COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

To develop a correct, healthy, and safe vocal technique; and a strong, confident proficiency in dance; to continually improve the sound quality and performance artistry of Encore! through the study of various styles of show choir literature and their appropriate dance styles; To educate its members in the ”team” aspects of producing a good show choir product and foster a pride and enthusiasm for this team effort.

MATERIALS

Folder or binder - music will be assigned to you by number. It will be your responsibility to keep this music in good condition, and
            return it at the end of the semester or pay the cost of replacing the piece.
Pencil - NEVER COME TO REHEARSAL WITHOUT A PENCIL IN YOUR HAND!!! You will be given directions and instructions at
            various times in rehearsal. Write these things in your music and then read your markings!
Music - bring ALL your music to EACH rehearsal – even dance rehearsals!. You can’t mark your music if it’s in your dorm room,
            and sometimes we have time at the end of a dance rehearsal to work music.

Failure to bring these materials to every class will result in an SEF. Four or more SEF’s will result in a lowered grade for the
semester!

ATTENDANCE

It is the nature of a performing ensemble to demand 100% participation of its team members, and to very often take some extra time in the week(s) before a performance.

1) Rehearsals - Attendance is MANDATORY. As part of this group, you have a commitment to each other and our goals. Every member of this ensemble is a necessary piece of the whole. Because of this commitment, it is your duty and responsibility as a member of this group to keep yourself healthy and in working order. You are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. If it is cold, (below 55) I expect to see shoes and socks on your feet, long pants or skirts, long sleeves, a warm coat, and a scarf around your neck. If you are unable to sing, but not officially excused from your classes, you are still expected to attend rehearsal (with your music and your pencil!) to listen to your parts being worked out, and to mark your score with any relevant instructions. This also means getting enough sleep, eating properly, managing your time wisely, and avoiding procrastination so as to reduce unnecessary stress. We all get stressed and tired, and all have work piled up on us, but it isn’t fair for some to sacrifice the time and show up while others just miss rehearsals. If you are able to stand up, and move your body from position to position, you are encouraged to come and fill your spot early in the semester, and will be required to do this as the semester progresses. If you become sick as a result of carelessness or personal abuse, and are unable to sing, you will receive an unexcused absence for rehearsal. Attendance will be taken at 10:00 AM sharp. Anyone entering rehearsal after attendance has been taken will be marked tardy. Three tardies will equal one unexcused absence. All absences will be recorded on the absence report according to LSMSA policy. The administration will then determine whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Two unexcused absences will result in the final letter grade being lowered by one letter. Again, according to LSMSA policy, four unexcused absences will result in a failing “D “ for the course. Chronic tardiness or absence may subject the student to dismissal from the group

2) Dress rehearsals - Attendance at dress rehearsal is also MANDATORY. An unexcused absence will result in the semester grade earned being lowered by one letter. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK IN WITH THE PERSON TAKING ATTENDANCE TO RECORD YOUR PRESENCE!

3) Our Concerts - Attendance at concerts is of course mandatory. These act as the final exam in this course. Consequently, an unexcused absence from a concert will result in a failure for the course. Failure to perform properly dressed will result in the semester grade earned being lowered one half grade. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CHECK IN WITH THE PERSON TAKING ATTENDANCE TO RECORD YOUR PRESENCE!

It is also your responsibility as a member of this group to conduct yourself in a way that will not endanger your tenure here at LSMSA. We are all trusting that this group will be the same group that will perform. Once choreography is set with a specific group, it should not have to be reworked because of one member’s selfishness. Please be aware that your actions have consequences that affect people other than you alone.

PRACTICE

A minimum of 20 minutes per day is required to keep the music, instructions and choreography fresh in your mind. Try to find someone who sings a different part than you do to practice with to gain independence of your own vocal lines. Any partnered dance sequences will benefit greatly from daily review with that partner.

EXAMS

As stated above, the concerts will act as the major exams for this course. There will be periodic testing either individually or in quartets to check for correct pitches, rhythms, diction, intonation, posture, and choreography. These tests will always be announced - never just sprung on you. (Unless you make me really angry)

GRADING

Grades will be a compilation of the following:

1. rehearsal attitude and cooperation (enthusiasm and interest; professional conduct and behavior; ability to follow
instruction; and leadership and dependability)

2. preparedness for rehearsal (music and pencils in your hands)

3. part tests/sectional work

4. attendance at rehearsals and concerts

CONCERT ATTIRE

Performance attire will differ from semester to semester depending on the material presented. Students will be responsible for the cost of his/her costume. We will try to keep it as low as possible.
As a courtesy to others, please don’t wear scented hair spray or perfume, or strong or heavy scents of any kind. Please DO wear deodorant and use breath mints if you have garlic or onions for dinner!

CONCERT DATES

TBA