POWELL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL VIKING CONCERT CHOIR
Big Stone Gap, Virginia
CHOIR HANDBOOK 1992-1993

Foreward

Welcome to a new and exciting school year in the PVHS Viking Concert Choir. If you're looking for the ultimate challenge, you'll find it everyday in this chorus room. As choir members we will find that hard work, teamwork, and even more hard work will make us the choir we want to be.

Chorus is more than just a class. It is a part of our lives. We are all here because we love music and want to learn more about it. Working outside of class is just as important as our work in class.

The way we perform depends on the way we work in class and the way we think. If we think positively, we can do anything. If we think we can, we will.

Let's not see our Choir as Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, but rather as followers and leaders. Good leaders strengthen followers and good followers strengthen leaders.

Remember that we are a family. Let's work together and try our hardest to make this 1993-94 Choir the best that PVHS has ever had.

Hugh Scott

Choir President


WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM CONCERT CHOIR......

1. You can expect to be exposed to all kinds of choral music. Each year we study a variety of outstanding compositions from ail periods of music history and many styles. You owe it to yourself to approach each composition with an open mind and heart, ready to discover what it has to offer.

2. You can expect to have different performing expenences. Each year the Choir sings full, formal concerts in fall and spring. It also prepares a major choral work, stages a Broadway Musical, produces a talent show, travels to a national competition, and sings for school assemblies and community functions.

3. You can expect to improve your musicianship. We give regular attention to your learning the skills of music reading and sight-singing, as well as understanding various musical forms and styles.

4. You can expect vocal improvement. While choral singing is not solo singing, many of the techniques and exercises taught in Choir are transferable. You will learn to use your voice in a healthy, free, and focused manner.

5. You can expect us to emphasize the art of working together and caring for others. Singing in Concert Choir is much more than teamwork: it's like being part of a family. Whether through daily rehearsals, performances, participation in choir governance, social events or travel, there is ongoing opportunity and expectation for you to improve your interpersonal skills.

Sure, it's hard work. It takes discipline. But we think it's worthwhile, and we have fun at it. As with many things in life, you will get out of Concert Choir in proportion to what you put into it.


WHAT CONCERT CHOIR EXPECTS OF YOU...

That's simple: Only the best!

This is an advanced ensemble. We don not have time to coddle the immature, lazy, or misbehaved.

We expect you at all times to

*Be Involved 110%

*So Your Job Well

*Be Courteous and Gentle with Others

*Recognize Rehearsals as Gum-Free and Chatter-Free Zones

*Be the Best that You Can Be!

Sometimes I stumble home at night discouraged Draggin' my battered dreams behind... Wonderin' if the battle's worth the fightin', And why so many people's eyes are blind.

But as I disappear into my music And the song grows deep within my soul, I know if God wants me to use it The strivin's more important than the goal;

And I think What would I do without my music? What would I do without my song? What would I do without my music? To give me hope so l can travel on?


CHOIR RENTALS AND WORKBOOKS

Each year members rent Choir Tuxedos or Dresses for that school year. This year, the rental is $ 15.00 for new members, $10.00 for returning members.

Each chorister must also have available a Master Theory Workbook, Level III or above. The cost of the workbook is $4.00.

These 1993-94 payments are due as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, September 3rd.

Students who experience difficulty in meeting this schedule are encouraged to speak privately with the director to work out an alternative.

CHOIR OFFICERS

Officers are elected by the membership at the conclusion of each school year. The Officers for 1993-94 are: Hugh Scott President; Jennifer Chafin, Vice-president; Amy Dickenson, Secretary; and Ashley Slemp, Treasurer. Jason Carty has been appointed Choir Librarian for this year.

These officers appoint Choir Committees and Crews, select individuals for various other responsibilities, are in charge of functions such as the annual Talent Show and MECC sale, oversee business meetings, and consult regularly with the director about all Choir activities.

The Choir Secretary is in charge of the choir scrapbooks and concert publicity. If you have items or ideas to assist in either of these functions, please make them known. The Secretary also takes attendance.


