a
program from the concert signed by a parent.
2016-2017
AUDITION PROCESS
OFFICERS
Generally, auditions will be observed
by a panel of people. The directors will
make a final decision in case of a tie.
We encourage you to audition for any
and all opportunities, and our greatest
wish is that you will be supportive of
others auditioning and accepting of
the decisions that are made. Auditions
are not based on seniority or overall
involvement in the choral program.
Our goal is to fairly assess the talents
of each person auditioning and place
them both where they will most
develop musically, and where they will
benefit the choral department.
We welcome student input and
encourage students to take ownership in
the program through a leadership role.
The choir officer’s primary function is to
act as a “voice” for the group. Officers
are elected by their peers and should
always focus on supporting the positive
learning environment we are trying to
create. If an officer is not fulfilling the
expectations of their office, they will be
be considered for replacement from that
office.
UNIFORMS
Professional appearance is a sign of pride for any fine musical organization.
Therefore, we have established a uniform to be worn at all UAHS performances, and
the guideline for that attire is as follows: (Provided by the school) Men’s Glee Club
Jacket and Tie and/or Choral Department Robe and Stole
Men:
Women:
White button-down dress shirt
Dress or blouse and skirt (no slacks or
Black dress pants (no jeans!)
skirt longer than the robe, please)
Black socks
Black flats or character shoes with no
Black dress shoes
more than a 1 1/2’’ heel
Nude hose (or none at all)
Small jewelry (or none at all)
- Ensemble members are to wear their designated attire for the year and to add the
robe and stole for the Symphonic Choir portion of the program
- Men’s Glee/Chorus members will perform without the robe or stole
- Please note that if a student is not dressed in the appropriate attire, he/she will not
be allowed to participate in the performance.
2016-2017
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Freshmen Choir (Level 1) Course #4910 - No Prerequisite
Membership is open to all Freshman boys and girls wanting to sing, regardless of
ability level. The course is designed to address the beginning levels of vocal
technique and musicianship. It is important to note that this course is designed to still
allow freshmen a study hall at least two days a week while the directors work
independently with other sections of the Freshmen Choir. The Freshmen Choir will
perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year.
Concert Chorale (Level 2) Course #4911
The course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and
musicianship. Membership is open primarily to 10th and 11th graders who are still
developing their musical knowledge base while continuing to develop a healthy
vocal technique that will facilitate more challenging literature. The Concert Chorale
will perform at concerts and district / state events throughout the year.
Men’s Glee (Level 2) Course #4914 - Designed for freshmen / sophomores
Women’s Glee (Level 2) Course #4913 - Designed for freshmen / sophomores
Men’s Chorus (Level 3) Course #4924 - Designed for juniors / seniors
Women’s Chorus (Level 3) Course #4923 - Designed for juniors /seniors
This course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and
musicianship. These ensembles are a great answer for students whose schedule is
completely full, but still want to be involved in a singing ensemble. The courses meet
two days a week before school. This also enables members of the band and orchestra
departments to be involved in choral music. Literature is chosen specifically for SSA,
SSAA, TTB, or TTBB voicings. All groups will perform at concerts and district / state
events throughout the year.
Symphonic Choir (Level 3) Course #4912 - Prerequisite 1-2 years of HS music or
equivalent as determined by the director
This course is an intermediate to advanced level performance group. The course is
designed to improve the singers’ vocal techniques and build upon the intermediate
to advance musicianship level. The Symphonic Choir will perform at concerts and
district / state events throughout the year.
2016-2017
Vocal Ensemble (Level 4) Course #4915 - Prerequisite 1-2 years of HS music or
equivalent as determined by the director
Membership is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors by audition only. The Vocal
Ensemble is an extension of the Symphonic Choir (all VE members must also
participate in the Symphonic Choir) and will allow advanced vocal students to
rehearse and perform music at a higher technical and artistic level. Members must
have the ability to sing alone and yet blend with the ensemble. Several programs
throughout the year will require the participants to dance as well as sing. The Vocal
Ensemble performs evening concerts during the year for school and community
events, as well as festivals and district / state contests throughout the year.
