August 28, 2017
Dear Harding Choral Students and Parents,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year that promises to be full of growth and new experiences. We must believe that music matters and makes a difference in our lives. We must continue to strive for excellence and maintain a positive attitude in order to secure a harmonious place to learn. We should always be excited and enthusiastic about exploring new ideas through choral music.
Students have been provided with a Harding University High School Choral Handbook, which includes the grading policy, the first issue of the HUHS chorus newsletter, and other important information. Please take note of all the information provided.
After reading and completing the handbook, please sign the form attached to the back of the book and return by September 1, 2017. If there are any questions concerning particular items, please indicate on the form and I will contact you.
Thank you for your interest in the Harding High School Choral Department. I look forward to working with you this year as we show our “Ram Spirit” through music.
Musically yours,
Ryan Harrison
HUHS Choral Director
[email protected]
www.hardinguniversitychoirs.weebly.com
GRADING POLICY
The students’ grades will be determined by the following:
Students will be given an opportunity to earn points each day by completing the following tasks daily:
*being on time for class
*having excellent posture while singing
*having materials such as folder, music and pencil
*being attentive by following along in music, following directions, and listening courteously to the director and fellow students by not talking
Students will be evaluated through vocabulary quizzes, ear-training exercises, interval quizzes, and singing check-offs on assigned music.
Public performances are a major part of the requirements in chorus. The students will be required to participate in ALL major performances during the school year. Please see the attached choral calendar for these tentative dates. Students who miss a required concert must submit a written excuse (illness, death in the family) from their parent or guardian. Failure to do so and/or unexcused absences may result in a lowering of the overall class grade. Information on the concerts and performances will be sent home at least two weeks prior to the performance date.
Grading Scale
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: < 59
Extra Credit Points:
Points may be awarded for the following and will be stored in a “point bank” that students may draw from in a time of need. 20 points replaces one informal grade.
5 Perfect attendance in class for the quarter
5 Attending concerts or other musical activities approved by the director
5 Participation in a local church choir or other musical organization with regular rehearsal and performance attendance
5 Participation in ALL chorus fundraisers
AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
Afterschool rehearsals will be every 4th Thursday unless otherwise noted. Students will be required to attend unless arrangements have been made with the director in advance.
Attendance: Attendance at rehearsals is required. Chorus is an academic class and you will be excused only if notified 2 weeks in advance of the rehearsal.
Performances: Performances are mandatory. Parents are to email at [email protected] to notify the director at least 24 hours in advance of all absences if at all possible. If students are members of athletic teams please let Mr. Harrison know, so that he can reach an agreement with the coach. Unexcused absences will result in an alternate assignment.
FUNDRAISING
All choral students will be given the opportunity to participate in fundraising activities this year to help defray the expenses of choir activities. The first fundraiser is scheduled to begin September 6th. Parents and students are invited to an afterschool fundraiser kick-off with cash prizes!
UNIFORM INFORMATION
*Women’s Ensemble*
LADIES
Mandisa Dress $57.00
Pearl Earrings and Necklace $10.00 $5.00 (postage) Total $72.00
Closed toe black dress shoes with a heel no higher than 3” and black stockings are the responsibility of each student.
Uniforms will be ordered from Stage Accents in New Jersey and should be paid for in full by October 7, 2017. This will allow delivery before the Winter Concert. Please have your uniform paid in full by this date. Please contact Mr. Harrison if installments need to be set up.
*MIXED CHORUS*
Members of the beginning chorus will purchase chorus button up shirts. The shirts cost $35.00 for both ladies and men. There is no shipping fee, as the shirts will be purchased from Custom Express Embroidery in Matthews, NC. Please have the money turned in to Mr. Harrison by October 7, 2017. This will allow the shirts to be made in time for the Winter Concert.
Note: Chorus button up shirts are to be worn with black slacks and black dress shoes. Leggings, jeans and sneakers are not acceptable.
