East View High School

The Fierce Wildcats Choir Handbook

Director: Ms. Lizzette Noguez

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………1

Information About The Class……….……………………………………………………………2

Classroom Rules And Expectations….…………………………………………………………..3

Attendance And Absences……………………………………………………………………….4

Grading system…………………………………………………………………………………..5

Rehearsals………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Performances…………………………………………………………………………………….7

Uniform information…………………………………………………………………………….8

About The Choirs………………………………………………………………………………..9

Acknowledgment Page………………………………………………………………………….10
Dear Parents and Students,

Hello and welcome to the EVHS Wildcats choir! It is such an honor to be teaching the
choirs here. I am so happy that you have chosen to be a part of this program that continues to
grow the beauty of music. I would like to give you some information about me as the choir
director. I studied at Houston Christian University where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in
Music Education. I am a vocalist and I am capable of teaching music appreciation, skills, and
techniques. My passion for music continues to grow, and I want the next generation of leaders to
grow, discover, and appreciate a love for music.

My mission for the choir is:

At East View High School choir our mission is to ignite a passion for lifelong learning, create
leadership skills, and empower students to think critically about music.

In this handbook, you will find all the information you will need for this academic school
year regarding our rules, procedures, expectations, and other information. I hope that this
handbook is helpful for you. If there are any questions regarding the handbook or choir, please
contact me.

Thank you,
Ms. Noguez
lnoguez@eastviewisd.org
Choral Director, East View High School
Information About the Class

The choir program offers the opportunity for students to learn music appreciation,
musical terminology, and musicality. We will also learn the proper techniques in breathing,
singing, and sight reading. This music program will help students become confident individuals
as they continue to grow in the music program. In this choir, we will participate in competitions
where we will perform as a group and individually.

Classroom Rules and Expectations:

1. Upon entering the choir classroom, a student should immediately retrieve their assigned
choir binder and assigned seat
2. Respect yourself, and others around you. Respect the classroom including all the
equipment. Respect other places we go to and other people we meet.
3. No food, no chewing gum, and no drinks besides water. (This includes during
performances)
4. Students are not allowed to play the piano without permission from the teacher
5. A student must ask the choir director for permission to enter the music library, practice
rooms, and my office.
6. Be on time for class, rehearsals, and concerts.
7. Behavior Expectations and Consequences will be based on Campus Expectations

Attendance and Absences:

The student must be present in class every day to receive their participation grade in the
class. The student’s grade is based on their participation in class and performances.
If they miss more than 3 unexcused absences then 10 points will be removed for every
day they miss. If the student misses class they must show proof of a doctor’s note or a parent’s
note due to their absence.
Grading system
Major grades are 50% of the six-week average The following activities are examples of criteria
that may be assessed as major grades:
 Performances
 Participation
 Attendance
Minor grades are 35% of the six-week average The following activities are examples of criteria
that may be assessed as minor grades:
 Quizzes (Being able to sing a section of their music successfully. Students who miss
rehearsal will be asked to do a singing test. SMART music sight reading quizzes and
score markings on music).
 Sectionals, rehearsals, concert/rehearsal etiquette.
Other grades are 15% of the six-week average The following activities are examples of criteria
that may be assessed as other grades than major or minor:
 Preparation- material, music
 Homework- any written assignments, medical forms, and field trip forms.
 Daily skills- use of hand signs, posture, auditing when practicing during sectional.

Rehearsals
1. Students are expected to participate in all rehearsals and be on time.
2. Dress rehearsals before concerts are required.
3. To help the choir gain more understanding of their repertoire and an extra opportunity to
practice their music.
4. Pencils are always required, a student should always have a pencil for this class.
Performances
1. Students are expected to participate in all concerts and be on time.
2. Students who miss a performance will receive an incomplete (I) grade. To make this
grade up the student will perform a portion of the repertoire to the director.
3. Students must be in their concert attire for a performance
 4. Other performances may pop up throughout the year. Students apart of this choir are still
required to participate.
Uniform information
At EVHS choir not only do we want our choir to sound great we want them to look great.
With our choral uniforms, we would like our students to look their best and feel confident when
performing. During the beginning of the year, we will have a uniform fitting these uniforms are
used for the whole academic year. After renting these uniforms the student is responsible for
keeping everything with them until they have to return the uniform. If any item is lost or
damaged the student is responsible for paying a fee for what they have lost. If any alterations
need to be made with the uniforms please contact the choir director.
Uniforms:
Women: All-black dress with a red ribbon around the waist. All black closed-toe flat or
heels (no higher than 1-2 inches).
Men: Black tux, with white button-up long-sleeve shirt. Red tie and cummerbunds. Black
formal shoes with black socks.
Other performances:
Students will wear the choir shirt they have purchased with blue jeans that have no rips.

About The Choirs

Treble Choir:
This is a women’s choir, we allow all those capable of singing in the treble range
to join this choir. While we accept all skill levels to join, we still test your voice range to find the
perfect spot for you in this ensemble. Questions will also be asked to test your understanding of
music to see what would need to be taught throughout the semester.

Tenor-Bass Choir:
This is a men’s choir. Similar to the treble choir, we allow all those capable of singing in
the treble range to join this choir. While we accept all skill levels to join, we still test your voice
range to find the perfect spot for you in this ensemble. Questions will also be asked to test your
understanding of music to see what would need to be taught throughout the semester.

Mixed choir:
Our Mixed choir is our varsity ensemble and our largest that includes a spot for
all voice parts. This ensemble is for those who have an understanding and ability to sight-read
music and music terminology. Choir members outside of this group can audition for this choir.
To be in this ensemble the requirements are:
 Sight reading skills
 Knowledge of solfege
 Understanding of musicality
 Ability to keep a rhythm and chant their music
 Acknowledgment page

Student Name: ________________________________ Grade: ____ Choir: ____________

Please initial next to each statement (student):
_____ I have read and understand the East View High School Choir Handbook which contains
the policies and expectations for the 2024-2025 academic school year.
_____ I will refer to this handbook throughout the year when I have questions.
_____ I have noted expectations that involve performances, uniforms, and grading.
_____ I understand the uniform policy, and I agree to pay for anything I’ve lost or damaged.
_____ I understand that it is possible that I may be required to attend extra rehearsals and
concerts as the year progresses/as needed.
Student Signature:______________________________ Date: _____________
Parent Signature:______________________________ Date: _____________