HARRISON SINGERS

2016-2017 HANDBOOK
Kristopher Ridgley Director of Choral Department
 Welcome to the Harrison Singers!
Philosophy/Mission
The Vocal/Choral Division of the Music Department of the Harrison School for the Arts believes that through diligent study, intensive
rehearsal, and focused performance, singers will give a voice to excellence in vocal and choral music, both as individuals and as
members of an ensemble.
The high quality vocal music program at Harrison School for the Arts provides a strong foundation on which to build a career as a
singing artist. In order to maintain and improve the standard of the choral program, it is essential that all members become familiar
with the rules, regulations, and procedures.

The Importance of Attitude

A positive, cooperative attitude is the most important quality for a chorus member to have. It is the basis upon which all fine things
will be accomplished. It is the key to excellence. The word carries with it the implication of punctuality, dependability,
concentration, conscientious effort, dedication, and open mindedness.
This attitude must go beyond the individual; it must become the collective spirit of the chorus. A negative attitude can do as much to
ruin a chorus as a positive attitude can do to build a great choir. Make sure you are doing your part to make the chorus a positive
place to be.

The Importance of Discipline

Exemplary behavior is expected of all students and at all times. In and out of class, you should remember that you represent the
chorus, school, and community. Inappropriate conduct reflects negatively on the group and will undo the work of hundreds of
students before you.

It is not what you ARE but what you ARE WILLING to become!

General Expectations for Chorus Members/Supplies

1. Be responsible – assume the consequences for your actions.
2. Be in attendance at all required rehearsals prepared and on time.
3. Be motivated to learn and improve daily.
4. Rehearsal and performance attire will follow uniform requirements.
5. Demonstrate respect for teachers and all performers.
6. 1’’ black folio binder, Pencil

Calendar
The yearly events calendar is set in the fall of each school year and is distributed to all members and parents. A monthly events
calendar will be e-mailed before the beginning of each month and also placed on dropbox. Calendars are also posted in the Chorus
Room. The major performances of the year are listed on the yearly calendar. However, it is impossible to list every performance for
the year in August. Students are expected to be in attendance at ALL events listed on the monthly or yearly Chorus calendar.
 Attendance
Membership in the Chorus automatically includes mandatory attendance at all rehearsals, sectionals, lectures, lessons, and
performances. This includes component group rehearsals and student-led sectionals. Documentation of absences due to serious
illness/medical emergencies, family-related death, and certain conflicts with a minimum of 3 week’s notice will be excused and
make-up assignments will be assigned. It is the student’s responsibility to communicate with the director to get the assignment. No
communication on the student’s part will result in a missing grade. All other absences will result in an unexcused absence and will
impact the final course grade and may jeopardize the student remaining a student at Harrison. All activities scheduled on the
calendar are a part of the curriculum. It is assumed that if a student joins the program, she/he also desires to perform with the
group. Remember, the other members are counting on you. Specific arrangements must be made in advance with the director in
the event of conflicts with other school activities. Communication is the key component in this area. Please also remember that all
Harrison commitments take priority over a Lakeland High School event. (Per your Harrison contract). A five point deduction will be
made for each absence from a chorus class.

Grades
Students will be graded daily on their individual musical progress and contribution to the program. The following is a general
reference; students should consult their director for specifics regarding grades for each grading period. Participation in component
groups (Chamber Choir, Satin Dolls, etc.) is also included in the Chorus grade. Practicing outside of class time is also an expectation
of the choral program. Jury requirements are listed in the Studio Guidelines, found later in this handbook, and are to be to be
successfully completed to achieve proficiency. Junior and senior Male and female students will receive Honors Credit.