*BEGINNING CHORUS*
Beginning chorus members will need to purchase concert black. Concert black consists of a black button up shirt and black slacks for both men and women, and black socks/black stockings with black dress shoes. There should be no patterns, designs, or prints on any of the uniform. Jeans, leggings, and athletic shoes are not acceptable. The goal is not to stand out or cause distraction from the display of musical talent. You will need to show Mr. Harrison a photo of your uniform two weeks prior to the first concert.
Harding University High School
Choral Calendar
2017-2018
August 28 First Day of School
September 4 Labor Day (No School)
21-22 Teacher Workdays (No School)
28 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
October 18 Early Release
27 End of Quarter
30 Teacher Workday (No School)
November 10 Veteran’s Day (No School)
22-26 Thanksgiving Break
30 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
December 5 Winter Concert
6 Early Release
20-Jan 2 Winter Break
January 3 Return to School
15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
19 End of Quarter
22 Teacher Workday
25 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
February 7 Early Release
19 Teacher Workday
22 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
March 22 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
28 End of Quarter
29 Teacher Workday
30 Good Friday (No School)
April 2-6 Spring Break
18 Early Release
26 Spring Concert
May 28 Memorial Day (No School)
June 8 Last Day of School
Rehearsals and Performances will be added at least 2 weeks in advance.
Harding University High School
2017-2018 Choral Handbook Contract
I have completely reviewed the information in the Harding University High School Choral Handbook and understand and support its contents.
I understand that my student will participate in weekly vocabulary quizzes as part of their written grade.
I understand that a uniform is required, and that all fees are due by October 7, 2016.
I have read and completely understand the letter concerning concert and rehearsal attendance.
*Additional performances or rehearsals may be added and students will be given a two (2) week notice.
________________________________________ ________ ________________________________________
Parent Signature Ryan Harrison
________________________________________
Student Signature
I have questions about the following:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Harding University High School Choral Department
Parent Contact Information Form
Please complete this form so that information may be distributed directly to you. Thank you!
Student Name
Parent/Guardian Name
_________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Home Phone Work Phone
_________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Cell Phone E-mail
Dear Harding Choral Students and Parents,
It is with great excitement that I welcome you to the 2017-2018 school year that promises to be full of growth and new experiences. We must believe that music matters and makes a difference in our lives. We must continue to strive for excellence and maintain a positive attitude in order to secure a harmonious place to learn. We should always be excited and enthusiastic about exploring new ideas through choral music.
Students have been provided with a Harding University High School Choral Handbook, which includes the grading policy, the first issue of the HUHS chorus newsletter, and other important information. Please take note of all the information provided.
After reading and completing the handbook, please sign the form attached to the back of the book and return by September 1, 2017. If there are any questions concerning particular items, please indicate on the form and I will contact you.
Thank you for your interest in the Harding High School Choral Department. I look forward to working with you this year as we show our “Ram Spirit” through music.
Musically yours,
Ryan Harrison
HUHS Choral Director
[email protected]
www.hardinguniversitychoirs.weebly.com
GRADING POLICY
The students’ grades will be determined by the following:
- Class Readiness Average:
Students will be given an opportunity to earn points each day by completing the following tasks daily:
*being on time for class
*having excellent posture while singing
*having materials such as folder, music and pencil
*being attentive by following along in music, following directions, and listening courteously to the director and fellow students by not talking
- Written and Oral Evaluations:
Students will be evaluated through vocabulary quizzes, ear-training exercises, interval quizzes, and singing check-offs on assigned music.
- Public Performances:
Public performances are a major part of the requirements in chorus. The students will be required to participate in ALL major performances during the school year. Please see the attached choral calendar for these tentative dates. Students who miss a required concert must submit a written excuse (illness, death in the family) from their parent or guardian. Failure to do so and/or unexcused absences may result in a lowering of the overall class grade. Information on the concerts and performances will be sent home at least two weeks prior to the performance date.
Grading Scale
A: 90-100
B: 80-89
C: 70-79
D: 60-69
F: < 59
Extra Credit Points:
Points may be awarded for the following and will be stored in a “point bank” that students may draw from in a time of need. 20 points replaces one informal grade.