MUSIC THEORY SKILLS

It is assumed all members of Concert Choir have mastered the following skills, as our work at this level presupposes and builds upon them:

1. Finding Do and la rapidly in any key.

2. Letter names of pitches, including enharmonic ones.

3. Singing the following in solfege: Major Scale Pure or Natural Minor Scale Melodic Minor Scale, ascending and descending Harmonic Minor Scale

4. Singing on some neutral syllable: A Chromatic Scale

5. Singing and recognizing all Perfect, Major and minor intervals.

6. Singing and recognizing basic rhythms in both simple and compound time.

7. Sightsinging an eight measure excerpt of intermediate difficulty.

If you are deficient in any of these skills, please speak with the director early in the hear about programmed matenals which can assist you to gain competency. We do conduct an in class review of these skills during the first weeks of school, but normally that is not sufficient in and of itself to gain the mastery you need if you are encountering them for the first time.


CHORAL HONORS

The Choir Letter. Choral letters are awarded not as a matter of course, but to recognize outstanding achievement. To receive the letter (or pin if one already has a school letter in another endeavor), the student must have completed successfully at least two of the following:

(a) Been a member of the PVHS Viking Concert Choir for at least two years with an overall A average.

(b) Been selected by the VCDA as a participating AllRegional member.

(c) Performed with distinction a major or supporting role in the school musical, or a solo in a major choral work.

(d) Served with distinction as a Choir Officer, Librarian, Student Director, Accompanist, Section Leader, or Tour Bus Captain.

Choral Hall of Fame. This is a distinct, rare honor afforded those completing the requirements as listed in this Handbook.

Outstanding Choral Student Award. Each year, a Concert Choir member with at least two years' membership is selected for this prestigious award, upon nominations by the Choir and final selection by the music faculty. The award is given for significant contributions to the Choir as a whole, in addition to individual achievement. It carries a $100.00 stipend and the recipient's name is engraved upon the plaque in the Choral Room.

The Daugherty Scholarship. This scholarship award in the amount of $500.00 is given annually by the choral boosters in honor of PVHS Choral Director Jim Daugherty to a graduating senior seeking a college degree in music (either voice, music education, music therapy, or music theatre). The recipient exemplifies the characteristics Mr. Daugherty instills in his students. These traits include not only musical excellence but also dedication, responsibility and commitment. There is an application process for this scholarship. Details, including the application form, may be obtained from the Guidance Office.

Choral Achievement Award. This award is presented annually to that first year Choir member judged to have attained the highest standards of excellence as a choral member. It carries a stipend of $25.00.

Other Awards for which Concert Choir members are eligible include the Big Stone Gap Music Study Club Award ($50.00), the Clara Lou Kelley Award in Music Theatre ($50.00), the Eichel Award for Choral Excellence and the Orpheus Scholarship in Applied Music. These awards are presented by individuals and organizations in our community and beyond.

T.E.A.M.

Together

Everyone

Achieves

More!


DISCIPLINARY POLICY

1. All Wise County and PVHS rules are in effect whether the Choir is on or off school grounds.

2. In addition, the Choir itself has certain rules and expectations spelled out at the beginning of each school year.

3. Only the best is expected of you. As soon as any infraction occurs, the chorister automatically is placed on probation.

4. Choir probation means suspension from all non-class events except required rehearsals and performances. During this probation the student is excluded from trips, social activities, auditioning for special ensembles, All-Regional and All-State eligibility, etc., until such time the student works off the probation.

5. The chorister must request, and at the director's discretion is assigned, a meaningful task by which he or she may work back into full membership. Since misbehavior hurts not only the chorister but also offends the Choir as a whole, this task will involve some work benefitting the entire Choir.

6. It is up to the student, not the director, to request and arrange a time frame for completing the task.

7 A singer remains on probation until the work is completed and approved.

8. Should a second infraction occur in the same year, there will be a mandatory parental conference in addition to thework.

