Resonant Jazz Vocal Ensemble Handbook 2012 – 2013 My heart is steadfast, O God, I will sing and make music with all my soul. Psalm 108:1 Director: Sarah L. Shannon Chorus Creed: We pursue an attitude of unity, so that with one heart and mouth, we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this, we will achieve excellence that honors God and inspires people. (Romans 15:5) Contact Information: Sarah Shannon 682-521-6651 [email protected]*Please place the entire Handbook in the back of choir folder. PARENTS, please notice the forms that need to be signed and returned to class.
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Resonant Jazz Vocal Ensemble Handbook
2012 – 2013
My heart is steadfast, O God, I will sing and make music
with all my soul. Psalm 108:1
Director: Sarah L. Shannon Chorus Creed: We pursue an attitude of unity, so that with one heart and mouth,
we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this, we will
achieve excellence that honors God and inspires people. (Romans 15:5)
CONGRATULATIONS on being selected to perform in the Vocal Jazz Ensemble! You were selected based on your commitment
level, character, musical skills, harmonizing/sight-reading skills and vocal style. Please carefully read through the contract
and return the bottom portion signed by student and a parent. THANK YOU!
In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked whole-heartedly. And so he prospered. 2 Chronicles 31:21
Attendance:
The Vocal Jazz Ensemble is an ensemble that seeks to glorify God by pursing excellence in citizenship, musicianship and blended singing
that truly requires team-work. This ensemble of 10 – 14 singers with advance musical abilities will be exposed to challenging a
cappella and accompanied vocal jazz selections. Some of the jazz selections will be light-hearted secular songs with a small jazz
band combo accompaniment and others will be beautiful arrangements of hymns and praise songs that glorify the Lord. Since this
is such a small ensemble, often with 1 person on a part, it is crucial that each student consistently attend classes. It will also be
necessary for students to study their music at home so that class time may be spent on blend and musicianship instead of drilling
parts. Weekly solo and duet evaluations will be the norm to check for preparedness and home study.
Students will be given a calendar at the beginning of the semester with all the rehearsal and performance dates for that semester.
In the event that we are invited to perform later in the semester, Mrs. Shannon will check the availability of the students and
parents before making the performance mandatory. Otherwise, all dates on the calendar are mandatory and any student that
will need to miss more than 1 performance or 2 rehearsals should not enroll for the Jazz Ensemble. Students that miss any
dates that are listed on the calendar with an *unexcused absence will not be permitted to enroll for the class the following
semester.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY! Parents, please send a note to class with your child if:
o your child misses a regular class, extra rehearsal or concert due to illness or an emergency. Students should not
plan on more than 2 absences from regularly scheduled Monday class per semester. More than 2 *unexcused
absences will result in probation, more than 3 will result in removal from the class and an incomplete grade
report.
o your child will miss any extra rehearsal or concert due to an *excused absence. Please give 2 weeks notice.
No written notification = unexcused absence
20 points removed from test grade for giving 1 week or less notice even if the absence will be
excused
Absence from an extra, mandatory rehearsal, concert or contest without prior notice or with an unexcused absence is
cause for removal from the class.
*Excused Absence:
Illness
Death in the family
Family reunion or family wedding
Conflict with another competition
Conflict with a performance in another organization (ie. stage production, basketball game, youth orchestra)
Students who skip class together will not be permitted to perform in the TAFA Showcase and will be removed
from the choir. (This includes Senior Skip day.)
Grading System:
Students who have a grade lower than 90 will receive a progress report mid-term. All students will receive a final grade report at
the end of the semester.
A = 90 – 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 70 – 79 (This is failing)
A student in the Jazz ensemble must maintain an “A” average each semester. If a student earns a “B”, they are placed on probation
the following semester. If their grade is not raised to an “A”, they will be removed from the class.
40% - Class evaluation based on vowel formation, posture, following instructions, attentiveness, marking music, having music,
pencil and folder each lesson.
30% - Test Grades: Duet and solo evaluations taken in class, recorded evaluations, outside-of-class rehearsal attendance,
concerts and contest attendance. (An *unexcused absence from a mandatory rehearsal or concert/contest will result in a “0” test
grade.) Page 2
30% - Homework Grades: Each semester, students will be handed 5 – 8 Assignment Sheets that must be completed and returned
with a parent signature for a grade. This does not include practice cards that students may fill out on other weeks for merit points.
That is optional. Citizenship Grade:
E = Excellent (90 – 100) NI = Needs Improvement (80 – 89) UN = Unsatisfactory (lower than 80)
Students who earn an “NI” will be placed on probation the following semester. If the citizenship grade does not improve to “E”
the following semester, they will be removed from the class. “UN” results in automatic removal from the class.
Tardies will average into the citizenship grade. Each student is permitted one excused tardy. After that, each tardy will lower a
student’s citizenship grade by 5 points. (A tardy due to an accident or emergency will be excused as long as the student brings in a
note from the parent.)
