High School Choral

Department

Mr. Prall
620-365-9347
Gprall96@gmail.com

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Table of Contents

Program Description………………………………………………………………………………………….. Pg. 2

Available Ensembles………………………………………………………………………………………….. Pg. 2
Program Goals…………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 3
Important Dates………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 3
Expectations……………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 3
Attendance Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 4
Achievement Expectations………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 4
Grading……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 4
Private Lessons…………………………………………………………………………………………….……..Pg. 4
Concert Dress Code…………………………………………………………………………………….……… Pg. 4
Student Leadership Positions………………………………………………………………………….…. Pg. 4
Choir Robe Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pg. 5
Activity Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pg. 5
Fundraising Policy…………………………………………………………………………….……………….. Pg. 5
Vocal Health Tips………………………………………………………………………………………………. Pg. 5
Travel Permission Form…………………………………………………………………………………….. Pg. 6
Medical Information Form………………………………………………………………………………… Pg. 7
Personal Information Questionnaire………………………………………..……………………….. Pg. 8

Program Description

Dear Choir Member/Parent,

Congratulations on joining the award-winning Phillip D. Payne High School choral program! Our
mission is to build an environment that fosters creativity and success through the avenue of music. To
help you do this, we have 6 ensembles to choose from to suit your desires and interests. Music selection
varies from ensemble to ensemble, but repertoire selection is based first on educational value and
secondly on potential interest to the performers. It is our belief that music is vital to well rounded
education and science agrees as well! Students involved in music tend to do better on their tests, in
addition to having higher IQs and focus. For more about the cognitive benefits of music, please visit the
following link https://www.rcmusic.com/sites/default/files/files/RCM_MusicEducationBenefits.pdf.
Above all, we are happy that you have decided to join our program and we look forward to singing with
you!

Available ensembles:
Chamber Choir
Show Choir
Men’s Choir
Women’s Choir
Mixed Choir
Madrigals

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Program Goals
 Students grow in their musical ability, as well as their internet in music
 Students take ownership of their education
 Students assume leadership positions
 Fundraise towards next year’s trip to New York
 Attend contest

2018-2019 Important dates (subject to change)

August
 Program meeting – Sunday, 8/19
 First day of school – Monday, 8/20
September
 Fundraiser #1 – Friday, 9/14
October
 Fall concert – Saturday, 10/27
November
 Fundraiser #2 – Friday 11/16
December
 Winter concert – Saturday 12/8
January
 Back to school – Monday, 1/7
 State of the Choir address – Sunday, 1/13
February
 All-State Choir Performance – Saturday, 2/3
 Fundraiser #3 – Friday, 2/15
March
 Contest – Saturday, 3/23
April
 Fundraiser #4 – Friday, 4/19
 Spring concert – Saturday, 4/27
May
 Graduation – Saturday, 5/11

Classroom Expectations
Expectations
 Show up on time for class and have your music out when the bell rings
 Always bring a pencil to class
 Treat everyone with respect
 No conversations during rehearsal unless they pertain to the music
 On performance days, students are to show up in their concert attire 45 minutes before the
performance starts
 When on stage, you are a professional. No conversations, always watch your director, smile and
acknowledge applause, and help tear down before leaving.

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Attendance Policy
 Students are to be in their seats by the time the bell rings.
 Occasional tardiness will be overlooked but consistent tardiness will merit a disciplinary
meeting.
 Days that students will miss class must be relayed to Mr. Prall two weeks prior to their
happening. This does not apply to emergencies.
 Unexcused absences will result in a reduction to a student’s final grade.
 Concert attendance is mandatory, failure to be in attendance without a good reason will result
in termination from the choir.

Achievement Expectations
 Students are expected to perform at minimum, one solo per semester
 Students’ behavior reflects on their school so always represent the school and choir in the best
way possible.
 Students will participate in all classroom activities and performances

Grading
 Attendance- 40%
 Class participation – 40%
 Coursework – 10%
 Recording assignments – 10%

Private Lessons
Students can schedule private lessons with Mr. Prall in the weeks before solo contest. These lessons are
first come, first serve. A sign-up sheet will become available on Mr. Prall’s door once lessons are
available. Any additional lessons beyond solo contest are $15 for 45 minutes.

Concert/Travel Dress Code

 Chamber Choir, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Mixed Choir – Choir robes are provided by the
school. Each student is assigned a numbered robe at the start of the semester to be used for
performances. Attire for trip performances varies on the occasion. Students are required to
supply their own white dress shirt, black slacks, and black tie to be used when robes are not
available.
 Show Choir – The school supplies dresses, bowties, and vests for the show choir. Students are
required to provide the rest of their outfits. Black slacks, shoes, white dress shirts, etc. are all
examples of clothing articles not supplied by the school.
 Madrigals – Students supply their full outfit: Black dress shirts, slacks, and shoes. Black knee
length dresses/skirts are appropriate. Blazers/suit jackets are also acceptable.