9. Three instances of choir probation in a single year, or failure to work out of any probation by the end of the semester in which it occurs, means automatic expulsion from Concert Choir. The singer is then placed in an intermediate chorus.

N.B. Any time the director must stop rehearsal to deal with student disturbance is cause for choir probation.

ACADEMIC STANDING

Concert Choir is demanding. And it's the kind of hard work and investment you love to do, else you wouldn't be here. But members should not use their involvement in Choir as an excuse to do less than their best in other areas of schooling.

The director will check member's grades each semester, and is always available to counsel with any member regarding academic or personal adjustment concerns.

There are two words which can save you a lot of grief during peak academic times: PLAN AHEAD.

We are not limited by our abilities--Only by our attitudes


For the common things of everyday

God gave us speech in a common way.

For the deeper things we think and feel

God gave the poet words to reveal

But for the heights and depths that know no reach--

God gave us music,-- the soul's own speech.

-Anonymous

BROADWAY MUSICAL. Our choral department has become well known for its annual Broadway show. This event is the culmination of a six weeks unit of study. As such every member of the Choir is required to participate in some way.

You, however, have a choice in how much time you devote by whether you audition for a major, supporting or minor role, and whether you bid for crew head or crew member. Very simply: If you are unable to put in the considerable out of class time necessary for a major or supporting role, or as a crew head, then do not audition or bid for such assignments.

SCHOOL-COMMUNITY CHORALE. Each December the Choir joins with alumni/ae and singers from the community to present a major choral work, usually with orchestral accompaniment. By popular demand, Handel's Messiah is the work performed every third year.

This project is an important part of your music education, and you are required to participate. Generally, six to eight evening or Sunday afternoon rehearsals are involved besides class time and dress rehearsals.

Though everyone must attend the final regular rehearsal, dress rehearsals and performance, you may opt to complete a unit in music theory in place of the other rehearsals, provided you work diligently during in-class chorale rehearsals.

Failure to sing in expected performances for reasons not involving illness, family emergency, or obviously pre-existing plans confirmed by parental note, may entail choir probation unless deemed excusable by the director well beforehand.

ENTERING THE CHORAL ROOM/BEGINNING CLASS

Each day you are to approach and enter the choral room without fanfare or disruption. Immediately get your folder. Take your seat. Be ready to begin at the bell.

GRADING

Concert Choir grades are based on a different formula for each marking period, depending on our goals and activities for the six weeks. The formula for each six weeks will be explained to you at the beginning of each marking period.

Yes, we do have exams and six weeks' tests.

DAILY REHEARSAL/PARTICIPATION GRADE

One of the most important grades figuring into your average each marking period is the daily participation grade. Critena for this evaluation are carefully discussed at the beginning of the year.

PAYMENTS AND TICKETS

The treasurer regularly collects monies and distributes tickets as needed immediately following warm-up.

Two simple rules will expedite this process and ensure you are properly credited:

1. Only one person at the desk at a time.

2. Before leaving the desk, make sure you see the ledge, entry. It will be assumed vou concur with the treasurer s entry unless vou sav otherwise while still at the desk. NEVER just leave something at the desk, or attempt transactions out of class.

Checks should be made payable to Powell Valley High School. Checks are preferred over cash. When you use cash try to make it manageable beforehand by converting into larger bills. Avoid turning in coins unless necessary.


CHORAL HALL OF FAME

To be inducted into the Hall of Fame, the student must earn over 1,100 points. The points must be earned in each of the following categories:

1. Distinguished Membership

Each semester of membership in the Viking Concert Choir with an A average counts 25 points.

2. All-Regional Honors

Each year a student is selected as a participating All- Regional member counts 50 points. 25 additional points are awarded for placing in the top three of your section.

3. Performance

Broadway Musical. Participation in the musical, above and beyond that of course requirements, amasses points each year as follows:

Leading Role - 100 pts

Major Role - 75 pt

Supporting Role - 50 pts

Crew Chief - 50 pts

Set Construction Head - 75 pts

A solo in a major choral work counts 50 points. A major solo in a concert work counts 25 points.

