Choral

Department

Information

Booklet

2019-2020

ONW Choral Department Information 2019-2020

Choir Website: onwchoir.org

Room 1502-Choral Room School Phone: (913) 780-7150

Teacher and Accompanist Information: Choral Department Director- Mrs. Pam Williamson- Plan Period- Hour 3 Email for Mrs. Williamson: pwilliamsononw@olatheschools.org Cell Phone: (913) 669-6265 Director of Belle Chanson- Mrs. Paula Brekken (At ONW Hour 3 only) Email for Mrs. Brekken: pbrekkenonw@olatheschools.org Cell Phone: (913) 220-8106 Choral Accompanist- Mrs. Jan Cohick Email for Mrs. Cohick: jcohickonw@olatheschools.org We are very fortunate to have Mrs. Jan Cohick as our wonderful accompanist. She brings a wealth of knowledge to us as a musician and will be with the choirs during class regularly and at concerts. Treat her well! She will be one of your favorite adults in the building and will go above and beyond for all students! Vocal Assistant- Paula Brekken, our wonderful Director of Belle Chanson, will also serve this year as our Vocal Assistant. She will work with individual soloists and generally help prepare them for solo festivals. She is a long time member of the Kansas City Chorale and brings a wealth of knowledge of healthy vocal technique. She is very enthusiastic and excited to be a part of the Choral Department at ONW! We are truly fortunate to have her here! Course Objectives: Students will improve their individual musical skills within the framework of the choir. An emphasis is placed on teamwork, appropriate and healthy singing technique, and performance of a variety of musical styles. A willingness to cooperate in a group setting is critical to the success of our choirs, and behavior or attitudes which are counter-productive to that will not be tolerated.

Grading: Grades are an accumulation of points each quarter. Approximately 50% will be based on daily participation, attitude and effort, written and singing assignments and quizzes, and effort in class. The remaining 50% will be based on your attendance and participation in the concerts and performances with your choir. The performance dates are provided to you with this information sheet, and it is your responsibility to be present and perform at all of the events involving your choir. NOTE: If you have a job or other commitments, please check the calendar and request the performance dates off right away so that your employer will have time to find coverage for you. Please work with Mrs. Williamson or Mrs. Brekken if you have a conflict with any performance, as soon as you know there is a conflict. Although a calendar has been provided to you, sometimes additional performance opportunities arise, which you may be required to participate in. As much advanced notice will be given to students as is possible. We will also be adding some possible Saturday and weekday evening rehearsals during contest season and Raven Pops time. Please consult the choir calendar before signing up to take the ACT, as there are often many conflicts. There are lots of opportunities to take the ACT, but please do not sign up when there are choir events that are only on specific dates. Your choir teammates need you! Tardies: A student will be considered tardy if they are not in the classroom before the bell rings. You should be on your way to your seat, or in your seat when the bell rings to be considered on time. The tardy policy of Olathe Northwest High School will be followed in the case of a tardy. Please refer to your student handbook for clarification of the tardy policy. Supplies Needed for Class:

1) Pencil 2) Paper 3) Music/folder 4) Water bottle (optional) 5) Formal choir attire/Fall and Raven Pops t-shirts/black dress shoes/jewelry

where applicable

Student Expectations:

1) Be on time to class and prepared for every rehearsal. 2) Cell phones can be useful tools in choir when used for calendars, or for

recording purposes. However, many people are distracted by cell phones. We cannot have distractions when we are working toward our musical goals. No cell phones are to be seen in class, unless the student has permission to use it. Cell phones should be in backpacks which should be left in a corner of the room during rehearsals. Cell phones should not be visible at any time during class time. If a student needs access to their phone, teacher permission must be granted. School policy will be adhered to.

3) Be respectful. 4) No food, gum or drink other than water bottles in the classroom. 5) No students are allowed to use the teacher’s computer or be in the music

office without permission from the teacher or the accompanist. 6) No students are allowed to use the practice rooms, computers anywhere in

the music department, or any other technology without the permission of the teacher or accompanist.

7) Sit where assigned. 8) Learn and memorize all music accurately. 9) Must have all music and folder every day in class. You are responsible for paying for any music which is lost, damaged or stolen.

