Hey all,
This week because of the conference day I will not be seeing you for rehearsal. However, you do need to take a look and start memorizing your carols! We only see each other three times before your first performances of these will begin.
Here is the list of songs with the verses that you should know:
**= we need to take a look at these still!
Angels We Have Heard On High (vs. 1 & 2)
Away in a Manger (vs. 1 & 2)
Carol of the Bells
Come Light the Menorah **
Deck the Hall in 7/8
The First Noel
God Rest You Merry Gentleman **
Hark the Herald Angels Sing (vs. 1-3)
Hiney Mah Tov **
Jingle Bells **
Joy to the World (vs. 1,2 & 4)
Light the Candles
O Come All Ye Faithful
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Silent Night (vs. 1,2 & hum)
S'vivon
White Christmas
Also please remember that for some of these gigs I need a few of you to take some initiative and learn either solos/ duets/ quartets etc. so that there is more of a variety to the program. I know we cover a lot of songs in our set list, but here are a few suggestions:
Baby it's cold outside
Frosty the Snowman
The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting)
Let it Snow
Silver Bells
O Holy Night
Santa Baby
Winter Wonderland
Dreidel Song
Have fun getting in the Holiday Spirit!!! See you next week.
Ms. Christy
Monday, November 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Back to School Night!
Welcome parents of the 2011-12 Concert Choir!
It is a pleasure to meet you (and in some cases see you again)! This is the Concert Choir blog spot where I will post important updates and reminders for this class. We accomplish a lot within the course of the year and it is a testament to your childrens dedication and hard work that this is possible.
Here is a brief overview of my course requirements/ expectations. More information can be found in the previous posts.
In my class I look for students to come in with a desire to sing and a willingness to learn about vocal technique, musical literacy and different musical styles. In small pull out lessons, which occur once a week, students will learn how to read music using the solfege system as well as with count singing. We tackle a multitude of languages throughout the year and these lessons will assist them in finessing their pronunciation as well as grasping more advanced vocal techniques in a smaller class setting.
I ask that they refrain from texting, chewing gum and talking in my class so that we can have a productive and effective working environment. For the most part, they do a wonderful job of adhering to these classroom rules.
The concert dates are listed below. The night rehearsal will be scheduled so that you have at least one months advanced notice. Their attendance at this rehearsal is imperative for the concert to be a success, since it is our only time with the accompanist.
Winter Concert- Thursday, December 15
Jazz Festival- Thursday, April 19
HSW Gala Concert- Saturday, March 24
Spring Concert- Thursday, June 5
I look forward to another successful year of concerts and NYSSMA adjudications! Thank you for coming tonight. Attached there is a link to the rotational lesson schedule. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email is: schristy@smithtown.k12.ny.us and my number is (631) 382-3044.
Regards,
Sarah Christy
Lesson Schedule
It is a pleasure to meet you (and in some cases see you again)! This is the Concert Choir blog spot where I will post important updates and reminders for this class. We accomplish a lot within the course of the year and it is a testament to your childrens dedication and hard work that this is possible.
Here is a brief overview of my course requirements/ expectations. More information can be found in the previous posts.
In my class I look for students to come in with a desire to sing and a willingness to learn about vocal technique, musical literacy and different musical styles. In small pull out lessons, which occur once a week, students will learn how to read music using the solfege system as well as with count singing. We tackle a multitude of languages throughout the year and these lessons will assist them in finessing their pronunciation as well as grasping more advanced vocal techniques in a smaller class setting.
I ask that they refrain from texting, chewing gum and talking in my class so that we can have a productive and effective working environment. For the most part, they do a wonderful job of adhering to these classroom rules.
The concert dates are listed below. The night rehearsal will be scheduled so that you have at least one months advanced notice. Their attendance at this rehearsal is imperative for the concert to be a success, since it is our only time with the accompanist.
Winter Concert- Thursday, December 15
Jazz Festival- Thursday, April 19
HSW Gala Concert- Saturday, March 24
Spring Concert- Thursday, June 5
I look forward to another successful year of concerts and NYSSMA adjudications! Thank you for coming tonight. Attached there is a link to the rotational lesson schedule. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email is: schristy@smithtown.k12.ny.us and my number is (631) 382-3044.