Grades will be weighted based upon the following criteria:

Rehearsals: Weekly grade of 85 points will be assessed on how the student is progressing in classroom rehearsals. Outside practice
documented through sightreadingfactory.com and or recorded work on chorus music or solo music will count for the other 15 points
of the weekly grade to total 100 points for the week. A five point deduction will be taken for each day a student is absent during a
week with certain exceptions.
Written/Vocal Assessments: Up to 100 points awarded for assignments, quartet quizzes, after-school rehearsals, small group
testing, and other assessments.
Performances: Up to 200 points awarded for performances both at school and in the community. Tardiness will result in deduction
from the performance grade.
Practice Logs: See the above weekly rehearsal grading.
Vocal Jury: Up to 100 points awarded and will count as the Semester Exam Grade in the fall and grade in the 4th quarter.
Song literature is a valuable way to supplement the learning of technique. It allows the student by use of practical application to
transfer what is learned through vocal exercises onto the music. Each student is required to learn and memorize a minimum of 2
songs of differing languages per semester. The pieces will be chosen at the discretion of the voice instructor and based on what will
benefit the musical growth of the student. The voice instructor will select age and ability appropriate literature using the general
progression format for each student. Accommodations may be implemented by the private instructor with the approval of the
director for specific needs and abilities of the student. By the time of graduation, students will have sung a minimum of three
languages.
 Chorus Performance Attire & Personal Appearance
In order to maintain a highly reputable standard and also perpetuate the respect of peers, staff, administration, and the community,
it is expected that each individual will strive to appear and conduct himself/herself in a manner in which the department may take
pride.

Uniform Rental due by September 2. This annual fee covers uniform and a chorus t-shirt. The fee for all students is $50.00.

All Students: No jewelry in pierced noses, eyebrows, lips, tongues, etc. Small pearl earrings for females only are acceptable. Males
must remove ear piercings. No rings on the hands. For females, clear polish, American or French manicures or painted fingernails
with a traditional color such as red. Necklaces of any kind are prohibited. Make-up will be neutral with a muted lipstick color. Hair
color is required to be traditional. Streaks, highlights and other colorings of non- traditional colors are not accepted.

Ladies: Black Concert Dress (provided), dark stockings, and black character shoes. Students should also have small pearl ear rings.
Avoid wearing scented hairsprays, lotions, creams, perfumes, colognes, during rehearsals or performances. Hair is to be pulled
neatly off the face and well groomed for performances. Use black hair accessories and a black bra only. Character shoes with a 1 to
1 ½ inch heel and small pearl ear rings are required.

Gentlemen: Black tuxedo coat & pant with white tuxedo shirt, black and red tie and vest (provided).
Black dress shoes and black socks are required and shoes must be approved and kept neat and polished for all performances. Hair
must be well groomed and cut above the shirt collar, and combed back or to the side off the forehead for all performances. “Bieber”
style cuts must be out of face and off the forehead. No facial hair including stubble, mustaches, beards, long sideburns are allowed.
While in public whether performing or not, you must keep your shirt tucked and buttoned at all times. Ties must also remain on and
fastened.

Ensemble Uniforms: A damaged or lost uniform item will require the student to reimburse the cost of the item.
Remember, the focus is to represent Harrison School for the Arts in an exceptional manner.

Criteria for Ensemble Placement

Performance Capability/Musicianship Past Performance/Contribution to group
Tone Quality (beauty, control) Leadership Qualities
Technique (articulation, precision, facility) General Motivation Level
Rhythmic and pitch Accuracy Attitude (General, reaction to criticism, etc.)
Expressiveness (phrasing, style) Rehearsal Readiness
Balance (dynamics – ensemble, sectional) Private Lesson Attendance & Preparedness
Advancement in Choral Competencies

Departmental Warning/Artistic Probation

Your responsibility as a member of the Harrison Singers is to grow artistically and meet the requirements of the program including
performing a successful jury, attending all required rehearsals, concerts and other activities. Students who lack consistent musical
development or do not fulfill their responsibility to the ensemble may be placed on either “departmental warning” or “Artistic
Probation”. If a student is placed on departmental warning the student will be given requirements to improve and given one quarter
to make these improvements. If improvements are not made the student will then be placed on artistic probation. A student does
not have to be placed on departmental warning prior to being placed on probation. A student who receives a “C” on the fall or
spring jury or a “good” rating at district Solo and Ensemble, will immediately be placed on either Departmental Warning or Artistic
Probation. Once placed on probation, you will receive a performance plan outlining the areas that need improvement. You will have
one semester to demonstrate improvement. After this period, the director will make a recommendation to the school
administration as to whether you have shown sufficient improvement and be fully reinstated. Students who fail to improve may
face dismissal from the school.

