Westborough High School Choirs Handbook
Director: Ms. Alyson Greer Espinosa
Collaborative Pianist: Dr. Alexandra Costin
Follow us on Instagram @wboro.singingrangers
Welcome to the Westborough High School Choirs! The purpose of this handbook and syllabus is to outline what is expected of you as a member of the Soprano Alto Chorale, the Concert Choir and/or the Mixed Chorus. I’m looking forward to working with all of you this year!
Every student in the WHS Choirs (Soprano Alto Chorale, Mixed Chorus, & Concert Choir) is required to review this information with their parent(s)/guardian(s). Students must acknowledge their understanding of the material on this page by filling out and submitting the form at the bottom of this page by Friday, September 15th, 2023.
WHS Fine Arts Department Mission Statement
The mission of the Westborough Public Schools' Fine Arts Department is to provide an integrated arts education through a dynamic K-12 curriculum and engaging aesthetic experiences. We encourage exploration, critical and reflective thinking, as well as hands-on learning, fostering a lifelong relationship with the arts.
Philosophy
The choral program at Westborough High School is open and available to all students who hold a sincere interest in sharing their vocal abilities and talents with others. Every person is given an instrument at birth—the voice. Since the human voice has been an existing instrument for thousands of years, there are many styles and genres, from different time periods and cultures, of music that the Westborough High School Choral Department will explore. Together, we will study the unification of culture, poetry, and music and how it’s expressed through our voices. It is our hope that everyone in chorus will grow to become better musicians and better people.
The choral program at Westborough High School is open and available to all students who hold a sincere interest in sharing their vocal abilities and talents with others. Every person is given an instrument at birth—the voice. Since the human voice has been an existing instrument for thousands of years, there are many styles and genres, from different time periods and cultures, of music that the Westborough High School Choral Department will explore. Together, we will study the unification of culture, poet
Goals and Objectives
- Provide multiple opportunities that encourage interest and participation in various aspects of music.
- Develop the individual student’s voice and the student’s understanding of how it can make a positive contribution to a musical ensemble.
- Develop a working knowledge of basic music theory concepts and practices.
- Promote poise and self-confidence through creative self-expression.
- Experience the potential of music to directly express emotions and the collective human condition.
- Acquire a global understanding and appreciation of different cultures, styles, and forms of music.
- Develop each student’s ability to listen, analyze, describe, and evaluate a musical performance and utilize this information to actively improve their own skills.
- Instill the values of individual and group effort, cooperation, tolerance, fellowship, community, self-discipline, self-respect, respect of others, dedication, and personal responsibility.
- To represent Westborough High School with the highest standards of musical performance within our community, state, and wherever we may travel.
Health & Safety
The health and safety of our students is always of greatest consideration and is in the spotlight now more than ever. Please know that we are following all of the best practices based on guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Westborough Board of Health, and our district’s health and safety plan. These are guidelines that may change throughout the year, and the WHS Fine Arts department is actively monitoring these guidelines.
Classroom Rules, Expectations & Materials
Expectations
- Be present and in the now
- Respect yourself
- Be positive and respectful to one another – let us embrace our differences!
- Respect your surroundings—place belongings in designated areas
- We start on time, so be on time - half of life is showing up!
- Stay focused and on task – time is money and we are broke!
- When you make a mistake, raise your hand.
- Enjoy yourself
- The use of cell phones and all electronic devices will be stowed away until you are asked to use them.
- Be responsible for checking the Google Classroom.
Materials needed (to be brought everyday)
- Chorus binder with music in it
- A pencil with an eraser
- Personal device
Technology & BYOD
- Laptops, Chromebooks and personalized computers will be used to enhance instruction in the choral rehearsal classroom, not replace music making and singing.
- Students are expected to have their devices with them every day even though we may or may not use these on a daily basis.
- The Google Classroom is an active platform in the choral rehearsal classroom. Make sure you check it regularly for any announcements and up and coming assignments.
Remote Learning Expectations
- Be Punctual
- Wake up early
- Log on a few minutes before class
- Eat before, not during
- Be Presentable
- Camera should be on - virtual backgrounds are ok!
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Be in camera view
- Create nice lighting so we can see you
- Be Prepared
- Be in a quiet place
- Limit distractions (put away cell phone, games, TV should be off, etc…)
- Make sure your device is charged
- Keep water nearby
- Have a pencil and your music at the ready
- Chat Responsibly
- Ask questions in the chat box
- Raise your hand to speak
- Mute Yourself - Mute yourself when the teacher or another student is talking
- Participate
- Pay attention
- Stay focused - get up and move if you need to
- Be an active participant - ask questions, take notes, be engaged.
Handling of Music
- Each student will be assigned a binder, which you will be fully responsible for. If you are in Mixed Chorus, the binder will be kept in the classroom, if you are in Soal Chorale or Concert Choir you are required to carry it with you for at home study and practicing.
- Each student will be responsible for their individual folder, removing it from and replacing it in the storage area. If a student finds anything missing or damaged, they should let the Director of Choral Music know immediately.
- Music will be marked with pencil only, unless otherwise directed. Other marks will result in a damage charge to the student.
- Lost and/or damaged music or materials will be replaced by the student.
- Failure to have the necessary music and/or materials in class will result in points being deducted from the daily grade.
