This handbook has been prepared to provide both choir students and their parents/guardians with a reference for the rules and regulations governing the choral program. In addition to the information provided in this handbook, all students are expected to abide by the regulations set forth in the OTHS Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.

Welcome (back) to the OTHS Choir family and w15hat will be an eventful school year! Please carefully read through the information in this syllabus/handbook with a parent/guardian. Once you have read it through, please fill out the digital Choir Commitment Form. This form will acknowledge that you have read and understand this syllabus/handbook. Note that a parent signature is also required. Completion of this form is for a grade.

Expectations

What my students can expect from me:

I will strive to treat you with respect and care as an individual and as an ensemble.
I will strive to work with students to provide a classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
I will strive to help you grow as both an individual singer as well as an ensemble singer.

What I expect from my students:

Students will be respectful of peers, teachers, and our class community.
Students will refrain from actions or words that may put themselves or others in danger.
Students will think before they speak and act.
Students will come to class & performances on time, prepared, and with a willing attitude.

What are my goals:

To foster a safe and welcoming learning environment
To foster comprehensive musicianship

To teach healthy vocal technique, the fundamentals of music and choral singing, and general music appreciation

To foster a community of learners who are motivated to sing and learn

A NOTE ABOUT NON-DISCRIMINATION:

Every student in this department, regardless of background or identity, is valued and appreciated. As a member of this community, you have the right to determine your own identity. You have the right to be called by whatever name you wish, and for that name to be pronounced correctly. You have the right to be referred to by whatever pronouns you wish. You have the right to adjust those things at any point in your education. Additionally, all students, regardless of race, sexual orientation, dis/ability, economic status, or religion, have the right to be treated fairly and with respect. If there are aspects of the instruction that result in barriers to your inclusion or a sense of alienation, please contact me privately without fear of reprisal.

Ensembles

CHAMBER CHOIR

Honors Chamber Ensemble (1st semester) Chamber Ensemble (2nd semester)

Full Year: ½ Credit Per Semester (Honors Credit 1st Semester Only)

Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors - Prerequisite: Audition

Chamber Ensemble is the premier choral group at OTHS and is a two semester course focusing on the highest levels of vocal musicianship. Students will continue developing proper vocal technique in a large variety of vocal styles and genres, from Renaissance music to Jazz and Contemporary styles, and sing repertoire in a variety of languages and meters. Advanced theory and sightreading are also included in the daily course load. Voicings range from SATB to SSAATTBB. Madrigals and the Jazz Choirs Bluenote and Encore are encompassed within this group. Additionally, all students enrolled in Honors Chamber Ensemble must audition for ILMEA, participate in up to 10 madrigal outreach performances during the school year, sing at solo & ensemble contest, and attend a variety of required events outside of the regular school day. All members are required to study voice privately. Students must also be enrolled in the Spring Chamber Ensemble the following semester to be eligible for Honors Chamber Ensemble.

CONCERT CHOIR

Full Year: 1/2 credit per semester

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors -Prerequisite: None

This is a full-year course focusing on vocal technique fundamentals, basic music theory, and good musicianship through the performance of a wide variety of musical styles and introductory sight-reading. This course includes a moderate amount of foreign language singing. Voicings range from SAB to SSAATTBB, depending on enrollment. Rehearsal and performance times scheduled outside of the regular school day are mandatory for all enrolled students.

MIXED CHORALE

Full Year: 1/2 credit per semester

Open to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors -Prerequisite: Audition

This is a full-year course focusing on advanced vocal technique, intermediate music theory, and good musicianship through the performance of a wide variety of musical styles. This course includes a moderate amount of singing in foreign languages and intermediate sight-reading. Voicings range from SSA to SSAATTBB. Rehearsal and performance times scheduled outside of the regular school day are mandatory for all enrolled students.

FRESHMEN CHOIR

Full Year: 1/2 credit per semester

Open to all freshmen

This is a full-year academic course focusing on building musicianship and vocal technique through the performance of a wide variety of musical styles. Voicings range from SAB to SSATB. In addition to performance expectations, this course includes introductory sight-reading, ear training, and music theory. Rehearsal and performance times scheduled outside of the regular school day are mandatory for all enrolled students.

EARLY BIRD VOCAL JAZZ

Fall Semester: 1/2 credit

Open to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors - Prerequisite: Audition

This is a semester-long course focusing on jazz vocal technique (tone, placement) & style, improvisation, mic technique, and good musicianship through performance. Repertoire includes but is not limited to swing, latin jazz, bossa nova, and contemporary styles. This course includes foreign language singing, intermediate to advanced theory, and advanced sight-reading & rhythmic fluency. Voicings may range from SSAA to SSAATTBB, depending on enrollment. Rehearsal and performance times scheduled outside of the regular school day are mandatory for all enrolled students. The prerequisite for this course is completion of a successful audition which evaluates rhythmic and melodic fluency, tonal skills, and improvisation.

