A Cappella Chorus 2008-2009
Mrs. Chalis Montgomery FA 106
cmontgomery@greateratlantachristian.org 770-243-2373
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the GACS A Cappella Chorus! The choral department here at GACS has a long history of fine a cappella singing. I look forward to the effort we will share as we continue to forge a legacy that will last well beyond our time here.
STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
While we will be rehearsing some music that is secular in nature, the overriding principles governing the learning and performance of that music can be found in the parable of the talents.
Matthew 25:13-30
Therefore, it is our mandate to give back to God the talents that we have been given, enhanced by our efforts in rehearsal and enriched by the quality of our performance.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class is designed for any high school student wanting to learn how to sing. Along the way we will learn about the human voice, various musical skills, and how to combine this newfound information to create an ensemble. The primary focus of the music will be sacred, reflecting the Christian faith that is the foundation of GACS. Additionally, our repertoire will include music from various historical periods and cultures as it is deemed necessary to create the fullest educational experience possible.
GRADING
Grading will consist of quizzes, attendance at concerts, and the final exam. Quizzes measure the daily participation of each student by assessing basic knowledge of concepts covered during classes. Attendance at concerts is absolutely required. An unexcused absence from a concert performance may result in a failing grade for the semester. The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all quiz topics from the semester.
- Quizzes and assignments: 40 % of total grade
- Attendance at performances: 50 % of total grade
- Final Exam: 10 % of total grade
HELP SESSIONS
Help sessions will be provided on Monday mornings from 7:20 – 7:55 and on an individual, as-needed basis.
To make an appointment for an additional help session, stop by or send me an email.
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
- Keep a pencil in your music folder at all times.
- If your folder goes home for practice, it must return for every rehearsal. There are slots provided for storage in the choral room.
- You must be committed to learning your music. Outside practice may be necessary.
- You must purchase a tux/dress. Information about purchasing performance attire will be posted online.
- You must attend all performances.
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
· Enter the room quickly and quietly. Take your folder out of its slot right away.
· Please stand without talking when the director enters the room.
· Please stand without talking when any school official enters the room.
· Please be ready to sing when the director takes the podium.
· Begin inhaling when the director’s hands are up.
· Get rid of any gum, candy, food or anything in your mouth.
· There is only one director. Please do not correct each other in class.
· Please use the box, the wiki or the blog for comments or suggestions that could wait until later.
· Always do your best.
· Be loyal to the team. Don’t insult your fellow choral members in or out of class.
· Take care of all music in your possession. Only mark in pencil.
· Do not pack up to leave until the director tells you to.
· Abide by the GACS Student Code of Conduct.
And . . . always remember: you are part of a team whether you are in my class or out in the world. How you choose to represent yourself is how you choose to represent the rest of us.
Do your best, and BE your best.
ATTENDANCE/TARDY POLICY
Attendance at all performances is MANDATORY. You may only be excused in the case of death of an immediate family member, extreme illness requiring medical care (in which case, a doctor’s note is required), or previously agreed upon exemptions due to other school functions, such as the final game in a tournament. Regular practices for athletics, dance, or other activities are not excused.
Missed regular rehearsals require a green slip from the office on the day of return.
A student is considered tardy if their entire being has not crossed the threshold of my classroom by the time the bell rings or by the call time listed for performance. After five tardies to class, a student will be given after-school detention.
PERFORMANCES/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
*Performance dates are subject to change, and dates may be added throughout the year with one month’s notice.
Saturday, October 4, 8:00 A.M.
Frog Hollow performance. Breakfast is provided.
Thursday, October 9
Tentative field trip and performances in Atlanta.
Thursday, October 11
All-State chorus auditions. Only those students who are interested in auditioning.
Friday, October 31 – November 3: bus leaves at 8:00 A.M.
Harding choir tour, with church performances in Oxford, MS and Memphis, TN. Tour of the University of Mississippi with possible workshop.
Thursday, December 4
Combined choirs in Junior High chapel
Sunday, December 7, 1:00 P.M.
Lessons and carols service in the Clif Jones Theatre.
Thursday, December 11, 6:00 P.M.
Poinsettia concert. The concert will be preceded by dinner, and all students should plan to save time by sticking around after school and having dinner here.
Friday, December 19
Elementary chapel performance. This will change if there is an issue with exam times.
March 2-3, 3:30 – 5:30
Rehearsals for Spartan Spectacular. Meet in the choir room.
March 5-7, 6:00 P.M. each night
Spartan Spectacular in the Clif Jones Theatre.
March 9-11 (only one of these days)
On one of these school days (it has not yet been set by the organizers) we will get out to go to a local festival called the “Large Group Performance Evaluation.” It is VERY important that we sing well for this!
Saturday, April 18
Solo and Ensemble Festival. Only those students interested in participating will sing.
Friday, May 1
Celebration dinner.
Monday, May 11 6:00 P.M.
Spring concert.
May 22 – May 30
Choir tour!
TBA: Fall/Spring performances in HS chapel, spring performances in JH and Elementary chapel
TBA: No more than 6 church performances, always on a Sunday afternoon/evening
All times posted are “Call times” not performance times
· “Call time” is the time choir members are expected to be in the room, ready to sing. Any student arriving past the call time will be considered tardy. For example, 6:00:01 on December 11 is late. Any student arriving more than 15 minutes past the call time will be considered unexcused.
· If there is no call time listed, it is either TBA or during school hours.
· Performance attire should be properly pressed or steamed. We will sing the way we look!
· Gentlemen must have shirts tucked in, black socks and black shoes (no sneakers, sandals or flip-flops). Gentlemen are required to wear t-shirt style white undershirts beneath their concert shirts. Hair should be neatly combed out of the face.
· Ladies must wear tan stockings or knee-highs and black closed-toe heels or dress flats. Bangs must be secured away from the face with a hair-colored bobby pin. Please do not wear a bow or any other type of hair ornament. Please purchase bright red lipstick for the purposes of concert performances only. Other than lips, it is requested that ladies wear minimal makeup. No earrings other than studs or hoops smaller than a dime.
· Ladies – We are getting new dresses this year. Please make sure that when you have your dresses altered, you ask that the seamstress/tailor leave extra room. When you are fitted, take a deep breath and ask that the measurement be an inch larger than that. It is very embarrassing when the audience is aware of the details of your physique and undergarments because of the fit of your dress.
You will be asked to purchase a new dress if you have yours altered inappropriately.
CONCLUSION
It is my pleasure to conduct such a fine bunch of young people. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to building the choir this year with you.
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