Student Leadership Committee: We will discuss further details about this during class. A panel of students to serve in leadership positions for each choir will be chosen this year. These students will apply for the position,and will be required to attend a meeting once a month throughout the school year, or as needs arise. These students will help to make decisions regarding many things in the choral program, from activities, to Raven Pops theme and t-shirt design selection, to occasionally having input on musical choices. Mrs. Williamson will always have the final deciding vote, but the student leaders will be a small group with whom she may choose to consult with from time to time throughout the year. All students who are selected should be in good standing with Mrs. Williamson, show excellence in their rehearsal participation, concert attendance, and leadership in choir. Each student leader will also be awarded 50 letter points if they are selected to represent their class in this leadership position.

Application for Choir Leadership Position

Student Name:

Choir Class:

Grade Level:

Please write a few sentences explaining why you would be a good person to

select for a position on the leadership team for the choral department. Include

personality and character traits as well as at least one creative suggestion that

you might be interested in bringing to the group for consideration.

If you are selected, please sign below indicating that you would make yourself

available once a month for a 30 minute meeting during seminar as needed.

Reliability and dependability are important factors in the selection process.

Student Signature:

__________________________________________________________________

Date:

__________________________________________________________________

Lettering in Choir 2019-2020

Criteria: In order to begin the process of collecting points to earn a letter for choir, students must meet the following criteria.

1) Student must earn an “A” in choir classes all year. 2) Student must attend all required performances that year. 3) Students must have had no discipline referrals for choir.

When those three things have been accomplished, a student may begin earning a letter in choir by accumulating 600 total points. The first year, a student will earn a certificate, the actual letter, and a music lyre pin. The second, third and fourth year, they will receive an additional certificate and another pin to put on their letter. Each year, the student must earn 600 new points in order to earn their letter in choir for that school year. Activities occurring between June 2019 and the end of May 2020 will be eligible for letter points this school year. The list attached shows some of the approved ways of earning points and the point values given for each activity. There are many other ways that you may present to me that may be used to earn points. I will work with you on the ideas that you come up with. The important thing is to have a variety of activities to arrive at the 600 total points. It is important that you show you have done many different things in this process that would merit earning a letter. It is recommended that you keep track of things as you go, so that you are ready to submit your paperwork to Mrs. Williamson by April 24, 2020. Colleges and Universities appreciate and often reward students who show achievements earned throughout their high school career. Lettering in choir gives you one more opportunity to show you are a well-rounded student who has worked hard. Good luck!

Choir Lettering Worksheet

Student Name:

____________________________________________________

Please circle your grade level: 9 10 11 12

Indicate the letter grade you earned in choir each quarter:

Quarter 1- Quarter 2- Quarter 3- Quarter 4- Check to indicate you were present at all four required choir concerts:

_____ Fall Choral Concert- Thursday, October 10, 2019

_____ Winter Choral Concert-Tuesday, December 3, 2019

_____ Spring Choral Concert- Monday, March 9, 2020

_____ Raven Pops Choral Concert- Saturday, May 9, 2020

You must earn a minimum of 600 letter points to earn your choir letter

each year. Do not submit this sheet unless you have at least 600 letter

points logged. Due date is April 24, 2020.

Student Name:______________________________________________

_____50 points- Attending a minimum of 2 outside of school music performances. _____50 points- Performing in outside of school venues such as church choir, community chorus, community musical theater production, etc. _____50 points- Taking private voice lessons on a regular basis. Teacher’s name: ____________ _____50 points- Auditioning for the musical at school or elsewhere. _____50 points- Being in the school musical theater production. _____50 points- Auditioning for NEKMEA District Honor Choir or KMEA Middle Level Honor Choir. _____50 points- Being in the NEKMEA District Honor Choir or KMEA Middle Level Honor Choir. _____50 points- Being a member of the KCDA All State Women’s or Men’s Honor Choir last July. _____50 points- Being in the Kansas Statewide Honor Choir. _____50 points- Singing in the Freshman Vocal Solo Festival. _____50-100 points- Singing in the Regional Solo & Ensemble Festival. (Circle all that apply below)

I sang with an ensemble. I sang as a soloist. _____50-100 points- Singing in the State Solo/Ensemble Festival. (Circle all that apply below)

I sang with an ensemble. I sang as a soloist. _____50 points- Singing at State Large Group Contest. _____50 points- Singing the National Anthem at 2 ONW games. _____100 points- Singing the National Anthem at a minimum of 3 ONW games. _____50 points- Attending a music camp or workshop. (Harmony Explosion is an example.) _____50 points- Being a member of the choir leadership team. _____50 points- Community service types of activities such as singing for a retirement center, caroling over the holidays, etc... _____50 points- Assisting the director with various necessary tasks. Examples: Setting up/moving risers, designing printed concert programs, helping with MS events, helping with Freshman Solo Festival, etc... _____TOTAL POINTS EARNED: Must have a minimum of 600 points to earn a letter!

Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival Information

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Olathe South High School

1640 E. 151st Street, Olathe, KS., 66062

Musical Requirements:

All soloists must prepare and memorize two classical vocal selections. You will sing your songs for a judge

on April 4, and those students who receive a superior rating of “I” at Regionals will perform the same music

again at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival at Topeka Washburn Rural High School on Saturday, April

25. PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP TO TAKE THE ACT ON EITHER OF THESE DATES!!!

Accompanists:

All ONW Choir soloists who do not provide their own piano accompanist will be working with Mrs. Jan

Cohick or Mrs. Paula Brekken as accompanist for their solos. There is a $35 fee for each soloist to pay to

Mrs. Cohick or Mrs. Brekken by March 13, 2020 (before Spring Break). This will pay for your rehearsal

times and for the event. Please make checks payable to Jan Cohick or Paula Brekken, once you know

who your accompanist will be.

Performance Times:

We will not know the exact times of each solo performance until about 2 weeks before the event. We are

not in control of the schedule so you need to be available from 8:00AM until 5:30PM. Your actual time slot

will only be a 7 minute time frame, but since we cannot tell you when that may be, please clear your day of

other plans.DO NOT SIGN UP TO TAKE THE ACT ON THE FESTIVAL DAYS, PLEASE!!

Rehearsal Times:

You will rehearse with Mrs. Cohick and/or Mrs. Brekken on specific scheduled days. If you are absent, you

need to try to reschedule with them. If it is not possible to do that, you will lose out on the number of

rehearsals that we can accommodate during the day. Please be aware of when your rehearsals are, once

those dates have been set. There will be 3 rehearsals per student, plus a performance for the class. Bring

your practice copies of your solos to every rehearsal. All students who are singing solos will perform their

songs in a vocal recital during class time on either Wednesday, March 25 or Thursday, March 26. Your

songs will need to be memorized before this date!

Performance Attire:

All soloists should dress in “Sunday best” for this event. Ladies: a dress or skirt and blouse, or a very

dressy pants outfit will be appropriate. No short skirts, low cut tops or bare skin showing, please.

Gentlemen: a shirt and tie or a dressy shirt and dress pants. No jeans, no tennis shoes, please. Your

judges want to see that you are appropriately dressed for your performance. You may also perform your

solos in your choir attire, if you are singing that same day in an ensemble. Many students choose to do

this.

REGIONAL SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Saturday, April 4, 2020

Olathe South High School

RULES:

If you are selected to sing solos at this festival, you must select two solos from the classical repertoire that

combined are no longer than 5 minutes in length. Both solos must be memorized. You must have TWO ORIGINALS

of each song: one for the judges and one for your accompanist. Please select literature for which you are certain

there will not be a problem securing two original copies. We have appropriate literature here at ONW, and have

two originals of this literature for you to use at the festival. NO XEROX COPIES ARE ALLOWED!! Do not bring

photocopies, even practice copies, to the festival as you will risk disqualification.

AUDITION PREPARATION:

All soloists will select and begin preparing two classical vocal selections. If you are currently working with a private

vocal teacher, they can select your solos with you. If you need help, see Mrs. Williamson. All interested soloists

will audition for Mrs. Williamson with one of their selections to determine the final list of participants. You do not

need to be memorized for the audition. Set up an audition time with Mrs. Williamson as soon as you are prepared.

Audition deadline is Friday, January 20, 2020.