Rules for Off-Campus and Overnight Trips

When the chorus travels off-campus for school-sponsored activities it is necessary for students to follow rules outlined below, as
well as observe regular classroom rehearsal procedures. All trips including Overnight are governed by rules established by the Code
of Conduct & Florida Schools’ Music Association. An infraction of the rules may result in notification to the parent and sending the
student home in the quickest way possible at expense to the parent. The student will then be subject to further action by the school
administration as she/he has broken a rule while on a school sponsored trip.

Guidelines for trips:

1. Students must maintain reasonable quiet at all times in hotel rooms both day and night.
2. Room doors and sliding glass doors should be kept locked at all times.
3. Boys are not allowed to visit girls’ rooms and vice versa.
4. No alcoholic beverages allowed at any time. Illegal use of drugs in any form is absolutely prohibited.
5. Smoking is prohibited.
6. Nothing should ever be thrown from motel windows or balconies or within the room. Students will be fined for any damage in
the room or anything missing from the room.
7. Curfew is listed in the schedule for each day. Students are to abide by the curfew and are not to leave their rooms until the
time designated on the schedule.
8. Be aware the hotels charge for phone calls. Use your cell phone if possible. Room to room calls should cease at the curfew time
listed on the schedule.
9. Be courteous to one another during all bus rides, etc. by not talking so loudly that you disturb others. Refrain from using
profane language—you are a constant reflection of Harrison School for the Arts—speak with intelligence, not commonness.
10. Do not play iPods, CDs, etc. audibly on the bus or at the performance site.
11. Keep your purses, wallets, and valuables with you at all times.
12. Schedules are to be strictly followed. Inconsiderate tardiness is unacceptable.
13. Parents are responsible for providing/arranging their student’s transportation to after school and off-campus events.

The Music Facility

All students are expected to maintain the music facilities with utmost care and respect. This means no food or drink in the building
with the exception of water. This includes the chorus room, practice rooms, orchestra room, keyboard lab, ensemble rooms, choral
library, storage areas, and the theater. Other than the large rehearsal room, all other areas will be restricted to supervised use, or
designated individuals.

For instance…
 Only music students, with permission of the directors are to be in the ensemble rooms/practice rooms, and the rooms’ use shall
be restricted to musical rehearsals. They are not intended for social gatherings. One student at a time (or students plus
accompanist) per practice room (exception from teacher only).
 The Directors’ Office is a restricted area. The phone may be used with permission.
 The classroom piano should not be played without permission.
 Students should not write on board without permission.
 Students should refrain from putting their feet on chairs, leaning back on them or raising them off the floor.

Music and Music Folder Maintenance

 Folders and music books are to be stored in assigned cabinets.

 Music should remain in the assigned folder as the individual assigned to that folder will be held responsible for it.
 Markings requested by the director or needed by the students should be done lightly in pencil.
 NO STUDENT IS TO USE ANOTHER PERSON’S MUSIC IN CLASS WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR.
 All State, All County, and ACDA students are responsible for music issued to them and should return the music to the director
within one week following the event.
Ensembles/Academic Classes
The Vocal/Choral division’s courses are designed to highly stimulate and enhance the vocal and musical abilities of students who
demonstrated talent and interest during the audition process.

Harrison Singers – The group focuses on choral music from 1600-present with an emphasis on high-quality group performance
through dedicated individual practice and musicianship. The group rehearses sectionals during class and combined every Tuesday
from 2:20-4:30 in the spring.

Harrison Chamber Chorus – This ensemble is comprised of all males and females by audition. The ensemble focuses on more
advanced literature that will challenge more advanced singers and assist in their pedagogical development. This choir rehearses
after school on Tuesday’s as well as during class times as needed. This ensemble will perform at the Southern Division ACDA
conference in March.

