Masconomet Regional High School

Music Department

CHORAL PROGRAM
HANDBOOK
2019-2020

*Welcome
*Personnel Directory
*Calendar
*Course Descriptions/Expectations
*Chorus Uniform
*Masconomet Music Parents Information
*Regional Festivals/Private Lessons
*Student/Parent Contract (to be signed and returned to teacher)
Greetings and Welcome

This 2019-2020 school year has an exciting outlook with new repertoire, and new faces
coming into our exciting program. Look forward to new challenges and higher
expectations that will make for much excitement to come!

This year marks my twenty fourth year as a choral director here at Masconomet. I am
excited to again have the honor to teach and share my art and passion with all the
wonderful and talented students of the Tri-Town area. As always, my door is open for
anyone to come in and I am here to help. Each student here is capable of so very much
development, but the decision to improve and prosper has to be done within each
individual. As we continue to grow here at Masconomet in numbers and achievement it is
critical that each student involved with the choral program take it upon himself/herself to
self-improve and attempt to prepare his/her own music. Leadership as musicians is a
necessity for each member of a musical ensemble. Therefore, musicianship standards
and development will be highly stressed for the betterment of all.

I would like to thank you all in advance for the great honor I have in teaching my passion
with you all.

Many thanks,
Mr. Brian Ocock
Masconomet Chorus Director

MUSIC DEPARTMENT MISSION AND EXPECTATIONS

LEARNING IS LIFE
The Masconomet Music Department believes that learning enables us all to achieve ambitious
personal goals, develop fine minds, and build strong character. Therefore, we foster the acquisition of
attitudes, skills, and knowledge necessary for life-long learners to think critically in order to
participate in a global society. Upon graduation, students will have demonstrated that they have
embraced this mission by meeting the following academic, social and civic criteria:

ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS:
1. Students will communicate effectively
2. Students will be able to use problem-solving skills.
3. Students will be able to use a variety of technological and informational resources to
gather, analyze, and synthesize facts, results, ideas, and concepts.
SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS
1. Students will resume responsibility for their own behaviors.
2. Students will contribute to the well-being and welfare of others within the school
community.
3. Students will demonstrate respect for themselves and others.
CIVIC EXPECTATIONS
1. Students will participate in decision making and team building activities.
2. Students will demonstrate and practice an understanding of the rights and
responsibilities of global citizenship.
3. Students will make positive contributions to the community.
4.
Important Contact Information:

Brian Ocock 978-887-2323, Ext. 71500

bocock@masconomet.org

Walter O’Keefe – Department Chair 978-887-2323, Ext. 71016

wokeefe@masconomet.org

Rachel Furgiuele 978-887-2323, Ext. 71501

rfurgiuele@masconomnet.org

Dr. Michael Harvey Lyons – Superintendent of Schools 978-887-2323, Ext. 61040

mharvey@masconomet.org

Peter Delani – High School Principal 978-887-2323, Ext.11003

pdelani@masconomet.org

Mail to: Masconomet Regional High School

20 Endicott Road
Boxford, MA 01921

MASCONOMET MUSIC PARENTS ASSOCIATION (MMPA) 2018-2019 Officers

Website: http://www.mascomusic.org

President: Diane Winship; dianewinship@gmail.com; 617-872-1151

Secretary: Lori Dox; ldox@comcast.net; 616-650-6959
Treasurer: Sherry Roach; swroach22@gmail.com; 617-650-6959
Special Assistant: Claudia Giustra; cgiustra@gmail.com; 978-394-5330
CALENDAR 2019-2020

SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER

NOVEMBER
7 GODSPELL
8 GODSPELL
9 GODSPELL
10 GODSPELL
23 Sr. District Auditions – North Andover High School

DECEMBER
7 Topsfield Tree Lighting – 4:30 PM - Chorale/Chamber/Ladies
1 Puritan Lawn Cemetery – 3: 00 PM - Chorale/Chamber
?11 Masconomet Nursing Home/Little Brook Village Field Trip – Chorale & Chamber
18 HOLIDAY CONCERT – AUDITORIUM – 7:00PM (6:30 call) ALL SINGERS
19 HOLIDAY CONCERT – SNOW DATE
19 Rotary Club Luncheon – Middleton – Chorale/Chamber

JANUARY
8 Sr. District Rehearsal – Wakefield
10 Sr. District Rehearsal –Wakefield
11 Sr. District Concert – Wakefield
21 Middle School Chorus Concert (With Honors Singers)
25 MMEA All State Auditions--Shrewsbury