Regards,
Sarah Christy
Lesson Schedule
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Gentle Reminder
Hello all,
The first few weeks have been going well and its been a pleasure getting to know your voices! Just a few reminders about lessons!
- Make sure you are following the rotation!!! I have had multiple emails about some of you doubling up on particular periods two weeks in a row. Remember you should not miss a class more than once a month.
- Bring your music and a pencil!! Some of you are not receiving a full credit for the lessons because you are unprepared.
- Come to lessons!!! This is the bulk of your grade so don't forget.
See you in class!
Ms. Christy
ps. Here is a video of 'Ezekiel' that one of our sopranos found. Enjoy :)
The first few weeks have been going well and its been a pleasure getting to know your voices! Just a few reminders about lessons!
- Make sure you are following the rotation!!! I have had multiple emails about some of you doubling up on particular periods two weeks in a row. Remember you should not miss a class more than once a month.
- Bring your music and a pencil!! Some of you are not receiving a full credit for the lessons because you are unprepared.
- Come to lessons!!! This is the bulk of your grade so don't forget.
See you in class!
Ms. Christy
ps. Here is a video of 'Ezekiel' that one of our sopranos found. Enjoy :)
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Lesson Schedule!
Happy Weekend All!
Sorry it took me a little longer than expected to get this up. Here is the attachment to the lesson rotation schedule as well as your assigned lesson group. If you need any help figuring out when you should come to your lessons, talk to me or your section leader.
See you Monday!
-Mrs. Christy
Lesson Rotation
Lesson Groups
Sorry it took me a little longer than expected to get this up. Here is the attachment to the lesson rotation schedule as well as your assigned lesson group. If you need any help figuring out when you should come to your lessons, talk to me or your section leader.
See you Monday!
-Mrs. Christy
Lesson Rotation
Lesson Groups
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Jazz Choir Auditions
Next TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 I will be holding auditions for Jazz Choir after school. This is a select ensemble of about 20 students who perform frequently throughout the community. We rehearse every Tuesday. In addition they participate in concerts throughout the year and will hopefully be attending another competition this spring. While there is a high level of dedication needed, it truly is a blast and I hope you all consider auditioning.
For this years audition you will be preparing a verse and chorus of a jazz standard, as well as a short sight-singing excerpt that will be given to you at the audition. If you have ANY questions about song selection, please COME FIND ME!! I have a lot of resources available to you and I am more than happy to help.
Listening is the KEY to success in vocal jazz. Jazz has a very special technique that it is easy to grasp when you hear it performed. Some artists or groups I recommend you explore are;
Jane Monheit Ella Fitzgerald
Sarah Vaughn Billie Holiday
Diana Krall Ray Charles
Frank Sinatra Michael Buble
Nat King Cole Harry Connick Jr.
Jaime Cullum New York Voices
The Real Group Singers Unlimited
Manhattan Transfer
If you are wondering what I am looking for, it is NOT the biggest solo voice I've ever heard. Remember this is not theatre, so you should be singing with as choral or "classical" or a sound as possible. In jazz, the low register in my women sections can have NO BELT. The jazz vocals and harmonies require a round tone with little or no vibrato and lots of the lifted soft palette that we began to talk about in class. Remember you will be singing with a group, so blend, intonation, support and subtlety will be more important than projection.
Please come with questions if you have any!!! I can't WAIT to hear you all next week :) Sign up sheets for audition times will be on the board in the hall of the music suite.
Best of luck :)
-Mrs. Christy
ps... here are some videos that I've posted... remember to look and listen for more!! Some of these tunes are pretty complicated. Remember to come speak to me and we will figure out an audition piece that will work for you.
For this years audition you will be preparing a verse and chorus of a jazz standard, as well as a short sight-singing excerpt that will be given to you at the audition. If you have ANY questions about song selection, please COME FIND ME!! I have a lot of resources available to you and I am more than happy to help.
