This document has been created to provide students and parents with a clear outline of the chorus program. Additional information may be found on the ADL Music Department website at www.ccsuvt.org/adl

 

 

A.D. LAWTON SCHOOL

CHORUS

ENSEMBLE DESCRIPTION

Prerequisites: This ensemble is open to all students in grades 6 through 8.

 

Ensemble Description: This is a performance group which will help each individual enhance their musical ability through individual practice, group rehearsals, and performances. It is a three part chorus concerned with the study and performance of standard choral literature.

 

Ensemble objective:

1. To improve overall musicianship of each participant in the ensemble.

2. To improve intonation (pitch), balance, and general listening skills.

3. To improve counting and rhythmic independence.

4. To increase knowledge of musical vocabulary.

5. To improve vocal range and general technical vocal ability.

6. To improve ensemble sound through group critique and reflection.

7. To have fun and make MUSIC!

 

REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR

All students who participate in the Choral program are expected to use appropriate behavior. All school rules apply to the Choral program. Conducting large rehearsals requires a team effort to achieve successful results. Disruptive behavior (i.e. excessive talking, not listening, being uncooperative, etc.) can not be allowed. If behavior becomes an issue, parents will be contacted to discuss possible solutions. Continued behavioral problems may result in a student being scheduled out of the Choral program. Students are expected to be in their seat by 8:08 a.m. to begin warm-ups. A pencil in hand is a great idea. Water bottles are always welcome and encouraged in rehearsal.

PRACTICE

Success can only be achieved with work outside of the group choral rehearsals. Your assignment for this ensemble is to practice your music on your own often. As with any team endeavor, a 100% commitment is needed in order to achieve the best and most musical experience possible.

 

ATTENDANCE

You are expected at each rehearsal. Students who are in band will only attend Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday rehearsals generally. Orchestra students will attend Monday, Tuesday and Friday. All other students will meet daily. Concerts are a logical culmination of the music education which takes place daily in rehearsals. All ADL Chorus members are expected to attend and participate in all concerts in which their ensemble is performing. The calendar of performances should help to keep dates readily available.

CONCERT ATTIRE

Students are expected to wear appropriate concert attire for all performances. (Preferred attire is black and white.) For example:

Gentlemen: black dress pants, white shirt, black tie, dark socks and shoes

Ladies: Black skirt or dress, white blouse, and dark shoes. (No shorts, please)

 

If the above attire is not available, please plan to wear something nice to recognize that a concert is a formal event.

 

 

EXTRA PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Select Chorus: This ensemble is open to all students in grades six through eight through an announced audition to take place in September. Students will rehearse twice weekly after school and perform in all choral concerts as well as on special occasions throughout the area. Music will be more challenging and extra work on music outside of rehearsal may be necessary.

 

District Chorus: This performance ensemble is open to all seventh and eighth grade students in the full chorus. Participation in the ensemble is determined through an audition process establish by the District III Music Festival teachers. This audition includes a prepared canon or round, as well as rhythmic and melodic sight reading. Auditions will take place during the first few weeks of October. If accepted, students must pay a $7.00 registration fee and attend several rehearsals after school during November, December, and mostly in January.

 

ADL Distinguished Musician: The opportunity is available for all students to express interest in improving themselves in the musical arts by their participation in the ADL Distinguished Musician Award. Students who show great participation in school ensembles, daily practice, various opportunities to assist teacher or students, interest in concerts, performances, and outside musical activities, may receive points toward the goal of establishing themselves as one of the many distinguished musicians for 2011-2012. Students must tally points based on a pre-determined system and get their music ensemble teacher to verify the information. Those students receiving 30 or more points will be designated ADL Distinguished Musicians and will then celebrate in some sort of special way their accomplishments. The Distinguished Musician Award will continue with a trip to the Great Escape. All students should strive toward being a Distinguished Musician.

 

 

2011/2012 Music Calendar

 

 

Saturday, November 5, 2011: District Band Auditions at 9:00 a.m.  (Location to be determined)

Thursday, November 17, 2011 : Fall Band Concert at 7:00 p.m. (All bands)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011 – 12:00 noon – Annual Rotary Holiday Luncheon for Seniors, CVE – Select Chorus to perform

Friday, December 9, 2011 – Essex Junction Community Bonfire and Carol Sing – Maple Street Park – 7:00 p.m. – ADL chorus to lead carols

Tuesday, December 20, 2011: ADL Annual Holiday Concert at 7:00 p.m. (Chorus, Select Chorus, and Strings)

Wednesday, December 21, 2011: Annual Select Chorus “Good Will” Tour

Friday/Saturday, February 3/4, 2012: District III Music Festival
Concert on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
Place: So. Burlington High School

February 16, 2012 : Winter Band Concert (All Bands)

Friday/Saturday, February 17/18, 2012: Snow dates – District III Music Festival

Thursday, March 15, 2012: Annual Spring Choral Concert at 7:00 p.m. (Chorus, Select Chorus)

Saturday, May 5, 2012: Little League Parade and Opening Ceremony (Band)

Thursday, May 24, 2012: Annual Spring Concert at 7:00 p.m. (All ADL performing ensembles)

Friday, May 25, 2012: Memorial Day Assembly at 8:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 26, 2012: Annual Memorial Day Parade – 10:00 a.m. (ADL Band)

June, 2012: Great Escape Trip for ADL Distinguished Musicians  (TBD)

June, 2012: Discover Jazz Festival – TBD   (ADL Jazz Band)

Other dates will be announced as they become available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kindly sign and return this page as soon as possible. Thank you.

 

 

We have thoroughly read and understand the chorus handbook for 2011 – 2012 and have made note of all of the concert dates for student’s attendance purposes.

 

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Student’s name (Please print)

 

 

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Student’s signature

 

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Parent’s signature

 

 

Last updated: Oct 22 at 7:45 am