VOCAL MUSIC BOOSTERS
Parent support is a vital part of a successful choral program. Throughout the year,
there are a variety of opportunities to assist with the boosters’ activities. Chaperones
are always needed for daytime and evening choral activities, as well as for social
events. Parents also play a key role in successful fundraisers. If you would like to help
at any time during the school year, it is important to get involved with our Vocal Music
Booster Organization. Newsletters will also be sent home to you to keep you
informed about volunteer opportunities.
President: Kathleen Bellamy
[email protected]
Vice-President: Kristy Glaser
[email protected]
Secretary: Deb Amling
[email protected]
Treasurer: Nancy Jeggle
[email protected]
Past President’s Council: Lissa Wade
[email protected]
2016-2017
THE CHORAL CORNER
The Year in Preview….
The 2016-2017 school year is sure to be full of great musical opportunities for our students
and could very well be our best vocal music year ever! Mrs. Leacock and I are greatly looking
forward to a very bright and exciting future. It is our mission to create musical opportunities
that will challenge our students to achieve what WE believe has the potential to be a great
choral music year!
Our concert season will begin on Thursday, October 20th, Saturday, October 22nd, and
Sunday afternoon, October 23rd with our Fall Follies “Broadway” production.
The Thursday and Saturday shows begin at 7:30pm and the Sunday matinee begins at
2:30pm. The Broadway theme has been used twice previously but the excitement and
enthusiasm of a cast of nearly 300 students to entertain you couldn’t be greater. This year’s
Follies will again be performed in the style of a true Vaudeville show with music from the
Golden Age through today’s contemporary Broadway. And let’s not forget that Follies will
feature a variety of talented specialty acts as well, so each night is a completely different
show!
Our Winter Choral Concert will be held on December 8th at 7:30pm. Please note that the
date was moved from the original date (Dec. 14th) announced last spring in order to better
accommodate the midterm exam schedule. The Winter Choral concert will focus on seasonal
secular songs that celebrate Winter . The performance will serve as the students 2nd quarter
grade and close out our first semester together. Best wishes on the midterm exams!
Did you notice the excitement and community buzz at last year’s Spring concert as our Keith
Krieger award winner, Hunter John, announced that the annual musical would be The
Wizard of Oz? The stage production is based completely on the movie we have all grown to
love. We are now challenged with the monumental task of making sure that none of the
magic of the story is lost when it transfers from film to the stage. Our performance of The
Wizard Of Oz will run Thursday February 23rd, Friday February 24th and Saturday February
25th at 7:30. We will have a Sunday matinee on February 26th at 2:30.
The Poetry Concert will be performed on the evening of Wednesday, March 8th at 7:30pm.
The Poetry Concert is dedicated to repertoire that sets great poetic text to music, and this
year we hope to expand our boundaries and borders to include some of the great poetic
works from around the world in their language of origin.
The 15th annual Wonderful Night of Piano Music will take place the following day (Thursday,
March 9th). These master classes will be given during class by the world-class pianist Dr. Tom
Scott, from Cleveland, OH. He will perform on the refurbished Knabe 9’ grand piano and the
9’ Grotrian piano. The master classes will culminate in an evening performance involving
2016-2017
piano students performing with Dr. Tom Scott. All proceeds from ticket sales will go into the
Symphonic Choir member trip account to NYC in April.
The Symphonic Choir will take our 8th educational performance tour to New York City via
Pittsburgh and Philadelphia from April 5th - 9th. The tour will allow the students to perform
literature in some the world’s most famous cathedrals including St Patrick’s Cathedral and St.
John the Divine Cathedral. Along the way we plan to give 5 performances with two of them
involving an exchange concert with high school choirs in the Pittsburgh suburbs. The 5-day
tour will allow the students to visit and perform in environments that cannot be recreated in
central Ohio. The tour provides national exposure for the city of Upper Arlington, the school
system, and the music department. This wonderful educational experience is designed to
provide a lifetime of memories for the student musicians.
Parents of the Symphonic Choir should note a MANDATORY parental meeting concerning the
NYC tour on Monday September 12th at 7:00 in room 183 (band room).