ADRENALINE A CAPPELLA

Extra Curricular (no class credit)

Open to Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors - Prerequisite: Audition

Adrenaline is OTHS’s premier a cappella ensemble which is active year-round. Music is performed entirely with voices, and repertoire includes a significant amount of popular music, unlike the traditional curricular choirs. All rehearsals happen outside of the school day. Students must audition and be selected for membership after successful audition and maintain academic eligibility in order to participate.

Classroom & Curriculum

DAILY SUPPLIES (all classes)

Black 3-ring binder for materials (1 in. recommended)
Sharpened or Mechanical Pencils (with led)
Highlighter
Any music and/or worksheets from class
Device (students will be notified prior to class if device will be needed)

PROCEDURES

Students are expected to give their best effort in class and rehearsals every day.
Before the bell rings, students should put their backpacks to the sides of the room or behind the risers, retrieve their binder and pencil, and proceed to their assigned seat.
If there are any new pieces of music or worksheets on the foyer table (Smiley) or music stand (Milburn), students should take one.
When seated, students should check the daily agenda and begin any opening bell work. If there’s new music, students should start numbering the measures and analyzing the piece.
Cell phone usage is NOT permitted - exceptions at discretion of the instructor
Wearing headphones/earbuds is NOT permitted - exceptions at the discretion of director.
There is no chewing gum and eating/drinking permitted in class. Water is permissible.
Students will be cognisant of their chair position on the risers at all times. With no exceptions, chairs will have all 4 legs on the platform. Students may not jump, run, move excessively, or be rowdy as this is a safety issue and a disruption to the class.
Please Note: Singing will be required outside of the normal class time or at home to adequately prepare for concerts & assessments. Theory worksheets or other classwork may also be assigned as homework at the director’s discretion.

CLASS ABSENTEE POLICY

If you miss class, regardless of the reason, it is YOUR responsibility to email Mrs. Polett and catch up on what you missed within 3 school days. This makeup work is up to the discretion of the director and may include individual practicing with tracks, reflections, or doing a makeup assignment. Excessive absences are detrimental to student learning, ensemble rapport, and preparedness of the group. Thus, excessive absences will result in a conference with the student and/or parent(s) and a reduction of participation points.
Failure to communicate absences and complete makeup assignments may result in a reduction of participation points.

MUSIC SELECTIONS

Teachers choose music for many reasons. Listed below are just a few of the considerations taken into account when choosing literature for performance and study:

Age-appropriate literature
Cultural diversity
Musical periods and styles
Exposure to new languages
Progressing through difficulty levels
Developing vocal technique and skill:

Expanding vocal range
Developing vocal endurance
Enhancing breath control and phrasing
Developing good tone production and resonance
Encouraging part independence
Developing ear training and theory skills

GRADING POLICY

Per district requirements, coursework constitutes 85% of your overall semester grade, and the remaining 15% is a comprehensive final exam. All assignments and assessments align with one or more of the following choir focus topics and skills.

Choir Focus Topics & Skills
	Vocal Pedagogy (posture, breathing, phonation, tone production, resonation, articulation)
	Rhythm (Various note values, time signatures, aural dictation)
	Melody (Singing vocal parts, key signature, solfege identification/labeling, harmony, chords, scales)
	Elements & Vocabulary (Expressive markings, interpretive ideas, text painting, diction, vowels, style)
	Critique & Reflection (Constructive evaluation of other singers as well as self-reflection)
	Professionalism (concert etiquette- on and off the stage, timeliness)
	Context (making connections to real life, applying performance practice, analyzing historical relevance)

Knowledge & mastery of these focus topics and skills will be assessed according to a point value system. Students may also receive participation grades for having daily materials and actively participating (phones away, engaged in class, answering/asking questions, etc.). In general, Concerts, Quizzes, and Tests will be worth more points than class assignments and participation grades.

Concerts & Performances

PERFORMANCES

Concerts and performances usually happen outside of the school day and act as major summative assessments. They allow for students to demonstrate collaborative ownership of their craft. In other words, regardless of your student’s choir, students are required to attend and participate in concerts for a grade.
If you are involved in a sport or other school-related activity and have a conflict with a required event, you must notify Mrs. Polett in writing (email) AT LEAST ONE WEEK IN ADVANCE of the conflict so she and the sponsor can work out a solution.

Failure to communicate such absences with at least 1 week’s notice in writing will result in an unexcused absence. See Unexcused absence policy below.