CLASS EXPECTATIONS:
1. Class begins promptly. Please be seated and ready to begin.
2. Students need to bring their folder with music, pencil & colored pencils to each rehearsal.
3. All assignment sheets need to be returned to class the following week. (These will only go out periodically but will count
as homework grades.)
4. Music must be memorized by the deadline dates marked on the calendar. Students will be graded in quartets or duets.
5. Students are expected to practice at home to be prepared for each rehearsal. (Practice time will vary from student to
student.)
6. Students are to encourage and support one another. (Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to
bring praise to God. Romans 15:7)
7. Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in TPSMEA All-Region, Middle School Honor Choir, and Solo &
Ensemble Contest.
8. During rehearsals, students need to take notes in their music and study at home observing these musical markings.
9. Students must wear a uniform that conforms to the uniform requirements and be ready to wear it by the first performance
date.
10. Students are expected to be attentive, well-mannered during class, follow instructions the first time they are given, follow
Dress Code and avoid visiting until class is over. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and
self-controlled.
I Thessalonians. 5:6
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to e-mail me at [email protected]. I look forward to a rewarding semester
working with your child!
Sarah Shannon
Director of Choral Studies, Travis Academy of Fine Arts
Please keep the front page for your records and return the bottom portion to class. Thank You!
I ______________________________________________________, have read the requirements and expectation
Student Signature
for membership in the Resonant Jazz Ensemble and agree to abide by them.
I________________________________________________________, have read the requirements and
Parent Signature
expectations for membership in the Resonant Jazz Ensemble and will support my child in fulfilling them.
Students will be given music and an accompaniment CD to study with. They may keep the CD but will need to return the
music to TAFA at the end of the semester.
Page 7
All-Region & All-State Contests Criteria:
9th
grade – 12th
grade students (14 – 18 years)
Student needs strong vocal and music reading skills
Student must be disciplined and self-motivated to learn & memorize music
$36.00 Participation Fee (music fee + TPSMEA Fee) DUE Monday, September 10th. Make check payable to TAFA.
Parent/Student signed commitment Form. (Due Monday, September 10th)
Student must be enrolled in TAFA during Fall & Spring Semester
Students and parents must be able to commit to all the dates given below and fill out the TPSMEA Contract at the time of the
audition process.
*Those that make All-State will need to plan on paying TAFA approximately $225.00 for hotel and transportation.
All-Region - 1st Round of Competition:
The All-Region Competition is a fabulous learning experience where students are selected to sing in a clinic/concert weekend in
the metroplex. Students prepare 3 choral works, learning their vocal part. Directors record their vocal audition on CD. The CDs
are submitted to a panel of judges who select the top 25 basses, tenors, altos, and sopranos. These students are brought together for
a weekend of rehearsing under the direction of a well-known conductor and then finish out the weekend with a concert. They are
exposed to challenging music and enjoy working with other talented singers from around the region.
They are awarded an All-Region patch.
All-State: Once a student makes the All-Region choir, their original CD recording is then sent to the All-State judging round where a panel
of judges listen to these students from the 3 different regions of Texas. From this pool, they select the top 30 students in each
voicing to make up the All-State Choir. These students, as well as students that make the All-State Band and Orchestra, are
brought together for a weekend of rehearsing in San Marcus under the direction of a well-known conductor and then finish out the
weekend with a concert on Saturday. They are exposed to challenging music and enjoy working with other talented singers from
around the state.
They are awarded an All-State patch and an incredible musical experience and weekend.
Dates: Monday, September 12 Participation payment and Parent/Student Commitment form is due before music is given out.
Students receive music and a rehearsal CD and may sign-up for (1-2) 30-minute one-on-one lessons
with Mrs. Shannon or Mrs. Schenck at $15.00 per 30-minute coaching session, payable at each lesson.
Friday, September 21 MANDATORY group rehearsal in choir room
9:30 – 11:30 AM
Monday, September 24 CD Auditions at TAFA for students that cannot make the following auditions on Sat.
3:00am – 5:30 PM (Students sign up for a 10 minute audition slot)
Saturday, September 29 CD Auditions at TAFA
9:00 – 3:00PM (Students sign up for a 10 minute audition slot)
Fri., Oct 12 All-Region Results Posted through e-mail
Sat., November 2 All-State Results posted on website or through e-mail
Monday, January 4 Mandatory sectional rehearsal at TAFA 12:30 – 2:30PM Choir Room
Friday, January 11 All-Region 1 & 2 Sectionals (Episcopal School of Dallas)
5:00 – 8:00 PM Dinner out after and stay in La Quinta in Airport/ADDISON HOTEL
Sat, January 12 All-Region Clinic/Concert at Trinity Christian in Addison
All Day Rehearsals
Sat., January 12 All-Region Choir Performance, Trinity Christian in Addison
?? PM
Mon, Jan. 21 All-State Fee of $225.00 due for hotel & transportation.
