Select Ensembles
Welcome from Choral
Director, Mr. John Brzozowski
Congratulations on being
accepted into a select choral music ensemble! We have an exciting year ahead of
us filled with new opportunities to make great music!
In order for our music program to run as smoothly as possible, there is some
information that you will need to be aware of and have access to throughout the
year. This handbook is designed to answer frequently asked questions students
and their parent(s)/guardian(s) may have regarding the select ensembles at SPFHS.
As you read through this handbook you will find that it will explain each
ensemble and it clearly outlines my expectations of each of you as a performer.
Please take time to read it thoroughly and detach, sign, and return the
agreement on the last page.
The most important thing to remember is that while it is wonderful to make
music, it’s even more fun and rewarding to make excellent music. However, making
excellent music requires dedication that is committed to the highest standards
possible. By joining these groups you have committed yourself to the physical,
mental, and emotional work that it will require to make excellent music. I truly
look forward to working with you!
Mr. John Brzozowski, Choral Director
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ENSEMBLES
There are four select choral ensembles at SPFHS; Select Chorus, Las Cantadoras,
Men’s Chorus, and “SPF Sensations” Show Choir. Students are expected to
demonstrate a certain level of proficiency to maintain membership in the
ensembles listed below. All dates and times below are subject to change.
SELECT CHORUS (Academic Credit)
An elite ensemble of advanced-level singers and are considered the “crème de la
crème” of the choral ensembles at SPFHS. Students will be exposed to a variety
of college-level repertoire ranging from madrigals to broadway and jazz
selections. All women that participate in Select Chorus are expected to
participate in Las Cantadoras. Furthermore, all men that are in Select Chorus
are expected to participate in Men’s Chorus.
Tuesdays- 6:30-7:30 PM
Thursdays- 2:30-3:30 PM
LAS CANTADORAS (Academic Credit)
A select choral ensemble exclusively of women at SPFHS. Students will be exposed
to a variety of college-level repertoire ranging from madrigals to broadway and
jazz selections.
Thursdays - 2:45 - 3:45 PM (Month of September)
Thursdays- 4:00 - 5:00 PM (October - May)
MEN’S CHORUS (No Academic Credit)
A select choral ensemble exclusively of men at SPFHS. Students will be exposed
to a variety of college-level repertoire ranging from madrigals to broadway and
jazz selections.
Tuesdays- 3:30 - 4:00 PM
Thursdays- 7:30 - 8:00 PM
“SPF SENSATIONS” SHOW CHOIR (No Academic Credit)
A select ensemble that consists of singers and dancers. Students will be exposed
to pop, broadway, and jazz selections.
Tuesdays- 2:45 - 4:00 PM
Wednesdays- 7:00 - 7:50 AM
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ENSEMBLE EXPECTATIONS
The greatest single factor that will determine the success for any individual is
attitude. The study of music can nurture positive attitudes and the ability to
concentrate. It takes intense dedication to reach worthwhile goals.
Because of the nature and size of choral ensembles, discipline must be strict.
Choral students must be willing to accept the ideas, principles, and policies of
the ensemble to which they belong:1. Students are expected to arrive on time to any rehearsal. Rehearsals will
start at the allotted time. It is a good idea to get in the habit of arriving
early so you can get situated with your folder, seat, etc.
2. Each student will bring the following items to every rehearsal:
a. pencil
b. chorus folder
3. Students are expected to take their growth as musicians seriously,
participating in warm-ups, vocal exercises, sight-singing, and music reading.
4. PLEASE NO GUM CHEWING! You are in an ensemble that prides itself on the
beautiful sounds you can make. Chewing gum inhibits that ability.
5. These ensembles (except show choir) will use assigned seating. It is expected
that students sit in assigned seats.
6. When not all sections are rehearsing at the same time, students in resting
sections are expected to follow along with the music, listen critically to the
other sections, and rehearse their own part silently.
7. Students in select ensembles are expected to be role models for other
students to follow in their concert chorus or band classes.
