Lauren Glass, Choral Director

Welcome to the George Mason High School Choral Program. I am excited and honored
to make music with you this year! I hope that we can learn together, have fun, and
most importantly, create beautiful choral music.
The Mason Choral Program consists of two primary ensembles:

 The GMHS Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students in grades

8-12. The fundamentals of choral singing are introduced and built upon
throughout the year. As a member of the GMHS Chorus, you will have rehearsal
three times per week and perhaps more than that as we near a performance.

 The GMHS Chamber Singers is an auditioned ensemble open to students in

grades 9-12. We will perform in the community throughout the year and
perform more advanced music in concert settings. Rehearsals occur once a
week in the mornings and in the afternoons as we near a performance.
In this handbook you will find information on the following…

I. The Curriculum, Grading Policy & Attendance

II. Conduct & Discipline
III. Specific Guidelines
IV. Important Dates & Performance Opportunities
V. Forms & Financial Obligations

Please read this handbook carefully and return the information

sheet no later than Friday, September 17.
I. The Curriculum, Grading Policy & Attendance
Outline of Topics
Rehearsal Skills
1. Vocal Production and Health
2. Listening Skills
3. Sight-singing
Performance Skills
1. Notation
2. Rhythm, Meter, and Tempo
3. Dynamics
Ensemble Skills
1. Intonation, Timbre, and Blend
2. Articulation and Pronunciation
SOL References: CB.1; CB.2; CB.3; CB.4; CB.5; CB.6; CB.7; CB.8; CB.9; CB.10; CB.11; CB.13;
CB.14

High School Chorus Grading Policy

Grade Evaluation
Rehearsal Skills 50%
Assessments 50%
Encompasses:
Concert Grade 30%
Ensemble Skills 10%
Performance Skills 10%

Daily Rehearsal Skills includes daily posture, behavior, attentiveness, being prepared, taking
care of your folder, and any of the items listed under Chorus Procedures. Students can earn
10 points each rehearsal.

Daily rehearsal grade will be based on the following areas:

 Attendance at all required rehearsals (this includes any after school rehearsals)
 Having your music and sharpened pencil in class
 Having your full participation in class

Assessments will be based on demonstration of performance skills and ensembles skills at

concerts.
 Ensemble Skills include learning how and practicing being an appropriate and
respectful audience member in a concert setting.
 Performance Skills includes ability to perform the assignments for the day at an
acceptable level, striving to improve identified weak areas. Students may be
randomly assessed on their preparedness.

Attendance Policy
Music is a performing art. A performance is a culmination of all the work we do each
day in rehearsals as a group. Each student’s participation affects the group outcome,
and each student plays a valuable role in this process. It is imperative that we
 establish attendance guidelines that support this learning process for both the
individual and a group. Attendance is related to both self-discipline and learning.
Chorus students are required to attend all after school rehearsals. It is your responsibility to
be in attendance at all rehearsals and performances.
 All students, regardless of taking Contract Chorus as pass/fail or for a grade, will be
docked a full grade for every three unexcused absences per twelve class periods.
 3 Tardies = 1 unexcused absence…these add up!!
 In case of illness, please have your parent/guardian send me an e-mail. An e-mail
from you does not count. Neither does telling me the next day.
 Six unexcused absences per grading period will result in your inability to participate in
our Concert—your grade will be adjusted accordingly.
 Class begins promptly at 7:00 a.m.

NO EXCUSE FOR A MISSED PERFORMANCE

Concerts constitute 30% of students’ grades. Attendance at all concerts is mandatory unless
otherwise noted. Absences will only be considered unexcused in the case of family emergency
or severe illness.
 Prearranged absences such as religious holidays or another extenuating
circumstance must be approved by the director 5 days in advance and given in
writing by parent/guardian.
 The grade will be dropped two full grades lower if a student misses a performance
without a prior excuse.

