Welcome to the Medfield High School Choral Program!
It is an honor and a privilege to become a member of our performing groups.
The Medfield High School Choral Program consists of the following organizations:
Concert Choir - 9th-12th grade men and women with some or limited experience in chorus
Jazz Choir - 9th-12th men and women with advanced skills, audition only
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Objectives
1. To emphasize the development of singing and music reading skills necessary to make
an enjoyable contribution to a quality choral organization.
2. To enjoy making music. To ensure the success of the group, each student, parent, and director must realize his/her responsibilities. Each must be willing to sacrifice individual desires for the betterment of the choir.
3. To have a good attitude about choir. The amount of satisfaction and fun you receive from
your choir will be no greater than the amount of hard work and enthusiasm you are
willing to consistently contribute. Your attitude will have a direct impact on your achievements.
4. To understand the importance of proper conduct, consideration of others, and courtesy as a vital part of the choir.
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Classroom Routines and Expectations
Self-discipline is an important element of choir rehearsal and performance. Students must realize that they are a member of a group or team with an excellent reputation. Their behavior during school classes and at public performances reflects on both Medfield High School and the Choral Program. Please remember the following basic rules.
1. Respect yourself and others!
2. 100% positive participation will prevent disruptive behavior.
Criticizing another student's voice or effort is not allowed.
3. Be on time in your seat, with your folder and pencil in hand, ready to begin when the bell rings.
4. When we are ready to rehearse---you are quiet and ready.
5. We expect students to leave all food, gum, and drinks outside of the room.
Students may bring water bottles into the chorus room.
6. No books, cell phones, backpacks, coats etc. will be allowed in the seating area.
7. Please treat all folders and music well and put your music and folder back in the correct place
within the music cabinet when you exit the room.
8. Students may not play the piano or adjust any sound equipment.
9. Proper concert etiquette will be observed at all performances.
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Grading
Grades are an important part of choral music education, and it is important for each member to be acquainted with the expectations of the Medfield High School Choral Program grading system. Because this is a performance based course, the majority of your grade is derived from your individual performance; including performance and achievement in class, as well as any out of school performances and required concerts.
25% Concert Attendance
In order to receive full credit for concerts, each student must:
1. Attend all scheduled performances!
2. Arrive FORTY-FIVE MINUTES before scheduled performance time.
3. Wear the appropriate uniform.
4. Follow the code of conduct.
5. Use proper concert etiquette when watching others perform.
25% Class work
This category includes music literacy assignments, journal entries, music appreciation, music analysis, composition, and more. Students are responsible for keeping their chorus folder up to date by checking with other students and with the director about missed work.
50% Daily Participation
A student will receive an “A” for participation if they:
Always arrive on time.
Participate constantly.
Listen constantly.
Always have required materials.
Always use singing posture when appropriate.
Every chorus student fills out a bi-weekly participation rubric. Students are instructed to grade themselves honestly. The director will review each student’s self-assessment and mark changes as necessary.
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Attendance Policy
As a member of the Medfield High School Choral Program, you have an obligation to your fellow chorus members to be at school, at all outside-of-school rehearsals, and at performances on time, prepared, and with all necessary equipment. We are not tolerant of poor daily attendance.
1. All students are expected to have excellent daily attendance at school.
2. Attendance at sectionals, rehearsals, and concerts scheduled outside of the regular school day is required and graded. Absences can result in a reduction of grade and possible removal from performance opportunities.
3. Excused absence: medical emergency / personal injury OR death in family
4. Unexcused absence: work, oversleeping, transportation, driver's ed, babysitting
5. You must email the director if you are going to miss an outside-of-school rehearsal or performance as soon as possible.