Singer Handbook
2016-2017
Contact Information
Columbus Children’s Choir Phone: 614-220-5555 760 E. Broad St. Fax: 614-220-5657 Columbus, Ohio 43205
Staff:
Jeanne Wohlgamuth, Artistic Director [email protected]
Dr. Kerry Haberkern, Managing Director [email protected]
Laura Spires, Program Manager [email protected]
Conductors:
Jeanne Wohlgamuth, New World Singers [email protected]
Sarah Santilli, Santa Maria Choir [email protected]
Molly Rule, Pinta Choir [email protected]
Tracy Conway, Nina Choir [email protected]
Matthew Parker, Isabella Choir [email protected]
Katie Thorton, Young Musician’s Class [email protected]
1
Philosophy Mission Statement:
Fostering the personal growth of children through meaningful experiences in music education and vocal performance
The Columbus Children’s Choir sustains a children’s choral program of the highest quality, focusing on the following artistic and educational goals:
To instill a love of music in our choir members
To achieve a level of artistic excellence necessary to perform in a variety of settings, such as choral festivals, symphonic programs, city, state, and national events, recordings, tours, and concerts
To ensure that choir members have the opportunity to gain knowledge and demonstrate literacy in musical concepts and skills
To instill a sense of discipline, self-esteem, responsibility, professionalism and commitment among all choir members
To provide access to the choir for children from all cultural and economic backgrounds
To serve as a model for choral literature and vocal training in the field of children’s choral music, and as an advocacy group for music education in the community
To foster new arrangements and compositions for children’s choirs
Curriculum
The choir is a learning environment designed to provide a rich and rewarding musical experience for each member. Masterpieces of music, from all styles and periods, form the foundation for musical learning and serve as the basis for the curriculum. The directors believe that “children should be led to musical masterpieces” through high quality music literature and that, “for the young, only the best is good enough” (Zoltan Kodály).
Concepts about music (melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form, style, and tempo) and musical skills (singing, theory, sight reading, part-work, memory, etc.) are taught through the music presented in rehearsals. While Columbus Children’s Choir is not a religious organization, the use of sacred music is a significant part of choral education and our repertoire.
The conductors teach using the Kodály Philosophy, which aims to develop music literacy while instilling a love of music in each singer. Singers are taught to read, think and hear music through the use of solfa syllables. Singers learn how to use their vocal instrument through exercise, posture, breath, and tone production. The ability to hear music, to conceptualize music, to
2 perceive and respond musically develops naturally from the human voice. Singing skill and musical understanding are essential components of the creative process and a fundamental resource basic to music education.
Structure
Columbus Children’s Choir is a traditional children’s choir, for treble voices. Enrollment is for an entire season (9 months) and each member is expected to stay active and committed to the program for the entire season, including summer tours.
Our choirs exist to develop young singers’ musicianship and vocal artistry. Each singer auditions for placement every year. Singers are placed in choirs according to their vocal and musical skill, maturity, and attendance record. Like reading literacy, musical growth is developmental. Most singers are placed in the same choir for more than one year. Our choirs include:
Young Musicians’ Classes: This non-audition group is a pre-choir preparation class for children in grades K – 2nd grade. The classes engage children in songs and games as they begin to discover their singing voice and initial steps to music literacy.
Isabella Choir: is an entry level choir for singers with no experience. This choir aims to instill good vocal habits and beginning reading skill in its singers. Literature is selected that will build vocal, reading, and part-work skills.
Nina Choir: is an entry level choir for singers with more experience in literacy and vocal skills. This choir aims to instill good vocal habits and continues to develop reading and musicianship skills. Literature is selected that will build vocal, reading, and part-work skills.
Pinta Choir: is for older beginning singers who need to further develop their musicianship skills and vocal artistry. Literature is selected that will build vocal artistry and develop reading and part-work skills.
Santa Maria Choir: is for older singers with more experience and musicianship skills. This choir aims to refine part-singing and reading skills, and prepare singers for the New World Singers, our premier touring choir.
New World Singers: is for exceptionally talented young singers in 5th - 12th grade with treble voices. This choir aims to challenge its members with a wide range of literature and performance experiences. Singers in this choir have demonstrated excellent vocal artistry and musicianship skills, as well as a fine sense of responsibility and behavior. This choir is the main touring group of the Columbus Children’s Choir, those accepted into New World Singers are expected to tour.
3
Rehearsals
Location: 760 E. Broad St. Columbus, Ohio 43205
Columbus Children’s Choir is located within, but not affiliated with, Broad Street Presbyterian Church. When you come to the choir space, please enter through the doors located on the east side of the building, across from the courtyard. You cannot access the rehearsal space through the main church doors.
Parents are expected to park and escort their singer to their rehearsal room. Parking is only allowed in the designated lot, and not in the driveway at the side of the building. Those with accessibility issues should contact the office to arrange for an escort.
