Dear

Students, Parents, and Guardians,

Welcome to choir!! My name is Ms. Moak and I am
very excited to begin this year of music making with
you. In this class, students will receive
opportunities to:
Be exposed to a varied repertoire of
choral music, both in performance and
analysis
Develop greater musicianship skills
Experience a bond of musical community
Explore ways to express the human experience through sound
This handbook contains course policies and expectations of both students and guardians. If
you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Ms. Kyra Moak
email@school.com
123.456.7890


Important Dates:
Fall Concert- October 24th
Holiday Concert- December 12th
Spring Concert- March 15th
Solo/Ensemble- April 1st
State Solo/Ensemble- May 6th
Small Ensemble Showcase- May 29th

Solos:
During second semester, all students will be required to prepare a solo.
Option 1: Students can perform their solo at the end of the semester for the teacher.
Grades will be given from a teacher-established rubric.

Option 2: Students can perform their solo at Solo/Ensemble. Grades will be based
on judge scoring sheets. Any student wishing to improve their grade from their
score sheet can redo their performance for the teacher.

Required Attire:
All students will be required to purchase a choral department t-shirt ($5) to be worn at all
concerts and performances.

Policy on Sacred Music
All concerts will have a balance of both sacred and secular music. The history of choral
music is deeply rooted in sacred traditions. In order to gain the educational benefits of
musical history, including works by Mozart, Bach, Handel, and other important composers,

it is necessary to perform sacred works. Students are required only to learn the piece and
its historical significance. They will never be asked to subscribe to the beliefs addressed in
the text.

Concerts:
Students are expected to attend every concert and will be graded on reflections turned in
following the performance. If a student is unable to attend a concert due to a scheduling
conflict, notice must be given at least 2 weeks in advance in the form of a note, signed by
the parent/guardian. If a concert must be missed due to illness or a family emergency, the
parent/guardian should call the choral office as soon as possible and leave a voicemail with
the students name and reason for absence.
Students who miss the concert with notice will be given an opportunity for make-up work.
Any student who misses a performance without valid reason or prior notice will not be
given to opportunity to make up the points.

Grades:
-Long Term Projects: 20%
Semester 1: Score Study Project
Select varied musical works to present based on interest, knowledge, technical
skill, and context.
Analyze the structure and context of varied musical works and their implications
for performance.
Develop personal interpretations that consider creators intent.
Semester 2: Solo Performance
Perform expressively, with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy, and
in a manner appropriate to the audience and context.

-Concert Reflections: 25%
Support personal evaluation of musical works and performance(s) based on analysis,
interpretation, and established criteria.

-Sight Singing: 15%
Develop strategies to address technical challenges in a varied repertoire of music and
evaluate their success using feedback from ensemble peers and other sources to refine
performances.

-Choral Juries: 30%
Perform expressively, with appropriate interpretation and technical accuracy, and in a
manner appropriate to the audience and context.

-Performance Skills and Classwork: 10%

**All assignments that are turned in on time can be redone for full credit. All redos must
be turned in one week after the assignment is handed back.

Student Acknowledgement

By signing this form I agree to the terms of this handbook. I also agree to the following
classroom expectations:
No food/drinks (other than water) in the choir room
No gum during rehearsal
Bring a pencil every day
Come to class on time
Demonstrate respect for classmates


Student Signature:___________________________________________________ Date:_______________

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgement

By signing this form I agree to the terms of this handbook. I also agree to support my
student to the best of my ability by:
Ensuring their attendance all performances
Attending concerts/performances
Communicating openly with the teacher


Parent Signature:_____________________________________________________ Date:_________________