Excused absences include the following: death in the family or illness/excused absence from school, or other conflicting pre-approved school activity. Parents/Guardians must communicate with the director in writing (email) or via phone call to warrant an excused absence. Doctor’s notes will also be accepted.
If a student misses a concert with an excused absence (as prescribed above or by the director), that grade may be required to be made up with a project assigned by the director. Full credit will be awarded. Otherwise, the assignment will be marked as a “no-count” in the gradebook and the student’s grade will not be affected.
Unexcused absences will result in a lengthy makeup assignment. There are no equitable makeup assignments which could ever accomplish the same goals and standards that live performance does. However, Illinois law requires teachers to provide a makeup assignment. Therefore, any makeup work assigned from an unexcused absence will involve singing concert repertoire for a recording AND a writing assignment. Failure to turn in the assignment by the prescribed due date will result in a zero in the gradebook.

Job conflicts are considered unexcused. Plan ahead.

Keep this phrase in mind: “Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable.”

ATTIRE

For regular concerts, students should wear concert black. This means business casual, all black. All clothing should not only be school appropriate but also interview appropriate. The goal is to look professional. No white socks, revealing clothing, heels you can’t walk in, etc. Talk to Mrs. Polett ASAP if you need help with providing concert black attire. Do not wait until the day before the concert. All clothing must also align with the district’s dress code.

For certain activities such as Madrigals and ILMEA, concert attire may be assigned. Students are responsible for the care and safe return of all school owned attire. Failure to abide by these guidelines will result in a fine on the student’s account.

Please Note Regarding Recording

Choir students will be recorded or will submit recordings of themselves throughout the semester for critique, evaluation, and assessment - these individual recordings will be kept confidential and are for education purposes only. Additionally, groups may be recorded for publicity for the choir program and family outreach on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Please consult the district policy on recording preferences for your student.

Social Media

Please visit the choir website often at www.OTHSchoir.com. This website includes ensemble information, cast lists, photos and videos, upcoming fundraisers, and a copy of the choir calendar.

We also have a presence on Facebook and instagram. Parents and students are encouraged to use their own social media platforms to share our fundraising and event posts with the broader O’Fallon community.

Facebook: @Oths Choir; @OTHS Choir Boosters; @OTHSMadrigals

Instagram: @Oths_choirs, @othsacappella

Additional Opportunities for Student Growth

PRIVATE LESSONS

Lessons are strongly encouraged for all students as it is one of the most effective ways to build musicianship skills. Many private lesson instructors are available locally and a list of local teachers can be found on the choir website. These invaluable lessons reinforce musical skills taught in class and aid in the development of good singing habits. They correspond with all choral activities (Solo & Ensemble Contest, ILMEA, sight-singing, college audition preparation, etc.) and supplement our musical curriculum. These “one on one” lessons may vary in price depending on teacher and frequency of lessons. Private lessons are required for members of Honors Chamber Ensemble.

ILMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) FESTIVALS

All students are highly encouraged to audition for the ILMEA Festivals. Members of Honors Chamber Choir (either jazz or chorus) and Early Bird Vocal Jazz (jazz) are required to audition. The audition for the festivals take place in October and will consist of singing prepared pieces and demonstrating tonal skills. Auditions will be held in a pre-recorded online format. Upon a successful audition, singers will participate in the District Festival held on a Saturday in November. High school students may audition for the traditional chorus, vocal jazz, or both. High school sophomores, juniors or seniors are eligible for the ILMEA All-State and All-State Honors Choirs and Jazz Ensembles based on their initial audition score in October. The All State festival is held for 3-4 days in Peoria during January. Being selected for any of these choirs is an incredible honor and showcases the top high school musicians in Illinois!

Students may also participate in the All-State Music Festival by entering the state composition contest in a variety of categories. Students may also apply for the Future Music Educators Seminar (FMES), which will allow the student to attend the state conference if they are interested in becoming a future teacher of music. This helps students decide if music education is truly the career path for them. Contact the director with interest in either of these programs!

IHSA SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST

ALL high school students are strongly encouraged to participate in the IHSA solo & ensemble contest. Members of Chamber Choir are required to participate. Held each year during early March, this event provides the opportunity to prepare solo and/or small ensemble literature to perform for a professional adjudicator. Students will receive a performance rating and brief feedback. The comments received are constructive in nature and are used to help students improve as musicians.

ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC HONOR SOCIETY

This organization is led through the ILMEA Organization and sponsored by Dr. Gustafson-Hinds. It will open to OTHS sophomores through seniors who meet the requirements which includes music faculty recommendation and an application process. Requirements will be detailed more fully in an informational first meeting. Members must participate in an additional concert and two services projects annually.