Listening is the KEY to success in vocal jazz. Jazz has a very special technique that it is easy to grasp when you hear it performed. Some artists or groups I recommend you explore are;
Jane Monheit Ella Fitzgerald
Sarah Vaughn Billie Holiday
Diana Krall Ray Charles
Frank Sinatra Michael Buble
Nat King Cole Harry Connick Jr.
Jaime Cullum New York Voices
The Real Group Singers Unlimited
Manhattan Transfer
If you are wondering what I am looking for, it is NOT the biggest solo voice I've ever heard. Remember this is not theatre, so you should be singing with as choral or "classical" or a sound as possible. In jazz, the low register in my women sections can have NO BELT. The jazz vocals and harmonies require a round tone with little or no vibrato and lots of the lifted soft palette that we began to talk about in class. Remember you will be singing with a group, so blend, intonation, support and subtlety will be more important than projection.
Please come with questions if you have any!!! I can't WAIT to hear you all next week :) Sign up sheets for audition times will be on the board in the hall of the music suite.
Best of luck :)
-Mrs. Christy
ps... here are some videos that I've posted... remember to look and listen for more!! Some of these tunes are pretty complicated. Remember to come speak to me and we will figure out an audition piece that will work for you.
Dona Nobis
Here is the link to the PDF for Dona Nobis. Just print out the first page for class. Thank you for your help with this! See you tomorrow.
Mrs. Christy
Dona Nobis
Mrs. Christy
Dona Nobis
Welcome!
Welcome back everyone to another year in Concert Choir. I am looking forward to another productive and successful year with you all.
Attached is the course syllabus. Please download it and review it with your parent/guardian. Bring me back the signature sheet by Monday, September 12.
Please remember that you need to come see me for your vocal placement test before the end of the day on Friday.
-Mrs. Christy
Concert Choir Syllabus
For those of you who are having trouble opening the google doc, here it is. You can copy paste it into word so you can print it.
Concert Choir Syllabus
Mrs. Christy
September 7. 2011
Course Description:
The 9-12 grade Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble that performs in three concerts and one adjudication throughout the school year. The ensemble will develop their knowledge and abilities as musicians through performing a variety of choral repertoire as well as utilizing sight-singing materials.
Course Objectives:
- Students will be provided with a high quality performance experience.
- Students will successfully perform a variety of choral repertoire for the school and community.
- Students will explore and become aware of different styles of music, with emphasis on various historical and cultural styles. Students will study text in a variety of languages.
- Students will develop musical competencies: sight singing, music theory, and correct vocal technique.
- Students will be able to correctly use and define various musical terms and concepts.
- Students will be provided with an environment for vocal development as an individual and ensemble.
- Students will be prepared for evaluations of material covered during class, by performance, written tests and individual vocal assessments.
- Students will foster an appreciation for music that will continue for the rest of their lives.
Materials:
No. 2 Pencils
Small Notebook
Black Choral Folder / Binder
Choral Repertoire (provided by Smithtown HSW)
Sight-singing book- Mixed level 1 (provided by Smithtown HSW)
Concert Dates:
Winter Concert- Thursday, December 15
Jazz Festival- Thursday, April 19
HSW Gala Concert- Saturday, March 24
Spring Concert- Thursday, June 5
Other Important Dates:
November 18 All County 2011
November 3-5 HSW Drama Production
December 8& 13 West Winter Concerts
March 8-10 HSW Musical Production
March 10 SCMEA Concert
March 30 & 31 All State Solo Festival
April 18 & 19 NYSSMA Solo Festival
May 17, 22 & 31 West Spring Concerts
June 6 SFOM Awards Night
Rehearsal/ Attendance Policy:
All rehearsals and concerts are MANDATORY. The Smithtown High School West attendance policy applies for this course and students should strive to arrive early to rehearsals so that they many begin on time. Three tardies will be considered to be one absence.