PREPARATION AND COMMITMENT:

The key to success at this festival is preparation. You will need to be attentive to the musical details and

memorization so that you can do well with this activity. Your commitment to this activity is very important, as

well. The ONW Choir Department is paying your registration fee. If you are chosen to be one of our soloists, we are

counting on you to not drop out if you are selected. You will participate in a voice recital during classes on either

Wednesday, March 25 or Thursday, March 26 if you are one of the soloists selected. This will help to motivate you

to prepare early! You will need to be MEMORIZED and ready to perform before the class recital.

____________________________________________________________________________

Detach and return to Mrs. Cohick, Mrs. Brekken, or Mrs. Williamson.

THIS SIGNED SLIP IS DUE JANUARY 20. PAYMENT IS DUE BY MARCH 13.

Student Name: ____________________________________

I have read the 2 pages of information for auditioning and participating in the Regional Solo and Ensemble Festival.

I will return this signed slip by Monday, January 23, and pay the $35 fee to my accompanist by March13.

X__________________________

Student Signature

X_________________________

Parent Signature

Raven Pops 2020 Information Concert Date: Saturday, May 9, 2020 at 7:00 pm

Required Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, May 7 from 3:15-6:45 pm Choir Banquet/Awards Night will follow! Dinner served at 7:00 pm.

AUDITION DEADLINE: Friday, March 27- Auditions for featured performances at Raven Pops must be completed NO LATER THAN this date. Work with Mrs. Williamson to set up a time before or after school or during second seminar to sing for her. Bring your music and present what you plan to do. Be organized and prepared! The number of featured performances selected for Raven Pops will be determined by Mrs. Williamson. Length of featured performances should be no more than 2 and a half minutes!! Top priority will be given to senior acts- Underclassmen (freshman and sophomores) are encouraged to audition for small group features. It would be pretty rare for our freshman and sophomores to be selected for solos or duets. All students are encouraged to put together group numbers to incorporate more students. This is a great way to earn a feature slot. All students must be present to audition in order for that group to be selected. All students wishing to earn a feature performance slot must be prepared and in good standing with their director to be considered. In addition to the choir numbers, students may be selected to perform in 2 more features. We will not feature any student in more than 2 special features. Juniors and seniors may audition for group features, solos, trios, or duets. Choose a song that fits the theme. The theme will be determined by the end of semester one. Band- We will provide a piano, bass, guitar and drums for your accompaniment if you choose to have them play. Other options include piano only, your own live musician (guitar, etc.), or a CD accompaniment track with NO VOCALS ON IT. If you are utilizing a CD, you must audition with that CD accompaniment. Preparation is imperative!! Tickets- We will be selling tickets to this event. All students in choir will NOT need to purchase a ticket as they are performers. All audience members, including other ONW students, parents, grandparents, neighbors, etc. will purchase reserved seating through www.showtix4u.com. Tickets will be sold for $10. More information will follow regarding purchasing tickets. T-Shirt- All ONW Choir students will need to purchase a special Raven Pops t-shirt to wear during the concert. The design will be created by a student. If you want your design to be considered, be ready to present it to Mrs. Williamson by March 27. The t-shirt will be worn with jeans for the opening and closing numbers. The cost will be $10 per shirt. Congrat Ads for Program- We will be selling congrat ads to parents who want to put one in the printed program for Raven Pops. Watch for more information about purchasing these as well. Emcees for Performance- Mrs. Williamson will be selecting students to help introduce the acts, etc. If you would like to be considered as an emcee, please let her know by March 27. We will also have a student Stage Manager. We will need a few additional people to help the stage manager. If you are interested, let Mrs. Williamson know!

Raven Pops Feature Audition Form

Name(s) of Performer(s):

Title of Song:

Duration of Song: (cannot exceed 2 and a half minutes)

Special Needs for Performance:

Costume/Dress:

Accompaniment: (Please circle what you plan to have)

Band we are providing (Piano, bass, drums, guitar)

Piano only

CD

Other (please specify)

If you need accompaniment, please attach a copy of the music to this sheet.

If you are not using our band to play for you, please attach a list of your song lyrics to this sheet.

Lyrics must be approved by Mrs. Williamson.

All auditions must be completed no later than March 27, 2020 in order to be considered.

Required dress rehearsal Thursday, May 7- 3:15-6:45 pm

Choir Banquet- Thursday, May 7- 7:00- Dinner will be served. Awards begin at 7:30 pm.

Raven Pops Performance-Saturday, May 9- 7:00 pm