Solo & Ensemble Festival. A superior rating-50 points, an excellent rating, 25 points.

Outstanding Soloist Award in any major competition counts 50 points.

Membership in a barbershop quartet or other ensemble officially related to Concert Choir counts 25 pts per semester, provided the ensemble sings regularly.

4. Service, Leadership & Contribution to the Whole

Choir Officers: President(75 pts), Vice Pres.(50 pts),

Secretary (50 pts), Treasurer (75 pts).

Section Leader (50 pts)

Librarian (50 pts)

Tour Captain (50 pts)

Accompanist (75 pts)

Student Director (75 pts)

Musical Stage Manager (75 pts)

Tour Crew Head (25 pts)

Tour Crew (75 pts)

Selection as the year's Outstanding Choral Student counts 125 points.

Receiving the Choral Achievement Award counts 75pts.

Selection for these awards counts 50 points each: Daugherty Scholarship, Music Study Club Award, Kelly Music Theatre Award, Orpheus Scholarship, Eichel Award for Choral Excellence.

5. All-State Honors

Selection to VMEA Honors Choir, All-Virginia Chorus, or The Governor's School (in voice) counts 250 points per selection, so long as the student is a participating member. (Exception with regard to actual participation may be made at the discretion of the director for illness or death in the family).

Selection as First Alternate to these events counts 200 points. Second Alternate counts 150 points. Those placing at or above the 50th percentile in an All-State Audition earn 50 points.

Addendae

Quality or merit points for exceptionally outstanding devotion to or accomplishment in a particular area may be awarded upon recommendation of the director and majority vote of the officers. These awards are not to exceed 25 points per


PERFORMANCE POLICY

As the premier performing group at PVHS the Viking Concert Choir gives numerous concerts and presentations throughout the year. Since the Choir is a unit, and since performances represent the culmination of units of study, we have an adage which goes "When the Choir singing, the whole Choir sings

This means very simply that performances are required, not optional. After all, you chose to audition for and enroll in an advanced course in the performing arts.

Required Performances

Failure to sing in required performances or the dress rehearsal immediately preceding them means automatic expulsion from the Concert Choir at semester's end, in addition to any grading penalties involved. Students will be placed in a less advanced group where performance requirements are less strenuous.

The only acceptable excuses are documented illness, or a family emergence (not a simple trip or vacation). A parental note is necessary/

Required Performances for 1993-94 are listed and starred in the "Dates" found at the end of this Handbook.Reserve these dates NOW.

In addition, all performances which occur during the school day and for which students are excused by the Principal's Office are required performances.

Expected Performances

Each year the Choir receives invitations to sing at various other functions. Our policy in these instances is to put the matter to a majority vote. If a clear majority of the Choir votes to sing, then it is expected that the whole Choir will be present.

CHAMBER SINGERS

This is a most select group of twelve to eighteen singers, chosen on the basis of talent, musicianship and choral discipline. Though usually composed primarily of juniors and seniors, ninth and tenth graders should not be discouraged from auditioning.

Considerable outside time is required of this group. It is, in fact, another class meeting outside normal school hours for which a full unit of academic credit is granted to those completing at least 180 hours of prescribed study and activities during the year.

FOLDER CARE

Forgetting to file your folder properly after each rehearsal, or leaving it in strange places, is a no-no. New members, especially, are cautioned that should the bell ring and we happen to be rehearsing in the auditorium, folders must nevertheless be returned to their proper places in the choral room. If found where it shouldn't be, your folder is "jailed" until you pay a ten cents fine. If lost, or abused beyond normal wear, the charge is $8.00 to replace the folder, in addition to the cost of whatever music was in it.

OUTFIT CARE

Even though you pay a rental fee for use of your outfit, it has to last many seasons and perhaps be of use to students other than yourself. Careless use and improper hanging will result in a fine of $1.00 per offense. The same holds true for costumes used in the musical. Damaged or lost outfits must be repaired or replaced at your expense. This year's replacement cost of a choir tuxedo is $125.00, and $65.00 for a choir dress. Your rental fee, of course, covers all minor or normal repairs and general upkeep. occurrence and may not be awarded retroactively following the year in which actually earned.

