Calhoun Choral Program Handbook (p2):
Performance Requirements
This is a performing ensemble, meaning each rehearsal is preparation for a performance. Since 1993, less than 1% of the members of the Calhoun Choral Program have missed a regularly scheduled concert.
In the event of a student’s anticipated absence from a performance, parents shall notify Mr. Sardo, stating the reason(s) in writing, at least thirty (30) school days prior to a public performance, insofar as possible.
Absences from a performance are considered excused for the following reasons only:
-Sickness (w/ Doctor's Note)
-Hospitalization or death in family
-Religious observance
-Quarantine (w/ Doctor's Note)
The Chorale is required to perform at the Winter and Spring Concerts only, however some Chorale members may be asked throughout the year to volunteer to perform in additional performances. The Concert Choir performs 8-15 times throughout the year (if this amount seems too great, you might consider switching to Chorale). Concert dates are listed in the district calendar; other performances will be announced as they are scheduled, and posted on the CCP Website. The Calhoun Choral Program performs at many events throughout the year, and the program’s reputation relies on its members attendance at performances. For every singer that couldn’t make it to a performance because “I was sick” or “something came up”, the Calhoun Choral Program has had 20 who have performed ill, changed plans, or ran in right from a game so as not to let down the rest of the group. Remember, by missing the performance, you miss out on the chance to perform the finished product.
Any devastating emergencies are to be reported to Mr. Sardo ASAP so that parents may be contacted to remedy the situation.
The District Administration supports the idea of a makeup assessment for students who miss the Winter or Spring Concert:
"Since concerts are summative assessments, a student missing a performance is comparable to one missing a math final exam or a social studies state exam. Students should be held accountable for this assessment. We support the district music teachers in holding students accountable for their work so that grades are given fairly and equitably."
In many cases, this makeup assessment may take the form of a written assignment.
Auditioning
Many times throughout the year, students may have the opportunity to audition for solos, or for entrance to a class or extra-curricular group. While each audition will present its own unique requirements, there are some uniform practices that are followed:
Auditioning students are NOT selected based on seniority. It is not the fault of a student that they were born a year later than another auditioner. In addition, acceptance into a class or extra-curricular group one year does not guarantee entrance to the group the following year. It is for this reason that all students enrolled in Choir or Chorale, and all members of Crescendo and other extra-curricular groups must re-audition each year; there may be talented middle school students coming up, or there may be students who could not previously fit a choral group into their schedule.
Solo auditioners are NOT discounted simply because they have had previous solos. If someone deserves the solo, they get it.
Other non-musical criteria is often used in the audition process. This may include (but is not limited to) attendance, class participation and attitude.
To read the 'class placement audition' FAQ, click here.
The audition process is one of Mr. Sardo's most difficult responsibilities. However, it is a by-product of the success of the CCP. It is the school district practice that the director's audition decisions are final. If you cannot accept the possibility that you may not get the solo, make the group, or be placed in the class, you should reconsider auditioning.
Recommendation Requests
Mr. Sardo is asked to write 15-20 college recommendation letters per year, and will make every effort to accommodate all requests. Students requesting a letter of recommendation MUST MAKE THE REQUEST THRU CALHOUN'S NAVIANCE SYSTEM. Please make your request as early as possible.
Non-CCP Events Availability
One of the wonderful aspects of the CCP is that their members are actively involved in a host of other activities, such as sports, drama, cheerleading, kickline, etc. As a result, Mr. Sardo is in great demand throughout the year to attend non-CCP events, to support the students who are involved in those activities.
While he wholeheartedly supports and encourages the many activities that the members of the CCP are involved in, it would unfortunately be impossible for him to attend all events that he is invited to, due to the increasing number of CCP members that are involved in other activities. In addition, Mr. Sardo's responsibilities outside of Calhoun HS limit his availability on certain days.
In an attempt to be as fair as possible to all (and in an effort not to 'slight' certain members), it has recently become necessary to more clearly define Mr. Sardo's availability at non-CCP events. Please understand that he may not be available for:
- Sporting Events (except in cases where the CCP is providing the National Anthem),
- SADD's Playing For a Cause Concerts,
- On-Tour Productions,
- Calhoun's Talent Show,
- Cheerleading Competitions,
- Kickline Festivals,
- Cast Parties,
- Sweet 16 Parties (and the like),
- Graduation Parties,
- Regional and Camp Productions
- etc.
On occasion, Mr. Sardo may make exceptions to the above practice, based solely on the interest in the production and availability, or working the production (such as sound or lighting designer).
Field Trips
Field trips and competitions are opportunities to perform on an island-wide, state-wide, and national level. As student representatives of the Calhoun Choral Program, all members are required to show the maturity of the program through their behavior and courteousness. Since Mr. Sardo is responsible for your safety and behavior during field trips, any member may be un-invited to participate in an upcoming trip at any time, based upon behavior in school, class, or rehearsal. Remember, field trips and competitions are a privilege, not a right; some years, a decision may be made not to participate in any trips.
Multi-day competition festivals (such as Music in the Parks, Festival Disney, etc.) are open primarily to Concert Choir and “Crescendo” members. However, some years, only one group may be invited to participate.