Student Leadership
A crucial component to the success of the choirs at WHS is due to the hard, behind the scenes work done by student leadership. Consider taking on a leadership role in chorus—it can be fun and very rewarding. Interested students are selected in the first few weeks of school.
President:
Our fearless student elected leader (or leaders - not more than two). A president assists the director as needed; helping to complete tasks such as daily attendance, special community building activities, helping to organize and set up for class, and leading by exceptional example. Occasionally a president will lead warm-ups and run rehearsals when the teacher is not in class.
Section Leader:
It is necessary to have a leader for every section of the choir (i.e., soprano, alto, tenor, bass). Section Leaders are responsible for the president’s duties when they are not present. They will assist the president to complete tasks such as daily attendance, special community building activities, helping to organize and set up for class, and leading by exceptional example. Section leaders serve as a “buffer” between ensemble members and the conductor.
Members at Large:
These representatives do not have fixed responsibilities, their duties change based on what is needed for the program. The main purpose of a Member at Large is to help fully represent the voices of all students in the choral program. They will help with creating, organizing, and executing special initiatives in the choral program throughout the year.
Assessment
Students are expected to demonstrate healthy and beautiful singing in order for them to feel wonderful about the sounds that they make so they will want to sing more often! Students will be able to look at and analyze a score using musical terms. They will also be able to sight read at a proficient level. Students are also expected to be able to reflect upon and write expressively about music as well as their personal growth through music and the music making process. Students will learn the importance of being a productive and positive member of a group working together to achieve a goal.
Assignments & Assessments – 20%
Participation & Rehearsal Etiquette – 40%
Solo Recordings – 20%
Concert Attendance - 20%
Solo & Scales Recording
In order for us to keep singing this year students will be continuing with the recording projects as we study varied amounts of solo repertoire throughout the year. Adequate preparation for the recording assignments will require students to practice at home on their asynchronous learning days. Part of the student’s earned grade will reflect their knowledge and demonstration of that repertoire. The rubrics used on recording assignments are based on district and state adjudication forms as well as school, department, and state curriculums and rubrics. Students will post their recordings in the Google Classroom for grading. Please find the rubrics for both the solo recordings and scales recording by clicking this link: WHS Choirs Assessment Rubric 1 & Rubric 2
Performances
Students are required to attend all performances and out of class rehearsals. Any absence for either a rehearsal or a performance affects not only the individual, but the entire ensemble. While communication is sent home informing and inviting parents and family to performances, it is the student’s responsibility to keep parents and family members informed of all chorus activities in a timely manner. As an ensemble member, you MUST plan ahead and responsible. Challenges with transportation, other school activities, family obligations, etc… should be resolved by the student and Director well in advance. Please know that in collaboration with the Director, conflicts surrounding athletics can be resolved and worked out if addressed in a timely manner. Absences from a performance will only be deemed “excused” for the following reasons:
· Serious personal illness
· Serious illness or death in the family
· Other extreme circumstances
Each request for an absence to be considered excused must be submitted in writing from the parent/guardian at least 24 hours in advance of the event (unless the absolute impossibility of doing so can be documented). The Director must receive the written excuse the same day the student returns to school. If the Director deems the absence excused, the student will have one week from that time to complete the necessary make up work. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for yourself. Keep track of your personal (including work) schedule and keep your family informed! Dates can be found on the main page of the Westborough High School Choirs website.
PERFORMANCES 2023 - 2024
- October 19 - WHS Choirs Concert: Love + Perseverance, @ 7:00 pm, Auditorium
- November 14 - WHS Orchestras Concert in collaboration with Chamber Singers and Vijay Gupta, @ 7:00 pm, Auditorium
- November 30 - WHS Winter Vocal Pops A Cappella Concert @ 7:00 pm, Auditorium featuring Chamber Singers and all a cappella groups
- December 19 - WHS Choirs + Orchestras Concert @ 7:00 pm, Auditorium
- January 25 - Choral Collage Concerts @ 5:30 + 7:00 pm, Auditorium, featuring all choirs in grades 6 - 12
- March 27 - WHS Choirs + Bands Festival Concert @ 7:00 pm, Auditorium
- April 5- MICCA Festival - for Chamber Singers, Concert Choir + Soprano Alto Chorale
- May 16 - WHS Performing Arts Department Pops Concert @ 7:00 pm
- May 24 - A Cappellooza @ 6:30 pm, WHS Lobby
- May 31 - Baccalaureate @ 7:00 pm for all Seniors in Choir, Concert Choir + Soprano Alto Chorale
Concert Attire
As a member of a performing ensemble, it is necessary for each student to obtain and maintain the appropriate concert attire. This provides a consistent look for the students and allows everyone to focus on the ensemble, rather than the individual. The assigned uniform given to the students is the attire to be worn at all performances unless the teacher instructs otherwise. Students will be able to choose between a black floor length gown or a tuxedo. Please note - Do not wear perfume or cologne to concerts, some people have allergies—but please shower and wear deodorant!
Tuxedo
- Assigned black tuxedo pants and jacket
- Bow Tie
- black bow tie (Mixed Chorus/Women's Chorale)
- maroon bow tie and cummerbund (Concert Choir).
- supply own white, buttoned-down dress shirt
- black socks
- black dress shoes
- Assigned black gown, hemmed to floor length
- black dress shoes