Prior to all concerts there will be an additional, MANDATORY rehearsal in the evening. If a student fails to attend this rehearsal, they will not be permitted to sing in the concert. This means all coaches and employers must be notified in advance of these rehearsals. If a student is ill, but has been in school that day, they are still expected to attend rehearsal that evening. These students will follow along with their music while sitting in the audience. ONLY the director may authorize an absence from the evening rehearsal or concert. Please understand this policy is in place so that our choir may have a most successful performance.
Course Grading:
- Daily Grade/ Class Participation- 50%
- Attendance (lessons and rehearsal)- 30%
- Quarterly Exam- 10%
- Quarterly Sight-Singing Exam- 10%
Daily Grade/ Class Participation:
Class Participation is the most important aspect of this ensemble. Each week there will be 100 points given for each student. (20 points/day) Students are expected to warm up, stand, sing and will be responsible for the information that is discussed in rehearsal. Students can loose points for:
- Food/ Drink/Gum – (10 points)
- Cell Phones- (20 points) **
- Behavior Issues- (20 points)
- Does not participate in class- (20 Points)
- Tardiness- (10 points)
If you are too ill to quietly follow along and mark your score, you are too ill to be in school. Even if you are physically unable to sing, you are expected to have your music open and be listening to the rehearsal. Reading or doing homework for another class is not an option and will result in an additional loss of 20 points.
***Cell phones are not permitted in rehearsal. If you are caught with a cell phone you will lose the 20 points and receive a warning. After your first warning, the phone will be confiscated and can be picked up from the main office at the end of the school day.
Please remember that three tardies are equivalent to one absence. Excessive absences will result in failure or at the least, a lowered grade.
Please remember that the return of classroom materials does impact your grade. You are expected to hand back the music, folder and sight-singing materials in the condition they were received with your assigned number at the top.
Lesson Requirements:
Students are expected to follow the rotating lesson schedule and come once a week to the lesson with their assigned lesson group. Failure to attend lessons will result in a lowered grade. In their lessons they will follow the same classroom rules and come prepared with the same materials. Students will work on their choral repertoire as well as the development of their vocal technique. They will have tests as a small vocal section and individually. They will be responsible for all the material covered in lessons. This material will be on their written exams and assignments.
Assignments:
We will be emphasizing sight-reading skills using the do based solfege system and definition of terms. Sight-singing materials will now be given to each student and will be incorporated into our warm-ups.
Classroom Rules:
- Be on time.
- Be courteous and respectful.
- Do not talk during instruction.
- Bring a pencil to every class.
- No gum.
- No food or drink other than water.
- Be ON TIME for all rehearsals and lessons.
Concert Attire:
Men: Black Suit Jacket, Black dress pants, White button down shirt, Tie, Dress Shoes.
Women: Full length black dress with black dress shoes.
I have read and understand the course syllabus. I recognize that I am required to attend all concerts and rehearsals to be a successful participant in this class.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
Attached is the course syllabus. Please download it and review it with your parent/guardian. Bring me back the signature sheet by Monday, September 12.
Please remember that you need to come see me for your vocal placement test before the end of the day on Friday.
-Mrs. Christy
Concert Choir Syllabus
For those of you who are having trouble opening the google doc, here it is. You can copy paste it into word so you can print it.
Concert Choir Syllabus
Mrs. Christy
September 7. 2011
Course Description:
The 9-12 grade Concert Choir is a mixed choral ensemble that performs in three concerts and one adjudication throughout the school year. The ensemble will develop their knowledge and abilities as musicians through performing a variety of choral repertoire as well as utilizing sight-singing materials.
Course Objectives:
- Students will be provided with a high quality performance experience.
- Students will successfully perform a variety of choral repertoire for the school and community.
- Students will explore and become aware of different styles of music, with emphasis on various historical and cultural styles. Students will study text in a variety of languages.
- Students will develop musical competencies: sight singing, music theory, and correct vocal technique.
- Students will be able to correctly use and define various musical terms and concepts.
- Students will be provided with an environment for vocal development as an individual and ensemble.
- Students will be prepared for evaluations of material covered during class, by performance, written tests and individual vocal assessments.