Singers need to be in their seats 10 minutes before the start of rehearsal. Choir Managers will be present at each location at least thirty minutes before call time. If a Choir Manager isn’t present you must stay with your singer until one arrives. Columbus Children’s Choir will not be responsible for children left before a Choir Manager is present. Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes before the start of rehearsal. We cannot guarantee that the space will be open, or that a Choir Manager will be present to monitor the safety of your singer.
Behavior:
Columbus Children’s Choir is noted for its members’ excellent behavior. The choir believes that self-discipline is more valuable than imposed discipline. It is the responsibility of each member of the choir to follow established expectations, not only so that the choir can achieve its goals, but also so individual needs can be respected. Upon enrollment, each member assumes responsibility for following the prescribed expectations. Additionally, the choir expects that parents will support their child in this effort and will also support the choir by respecting the expectations. A member of the choir must take responsibility for his/her actions at all choir functions and singing opportunities made available through the choir. The behavior of each member impacts the effectiveness of the choir as a whole. Any member whose actions demonstrate a failure to meet his/her responsibility may be asked to leave. If a choir member inadequately handles his/her own responsibilities in these regards, the choir may make its own determination of what it considers to be in the best interest of the choir.
The Artistic Director makes all final decisions regarding a member’s place in the choir.
Destruction of property is not tolerated and may result in dismissal from the choir. Any damages caused by a singer are the fiscal responsibility of the parents. Behavior is considered during auditions for the following season.
4
Rehearsal Schedule
Young Musicians’ Class I 10:00-10:45 am - Saturday
Young Musicians’ Class II 11:00-11:45 am - Saturday
Isabella Choir 9:00-10:30 am - Saturday
Nina Choir 10:00-11:30 am - Saturday
Pinta Choir 6:15-8:15 pm - Tuesday
Santa Maria Choir 6:30-8:30 pm - Tuesday
New World Singers 9:00-11:00 am – Saturday 6:30-8:30 pm - Tuesday
Attendance
We expect that rehearsals and performances take a high priority in the lives of our singers and their families as a significant amount of material is covered at each rehearsal. Concerts are the outcome and culmination of our rehearsals. Because we are a team, important musical factors such as balance and blend are affected by the absence of even a single performer! We want each singer to enter performances feeling confident and prepared.
Singers are expected to attend all: Rehearsals Dress Rehearsals Performances scheduled six weeks in advance Tours Fund-raising events
Absences: Singers are allowed three absences during each semester (September – December & January – April). New World Singers are allowed a fourth absence in the second semester. If your singer will be absent for any reason you must notify your choir manager or the office prior to the absences. Excessive absences, inability to demonstrate knowledge of the current repertoire, and inappropriate behavior, may be grounds for dismissal from choir.
Excused absences will be approved on a case by case basis. Excused absences must be submitted in a rewritten request to the director at least two weeks prior to the absence.
Homework
All singers are expected to practice their music at home. Practice at home includes breathing, vocal exercises, and work on the pieces you’re learning. From time to time, specific learning assignments are given to help members in memorization and confidence for a performance.
5
Completion of these assignments will be evident in the choir rehearsal and may be checked on an individual or small group basis. We want you to be prepared and feel great about your performances!
Schedules
The choir schedule changes frequently as new performances are added to the season throughout the year. Printed schedules become quickly outdated, and are therefore not distributed. The most updated schedule can be viewed in the Parent Room of our website: http://columbuschildrenschoir.org/parent-room/
Password: cccsings21
Choir Managers will notify parents when there has been a change to the posted calendar. Parents are responsible for checking the calendar in the Parent Room frequently.
Mailbox
Each singer has a mailbox in their rehearsal room. Mailboxes are used for music distribution and other important choir materials. Singers need to check their mailbox every rehearsal. Parents should check singer’s music bags for information distributed through mailboxes (singers often forget!).
Tuition
Tuition monies are used for salaries, music, rehearsal and concert space, transportation, supplies, and other important aspects that allow the choir to function. Tuition makes up approximately 42% of our operating budget, with the rest coming from fundraising efforts, grants, and corporate donations. Fundraisers are held in order to keep tuition low and active participation is expected.
Cash, check, Credit Card or money order
Young Musicians’ $405.00 $385.00 Classes 1 & II
Isabella Choir $490.00 $470.00
Nina Choir $530.00 $510.00
Pinta Choir $560.00 $540.00
Santa Maria $580.00 $560.00
New World Singers $705.00 $685.00
6
Please note that all tuition paid by cash, check, or money order is offered a discount of $20.00 Tuition must be paid in full on or before your singer’s first rehearsal. Columbus Children’s Choir also offers a 4 month payment plan: Deposit of $160 due 6/30/16, followed by 4 Monthly payments beginning August 15th and ending November 15th
A deposit of $160 is due by June 30, 2016 in order to reserve your singer’s space for the 2016- 2017 season. This deposit will be credited towards your tuition.
