Lakeside Choirs Choral Syllabus

Dear Lakeside Choir Members, Parents, and Friends:

Welcome to the Lakeside Choral Music Program - where pride, excitement, and fun await you!

The Choral syllabus outlines the dedication and responsibilities required to maintain our wonderful tradition. Our choral ensemble is like a harmonious instrument with a fantastic mix of diverse individuals. The Lakeside Choirs represent a diverse cross-section of our school, and we all need to support this tremendous group in its continued success. We'll develop as musicians and individuals as we aim for excellence in choral singing.

Choir members and parents, we urge you to review the Choral Syllabus carefully. It's a comprehensive guide that details our policies, co-curricular activities, grading, and more. Understanding this document is key to fully embracing the opportunities of being part of Lakeside Choirs.

Joining Lakeside Choirs means committing to hard work, having a positive attitude, and having a lot of fun. These are the keys to success!

So, once again, a big welcome to the Springdale School District Choral Music Program! We hope your time here is musically fulfilling, personally meaningful, and a source of great pleasure and pride!

Sincerely,

Benjamin C. Winn, M.M.Ed                        Melinda Williams

Lakeside Choirs Head Director                Lakeside Choirs Assistant Director

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Whenever and wherever our choirs appear in public, we represent the music program at Springdale School District, the school itself, and all citizens and alumni associated with this great school. Whether in performance attire or out, at a performance or a practice, on the road or at home, in an official capacity, or a social setting, members of the Springdale School District Choral Music Program conduct themselves maturely, responsibly, courteously, respectfully, and professionally.

Remember, every action of a single choir member reflects on the entire choral organization, its leaders, and the school and community. Just as we strive for excellence in our music, we also strive for excellence in our behavior and conduct. Our collective responsibility is to uphold the values of our choir, fostering a sense of unity and belonging among our audience. 

1. Be respectful and polite to teachers and students at all times.
2. Absolutely no food, drink, or gum at any time during rehearsal.

1.  Water is encouraged as long as it has a lid.

3. Cell phones are out of sight. The district cell phone policy will be strictly enforced. 
4. Be ready to rehearse when the Two-minute timer ends

1. “Early is on time; on Time is late.”
2. This means you have your rehearsal folder and are in place on the risers or chairs.
3. You will be counted as Tardy if you are late by the downbeat of Warm-Ups.

5. Stay focused on the music rehearsal during the class period.
6. Be respectful of the facility and equipment provided to the program.
7. Campus expectations and discipline policies are in effect during ALL choir rehearsals, performances, and trips.
8.  Our 'Three Strike Policy' is a serious reminder of the importance of discipline. Any student who receives THREE or more discipline referrals in a semester will be dismissed from Lakeside Choirs at quarter/semester for the remainder of the school year. That student is welcome to return the following school year. This policy is in place to ensure a respectful and disciplined environment for all choir members.

Important:

• Your adherence to this code of conduct is about more than just following rules. It's also about maintaining the class participation part of your grade, which reflects your commitment to the choir and its standards.
• Excessive or severe neglect of this code will result in disciplinary action as laid out in the Springdale School District Student Handbook or dismissal from Lakeside Choirs for one academic year.

Concert Attendance:

Attendance at concerts and performances is required and is part of the grading criteria in choir classes. This is a crucial component of your membership in the choir. Concerts and performances are a public demonstration of what has been learned in the choir and are essential for authentic performance assessment of learning. Music is meant to be heard, and each ensemble performer relies on the presence of every choir member to perform their part. Because the choir is more than just a collection of individual performers, we must rehearse and perform as a unified group. A problem with a particular performer’s attendance seriously inhibits our consistency and excellence. Every attempt has been made to structure a performance calendar with a reasonable number of performances.

IMPORTANT:

• Unless cleared with Mr. Winn or Ms. Williams before the performance date, arriving at a concert late or leaving a concert early will affect a student’s grade at the event.

• Any additional performances not listed on the calendar will be announced three weeks in advance to accommodate working students.

Excused Absence from Concert Policy

For a student to qualify for an excused absence, they must contact and obtain approval from Mr. Winn or Miss Self before the performance date. This policy will be strictly enforced, with no exceptions.

Excused absences are granted for family emergencies, long-term medical absences (including COVID-19-related quarantine), and Arkansas Activities Association (AAA) Sanctioned Events only. If a student misses a concert for these reasons, they can make up the missed work by completing a makeup recording assignment for full credit upon their return to school. Documentation will be required for an excused absence from a performance.

For unexcused absences due to reasons not mentioned above, students can make up a performance by completing a makeup recording assignment, which will receive half credit. Unexcused absences will be granted if Mr. Winn or Ms. Williams needs to clear the absence or if students must fulfill concert performance requirements, such as etiquette or dress code requirements.

Traditional Event & Concert Schedule

Quarter One

All-Region Choir Auditions (Aria & Vanguard Required)

Fallapallooza (All Choirs Required)

Quarter Two

All-Region Choir Clinic (Required If Selected)

Winterfest (All Choirs Required)

Quarter Three

Pre-Choral Performance Assessment (All Choirs Required)

Choral Performance Assessment (All Choirs Required)

Quarter Four

Spring Sing (All Choirs Required)

New York Farewell Concert (Aria and Vanguard Required)

New York Residency (Paid Students)

Important:

Students will receive concert dates at the beginning of the Quarter and see them posted on the Classroom Board, Website, and Google Classroom. Additional Performances will be announced two weeks in advance.

All events are subject to change

Information Sheet – Please sign the Agreement on the back.

This is due September 12th with a $20 CHOIR FEE. THIS IS YOUR FIRST GRADE OF THE YEAR!

_____________________________________________                                __________

Student’s Name (Printed)                                                                Current Grade

__________________________________________________________________________________________Other Activities/Sports/Clubs active in at Lakeside JH

_______________________________________                        __________________________

Parent/Guardian Contact Name (Printed)                                Relation to Student

______________________________________________________________        __________________

Address                                                                                Student Shirt Size (Adult Size)

___________________________        ________________________        

City                                        Zip Code

Contact Info (Please fill out all that apply; Please mark a check on the preferred method of communication)

_____  Email:_____________________________________________

_____         Cell: ______________________________________________

_____  Home Phone: _______________________________________

______________________________                _______________________                _______________________

Additional Emergency Contact                Relation to Student                        Contact Number

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SIGN THE BACK OF THIS PAGE

Student Agreement

By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have read the Choir Handbook and understand the course's expectations, guidelines, and requirements. I have also studied the calendar and am aware of my responsibilities to attend mandatory events, such as Winter Concerts, Pre-Performance Concerts, Spring Concerts, and any additional performances that are specific requirements of the choir in which I perform.

________________________         ________________________         ______________

Student Name (Print)                 Student Signature                         Date

Parent Agreement

I have read the Choir Handbook and understand the requirements for my child to be successful in this course. I will do my best to contact the choir office for any conflicts.

________________________         ________________________                ______________

Parent Name                                 (Print) Parent Signature                         Date