Deductions in points earned for the Hall of Fame will be made at 50 points per occurrence for being placed on choir probation or being grounded on a trip.

Additional points, up to 25 per instance, can be awarded to any chorister who successfully recruits a new member who proves to be an asset to the Choir. This does not include students already in the choral program who advance to Concert Choir, e.g. PVMS 8th grade or PVHS Intermediate Choristers.

PRACTICE ROOM AND MUSIC LIBRARY ACCESS

Access to these rooms and the hallway in front of them is by permission of the director only. Being there otherwise means choir probation.

ILLNESS POLICY

The general policy is if you are at school, you are expected to sing, and can do so using proper technique v. ith attention to basic principles of voice care. If you aren't feeling that well, you shouldn't be at school. In exceptional instances, a physician's recommendation or common sense will determine a student may be excused from singing at a rehearsal for which he or she is present. But no student will be excused from rehearsing mentally with the ensemble.

AFTERNOON and EVENING REHEARSALS

When rehearsals after regular school hours are scheduled, you are to be on time and ready to begin at the announced place and hour. You are not to enter any section of the building save that designated for rehearsal. This includes trying to get to your locker. You may not congregate on the porch or in the hallway. You are to enter and exit the rehearsal area in a quiet, efficient manner. You are to have your transportation arranged beforehand.

BUS TRIPS

On those occasions when the Choir travels by bus there will be no singing and no loud talking or vocalizations en route to our destination. Nothing can wreck your voice or our performance more than a boisterous bus ride.

CHEWING GUM

Your trachea or windpipe opens when singing. Likewise, your teeth are separated, tongue moving, jaw hanging. Trying to balance gum at the same time is sloppy and inefficient. It can also pose real danger: the gum can pop down the wrong hole, i.e., your windpipe instead of your esophagus, presenting the threat of choking.

Therefore, gum is NEVER allowed in the choral room or any rehearsal area. When singing, nothing should be in your mouth except what the Creator and your dentist put there.

The penalty for gum, as well as candy, cough drops, etc., is a lecture trip to the trash can for the first offense. Repeat offenses can result in choir probation.

PENCILS Good choral practice dictates that you have a pencil handy for every rehearsal. You must keep one in your folder at all times. We use them a lot. No pencil means a 10 cents fine.

MUSIC CARE

The cost of one piece of choral music today can range from $1.00 to $4.50. The music in your folder is on loan to you. You must exercise responsibility for it. This includes not marking it in pen, tearing it, losing it, letting someone walk on it, etc. You must pay the full replacement cost of damaged or lost music.


TIPS ON PREVENTING VOICE INJURY TIPS ON PREVENTING VOICE INJURY

from Bodymind and Voice: Foundations of Voice Education.
edited by Leon Thurman (used by permission)

Your vocal folds are very tough, resilient structures, but they are living tissue and there are limits to the number of forceful collisions they can take before they begin to defend themselves.

*Maintain your body's water level. This will result in an abundant and thin mucus flow in your entire respiratory tract. That mucus flow provides a kind of lubrication for the banging and rubbing action of your vocal folds each time they collide. It functions like oil in a motor: reduce it and you increase wear and tear on moving parts. Dehydration is a common cause for the need to clear your throat often, an act that really beats your folds.

Tricks of the Trade:

-"Sing Wet, Pee Pale."

-Drink seven to ten 8 oz glasses of water per day, or the equivalent thereof in any liquid except those with caffeine or alcohol (these cause some water loss and contribute to dehydration).

-Bite the sides of your tongue to stimulate a reflex secretion of mucus in your vocal tract, including your vocal folds.

-Use of tart tasting foods will have the same effect (This is why some singers suck lemonswarning: too much lemon may actually harm your folds).

*Learn to use your voice with increasing physical efficiency.

*Always warm up your voice before athletic use.

