CHOIR HANDBOOK/PLAN FOR SUCCESS

2022-2023

Director: Mrs. Kristin Rebb, MM, NBCT

Email: krebb@phoenixunion.org
Address: Alhambra High School
3839 W Camelback Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85019
Phone: 602-764-6000
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHOIR MISSION STATEMENT 3

PHILOSOPHY 3
REPERTOIRE SELECTION 3
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION 3
INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES 3
USE OF ELECTORNIC DEVICES 4
PHOTOS, AUDIO RECORDING, AND VIDEO RECORDING 4
CARE OF MUSIC AND MATERIALS 4
FEES 5
CLASS FEE 5
UNIFORM CLEANING & REPLACEMENT FEE 5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5
UNIFORMS 6
CHOIR SHIRTS 6
FORMAL UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR ALL CHOIR STUDENTS 6
INFORMAL UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR ALL CHOIR STUDENTS 6
GRADES, ATTENDANCE, AND BEHAVIOR IN ALL CHOIRS 7
GRADING 7
TUTORING 7
TEST RETAKE AND LATE WORK 7
ATTENDANCE AT PERFORMANCES & DRESS REHEARSALS 8
PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES 8
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS 8
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR CHOIR STUDENTS 8
GUIDELINES FOR REHEARSALS 9
REHEARSAL TIME MANAGEMENT 9
STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMANCES 9
SIGNATURE FORMS 11

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 CHOIR MISSION STATEMENT
Inspiring student achievement through a comprehensive and rigorous musical education in a supportive learning environment
that celebrates diversity & fosters innovation as students pursue artistic excellence in choral music performance.

PHILOSOPHY
Every student can succeed
Each individual in the choral program is valued and is an integral part of our choir’s success, regardless of their past musical experience.
Many students shy away from choir because they believe “I can’t sing”. I believe that music is a skill that can be developed in every
student. Each singer will be given instruction and provided opportunities for personal growth and achievement in vocal music.
Music is Vital
Music makes us more human. Through music, we learn to recognize beauty and share it with others. We learn to be a part of
something greater than ourselves. Music provides us something to cling to, something to mend a heart or to inspire greatness. Music
makes your soul grow. Music is truly a universal language that allows us to communicate our emotions without speaking.
We are a Family
We genuinely care about each other. This is more than just a class or program. It is a place where individuals come to grow to their
utmost potential through working as a part of a team. Choir students learn to have more love and compassion. Music is the framework
that allows us all to grow as people and it is our support of each other through this growth that creates our lasting bonds.

REPERTOIRE SELECTION
Alhambra Choirs are committed to providing a comprehensive & diverse choral music education to all students. Choral music is part
of the cultural tradition of the United States and many other countries. Through the study of great choral literature chosen from many
different styles, time periods, and ethnic traditions; students gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the world.
Literature for each of our ensembles is chosen very carefully. It is my belief that students should be exposed to a wide variety of
literature. The director determines music selection based upon availability, quality, educational value, cultural diversity, and suitability
for healthy vocal development. It is not the intent of this program to persuade student views with opposing beliefs or ideals that a
musical selection’s text or subject matter may present. Rather, I desire to familiarize students with quality repertoire that will give
students a better historical and global perspective. It is my goal to give students a broad perspective of numerous composers and
musical styles.

DIGITAL COMMUNICATION
Choir communication will be primarily by email. Watch for email blasts about upcoming concerts & events! (make sure to update
your email address with me). Also check us out on our Facebook Page @Alhambra Choirs & be sure to follow us on Instagram
@choirahs
Parents, guardians, and students are encouraged to contact the director via email. This is the best method of communicating
questions, concerns, or clarifications. Please email me immediately if you are ever curious about your child’s success & leadership.
The director’s cell phone number will be distributed to student officers in Choir and any student that is participating in an off-campus
activity with Choir. This is a personal cell phone; it is not provided by the school district. The main method of communication will be
via text message. Students are encouraged to utilize email to coordinate with me. When time constraints make email impractical or
when students are traveling with choir, students have permission to contact me directly on my cell phone.

INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNTIES

All students are expected to fundraise. Funds are raised to benefit all students by offsetting costs for uniforms, awards, guest clinicians,
guest performers, choir activities, and travel opportunities. Any funds raised are for the choir club. Parents/guardians are responsible
for all products, materials, or funds that are misplaced or stolen. For specific activities and travel within the choir club, funds may be
earmarked for specific students. Fundraisers may include car washes, pledge drives, brochure sales, tax credit drives, discount card
sales, etc.

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 USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES
When in class, it is expected that electronic devices are put away inside your backpack upon arrival in choir class. These devices may
be accessed & utilized for learning opportunities only when directed to do so as they can be a distraction and detriment to the learning
environment when used inappropriately. Learning and practicing good device habits in school will greatly contribute to your focus
and academic success.
• Laptop computers will be the primary tool used for accessing learning materials and should be brought to class every
day. Laptops may only be used for educational purposes which are relevant to the learning targets of this class.
• Cellphone use by students during class time is prohibited without direct teacher permission. This includes: texting,
phone calls, games, videos, movies, music listening, social media, and internet usage. Cellphones must be put away in
your backpack for the duration of class time.
• The use of headphones or earbuds of any type is prohibited during class time without direct teacher permission. These
devices must be removed from ears during class.
The school and its employees are not responsible for the loss or theft of any electronic device.

PHOTOS, AUDIO RECORDING, & VIDEO RECORDING

All performing arts activities may be recorded through the use of photography, audio recording, and video recording. The following
policy is written to provide you with an understanding of how and why photo images of performing arts activities are used throughout
the course of a school year.

Photos are taken and used for show programs, publicity, marketing and fundraising efforts of the choral music program at Alhambra.

Photos, along with a member’s name may be used by Alhambra or magazines and other publications to whom we designate, to
publicize and report on vocal music events, auditions and productions.

Photo images are used as Alhambra sees fit, for the betterment of the vocal music program without malice or ill intent toward any
individual, and without direct monetary or other compensation to Alhambra.

Upon reviewing this policy, we ask for your consent, by way of a signature on the signature page that will be kept on file by Mrs. Rebb.
If you have any questions about this policy, or wish not to grant us permission to take and use photos, please let us know.

CARE OF MUSIC AND MATERIALS

It is the responsibility of each student to take good care of all music folders, binders, sheet music, and music theory materials issued
to him/her. All of these items must be turned in at the conclusion of the year or upon withdrawal from the class. Lost or damaged
items will be charged to the student’s bookstore account (see fees).
• Music and a pencil must be brought to all rehearsals unless students are notified otherwise
• Never fold or roll music
• All markings should be done lightly in pencil only
• All markings should be erased before music is turned in at the end of the concert season

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 FEES

CLASS FEE
The class fee is set by the school district. No student should be denied the opportunity to participate in choir due to a financial hardship.
If these fees do cause a hardship, please contact the director to see if other arrangements can be made.
There is a $10.00 class fee, per semester, for all students participating in choir. The class fee helps pay for t-shirts, rehearsal CD’s,
uniform cleaning, and miscellaneous costs outside of the normal school supplies. This fee can be paid at the bookstore or online at
https://az-phoenixunion.intouchreceipting.com/ See last page in this document for complete instructions on how to pay your class
fee. This fee must be paid (or earned/waived) each semester prior to participation in any choir event.
There will be times when extended opportunities are available at an additional cost. This could include participation in festivals,
fieldtrips, or other items and activities. If there is ever a financial concern please feel free to contact the director.

UNIFORM CLEANING AND REPLACEMENT FEE

Students will be assigned performance formalwear that is owned by Alhambra Choirs. Students are responsible for paying for a
replacement uniform if the uniform is lost, damaged, or stolen. A cleaning fee will be charged if the uniform is returned dirty. The
cleaning fee is determined by the cost of dry cleaning. Dresses and tuxedos cost between $80 - $150 to replace.

CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT CHOIR EVENTS (dates subject to change)

September 7 Greater Phx Honor Choir Auditions DUE

February 17-18 Regional Choir Festival
September 17 ASU Vocal Connection
March 2-3 Talent Show Auditions
September 29 Fall Concert
March 9 Talent Show Concert
October 21-22 Greater Phoenix Honor Choir Festival
March 10-11 All-State Choir Auditions
November 18 DUE-register for Regional Auditions
April 13-15 All-State Choir Festival @ ASU
November 30 Tech/Dress Rehearsal for Holiday Concert
April 26 Tech/Dress Rehearsal for Pops Concert
December 1 Holiday Concert
April 27 Pops Concert
January 27-28 Regional Choir Auditions
May 4 Choir Banquet
February 7 Spring Choir Concert
May 24 Graduation
February 10-11 NAU Jazz/Madrigal Festival (Da Capo)

* events in bold are required events

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 UNIFORMS
Alhambra Choirs present a professional image to accompany the professional sound of the program. The student’s sound, behavior,
and “look” are all equally important. A clean, neat appearance is expected at all times. Choir uniforms will be provided for all students
in choir. Please feel free to contact the director if you have any questions about uniforms. It is very important that each member
have his or her uniform fitted properly, cleaned, and hemmed at the proper length. Students who do not pass the initial uniform
inspection must correct the deficiency and have the uniform re-inspected before being allowed to perform.
CHOIR SHIRTS
Choir shirts will be ordered for all choir students. Students are expected to keep this shirt available throughout the year to be worn
at selected concerts, on tour, fundraising events, and choir activities. The t-shirt is part of the casual uniform and must be taken on
tour. Altering the shirt in any way is not permitted. The choir shirt order form is included at the end of this packet.

FORMAL UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR ALL CHOIR STUDENTS

Shoes Black closed-toe dress shoes only - up to 1 1/2" heel. Ladies: character shoes are best.
* Da Capo & Zydeco – character shoes will be provided.*
Socks Guys: black dress socks
Undergarment Half-slip or spanx-type undergarment is encouraged so dress has a smooth appearance.
Undergarments should be an appropriate color to coordinate with the uniform.
Hair Clean. Pulled back from face & off the shoulders.
Long hair must be in a ponytail, bun, or braid.
No bows or ribbons. Use bobbypins instead.
Students will be required to remove items out of compliance.
Jewelry No jewelry. Exception: small, stud earrings
ALHS does not accept any responsibility for any lost, stolen, or damaged items which are removed
due to incompliance.
Facial Hair clean-shaven faces are preferred. Students who choose facial hair will keep it in a neat appearance
matching the spirit of the performance uniform policy.
Make-up Wear natural make-up. No glitter. No bright pink or red lipstick.

INFORMAL UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR ALL CHOIR STUDENTS

Shirt Current Choir Shirt
(In cold weather students may wear a long sleeve black or white crew neck shirt underneath)
Pants Full Length Blue Jeans. No holes, rips, tears.
Shoes Black and/or White athletic shoes (sneakers).
Hair Clean. Pulled back from face & off the shoulders.
Long hair must be in a ponytail, bun, or braid.
No bows or ribbons. Use bobbypins instead.
Students will be required to remove items out of compliance.
Jewelry No jewelry. Exception: small, stud earrings
ALHS does not accept any responsibility for any lost, stolen, or damaged items which are removed
due to incompliance.
Facial Hair Clean-shaven faces are preferred. Students who choose facial hair will keep it in a neat appearance
matching the spirit of the performance uniform policy.
Make-up Wear natural make-up. No glitter. No bright pink or red lipstick.

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 GRADES, ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR IN ALL CHOIRS

As members of Alhambra Choirs, you are expected to maintain professionalism in all classes. This is very important in order to be
included in choir club activities, leadership opportunities, solo opportunities, choir festivals, trips, and placement in advanced choirs
at Alhambra. Each student is expected to maintain near-perfect attendance, promptness to all classes, the highest possible grades in
all courses, and respectful behavior with all students and staff on campus. If a student in an upper-level choir fails to meet these
expectations, he/she may be placed in a lower-level choir.