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ATTENDANCE
Part of your commitment to a select group at SPFHS means that you have decided
to dedicate yourself to an ensemble that meets outside the regularly scheduled
time for school. All select group ensemble members are expected adhere to the
attendance policy set forth in this handbook and are subject to the consequences
(see below in “Grading”) should these expectations not be met.
1. All scheduled rehearsals are considered class meetings and are subject to
standard Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School attendance policies with respect to
tardiness and absence.
2. A student that has a conflict and cannot make a rehearsal due to legitimate
reasons (ex. Funeral or family emergency) must fill out an “excused absence”
form (found in the chorus room). If the absence is excused the form will be
signed and given to the ensemble manager for the records. A student does not
need to fill out a form if they are absent from school on a day of rehearsal.
3. Students are expected to adhere to the Honor Code set forth by Scotch
Plains-Fanwood High School in reference to reporting of absences.
4. A student may not miss any rehearsal due to regular junior varsity athletic
practices. Varsity sports conflicts need to be negotiated with the choral
director and possibly the coach of that sports team.
5. After school jobs, detention, homework, make-up work, projects, or social
events are not considered acceptable excuses for tardiness or absence from any
rehearsal for any choral ensemble.
6. In the event that a student is unable to sing (cold, sore throat, etc.) but
is still present in school, they are still expected to be at rehearsal following
along in the music, and participating as much as possible.
7. Any student in “SPF Sensations” Show Choir that has more than three unexcused
absences per semester are placed on probation and their membership in the group
will be reassessed. When a student is on probation they are expected to schedule
time with their dance captain or choreographer to make up the work missed and
will be tested on the material missed. In addition, a call will be made home to
notify the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the situation and see if a possible solution
can be worked out.
You have been chosen to participate in a select ensemble because of your talent.
Choral singing is a group activity, and singers depend on one another’s presence
for the music learning process to flow smoothly. However, without your presence
we can not make the necessary progress as a team and make amazing music. Treat
your rehearsal time like gold!
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GRADING (For Select Chorus and Las Cantadoras only)
Because Select Chorus and Las Cantadoras are academic classes, a grade is given
based on musicianship, participation, and attendance. It is not the intention to
overload the students with written classwork or homework. However, it is
expected that students spend time at home, meet with section leaders, or
schedule an appointment with the director to review ensemble part work as
necessary. Since rehearsal time for select ensembles is scarce, grade penalties
for unexcused absences are steep.
1. All students start the marking period with an A+ grade.
2. In the event that a student has an unexcused absence there shall be a partial
deduction of their grade. (ex. 1 unexcused= A-, 2 unexcused=B, 3 unexcused=C+)
3. Upon a hypothetical fourth absence, the student will be placed on probation.
During this time, the student is expected to make up any missed ensemble work
and his/her membership in the group shall be reassessed. Unless a student is on
probation from these select ensembles, at the beginning of each marking period a
student’s “slate” is wiped clean and can start a new.
4. If a student is not present (unexcused absence) at a performance with the
ensemble it will result in a failing grade for the class for that marking
period.
FINALE
I hope that this handbook will help clear up any confusion about the
expectations of being in a select ensemble at SPFHS. The policies in this
handbook reflect similar policies of higher level student ensembles throughout
high school choral music programs. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you
have any questions. I can be reached at the music office at (908)889-8600 or via
email (best method) at jbrzozowski@spfk12.org.
Again, I am looking forward to working with such a talented group of singers!
CHORAL UNIFORMS
Welcome to the SPFHS Choral program! We have an exciting year ahead of us and
we have already begun rehearsing and preparing for performance opportunities.
While sounding good is our priority, looking good is also important. All choir
members are required to purchase a choir uniform in order to participate in
performances.
Below is an outline of the prices for the choral uniforms.
Please read carefully and complete the form. In order to secure a uniform for
your child, we are asking that the form and check be mailed to the address on
the order form no later than October 15, 2008. Thank you for your support
and I look forward to a great year of music with your children.
Sincerely,
John Brzozowski, Choral Director,
SPFHS
Joe and Laura Matrale, SPF Music Boosters
Co-Presidents
Joanne Sprague,
Uniform Coordinator
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