MUSIC TRIPS/FESTIVALS/EDUCATIONAL TOURS

A highlight of a music student’s high school experience is the opportunity to travel. The purpose of music trips and festivals is to provide additional educational opportunities that are not available at the school. Students represent the school and community by participating in once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunities at exciting destinations. Students may earn their trip costs through participation in various fundraising projects offered during the year(s) leading up to the trip.

There are no major trips scheduled for the 2025-2026 school year but various local field trips and other opportunities are tentatively scheduled in the choir calendar and outlined below. More may become available as the school year goes on.

SWIC ILMEA Prep Day - September 24th
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Field Trip - Date TBD
IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest - March 7th
IHSA Organizational Contest - April 17th

Additional OTHS Policies

ATTENDANCE POLICY

5 days absent = letter/email home to parents and students.
7 days absent = letter/email/phone call home to parents and student. Last warning before there are consequences.
9 days absent = lose make-up privileges for work missed on a day of absence and lose privilege of attending any extra-curricular event (including Homecoming and Prom) for the semester you are in and the next semester.

TARDY POLICY

10 tardies (all classes) = warning
15 tardies (all classes) = lunch detentions
20 tardies (all classes) = lunch detentions
25 tardies and every 5 tardies after 25(all classes) = ACR (in-school suspension)
Students are only allowed 3 ACR’s per semester. Any infraction that results in an ACR over 3 will be an out of school suspension.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY

The use of personal electronic devices (cell phones, tablets, or any wearable technology such as headphones/air pods/smartwatches/smart glasses) is not permitted from bell to bell during classroom time. Smartwatches may be worn but not used, however students may be required to remove upon request. This includes Study Hall, Lunch Detention, and ACR. Exceptions may occur when a device is permitted as part of a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 plan, or health plan. Any electronic device seen or heard during classroom time is subject to disciplinary action. Students are permitted to use electronic devices during their assigned lunch period, passing periods, non-instructional time in Advisory, and before/after school hours. Students must comply anytime a request is made by school personnel to cease the use of any electronic device. O’Fallon Township High School District 203 is not responsible for any damaged, lost or stolen electronic devices and no effort will be made to search for or retrieve them.

Consequences of Electronic Device Use in the Classroom: The offenses are cumulative and not limited to a specific class period. Consequences reset at the beginning of each semester.

1st offense – warning and parent/guardian notified
2nd offense – 3 penalty hours
3rd offense – 3 penalty hours
4th offense and thereafter – ACR

Abuse or misuse of an electronic device that results in a disruption, or potential disruption, to the educational environment of the school may result in serious disciplinary action, including expulsion.

WEAR YOUR STUDENT ID IN YOUR CLASSES AND HALLWAYS AT ALL TIMES.

NO HOODIES OR HEAD COVERINGS IN ANY CLASS AND HALLWAYS.

ALL BEHAVIOR IN CLASS AND HALLWAYS SHOULD BE RESPECTFUL AND APPROPRIATE.

Choir Boosters

Parent support is essential to the success of any choral program. The OTHS Choir Boosters, formerly known as OCRA, is a parent organization which supports the OTHS choir program’s functions financially, socially, and physically. All parents/guardians of choir members are automatically members. The Choir Boosters need volunteers to help with events, fundraisers, and publicity, and there are opportunities for even those who have limited time available. All choir parents/guardians are required to volunteer in some way.

Regular meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of the month (spring semester) in the Milburn Choir Room. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend regularly to keep up to date with choir initiatives. Dates below.

Come to our first meeting of the year on September 9th, email ocra203@gmail.com, or visit the Choir Boosters facebook page.

Tuesday, September 9th
Tuesday, October 14th
Tuesday, November 18th - Madrigals meeting to follow
Tuesday, December 9th - Madrigals debrief to follow
Tuesday, January 13th
Tuesday, February 10th
Tuesday, March 10th
Tuesday, April 14th
Tuesday, May 12th

2025-2026 Choir Calendar & Important Dates

To view the choir calendar digitally, visit www.othschoir.com

Or scan the code below.

Choir Calendar→

Commitment Form

To access the digital commitment form, use your phone camera to scan the QR code, type in the URL below OR visit www.othschoir.com/. Please fill out and return the digital Choir Commitment Form after reviewing the handbook in its entirety. Please do not sign without viewing the handbook to fully understand the policies, procedures, and expectations of the OTHS choir program. Taking the time to look through the policies and bringing up any points of clarification may help eliminate any potential conflicts and issues down the road! https://forms.gle/9B31pW4AmcjV3M49A

Or visit www.othschoir.com/parent-information/ →