Student leadership positions

 SATB Section Leaders
 Concert Manager
 Choir Robe Manager

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Choir Robe Policy
Choir robes are to be used in performance settings exclusively. Students will pick up their robes from the
robe closet before a performance and return them immediately afterwards. When traveling with choir
robes, students are responsible for their own. Students may be subject to cover the cost of replacement
robes in the event of loss, theft, or damage when the robes are under student care.

Activity Policy
Students traveling to performances out-of-school are required to fill out the necessary travel
documents. Failure to do so will result in the student not being able to go on the trip. Additionally, use
of drugs/alcohol on school trips will result in expulsion from the choir. The student’s parents will also be
responsible for providing transportation home for their child at their own expense. When abroad,
students are to represent our school and choir in the best way possible. Failure to do so may result in
exclusion from future trips.

Fundraising Policy
Each student is required to participate in one of four fundraisers throughout the year. At these
fundraisers, students are to keep accurate records of how much they make. After the fundraiser is
finished, hand in all profits to Mr. Prall. Until the money/checks are in Mr. Prall’s possession, students
are responsible for the safekeeping of them.

Vocal Health Tips

 Stay hydrated
 Avoid vocal misuse
 Get plenty of sleep
 Don’t sing 100% of the time

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 Travel Forms
A. Permission Form

I, __________________ hereby give permission for my student, _______________________ to

go on the school-related trip to ______________________ for the duration of _____ to _____. I
understand that it is my responsibility to secure my student’s trip home at my own expense in
the event that they break the law or violate school policy. Furthermore, I understand that Philip
D. Payne High School is not responsible for delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival
times, fare changes, dishonors of hotel, airline or vehicle rental reservation, missed carrier
connections, sickness, disease, injuries (including death), losses, damages, weather, civil unrest,
or public health risks.

Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Date

_______________________ ___________________________ ______

Student Signature Student Name (Printed) Date

_______________________ ___________________________ ______

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 B. Medical Forms

Health and Safety

1. In the event of injury or illness to myself, I authorize the field trip leader(s) to secure whatever
medical treatment is necessary.
2. I understand that possession and/or usage of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is strictly prohibited.
3. I understand I can voluntarily provide specific health information that can be used by the faculty in
case of emergency.

Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Date

_______________________ ___________________________ ______

Student Signature Student Name (Printed) Date

_______________________ ___________________________ ______

Medical History
Yes No Are you currently being treated for a physical or mental health condition that might affect your
participation in the trip? If yes, please explain.

Yes No Do you have allergies that might affect your participation in the field trip? If yes, please explain.

Yes No Are you taking any medications that might affect your participation in the field trip? If yes, please explain.

Yes No Have you had any recent major injuries, diseases, or ailments that might affect your participation in the
field trip? If yes, please explain.

Yes No Are you a vegetarian, or are you on a restricted diet? If yes, please explain.

Yes No Is there any additional information that you wish to share that would be helpful for the program to be
aware of during your Field Trip? Please include learning disabilities or other special needs that might affect your
participation in the field trip.

Any explanations can be provided here:

____________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

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 Personal Information Questionnaire

Student Name: ___________________

Please indicate the ensembles you are interested in:

Chamber Choir (Auditioned) ____
Mixed Choir ____
Women’s Choir ____
Men’s Choir ____
Show Choir (Auditioned) ____
Madrigals (Auditioned) ____

Voice part:
Soprano____
Alto____
Tenor____
Bass____
Unsure____

Home Address: _________________________________________

Student Phone Number: _______________________________

Student Email: _______________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name: _______________________________

Parent/Guardian Phone Number: ____________________________

Parent/Guardian Email: _________________________________

If there are any comments you’d like to make or questions you’d like me to
answer, please write them below!

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References

https://middletonboosterclub.com/memberships/form/

https://docs.google.com/document/d/186WYEDfgZz4IshcCxZnOb-P0isU1llpellHa_4RDsLU/edit

https://www.edinachoirs.org/ehs-choir-department-handbook-1

https://s3.amazonaws.com/scschoolfiles/888/high_school_choir_handbook_2017-2018docx_1.pdf

https://www.isd622.org/cms/lib/MN01001375/Centricity/Domain/168/CHOIRHANDBOOKREVISED.doc.
pdf