In the interest of both honoring our senior class and keeping our spring concert musicfocused, we are having the Senior Recognition and Dessert on Wednesday, May 17th at
7:00pm. The senior class will be given the opportunity to share their memorable experiences
focusing on their accomplishments during their high school tenure. Senior solos and
specialty acts as well as the senior video will all be performed at this event with dessert
following in the lobby.
Finally, we will close our time together with our Spring Concert and Major Work on
Thursday, May 18th at 7:00pm. The literature for this concert will be based off of the cultural
diversity found in our choral program, the high school, and the community as a whole. In
addition to the world music theme, we are choosing folk literature that also involves the folk
dances from around the world.
As you can see, we have a year filled to the brim with music-making ahead, and this would
not be possible without the tireless work of the Vocal Music Boosters. They too approach our
program with determination and resiliency, support our students both spiritually and
financially, and have a love and vision as equally intense as the director. The past years of
success have created a bond and an expectation. A bond with many of the officers and
committee chairs returning to serve again. And an expectation that is already being
aggressively approached by our new Booster President Kathleen Bellamy and staff. I would
personally like to welcome all of the board members and committee chairs to what I feel will
be our most innovative and exciting year ever.
Eric Kauffman, Choral Director
[email protected]
614.487.5240 ext.2053
Amy Leacock, Director / Accompanist
[email protected]
614.487.5240 ext.2054
2016-2017
All Choirs:
PERFORMANCE CALENDAR 2016-2017
Aug. 22
7:20 am
Women's Glee/Chorus (Rehearsal begins)
Auditorium
Aug. 23
7:20 am
Men's Glee/Chorus (Rehearsal begins)
Room 181
Sept. 8
In Class
Choir Picture Day - (Men on Friday)
Auditorium
Sept. 12th
7:00 pm
1st Vocal Music Booster Meeting
Room183
(1st of two mandatory parent meetings for the Symphonic Choir Tour parents!!)
Sept. 21
In Class
Encore! Presentations
Room 183
Oct. 18 & 19
6:00 call Fall Follies BROADWAY Dress Rehearsals
Auditorium
Oct. 20 & 22
6:00 call Fall Follies BROADWAY Performances
Auditorium
Oct. 23
1:00 call
Fall Follies BROADWAY Performance
Auditorium
Dec. 3
TBA
Caroling Canvass
UA Community
Dec. 8
7:30pm
Winter Choral Concert
Auditorium
March 6
7:00 pm
Vocal Music Booster Meeting
Room183
(2nd Mandatory Parent meeting for the Symphonic Choir Tour)
Mar. 8
7:30pm
Poetry Concert
Auditorium
Mar. 9
All Day
Wonderful Night of Piano Music (Concert Year)
Auditorium
May 18
7:00pm
Spring Concert & Major Work UAHS
Auditorium
Select Choirs or Optional:
Aug. 8 - 10
Sept. 27
Oct. 26
Nov. 14 - 18
Dec. 2
Campus
Feb. 2-4
Feb. 23, 24, 25
Feb. 26
April 5 - 9
May 12
May 9 - 16
May 17
All Day
Vocal Ensemble Retreat
3:15–4:30 Follies Solo/Specialty Act Auditions
3:30 – 4:30 Informational meeting for anyone
auditioning for The Wizard of Oz
TBA
Auditions for The Wizard of Oz
7:00pm
Preview Concert (Vocal Ensemble)
TBA
Heartland Retreat Center
Room 181
Room 181
OMEA Professional Conference
Symphonic Choir - ONLY
7:30 pm The Wizard of Oz
2:30 pm The Wizard of Oz
All Day Symphonic Choir East Coast Tour
7:30pm
UA Night of Jazz (Vocal Ensemble)
TBA
Vocal Ensemble Auditions
7:00
Vocal Music Senior Recognition and Dessert
Room 181/Aud.
Off
Cleveland
Auditorium
Auditorium
Pitt/Philly/NYC
Off Campus
Room 181
Auditorium
Student Name (Please Print):______________________ _____________________________
Student Signature: ____________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________________