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Welcome to the
Covington High School
Choral Program!

Director of Choirs
Douglas Ritcher
ritcheda@dukes.jmu.edu
(540) 246-6686
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Introduction Letter
Monday, August 26th, 2019

Dear students and parents,

The Covington High School choral program has a busy and exciting year ahead
and I am thrilled to have each and every one of you be a part of it!

Students, ​I look forward to working with you in developing your many unique
gifts, musical and otherwise! There is a place for each of you in this program and I
am here to help you find it! Never be afraid to visit me in my office before or after
school, or send me an email.

Parents and guardians, ​thank you for allowing your students to be involved in
such a special program. You can support your students and the program in a few
ways. Ask me questions whenever needed. I will always respond to email and I am
willing to meet with you or your students to discuss any concerns or questions you
may have! You can also support the program by making sure you can attend our
performances to see our students growth and work!

Parents, guardians and students, ​in this handbook, I have included information
about the upcoming school year of music making. Please carefully read each page
for class expectations as well as outside of class commitments.

After going over each section of the handbook, please sign and fill out the
commitment and contact form on the last page.

I can’t wait to begin a new year of music making and to have YOU involved!

Sincerely,
Douglas Ritcher
Director of Choirs
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Basic Classroom Rules

1. Respect everyone in and out of the classroom:
teachers, administration, classmates, parents and
guests.

2. Follow basic behavioral guidelines from the CHS

handbook, with an awareness of school-wide
disciplinary actions.

3. Be mentally and physically prepared for each

class. Be in your seat when the bell rings, with
your music and a pencil. Be prepared to be
engaged each class with the larger class objectives.

4. Respect instructional materials. Treat instructional

materials (including music) with care and only use
them for their educational purpose.

5. Try your best and ask for help when you need it!
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Class Goals
Academic goals:
1. Improve reading of rhythm and notes

2. Develop individual vocal technique for health and sound

3. Develop choral singing ability through experience

4. Discuss musical ideas through critique and study of existing

musical works

5. Create new musical works individually and as a group

Social Goals:
1. Create and become a part of a classroom culture, inviting
creativity and acceptance

2. Develop skills of working in a large group, small group and

individually

3. Find a musical voice through listening, playing and

understanding
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Grading Policy
​ ttendance and participation: 40%
1. A
a. Attendance (25%): Each unexcused absence beyond the school
allotted two, will result in a 3% subtraction from over all grade.
b. Participation (15%): To achieve a perfect participation grade,
students will follow guidelines on page 3. Each day that
guidelines are not followed will result in a 1% subtraction.

2. Tests and assignments: 20%

a. Musical terms “mid-term” and reflection (5%): During
midterms, students will take a short (less than 20 questions)
exam on the musical and singing terms and concepts we have
discussed so far. At the end of the exam will be a few ungraded
reflection questions about the semester’s learning.
b. Songwriting project (5%): Throughout the spring semester
(special focus after assessment), students will break into small
groups to write music together based on teacher guidelines.
Students’ final products can be recordings or performances for
the class, myself, or even at the final concert in May!
c. Individual sight-singing assessment (5%): Twice (October and
April) students will have one-on-one sessions with myself
where they sight-sing short passages. They will receive verbal
feedback and a score, 1-5, similar to the one they would receive
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at a district choir audition. Students will take the higher of the

two scores for their final grade.
d. End of year reflection (5%): Students will answer a few
questions about their growth throughout the year as musicians
and people. Graded for completion.

3. Concert attendance/participation: 40%

a. Attendance (28%): Show up at call time for all concerts
including assessment and stay through the end. There are four
concerts including assessment each worth 7% of the final grade.
Four of the seven points are given for incomplete attendance at
a performance.
Note: There will be make up assignments for those with
sickness or otherwise unavoidable circumstances making
attendance impossible.
b. Participation (12%): Participation in the concerts includes
singing on assigned numbers, maintaining professional
performance practice (to be discussed in class) and wearing the
proper concert attire of black bottoms and a colored top. Please
contact me if this will be difficult! Participation for each
performance is worth 3%.
Note: If students do not attend concerts they will lose not only
attendance but also participation points in this category.
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Calendar of Events
*Required attendance bolded
Mon Aug 26: First day of classes
Mon Sep 2: Signed commitment/contact form due
Wed Oct 16: Mid-Semester Concert 7 pm (Call time: 6:30)
Mon-Fri Oct 21-25: Sight Singing assessment #1 appointments
Sat Nov 16th: District Choir Auditions (all day) @ Vista HS
Thu Dec 12th: Holiday Concert 7 pm (Call time: 6:30 pm)
Dec 23rd-Jan 3rd: Winter Break
Wed Jan 15th: Written midterm in class
Fri Jan 17th: Last day of fall semester
Mon Jan 20th: First day of spring semester
Fri-Sat Feb 7-8: District Choir (all day) @ Clancy Wilson HS
Sat Mar 14th: Assessment (call time: tbd) @ Green River
HS
Mon-Fri Apr 20-24: Sight Singing assessment #2 appointments
Thu May 30: End of year concert 7 pm (Call time: 6:30)
Thu June 6: Last day of classes
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Commitment/contact form
For Students:
I _______________________, recognize my responsibility for attendance of
bolded events on the calendar in addition to regular class time meeting. I also
understand the consequences and grading system associated with my attendance.
Signature:____________________________ Date:________

For Parent/Guardian:
I _______________________, recognize my students’ responsibility for
attendance of bolded events on the calendar in addition to regular class time
meeting. I also understand my responsibility for transportation and will contact Mr.
Ritcher or other parents/guardians for assistance if I have any trouble.
Signature:____________________________ Date:________

Contact form:
Phone number: ___________________________________

Alternate phone number: ____________________________

Email: ___________________________________________