II. Conduct & Discipline

The success of the choir depends on the individual contributions of its members.
Be physically prepared for rehearsal:
- Be in your seat with your music and pencil before class starts.
Be mentally prepared for rehearsal:
- Approach rehearsals as well as performances with optimism, enthusiasm,
determination, and your whole-hearted attention
Be respectful of “yours, theirs, and ours”:
- A choir that supports each other sings better; treat others as you would like to be
treated, especially when singing by yourself or in small groups
Remember…
- Use your folder and store it properly.
- Treat your music with respect—mark in pencil only, keep track of your music, and
handle your music carefully—you will replace lost or heavily damaged music!
Be an active participant in the music-making process:
- Absorb all the knowledge you can during rehearsal in order to better yourself as a
member of the choir
- Your ideas are unique and valuable—share them!
Practice self-discipline:
- Act in a responsible manner—rehearsal time is limited and valuable!
Leave all gum, food, and drink (other than water) outside the classroom

Blatantly disregarding these expectations will lead

to:
1. A warning & possible reduction of daily
participation points
2. A conference with Ms. Glass.
3. A call home.
III. Specific Guidelines

Concert Attire

School provided:
 GMHS Chorus robe. These are property of GMHS and should be treated with
care. Musicians are required to follow instructions regarding care of robes
to maintain their appearance and quality.

Student provided:
 “Concert black” to wear under robe. This includes black shirt, shoes,
pants/skirt, stockings. NO open-toed shoes or sneakers will be allowed.
 For community performances, you are expected to wear your GMHS Chorus
polo, which is included in your activity fee, with khaki pants/skirt.

IV. Important Dates & Performance Opportunities….as of September 2010. Subject to

change.

KEEP A…

… To record rehearsal requirements, upcoming exams, projects, and other school

events.
Attendance at meetings for other school activities and clubs must be arranged so as
not to conflict with chorus rehearsals.
Failure to be prepared will result in a lowered rehearsal grade.
Italicized events are required!!!
Event Date Time/Location
Chorus Interest Meeting Friday, September 10 7:00 a.m./Band Room
Student Board Elections Wednesday, September 22 In Class
(Applications due Monday,
September 20)
Chamber Singers Auditions* Thursday, September 23 3:00 p.m./E127
Fall JV Show Thursday & Friday, October 7:30 p.m./Auditorium
28 & 29
Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Saturday, October 30th TBA/Applebee’s in FC
District Chorus Auditions Saturday, November 6 TBA/Mount Vernon HS
GMHS Musical Thursday, November 18- 7:30 p.m./Auditorium
Saturday, November 20
MEH Performance Thursday, December 2 or TBA

Winter Concert Rehearsals
Winter Chorus Concert
Opera Community Service
Concert
District Chorus & All-State
Auditions (Thursday evening)
Festival Rehearsals
Pre-Festival Chorus Concert
District Choral Festival
FCCPS Pyramid Concert
Spring Trip
Spring JV Show
All-State Chorus (Juniors &
Seniors who auditioned in
February)
Spring Concert Rehearsals
Spring Chorus Concert &
Annual Chorus Banquet
Graduation
* Chamber Singers are often invited to perform at community events – these will be
posted/e-mailed to members of Chamber Singers.
Friday, December 3
Chorus – December 9, 15
Chamber Singers – Dec. 6,
13
Thursday, December 16
Wednesday, February 2
Thursday – Saturday,
February 10-12
March 8, 17
Thursday, March 10
Saturday, March 19
Wednesday, March 23
Thursday – Sunday, April 1-4
Thursday & Friday, April 28 &
29
Thursday-Saturday April 28-
30
Monday – Wednesday June
6-8
Thursday, June 9
Wednesday, June 15
3:15 p.m./Band Room or
E127
7:30 p.m./Auditorium
7:30 p.m./Auditorium
TBA/West Potomac HS
3:15 p.m./Band Room
7:30 p.m./Auditorium
TBA/T.C. Williams HS
7:30 p.m./Auditorium
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
7:30 p.m./Auditorium
TBA
3:15-5:30 p.m./Auditorium
7:00 p.m./Auditorium &
Cafeteria
TBA/D.A.R. Constitution Hall

Daily rehearsal schedule along with these dates and any other important
information will be posted on the GMHS Chorus Website.
The URL is: http://sites.google.com/site/laurenmglass/
Bookmark it now!! 

Do you have Facebook? Join the G.M.H.S. Choir Group!!! I often send out
messages in both places.

V. Forms & Financial Obligations

There is a small fee to help cover the cost of t-shirts and uniform maintenance.
Please make a check for $20.00 payable to GMHS.

Ms. Glass is going green!! The 2010 GMHS Chorus Information Sheet is now
online as a Google Form. Please go to my website OR Access to find and
submit it. It is due no later than Friday, September 17, 2010.

If you do not have computer access, let me know and I’ll get you a hard copy.