FEBRUARY
1 Jr. District Auditions - Methuen
13 Jazz Concert – Auditorium – Jazz Choir - and all Jazz Ensembles
14 Singing Valentines – in school – per. 6 and final block – Chorale/Chamber

MARCH
5 All State Festival – Boston
6 All State Festival - Boston
7 All State Festival – Boston
25 Jr. District Rehearsal – Wakefield
26 International Dinner – 5:30 PM – Ladies Chorale & Soloists
27 Jr. District Rehearsal – Wakefield
28 Jr. District Concert – Wakefield

APRIL
4 -5 NYC TRIP – Evan Hanson/Madame Butterfly
7 High School Spring Chorus Concert – All Ensembles – Auditorium/Organ Rm.

MAY
8 - Middle School Musical - TBA
9 - Middle School Musical –TBA
10 – Middle School Musical - TBA
7 - Pops Solo Recital – Auditorium
18 Jazz Concert – Cafeteria – 6:00 PM – Jazz Choir
19 – Middle School Chorus Concert – (With Honors Singers)
21– Middle School Memorial Day Assembly
21 – H.S. Memorial Day Assembly
26 – Baccalaureate – Auditorium – 7:00 PM (6:00 call) – Chorale/Chamber

JUNE
3 Choral Pops Concert – 7:00 PM – Auditorium – All Ensembles
 EXPECTATIONS

 Students are expected to be in class and seated on time in assigned seats with
folder, music and a pencil. (No lingering in practice rooms, please.)
 Students are expected to fully participate in all class activities and contribute
to the best of their abilities in each rehearsal and concert.
 Students are also expected to improve upon their vocal, technical, musical
and performance skills.
 Students are expected to present themselves to the community and the school
as ambassadors of an organization that represents quality performance and
achievement of a dignified skill and talent. Along with exemplary behavior,
they are expected to be prepared with all materials, be meticulously attired
as directed, respond cooperatively and immediately to instruction and
properly return materials used in performance and rehearsal to its proper
place (e.g. music, folders, robes etc.)
 Excuses for absence will be granted only for severe illness or family
emergency. Notification must come from a parent or guardian via e-mail,
written note or phone message.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
♫ SINGERS

The ensemble of Singers is the entire enrollment of all choruses together to provide a
large ensemble that speaks not only of unity and diversity, but also of peer modeling and
skill development. Although honors ensembles now meet at a separate time, all groups
will perform together and are required to attend all announced dress rehearsals posted in
the chorus calendar. Rehearsals during 6th period will focus on the repertoire of the large
ensemble that includes works of both a popular and a classical nature that, in addition to
providing a grandiose sound due to size, also provides a venue for vocal and musical
development. Ninth graders in particular will use this experience to further their
development for future involvement in honors ensembles. Foundational attention will be
given to tone production, music literacy as well as repertoire covered. Singers have three
concerts and corresponding dress rehearsals that they must attend throughout the year.

♫ HONORS SINGERS
Honors Singers is an accelerated ensemble that sings with Singers CP as well as 8th grade
Chorus. Students in this ensemble are audition qualified to be considered for future
honors ensemble involvement. On ACE days they participate with and mentor 8th Grade
chorus. On BDF days they meet with Singers, CP. For one semester, they also are
required to take Music Theory during A lunch. An added pleasure for this class will also
be accompanying the 8th grade chorus on a field trip to the New Repertory Theatre in
Watertown this year to see the musical Oliver!
♫ LADIES CHORALE
Ladies Chorale, a select honors ensemble, provides an opportunity for young women to
learn and perform the abundant literature that exists for female voices. This ensemble is
also open to membership for those who are already in another ensemble and want to
experience the unique literature. Ladies Chorale will be involved with some of the
December community service projects and also will have participation in the Art Song
recital in addition to the three required concerts of the year. Attention will be paid to
vocal development, musical literacy, and vocal independence with part singing. All
performance music will be memorized and possible performances outside school may
occur as well. Ladies Chorale also performs at the International Dinner in March.

