Concordia Lutheran School

Choir &
Handbells
Handbook

2015-2016
Music Program at Concordia
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Rachael Hartmann
Choir, Handbells, Drama Director

The Purpose of the Music Program at Concordia

The purpose of the music program is to train students in Gods gift of music, which
serves as a universal language to worship and a means of creativity and self-expression. In
exploring and using their God-given talents, students will be provided with opportunities to
strengthen spiritual growth, increase self-confidence, and learn the essential skills of being part
of a team. It is my hope that participation in these ensembles will encourage a life-long love
and appreciation of music.
Handbell and choir members will learn basic principles of music through instruction,
participation, experience, and leadership in an encouraging environment. Students will benefit
and build upon life-long skills in various ways, including:

Serving with instruments and voices in worship and other service activities
Understanding music in a variety of contexts and cultures
Learning responsibility
Having a sense of accomplishment and success
Gaining teamwork experience
Learning self-discipline
Gaining self-confidence
Developing close friendships
Being given leadership opportunities
Using the universal language of music to express Gods love to all people

Membership Expectation: A Year-Long Commitment

Handbells and choir are designed to be a positive learning experience that students will
carry with them throughout their lives. As the year progresses, students develop a sense of
pride in the skills that they learn and what they as individuals can bring to the ensemble as a
whole. For this reason, enrollment in handbells and/or choir is for the entire school year,
beginning in late August and concluding in early June. Each member is expected to remain
active and committed for the entire year. Besides helping children understand commitment
(which is so important at this point of their lives), this allows enough time for students to
experience the benefits of long-term membership in handbells and/or choir. In addition,
members of these ensembles learn to rely upon one anothers presence and assistance, and
commitment for a full year creates continuity and unity.
Please contact Miss Hartmann if an unusual situation occurs that prohibits a handbell or choir
member from honoring this one-year commitment.
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Rehearsals

8th Grade Choir

7th Grade Choir
6th Grade Choir
5th Grade Choir
Gospel Lights
8th Grade Bells
7th Grade Bells
6th Grade Chimes
5th Grade Chimes

Monday/Friday
8:35-9:15am
Monday/Friday
10:30-11:05am
Tuesday/Thursday
8:35-9:15am
Wednesday/Friday
1:40-2:20/2:20-3:00pm
Tuesday
2:20-3:00pm
Monday/Friday
9:15-9:50am
Monday/Friday
9:50-10:30am
Tuesday/Thursday
9:15-9:50am
Wednesday/Friday
2:20-3:00/1:40-2:20pm

Concert Attire
Personal and group presentation is an extremely important component of our concerts. A welldressed and well-groomed ensemble exudes class and discipline. ABSOLUTELY NO athletic
shoes, blue jeans or white socks are to be worn in concert by any member. Dress yourself with
pride and represent your choir with dignity. Plan for the following:
Grade 5-8 Concert Dress:
GirlsWhite OR Black blouse, black pants or skirt (below the knee),
black socks or stockings, black dress shoes (closed-toed) with a back.
No flip-flops or tennis shoes!
BoysWhite OR black polo or button-up shirt, black pants, black
socks, black dress shoes. No flip-flops or tennis shoes!

GRADING
Please note that music courses count toward a students
GPA.
GRADING FORMAT
Your choir grade is determined from an average of: 1) written and singing tests/materials, 2)
choral citizenship grade, and 3) performance grade. After these three areas are averaged, extra
credit will be added and/or grade deductions may occur. Lowering in the final grade will result
from:
* Unexcused absence from a required activity other than a performance will result in the
quarter grade being lowered one full letter grade.

* Unexcused absence from a performance will result in a grade of F for the quarter
grade.
.
QUARTER GRADE CALCULATION
1. Assignments and Singing Tests 20%
2. Choral/Handbell Citizenship 40%
3. Performance Grade 40%
1. Assignments and Singing Tests- There will be worksheets, singing tests in
groups, and solfege assignments throughout the year. These are due the
next class period, unless otherwise specified. 10% will be taken off for each
day late.
2. Choral/Handbell Citizenship Grading Guidelines
Each day of rehearsal is worth 10 points. Your citizenship grade is based on the following:
A (9-10)
* Has a positive attitude and is respectful to teacher and classmates
*Is on time for class and in his.her seat 3 minutes after bell
* No unexcused absences
* Never has gum, food, candy or soda in the classroom
* Always uses healthy singing posture
* Consistently notates in the score (pencil)
* Very attentive in rehearsal
* Comes prepared with folder and pencil for rehearsals
* Actively involved in rehearsal process and participates in class discussion
* Keeps pace with rehearsal
B (7-8)
* Has a positive attitude and is respectful to teacher and classmates
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*Is in seat up to 1 minute late