- Students will foster an appreciation for music that will continue for the rest of their lives.
Materials:
No. 2 Pencils
Small Notebook
Black Choral Folder / Binder
Choral Repertoire (provided by Smithtown HSW)
Sight-singing book- Mixed level 1 (provided by Smithtown HSW)
Concert Dates:
Winter Concert- Thursday, December 15
Jazz Festival- Thursday, April 19
HSW Gala Concert- Saturday, March 24
Spring Concert- Thursday, June 5
Other Important Dates:
November 18 All County 2011
November 3-5 HSW Drama Production
December 8& 13 West Winter Concerts
March 8-10 HSW Musical Production
March 10 SCMEA Concert
March 30 & 31 All State Solo Festival
April 18 & 19 NYSSMA Solo Festival
May 17, 22 & 31 West Spring Concerts
June 6 SFOM Awards Night
Rehearsal/ Attendance Policy:
All rehearsals and concerts are MANDATORY. The Smithtown High School West attendance policy applies for this course and students should strive to arrive early to rehearsals so that they many begin on time. Three tardies will be considered to be one absence.
Prior to all concerts there will be an additional, MANDATORY rehearsal in the evening. If a student fails to attend this rehearsal, they will not be permitted to sing in the concert. This means all coaches and employers must be notified in advance of these rehearsals. If a student is ill, but has been in school that day, they are still expected to attend rehearsal that evening. These students will follow along with their music while sitting in the audience. ONLY the director may authorize an absence from the evening rehearsal or concert. Please understand this policy is in place so that our choir may have a most successful performance.
Course Grading:
- Daily Grade/ Class Participation- 50%
- Attendance (lessons and rehearsal)- 30%
- Quarterly Exam- 10%
- Quarterly Sight-Singing Exam- 10%
Daily Grade/ Class Participation:
Class Participation is the most important aspect of this ensemble. Each week there will be 100 points given for each student. (20 points/day) Students are expected to warm up, stand, sing and will be responsible for the information that is discussed in rehearsal. Students can loose points for:
- Food/ Drink/Gum – (10 points)
- Cell Phones- (20 points) **
- Behavior Issues- (20 points)
- Does not participate in class- (20 Points)
- Tardiness- (10 points)
If you are too ill to quietly follow along and mark your score, you are too ill to be in school. Even if you are physically unable to sing, you are expected to have your music open and be listening to the rehearsal. Reading or doing homework for another class is not an option and will result in an additional loss of 20 points.
***Cell phones are not permitted in rehearsal. If you are caught with a cell phone you will lose the 20 points and receive a warning. After your first warning, the phone will be confiscated and can be picked up from the main office at the end of the school day.
Please remember that three tardies are equivalent to one absence. Excessive absences will result in failure or at the least, a lowered grade.
Please remember that the return of classroom materials does impact your grade. You are expected to hand back the music, folder and sight-singing materials in the condition they were received with your assigned number at the top.
Lesson Requirements:
Students are expected to follow the rotating lesson schedule and come once a week to the lesson with their assigned lesson group. Failure to attend lessons will result in a lowered grade. In their lessons they will follow the same classroom rules and come prepared with the same materials. Students will work on their choral repertoire as well as the development of their vocal technique. They will have tests as a small vocal section and individually. They will be responsible for all the material covered in lessons. This material will be on their written exams and assignments.
Assignments:
We will be emphasizing sight-reading skills using the do based solfege system and definition of terms. Sight-singing materials will now be given to each student and will be incorporated into our warm-ups.
Classroom Rules:
- Be on time.
- Be courteous and respectful.
- Do not talk during instruction.
- Bring a pencil to every class.
- No gum.
- No food or drink other than water.
- Be ON TIME for all rehearsals and lessons.
Concert Attire:
Men: Black Suit Jacket, Black dress pants, White button down shirt, Tie, Dress Shoes.
Women: Full length black dress with black dress shoes.
I have read and understand the course syllabus. I recognize that I am required to attend all concerts and rehearsals to be a successful participant in this class.
Student Signature: ________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________
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