Harrison Women’s Ensemble- This ensemble is comprised of all female students in Harrison Singers. This ensemble focuses on
pedagogical development through quality choral literature from all periods of music as well as building sight reading skills. This
ensemble is expected to become the premier ensemble at Harrison. This choir rehearses Monday-Friday 5th Period and will perform
at the State ACDA conference in November.

Men’s Ensemble: This ensemble is comprised of all male students in Harrison Singers. This ensemble focuses on building quality
men’s tone through quality and diverse choral literature. Sight reading is also a focus of the ensembles. This choir will perform in the
community as needed. This choir rehearses Monday-Friday 4th period.

Satin Dolls – This ensemble is comprised of 12-16 advanced female members of Harrison Singers. The literature encompasses a
variety of genres from the 19th and 20th century. This ensemble performs at community events as well as Harrison Singers Concerts.

Vocal Techniques I/IV (1 credit) This class teaches basic vocal techniques and pedagogy, including; posture, breath management,
tonal placement, music theory, diction, sight-singing, vocal health, and is an extension to private vocal instruction. It is generally
taken in the freshman year and again during the junior/senior year.
 Choral Music Awards
Awards are given for loyalty, dependability, and outstanding contributions to the program and/or participation in District and/or
State level Solo & Ensemble and Choral Music Performance Assessments, All-State Chorus, All-County Chorus, ACDA Honor Choir and
any other Harrison Singers recognition.

1. National School Choral Award

This award is in recognition of singular merit, ability, and achievement of outstanding contributions to the success of the
Harrison Choral Music Department, and of an unusual degree of loyalty, cooperation and high qualities of conduct. This person
is a leader in all areas – musical and extra-musical. The award is usually reserved for seniors.

2. Superior Medals: Students will receive medals for receiving Superior ratings at both district and state solo and ensemble.

STUDIO MUSIC GUIDELINES

Private Voice Lessons
Private Instruction is an integral part of the Harrison Chorus Program. Only through private instruction will you receive the advanced
training that is required to grow as a musician. Harrison students will receive a minimum of eight (8) thirty-minute lessons per
semester. A financial supplement for these lessons is available. You are expected to be on time (early) and come to each lesson
prepared and with all required materials. You must contact your private teacher with a minimum of a 24 hour notice in advance if
you are unable to attend. You may make up your lesson ONLY if you miss your lesson for a school event and at the teacher’s
discretion and convenience. A student who fails to attend lessons on a regular basis may be required to pay for all future lessons
and will not receive a stipend from the district. Attendance and participation in lessons is a requirement of the choral department at
Harrison.
The purpose of applied voice is to develop basic classical vocal technique through the use of solo literature. Students will learn basic
vocal physiology, healthy vocal technique, and appropriate repertoire. With the understanding each student’s vocal needs and
abilities vary.
 STUDENT/PARENT INFORMATION FORM
This form is due no later than September 2, 2016

Please print legibly

Student Information

Name:__________________________________________ Grade:________________

Address:_______________________________City:______________Zip:___________

Home Phone:_________________________

Student Cell:__________________________

Student Email:__________________________________________________________

Birth date:____________________________

Parent/Guardian Information
Parent:_____________________________ Parent: ____________________________
Cell Phone:_________________________ Cell Phone:_________________________
E-mail:_____________________________ Email: _____________________________
Occupation:_______________________ _ Occupation:________________________
Please Circle:
Yes, I am interested in being an approved parent volunteer/Chaperone
No, I am not available to be a parent volunteer/Chaperone
 CONSENT FOR CHORUS ACTIVITIES
This form is due no later than September 4, 2015

Statement of Acceptance
I hereby acknowledge that I…

1. have read the Harrison Singers Handbook and agree to the procedures and policies therein;
2. accept the penalties for not following the rules of the organization;
3. recognize the importance of attending performances and rehearsals that pertain to the group(s) in
which I am participating;
4. understand that I will be held responsible for equipment and music checked out;
5. recognize that it is a privilege to participate in any chorus activity and will strive to earn respect for
my chorus, my school, my community, and myself.

Student Name: (print)_________________________________

Student Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Parent Name: (print)__________________________________

Parent Signature: ____________________________________ Date: _________