Singers who join midseason should pay the $160 deposit by their first rehearsal, with the remainder of tuition due 8 weeks after their start date.
Tuition refunds: (minus the $160 non-refundable deposit) Tuition refunds will be given to families who choose to withdraw their child from the choir before September 15th: After September 15th, 2016 no refunds will be given.
Release from Choir for Non-payment: The Choir is a non-profit entity with significant expenses for staff and facilities. Much as we may like, we cannot offer free services to you and your child. Any fees left unpaid two weeks beyond the date they are due may result in the student not being admitted to class or permitted to sing in any scheduled performances.
Return Check Fee: $13.00
Financial Aid: Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. Please call 614-220-5555 or email [email protected] to request a confidential financial aid application.
All tuition must be paid in full on or before November 15, 2016. A $10.00 late fee will be applied each month to all balances due after November 15, 2016. Payment arrangements can be made by calling the choir office at 614-220-5555.
Uniforms
In order for the choir to have a professional, polished appearance it is very important that all members strictly adhere to the uniform. Singers who do not dress properly for performances will not be permitted to participate.
Members must purchase uniforms by the annual deadline. Many items are custom made and require 6-8 weeks to process.
Uniforms must be purchased from School Days: 73 N. Stygler Road Gahanna, OH 614-262-6016
7
School Days Hours: Monday -Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-1, Closed on Mondays. It is recommended that you call School Days before visiting, to ensure the shop is open.
All uniform pieces (with the exception of socks, hose and shoes) should be purchased through School Days in order to provide our choirs with a uniform look.
Uniform Descriptions:
Isabella Girls: Plaid jumper, white blouse with rounded collar, white tights, plain black shoes with a single strap (Mary Jane’s, no patent leather, suede, or nubuck, no bows or buckles on the toe), CCC red polo, CCC black music bag
Isabella Boys: Black pants, long sleeve white oxford shirt, black vest, black plaid tie, black belt, black socks and black dress shoes (no patent leather, suede, or nubuck), CCC red polo, CCC black music bag
Nina Girls: Black jumper, white blouse with rounded collar, white tights, & plain black shoes with a single strap (Mary Jane’s, no patent leather, suede, or nubuck, no bows or buckles on the toe), CCC red polo, black music bag
Nina Boys: Black pants, long sleeve white oxford shirt, black vest, black tie, black belt, black socks and black dress shoes (no patent leather, suede, or nubuck), CCC red polo, black music bag
Pinta, Santa Maria Girls: Black tea length pleated skirt, white long sleeve oxford blouse, black vest with logo, hose to match skin color, and plain black flats with a scooped front (no patent leather, suede, or nubuck, and no bows, cutouts or buckles on the toe), CCC red polo, black music bag Pinta: plaid tie Santa Maria: red tie
Pinta, Santa Maria Boys: Black pants, white long sleeve oxford shirt, black vest with logo, black belt, black socks, and black dress shoes (no patent leather, suede, or nubuck), CCC red polo, black music bag Pinta: plaid tie Santa Maria: red tie
New World Singer Girls: Black tea length pleated skirt, white blouse, black tie, red jacket, hose to match skin color, and plain black flats with a scooped front (no patent leather, suede, or nubuck, no bows, cutouts or buckles on the toe), CCC red polo, black music bag, red CCC garment bag
New World Singer Boys: Black pants, white shirt, red jacket, black tie, black belt, black socks, and black dress shoes (no patent leather, suede or nubuck), CCC red polo, black music bag, red CCC garment bag
8
Concert Appearance:
Hair: All singer’s hair should be secured neatly away from the face. Only natural hair colors are permitted. All hair accessories must be the same color as the singer’s hair.
Nails: Fingernails are to be clean and well groomed. Neutral nail polish only.
Makeup: If used at all, makeup should be neutral and minimally applied.
Jewelry: Choir Pins: Columbus Children’s Choir yearly award pins may be worn on the left side of the singers’ jumper or vest, approximately ½” above the logo, or on the left lapel of the NWS jacket.
Earrings: one very small plain pair of earrings (no dangling or sparkly earrings that may reflect the lights) may be worn in the lower ear lobe. No other earrings or ear cuffs are to be worn.
Rings: One small ring may be worn on each hand if desired.
No watches, bracelets, necklaces, or anklets should be visible.
Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or after shave as some singers are allergic.
9
Columbus Children’s Choir Pledge of Commitment 2016-2017
By signing below you agree that you have read and will adhere to the policies outlined in the Singer Handbook.
______Guardian’s Signature Date
______Singer’s Signature Date
Please retain this copy for your records and return the second copy to your Choir Manager
10