♫ CHORALE
Members of Chorale having auditioned to show their advanced level of musicality will
also learn and memorize all their assigned music for performance. This is an honors level
course which requires written and researched work in addition to ensemble time. Work
in class will help present music to be learned and understand its new challenges, but the
expectation is that students will also work outside the class room in order to maintain
membership in an honors level course. Students must achieve and exceptional level of
music literacy to maintain membership. Students must also demonstrate musical
achievement with a solo performance of an art song in recital. Chorale is also the
premiere presentation ensemble of Masconomet. In addition to the three main concerts of
the year, Chorale members are required to do holiday “gigs” involving field trips as well
as the Memorial Day Assembly and the Baccalaureate concert as well. Chorale will also
be learning Singers repertoire to be performed in the larger ensemble on all chorus
concerts.

♫ CHAMBER CHOIR
Chamber Choir is a smaller select ensemble that will focus on repertoire of an advanced
caliber that has much more responsibility for the individual singer. Students will also
earn their honors status with outside written and researched projects as well as be
responsible to learn and memorize all their assigned music. Chamber will share some
repertoire with Chorale and perform some of the larger works with them in addition to
doing community service with Christmas gigs. In addition to three concerts and holiday
gigs, members will also have mandatory performances at the Foreign Language Banquet,
the Chamber Recital, Art Song Recital solos, Memorial Day Ceremony, and
Baccalaureate. (Note that seniors doing an internship must make arrangements to attend
this performance prior to scheduling of internship.)

♫ JAZZ CHOIR
Jazz Choir is an ensemble that will perform jazz and show tunes for the two designated
jazz concerts of the year as well as the June Pops Concert. Student will also have the
opportunity to perform solos on a Jazz recital night the date of which is yet to be
announced. Jazz Choir meeting time will be on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

CHORUS UNIFORM:_______________ __
MEN: All black attire: Black shirt (collared) – no stripes
Black slacks – no stripes
Black shoes
Black socks
WOMEN: Black full length dress – regulation style – see following:
Masco Music Parents will coordinate ordering with parents. Students
will pay $52 for the dress once in their high school career. If the student
outgrows the dress she may turn it in and get a new size at no charge.
Music Parents will also coordinate future re-sales for those that will be
graduating.

***HOW TO ORDER A GOWN FOR HIGH SCHOOL CHORAL GROUPS***

www.tuxedowholesaler.com

The gown to order is “Dakota” and costs approximately $52.00 plus shipping. Have
the gown shipped directly to your home. The gown will arrive un-hemmed.
Hemming is available at a reasonable cost from:
Mrs. Kilgallen in the High School front office.
If you have any questions please contact MMPA

CHORALE & CHAMBER CHOIR

Same attire as for Singers but for some performances as follows:

Choir robes with black shoes & socks, black slacks for men or women, or skirts of knee
length or full length for women with flesh colored stockings for women.

CLASSROOM RULES___________________________
 No Gum
  No cell phones
 No food or drinks other than water (exceptions: lunch ensembles or special
cravings of the instructor and special breakfast club days)
 Sit in provided chairs in assigned seats according to sectional requirements
 Do not leave class without permission
 Bathroom – beginning of class or not at all (except for dire emergencies)
 Guidance office – go during your lunch time – not class time.
 Clean up after yourselves (music/folders put away and assist in chair
arrangement for next class.)
 No talking during singing time or while instructor is talking.
(Policy – Talking during class out of turn will be noted on report cards as
“disruptive behavior in class” rather than “talks too much”)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR CHORAL ENSEMBLES

♫ Improvement of vocal, technical, musical, and performance skills which

include:

☺Healthy vocal technique

☺Projection of voice
☺Good posture
☺Good embouchure (mouth position)
☺Strong diction
☺Ability to sing voice part within student’s section
☺Ability to sing voice part within a mixed formation
☺Memorization of music
☺Proper stage and concert etiquette
☺An improved ability to read pitches and rhythms at sight with and without
the aid of Solfege syllables.
☺The ability to sing and pronounce correctly multiple languages
☺The ability to affirm and encourage others in the ensemble in personal
development and musical talent!!!!!!!!!!

ASSESSMENT______________________________
Grades are calculated using Standard Grading Scale:

A+ 97-100 C 73-76
A 93-96 C- 70-72
A- 90-92 D+ 67-69
B+ 87-89 D 63-66
B 83-86 D- 60-62
B- 80-82 F Below 60
C+ 77-79

Grades for each class will be assessed as follows:

1. Class participation – 45%

(Reharsal skills – Vocal Technique – Musicianship skills –
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR.)
2. Performance attendance – 20%
3. Class attendance grade – 35%

4. Final Exams count as 25% of semester end grade.

Should a marking period have no performances, class participation will pick up

the additional 20% of the term grade.