GRADING
Choir is an academic class. As such, each student will earn a grade in this course. Each grade will be determined by the level of
individual student mastery of each of the following Scaled Learning Targets. Each Target will be graded on a 4-point scale, allowing
students to monitor the level at which they are demonstrating mastery of concepts taught. Most assignments will be able to be
retaken for a higher grade as the student works toward mastery of each Scaled Learning Target. Concerts & performances are not
eligible for a make-up grade. Accommodations & modifications will be provided per students’ IEP & 504 plans.

SCALED LEARNING TARGETS SEMESTER GRADES

CREATING Semester 1: cumulative scoring of Qtr 1 & 2
SELF-REFLECTION Semester 2: cumulative scoring of Qtr 3 & 4
PEER FEEDBACK
TECHNICAL ACCURACY EVIDENCE-BASED GRADING ON THE 4-POINT SCALE
EXPRESSIVE QUALITIES 4 = Excelling
INTENT 3 = Proficient
REPERTOIRE SELECTION 2 = Approaching
CONTEXT OF MUSIC - PERSONAL 1 = Developing
CONTEXT OF MUSIC – CULTURAL M = No Evidence – May be made up
CONCERT N = No Evidence – Cannot be made up

TUTORING
There are many opportunities available to choir students who would like additional support. The director is available before or after
school hours by appointment.

TITLE 1 PROGRAM Academic tutoring and test preparation is available to all students. Additional support for passing
classes and graduating on time is the intent of these services. Support through Title I funding is available in the areas of:
math, reading and English. If interested, please contact the Principal, Dr. Weber or Assistant Principal for Instruction, Dr.
McBride for additional information at 602-764-6000.

TEST RETAKE AND LATE WORK

Students are allowed to retake all sight-reading tests, quartet checks, and theory dictation as many times as they would like to earn a
higher grade per grading period. Late work is generally accepted without penalty until the end of a grading term. Students will be
notified of firm cutoff dates regarding late work each quarter.

ATTENDANCE “Absent” is defined as nonattendance in an assigned class or activity for more than one-half of the period.
(PXU Governing Board Policy J-1561 JHR) “Tardy” is defined as not being in the assigned class or activity when the tardy bell
has finished ringing. (PXU Governing Board Policy J-1561 JHR)
Students may fail the class for the semester in any course, when reaching a total of 12 excused/unexcused absences and
after school-documented interventions have been exhausted. (Student Procedures Handbook)

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 ATTENDANCE AT PERFORMANCES AND DRESS REHEARSALS
Each performance should be treated as a professional paid engagement. All tech/dress rehearsals & performances are mandatory and
each member of Alhambra Choirs is expected to attend every performance. The calendar of ALHS Choir events is included in this
packet. Students and parents should compare their choir rehearsal and performance schedule with their family calendar at the
beginning of the school year. Students who are involved in extracurricular activities should communicate early with their
sponsor/coach about their choir obligations.
Call times will be clearly communicated to students at least 2 weeks in advance of a performance. Students arriving after the
performance begins will not be permitted to perform.

PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES
• Students should always eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a concert.
• Students are expected to arrive at the meeting location no later than the given “call time”. A “call time” is the time set for
students to arrive and prepare before the performance. Tardiness at a performance may exclude a student from participation
at that performance.
• Alhambra Choirs will not be responsible for students before “call times” or after performances. Please pick up your student
within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the event or students’ responsibilities following the concert.
• All students must arrive wearing the appropriate uniform for the concert at the call time. Students who are not dressed in
the appropriate concert uniform or whose uniform does not meet the standard may not perform in the concert.
• Students must conduct themselves in a calm, polite, and professional manner at all times.
• Each student must have a confident command of the concert repertoire. Failure to demonstrate this at the final rehearsal
may result in dismissal from the concert and or tour.
• During the performance if a student feels ill, he or she should quietly and calmly leave the stage. Student leaders and
backstage assistants are available to help.
• Final dress rehearsals and pre-performance rehearsals are always closed to the audience including families & friends. Only
designated volunteers will be allowed in the rehearsal area prior to a performance.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