* No unexcused absences
* Never has gum, food, candy or soda in the classroom or practice rooms
* Usually uses healthy singing posture
* Is usually attentive in every rehearsal
* Comes prepared with folder and pencil for rehearsals
* Involved in rehearsal process and usually participates in class discussion
* Usually keeps pace with rehearsal
C (6-7)
* Has a positive attitude and is respectful to teacher and classmates
*Is in seat up to 2 minutes late
* No unexcused absences
* Never has gum, food, candy or soda in the classroom or practice rooms
* Occasionally uses healthy singing posture
* Is somewhat attentive in rehearsal
* Sometimes comes prepared to rehearsals, is missing pencil or folder
* Occasionally participates in class discussion
* Socializing is somewhat distracting to choir members in rehearsal
D (4-5)
* Is more than 3 minutes tardy to class
* Seldom uses healthy singing posture
* Socializing is distracting to choir members in rehearsal
* Absolute minimum participation in all aspects of rehearsal
* Has unexcused absences
* Is unprepared in rehearsal
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* Is frequently lost in rehearsal

F (0-3)
* Never attempts healthy singing posture
* Socializing is a major distraction to choir in rehearsal
* Level of participation is far below minimal
* Has unexcused absences
* Is totally unprepared for rehearsal
* Is frequently lost in rehearsal

Respect is a two-way street.

Make your contribution to the choir a positive one.
3.Performances
Performances are 40% of the quarter grade for all ensembles.
To earn an A:
1. Arrive at the concert warm-up rehearsal, check in with the
Attendance-Takerand be in your proper place BEFORE the assigned time.
Since our warm-ups and rehearsals are completed together, it is important
you respect other peoples time. Consequently:
* :01-10:00 minutes late = one letter grade reduction
* 10:01-20:00 minutes late = two letter grade reduction
* 20:01-30:00 minutes late = three letter grade reduction
* 30:01-concert start = four letter grade reduction
2. Exhibit proper rehearsal attitude during warm-up rehearsal
3. Wear appropriate concert attire.
4. Hair should be pulled back and out of the face.
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5. While performing, focus is 100% on the music at all times.

Appropriate behavior on stage is expected for all members of all choirs.
Inappropriate behavior will consequently lower your grade.
6. As an audience member (even in the hallway), the students
attention is directed to the ensemble or soloist performing. Talking is
not acceptable during ANY performance. You may talk between
selections, but never during the performance. If you choose to talk at
an inappropriate time, your grade will be lowered one letter grade for
each instance. If you are removed, your grade will be a zero.

CONCERT RESPONSIBILITIES AND ATTENDANCE

Attendance at all concerts is mandatory. This is for the benefit of the entire
group. They have worked very hard in lessons and rehearsals to prepare a wonderful concert to
glorify God and showcase the talents given to them by Him. We only have two major concerts
per year, and Im asking that these take priority over other games or practices for these two
evenings. Promptness and participation for the concerts will be graded. Work, babysitting,
non-school club activities, or not having a ride are UNEXCUSED. PLAN AHEAD! You will
receive a zero for your concert grade, which will significantly lower your final grade (40%).
In order to receive a rare consideration for an absence from a performance (such as an
unexpected illness or death in the family), a written excuse from your parent/guardian is
required PRIOR TO or IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONCERT. A phone call or e-mail to
Miss Hartmann is required as soon as the condition is known. Once this absence is granted, the
student may make up the performance in the following manner:
1. Choose one of the following subjects:
a. A prominent choral composer (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, etc.)
b. A musical period (Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century)
c. The history of Music Education in the United States
d. One of the Choral Schools of thought in the United States (St. Olaf, Luther,
Westminster)
2. All papers must fit the following specifications:
a. 5 pages minimum, typed, double-spaced
b. 1 margin on all sides, 12-point font, Times/Times New Roman only
c. No pictures, but illustrative figures are acceptable
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d. A reference of sources cites must be included (see an English teacher)

e. Work must be original research. Plagiarism, copy/paste, quoting without proper
credit will not be accepted, and will result in an automatic zero.
f. Punctuation, spelling, and sentence structure will be considered in the final
grade.
g. Must be submitted within 2 weeks of the concert missed.
* Special note: You have been given plenty of notice to clear your schedules. CHECK NOW if
you are in activities to determine possible conflicts. If you come to us the week before a
performance as an oh, by the way, the likelihood of your being excused from either conflict
will be significantly reduced. Respect your obligation to each program and give at least 2 weeks
notification so a resolution can be made.

4. If the student was ill, they may set up a time with me to sing through
all of their music. I need a note and/or phone call from a parent or
guardian before the performance.
5.
Attendance at rehearsals and chapel services is mandatory if the
student is present in school that day. If a conflict should arise with
a teacher (test, another rehearsal, etc.), the student must come to
request permission from Miss Hartmann to be excused from class.