ALL CLASSROOM ABSENCES AND TARDINESS WILL BE

REPORTED TO HOUSE OFFICES VIA COMPUTER – IT IS A
STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO CLEAR HIS/HER OWN RECORD
WITH THE ADMINISTRATION!! HABITUAL TARDINESS AND
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE WILL RESULT IN EXCLUSION FROM
ENROLLMENT IN CLASS – THREE STRIKES AND YOU’R OUT!!

PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS:_________________

It is highly recommended that chorus students like band students work on
training their skills through private study with private instructors in the
area. References to area voice teachers are available
REGIONAL FESTIVALS:____________________

Northeast Senior District Chorus for students in grades 10-12

The Massachusetts Music Educators Association convenes a chorus of selected

members from all over the Northeast of Massachusetts. Students interested must
first audition for Mr. Ocock to secure their audition spot and then audition for a
judge appointed by the MMEA. The auditions take place on Saturday
November 17th in North Andover. Bus transportation is provided. The
rehearsals and performance for those who get in are January 9, 11 and 12.

Northeast Junior District Chorus for students in grade 9

The Massachusetts Music Educators Association convenes a chorus of selected
members from all over the Northeast of Massachusetts. Students interested must
first audition for Mr. Ocock to secure their audition spot and then audition for a
judge appointed by the MMEA. The auditions take place on Saturday February
2 in Methuen. Bus transportation is provided. The rehearsals and performance for
those who get in are March 27, 29, and 30 in Wakefield.

Massachusetts All-State Chorus

Students whose Senior District auditions score are in the top 25% of their
respective voice parts receive an “All-State Recommendation”, which means they
are invited to audition for the All-State Chorus. Auditions are Saturday,
January 26th before a judge appointed by the MMEA. The audition site is
Shrewsbury High School near Worcester. Transportation will be arranged with
various parents car pooling. To be chosen for this ensemble is one of the highest
honors for a young singer. The All State Festival is a 3-day event that has
students rehearsing intensively at the Boston Seaport Hotel with a Saturday
performance at Boston’s Symphony Hall. The rehearsals run simultaneously with
an in-service conference for music educators. The dates of the convention are
February 28, and March 1 and 2. Students and teacher/chaperone stay
overnight two nights at the Boston Seaport Hotel.

MASCONOMET MUSIC PARENTS ASSOCIATION

MMPA

Facebook Page: facebook.com/mascomusic

Website: www.mascomusic.org
The Masconomet Music Parents Association (MMPA) is a 501©3 tax
exempt organization comprised of the parents of students enrolled in
ANY music course at Masconomet Middle/High Schools. MMPA
focuses on numerous areas that are of vital importance to the Music
Department at Masconomet, including curriculum, enrollment,
department budget, goals, performances, and fund-raising. MMPA’s
fund-raising efforts support essential elements such as uniforms for the
high school performing ensembles, equipment, transportation,
sponsoring noteworthy music workshops, funding community concerts,
student financial rewards for eligible Masco seniors to further their
musical pursuits and studies.

The MMPA’s primary fund-raising activities for which student and

parent involvement is needed include the following annual events:
Electronics recycling event-October 20th, 9:00 am-12:00 pm.
Spring Jazz Cabaret – May 10th, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

Other activities planned around concerts and recitals this year may
include:
Sponsorship of Community Concerts and Master Classes
Sales of refreshments and raffle items.

The MMPA’s regular meetings are at 7:00 pm on the second

Wednesday of each month in the high school dining hall across from the
Band Room. Musical performance dates and school vacations/holidays
necessitate some changes. Please monitor the facebook page for meeting
time changes as well as all pertinent and important information.

Monthly meetings:

Sept 11 Jan 8 Apr 8

Oct 9 Feb 12 May 13
Nov 13 Mar 11 June 10
MASCONOMET MUSIC DEPATMENT
PARENT/STUDENT CHORUS CONTRACT
2019-2020
 Please detach this form and return signed to teacher before first quarter
progress report, October 1, 2020!

Please be sure to keep the rest of the handbook for reference!

By signing and returning this contract students and parents confirm that they
have read and agree to the terms of this handbook and have made note of the
dates of commitment required in order to be in this program. Contract must
be signed by parent/guardian and student and returned to Mr. Ocock before
the first progress report in order to receive a grade.

X_____________________________________________
Print Student Name

X____________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date

X____________________________________________________________
Student Signature Date