The following rules apply to both day and extended field trips:
1. All students are to remain with the entire group at all times. The instructions of Mr. Sardo and any school-approved chaperones are not to be questioned.
2. All students must ride on assigned busses at all times. Seating assignments may be given for attendance purposes and no change of assignments will be permitted.
3. Misconduct, smoking, and drug/ alcohol abuse are prohibited. Infraction of rules will be dealt with as follows:
- Immediate collect phone call to parents, with possibility of parent traveling to trip site to remove student (as per District Policy).
- Suspension for the remainder of school year from participation in the music organization’s extra-curricular activities. Participation in field trips or music department activities during the following school year is subject to review by Mr. Sardo and a member of the school administration.
- The offense will be dealt with on an administrative level in accordance w/ school policy.
5. All participants are responsible for their own equipment and belongings at all times.
6. Additional rules and instructions which apply to extended field trips will be distributed (either verbally or in writing) as the trip occurs.
Publicity
From time to time, events that the CCP participates in are highlighted in newspapers, on television, or on the Internet. Local reporters and photographers may feature individual students at these activities. If for any reason your parents/guardians do not wish for you to participate in interviews or have your photo taken, please have them contact Mr. Sardo at the start of the school year, even if they have already filed an 'opt-out' form with the district.
The Performing Arts Wing
I- The Vocal Room:
How you keep the Vocal Room is a direct reflection of your pride in the Calhoun Choral Program. As the program grows, it may become increasingly difficult to upkeep the Music Wing. The Vocal Room will be kept neat, however, and the following rules of the room will be followed:
- NO GUM CHEWING IN THE VOCAL ROOM- period.
- There is to be NO sitting on the ledge in the back of the room... ever.
- Due to the large number of students in the CCP, please safeguard your belongings during class, rehearsals, and performances. The Vocal Room is not your locker; do not leave books, bags, etc. throughout the day.
- The piano is only to be played by accompanists of the Choral Program, except in such instances where Mr. Sardo has given permission.
- The white-board should be checked periodically for announcements, schedules, changes, etc.
While most times Mr. Sardo follows an open-door meeting policy, no one is permitted in the Vocal Office, at the computer, at their desk, or files without their permission. Permission given once does not constitute “blanket permission”. The Vocal Office must be left neat.
III- The Instrumental Music Room:
Certain privileges given to choral members by Mr. Sardo may differ from those given to band and orchestra members by Mr. Tumminelli and Mr. Sutherland. When you enter the Instrumental Music Room or knock on Mr. Tumminelli's or Mr. Sutherland's office doors, remember that you are a guest required to follow the band and orchestra members’ procedures.
IV- Practice Rooms:
You must be a Calhoun Music Student in order to use a practice room. However, in certain instances, Mr. Sardo, Mr. Tumminelli, or Mr. Sutherland may give permission for others to use a practice room.
- All students must ask permission before using a practice room. If the room has not been signed out, it is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If someone is waiting to use the room, the current user may be asked to finish working in 10 minutes.
- Absolutely no food or drink (except water) in the practice rooms. The room must be left in a tidy and orderly fashion.
- Practice only in the assigned room (ie, vocals in the vocal practice room, etc.).
- Do not leave personal belongings or music in the practice rooms.
- The room windows may not be covered.
V- The Auditorium/ Little Theater:
- Students are reminded to keep the Auditorium clean, as many school and community organizations utilize this area. No food or drink (except water) is permitted in the Auditorium- No Exceptions!!!
- The use of the Little Theater is designated mostly to the Calhoun On-Tour Program. No admittance without authorization.
The dressing rooms are to be used ONLY by authorized students at authorized times. The dressing rooms are NOT a hang-out during the school day (if you're looking for somewhere to go, ask about the Vocal Room or practice rooms). Many school and community organizations use the dressing rooms throughout the year- make sure they stay clean! Absolutely no food or drink (except water) in the dressing rooms. After a group finishes utilizing the dressing rooms (ie. Crescendo using them for a performance), it will be the responsibility of the Section Leaders and Executive Council to oversee student cleanup at the end of the evening.
Extra-Curricular Involvement
The Music Department has a number of non-graded, volunteer organizations, many of which are auditioned. So that the optimum conditions for musical perfection may be achieved, the procedures contained in this handbook will be applied to those groups, insofar as possible. Each extra-curricular organization has its own additional procedures, which will be discussed at each organization’s first rehearsal. Students who do not meet the responsibilities of extra-curricular organizations may not be allowed to perform or may be dismissed from the group.
Robes/ Costumes/ Props
During the first few weeks of the school year, Concert Choir members will be issued a choral robe. Some robes were originally purchased in 1969, and are extremely fragile. It is very difficult to find replacement robes in the identical style, color, and fabric, so it is important that great care be taken in handling the robe and its sash. Special care is needed when zipping and unzipping the robe.
Each program member issued a robe, sash, hanger, costume piece or prop is financially responsible for that item.
Amnesty Clause
It is the intent of the Calhoun Choral Program to assist students with developing responsibility for their actions and to encourage honesty. Therefore, any student who voluntarily reports to Mr. Sardo and admits to a violation of either CCP handbook rules or other CCP policies (including, but not limited to, field trip rules) before being reported by some other means may possibly be granted leniency (on a case-by-case basis, depending on the violation).
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