5 Perfect attendance in class for the quarter
5 Attending concerts or other musical activities approved by the director
5 Participation in a local church choir or other musical organization with regular rehearsal and performance attendance
5 Participation in ALL chorus fundraisers
AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
Afterschool rehearsals will be every 4th Thursday unless otherwise noted. Students will be required to attend unless arrangements have been made with the director in advance.
Attendance: Attendance at rehearsals is required. Chorus is an academic class and you will be excused only if notified 2 weeks in advance of the rehearsal.
Performances: Performances are mandatory. Parents are to email at [email protected] to notify the director at least 24 hours in advance of all absences if at all possible. If students are members of athletic teams please let Mr. Harrison know, so that he can reach an agreement with the coach. Unexcused absences will result in an alternate assignment.
FUNDRAISING
All choral students will be given the opportunity to participate in fundraising activities this year to help defray the expenses of choir activities. The first fundraiser is scheduled to begin September 6th. Parents and students are invited to an afterschool fundraiser kick-off with cash prizes!
UNIFORM INFORMATION
*Women’s Ensemble*
LADIES
Mandisa Dress $57.00
Pearl Earrings and Necklace $10.00 $5.00 (postage) Total $72.00
Closed toe black dress shoes with a heel no higher than 3” and black stockings are the responsibility of each student.
Uniforms will be ordered from Stage Accents in New Jersey and should be paid for in full by October 7, 2017. This will allow delivery before the Winter Concert. Please have your uniform paid in full by this date. Please contact Mr. Harrison if installments need to be set up.
*MIXED CHORUS*
Members of the beginning chorus will purchase chorus button up shirts. The shirts cost $35.00 for both ladies and men. There is no shipping fee, as the shirts will be purchased from Custom Express Embroidery in Matthews, NC. Please have the money turned in to Mr. Harrison by October 7, 2017. This will allow the shirts to be made in time for the Winter Concert.
Note: Chorus button up shirts are to be worn with black slacks and black dress shoes. Leggings, jeans and sneakers are not acceptable.
*BEGINNING CHORUS*
Beginning chorus members will need to purchase concert black. Concert black consists of a black button up shirt and black slacks for both men and women, and black socks/black stockings with black dress shoes. There should be no patterns, designs, or prints on any of the uniform. Jeans, leggings, and athletic shoes are not acceptable. The goal is not to stand out or cause distraction from the display of musical talent. You will need to show Mr. Harrison a photo of your uniform two weeks prior to the first concert.
Harding University High School
Choral Calendar
2017-2018
August 28 First Day of School
September 4 Labor Day (No School)
21-22 Teacher Workdays (No School)
28 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
October 18 Early Release
27 End of Quarter
30 Teacher Workday (No School)
November 10 Veteran’s Day (No School)
22-26 Thanksgiving Break
30 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
December 5 Winter Concert
6 Early Release
20-Jan 2 Winter Break
January 3 Return to School
15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School)
19 End of Quarter
22 Teacher Workday
25 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
February 7 Early Release
19 Teacher Workday
22 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
March 22 Afterschool Rehearsal 2:45-3:45p
28 End of Quarter
29 Teacher Workday
30 Good Friday (No School)
April 2-6 Spring Break
18 Early Release
26 Spring Concert
May 28 Memorial Day (No School)
June 8 Last Day of School
Rehearsals and Performances will be added at least 2 weeks in advance.
Harding University High School
2017-2018 Choral Handbook Contract
I have completely reviewed the information in the Harding University High School Choral Handbook and understand and support its contents.
I understand that my student will participate in weekly vocabulary quizzes as part of their written grade.
I understand that a uniform is required, and that all fees are due by October 7, 2016.
I have read and completely understand the letter concerning concert and rehearsal attendance.
*Additional performances or rehearsals may be added and students will be given a two (2) week notice.
________________________________________ ________ ________________________________________
Parent Signature Ryan Harrison
________________________________________
Student Signature
I have questions about the following:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Harding University High School Choral Department
Parent Contact Information Form
Please complete this form so that information may be distributed directly to you. Thank you!
Student Name
Parent/Guardian Name
_________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Home Phone Work Phone
_________________________________________ ________________________________________________
Cell Phone E-mail