Any organization that has high performance standards must also have high behavioral standards. These behavior standards help us
achieve the discipline and professionalism for which we are known. They are enforced for the students’ safety, for ensuring orderly
rehearsals, and out of respect and courtesy for each other. Any behavior that distracts from or interferes with the learning process
will not be tolerated. These standards apply online, in rehearsals, performances, festivals, travel, and all Alhambra Choir activities.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ALL ALHAMBRA CHOIR STUDENTS

• To participate actively & positively in all choral activities.
• To behave in a courteous and respectful manner toward others.
• To respect the individual and cultural differences of others.
• To refrain from behavior/language that is abusive, threatening, offensive or disruptive to others.
• To respect the personal belongings of others as well as rehearsal and performance spaces.
• To act honestly in relationships with others.
• To adhere to and abide by all ALHS Choir Handbook regulations.
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in the suspension and/or revocation of choir membership and school
disciplinary referral process.

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GUIDELINES FOR REHEARSALS
• Attend every rehearsal. Students who miss 6 rehearsals (not including brownslips) in a quarter may not be eligible to perform.
They should complete the appropriate forms/assignments to gain credit.
• Be on the risers or in chairs with folder, music materials, pencil, and water bottle ready to begin rehearsal promptly at the
appointed time.
• Bring a pencil and use it often.
• Bring all rehearsal/performance/music theory materials daily.
• Take care of music and music theory materials, folder, etc. Keep choir materials with belongings or put them in the
appropriate place at the conclusion of each rehearsal.
• Listen for instructions, important events/dates/deadlines/assignments.
• Be courteous of others during rehearsal and abstain from any behavior that may disrupt musical growth or the educational
process.
• Food and drink are not allowed during rehearsal, although bottled water is highly encouraged.
• Plan ahead & take care of your personal bathroom needs outside of class time.
• Gum or any obstruction in the mouth (i.e., candy mints, throat lozenges, jewelry, etc.) that might interfere with excellent
singing is not allowed.

REHEARSAL TIME MANAGEMENT

• We value your time. We value our time.
• Beginning of class
o Class will begin 1 minute following the arrival bell. Students are given this additional time to prepare materials and/or
use the restroom. Students must be standing in their assigned spots ready to sing.
• End of class
o Students may leave only when the director has dismissed them. Directors will release students approximately 30 seconds
prior to the dismissal bell to allow time for students to put folders away and exit the room. It is imperative that students
are on time to their next class.
• Per school policy, students may not leave for the restroom or nurse during the first/last 10 minutes of class.

STUDENT GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMANCES

ON STAGE
• Be on time for warm-up and performance.
• Be dressed appropriately for performance.
• Be professional on and off stage.
• Be enthusiastic, expressive, and entertaining.
• Strive to perform at the highest level of vocal and musical ability.
• Do not bring food or drink on stage or backstage.
IN THE AUDIENCE
• Respect performers and others in the audience by refraining from talking during a performance.
• Leave or enter the performance area between musical selections, not during a performance.
• Applaud at the appropriate time, when the director lowers his/her hands at the end of a selection or performance.
• Applaud to express enjoyment and appreciation to the performers, not to be silly.
• NEVER “call out”, wave, or make noises directed at performers.
• Eliminate disruptions by turning off and not using cell phones.
• Observe the performance in its entirety, as this is a part of the educational and musical process.

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 Alhambra Choirs Handbook/Plan for Success
2022-2023
• The Alhambra Choirs Handbook can be found online at www.pxu.org/alhambra under Academic Departments.

please return this portion to Mrs. Rebb by August 12, 2022.

I have read and understand the content of the 2022-2023 choir handbook for our Alhambra High School Choirs,
including
▪ all required concert performance dates
▪ class fees
▪ grading, attendance & behavior expectations
▪ photo, audio recording & video recording policy

Make sure to pay your $10.00 class fee by August 31 & January 31 at the bookstore or online!

Student Name (please print) ID#

Student Signature Date

Home phone number Student cell number

Student Email (please print)

T-Shirt Size (circle one) XS S M L XL 2XL 3XL

Parent Name (please print)

Parent Signature Date

Home phone number Parent cell number

Parent Email (please print)

I am willing to help with choir activities that include but are not limited to: fundraising, chaperoning,
performance set up and decoration, etc.

__________always __________sometimes __________not this year

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