Th-Sat, Jan 31-Feb 2 All-State Clinic/Concert in San Marcus
Thurs. - Sat. (Students and teachers are required to stay in the All-State hotel.)
Saturday, February 2 6:00 Concert in San Marcus at Texas State University
Students will be given music and an accompaniment CD to study with. Students may keep the rehearsal CD but will need to
turn in their music after the Clinic/Concert.
Page 8
Spring 2012 – TPSMEA Contests ~ Continued
Region Solo & Ensemble Contest Criteria:
6th
grade – 12th
grade students (12 – 18 years)
Student must be disciplined and self-motivated to learn & memorize a solo
The Directors will only work with students that have taken the time to learn their music with the rehearsal CD provided.
TPSMEA Fee $10.00 (due Monday, November 12th
)
$40.00 per student doing a solo ($10 to TAFA, $30.00 payable to accompanist/Vocal Coach)
($30.00 includes accompanist fee, rehearsal CD & music, $10.00 is the Contest entry fee per round.)
Students selected must sign-up for (2) 30-minute coaching sessions with Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Schenck
Mr. Turner or Mrs. King (some lessons will be at TAFA and some at the director’s home)
DATES/DEADLINES: Mon., November 5 & 12 Sign-up & Payment Deadline for participation. (Songs will be assigned before the Christmas Holiday.
1. $10.00 payment made out to TAFA is due. 2. $30.00 payment made out to Accompanist/Vocal Coach is due PER
SONG. (Payment must be received before music will be assigned to the student.)
Thursday, Feb 14 Mandatory Recital in Choir Room with solos memorized, semi-formal attire
7:00 – 8:30PM (Reception following)
Saturday, February 16 1st Round S & E, School TBA but is in the metroplex, Semi-Formal Attire or Choir Uniform
(Students will sign-up for a 7-minute audition time slot)
How does the contest work?
Students are assigned a solo or ensemble that is from the University Prescribed Music List and appropriate
for their skill level.
Class 1 solos/ensembles: Advanced high school level
Class 2: Beginning high school, advanced middle school
Class 3: Beginning middle school
Each soloist and ensemble will be allowed to perform one song for the judge. Each participating school will
be given an appropriate “block” of time in which to schedule their own students.
Song selections must be sung from memory and Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Schenck or another accompanist will
accompany all TAFA soloists. All ensemble selections are a cappella.
A student may choose to sing in 1 ensemble and/or perform up to 2 different solos.
TPSMEA All-State Solo & Ensemble Contest Thurs OR Fri, March 21-22
2nd
Round ALL-STATE S & E Contest, ??In Metroplex (Every other year, this contest moves from the north to
the south. This year it will be in the metroplex but a specific school has not been selected at this time.)
(Students will sign-up for a 7-minute audition time slot)
Fri., March 22 Judges Choice Recital
7:00 PM This recital showcases the “Judges Choice” for best solo and ensemble performances of the day.
Students that earn a score of “I” (Superior) on their performance earn an honored All-State medal!
Page 9
TAFA Choir & Band Uniform
2012 – 2013
*We will have a school-wide Uniform Exchange Day at TAFA, Monday, September 17
th. Students may
bring skirts, blouses, slacks, and tuxedo shirts that no longer fit and either exchange them, buy or sell them at
a discount price.
To create a professional appearance, the band and choir directors are providing the following criteria for
selecting uniforms.
GIRLS (See ordering information below)
Black low-heel dress shoes with closed toe
Black hose or tights (Knee-highs are ok)
Red Sequin Formal Blouse (ordered by TAFA – SEE BELOW)
Black, floor-length skirt (Please, no shiny fabrics or patterns on the fabric.) Skirt needs to be floor length with the uniform shoes on. Fabrics may be such blends as polyester,
Dacron, rayon and lyrcra. Waistbands may be any style since the blouse is worn over the top of the
skirt. Please, no high slits in the skirt or ruffles at the bottom. *SKIRTS MAY BE ORDERED – SEE
BELOW
Jewelry: Stud earrings only, no necklaces, watches or bracelets.
BOYS Black leather dress shoes
Black socks
Black cummerbund and bow tie (provided by TAFA)
White, long-sleeve, wing-tip collar Tuxedo Shirt (May purchase through TAFA for $15.00) Tuxedo shirts may be purchased from any tuxedo rental store such as Al’s Formal Wear for about $20.00. We do
not use the black button tacks that often come with the purchase of the shirt.
Black dress slacks
If your daughter needs to order a blouse and/or skirt, please check below and return the bottom portion of
this form to the choir room. We will need to take orders and measurements by Monday, September 24th.
I would like to order the following for my child:
_____ White Tuxedo Shirt $15.00 (Boys) Size: _________
_____ SKIRT $30.00 (Optional) Size: _________
_____ BLOUSE $42.00 (Required) Size: _________ _____ + $5.00 for Extra Large