When music events occur during the school day

Occasionally music members participate in events outside of school during the school day
(caroling, service events, etc).
In such cases, ensemble members are responsible for:
notifying teachers that they will be away
obtaining homework before the day of the event
making up any missed assignments or tests

Private lessons
In addition to group lessons and rehearsal time, I highly encourage you to
consider private lessons for your child. While they are not mandatory, it is a
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great way to improve skills and playing/singing ability in a one-on-one

setting with music selected specifically for them. This also allows the
private instruction teacher to give more time in individualized instruction
that they may not get during group time. For your convenience, I will be
giving lessons before and after school. If you are interested, please contact
me by email. I would also be happy to steer you toward other professionals
in the area for private lessons.

Contacting Miss Hartmann

Your childs growth and success are extremely important to me. I realize
that this is a ton of information to take in at once, but please know that your
decision to enroll your child in music will have a profound effect on their
future.
Communication is key to a successful instrumental music program. I always
welcome and appreciate hearing your questions or concerns.
Please feel free to contact me at any time by FastDirect, email, or phone:
RHartmann@clsfw.org
260-426-9922
Im looking forward to an INCREDIBLE year of making music and serving the
Lord!
It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 92:1
In His amazing grace,
Miss Rachael Hartmann
Music Director

Statement of Understanding
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My student and I have read and discussed the Concordia Choir/Handbell Handbook. We
understand the grading procedure, the assignments, and work that must be put in to
become a successful musician and ensemble member and that attendance at all
concerts is mandatory.
I also know that if any questions or concerns should arise about my childs participation
in music throughout the year, contacting Miss Hartmann as soon as possible is essential,
and she will answer any questions I may have.

Please sign below with your student and return to Miss Hartmann by
Friday, September 4th . This is your first assignment grade!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
Parent/Guardians signature
Date
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________
Students signature
Date

I may be able to help Miss Hartmann in the following areas.

This does not obligate you to help. I will call for volunteers as needed.

Concert Monitor: Serve as extra eyes and ears for the director,
supervise one of the groups from 6:30-7 before a concert to be sure
that students are in their places getting ready to perform
Program Creator: Design the layout and copy the program for a
concert
Concert Usher: Hand out programs at a concert
Photographer: Take digital pictures at events and email them to Miss
Hartmann
Videographer: Be willing to record the performance
Musician: If you play an instrument or sing and would like to help us
out when needed (please specify your instrument)
________________________
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 At-Large Parent Helpers: Be willing to consider helping in other ways as Miss

Hartmann finds a need

2015-2016 Performance Dates

Please mark these dates on your calendar

Sunday, September 20

10:30am

8th Grade Bells in Church

Sunday, October 18

8:00am

5th Grade Choir in Church

Wednesday, November 11 afternoon/evening

CHORFEST at

CLHS (Grade 8 only?)

Sunday, November 15

10:30am

6th Grade Choir in Church

Sunday, November 22

8:00am

5th Grade Chimes in Church

Wednesday, December 2

7:00pm

6th Grade Chimes in Church

Sunday, December 6

10:30am

7th Bells, 7th Choir, Gospel

7:00pm

Winter Concert- ALL

8:00am

8th Grade Choir in Church

Lights in Church
Tuesday, December 8
GROUPS
Sunday, December 13

Wednesday, December 16 1:30, 7:00

Christmas Musical,

Grades 1-6
Sunday, January 24

8:00am

8th Grade Bells in Church

Saturday, January 30

all day

Band/Strings ISSMA,

Carroll HS
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Saturday, February 6

all day

Vocal/Piano ISSMA, Carroll

Sunday, February 7

10:30am

5th Grade Choir in Church

Sunday, February 21

8:00am

6th Grade Choir in Church

Wednesday, February 24

7:00pm

7th Grade Choir in Church

Wednesday, March 2

7:00pm

Gospel Lights in Church

Sunday, March 6

8:00am

6th Grade Chimes in Church

Wednesday, March 16

7:00pm

5th Grade Chimes in Church

Friday-Sat, April 22-23

6:30pm

Seussical, Jr. at CLS

Sunday, May 8

8:00am

7th Grade Bells in Church

Friday, May 13

all day

Gospel Lights at Cedar

Sunday, May 15

10:30am

8th Grade Choir in Church

Tuesday, May 17

7:00pm

Celebration of Talents- ALL

TBD

Gospel Lights at

HS

Point (Trills&Thrills)

GROUPS
Friday, May 27
Graduation

Please note that students will also be asked to participate

in chapel throughout the year. Notification of this will be
given in advance.

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