*Balance voice use time with voice rest time (silence). "Save your voice in rehearsals by not singing or singing softly & easily when instrumental timing, the chord sequences, etc. are being worked on. Respect the finite limits of your voice.

*During athletic voice use, desirable fatigue occurs in your abdominal (breathing) muscles. If your laryngeal muscles tire, and your voice becomes "fuzzy" or hoarse, your voice is telling you to stop beating on your vocal folds and to rest them with silence.

*Speak and sing defensively. Give only what you know your voice can comfortably and healthily give to expressive situations. For instance, reduce the number of louder, highenergy songs; or let other singers sing more.

*Do not drink alcohol within five hours of a gig, nor during a gig. It causes a slight swelling of the chords in addition to its dehydrating effect.

*Do not take aspirin unless it is prescribed for special medical circumstances. Aspirin may increase the possibility of vocal fold hemorrhaging (bruising) during athletic voice use. Use aspirin substitutes.

*Avoid over-the-counter spray or lozenge products that have the word "anesthetic" on the label. They decrease pain sensitivity in your throat, true, but if you have throat pain your body is giving you a very important message. Listen to it. If you turn it off, you may be headed for serious vocal trouble.

*Prevention is the name of the game. What's good for your health and well being in general is good for your voice. Increase your commitment to hydration, rest, regular sleeping-waking times and meal times, healthy diet and exercise, appropriate dress, etc. Remember, your body is your instrument.


WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR SECTION IS NOT SINGING....

1. Pay attention to what the director is working for in the voices which are singing. Chances are you will be asked to do a similar thing when it's your turn.

2. Memorize your words. Pay especial attention to natural agogic stresses, any vowel alterations, elisions and consonant treatments asked for.

3. Study dynamics, phrasing, and other directions you have been asked to pencil in.

4. Mentally review the pitches and intervals of your part, especially tricky or unusual ones.

5. Mentally rehearse the rhythms of your part.

6. Mentally hear how your part is meant to work with or compliment the voices which are singing.

7. Think about the mood of the piece as a whole. What feelings, what facial expressions, etc. will you want to share with your audience as it is performed?

8. What tonal qualities are being asked for? What must you do, and when must you do it, to achieve desired qualities? Pencil in reminders when appropriate and helpful.

9. If you can sing your part without a hitch, quietly aet another piece from your folder. Study it.

10. If the piece has progressed to the point where printed music is not being used, and you are perfectly sure of your part, sit quietly. Be ready to sing when requested. Don't make us wait for your to completely regain focus and posture.

OF WHAT VALUE IS MY CONCERT CHOIR EXPERIENCE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

Personally: In every major civilization, music has had a role in the general education of every student. Indeed, long after other things have vanished, civilizations are long remembered for their arts, including music. Brain research today is underscoring the presence of a musical-aesthetic intelligence in human beings, a capacity to learn to be musical. These factors suggest to us that whatever your eventual career or life course, music study contributes to being a well-rounded person and realizing your potential as a human being. It can also provide a source of personal joy and pleasure available to you throughout life.

Practically: Vocal study is one of the most practical things you can do. For your voice is always part of you. You will have learned to use it properly and take care of it, so that throughout your life you have the choice of speaking with greater quality and clarity, being comfortable in front of people, participating in your college or community chorus, church choir, doing amateur theatre, and becoming a more mature appreciator of the beautiful. Your expenence now is the start of a lifelong skill.

Academically: The College Board and most selective schools strongly urge high school music study -some even require it- no matter your vocational or academic goals.

Vocationally: Some of you may want to make music and/or dramatic arts your life's work. Numerous PVHS Choir Alumni/ae have been accepted as college music, music theatre or drama majors, some with impressive scholarships. Among our choral alumni/ae currently employed in the world of music are school music teachers, music therapists, church musicians, a sound engineer, a director with the Virginia Opera, the conductor of the Shoals Chamber Choir & Orchestra, a professional composer and arranger, and professional singers such as Roy Smith '84, winner of the National Metropolitan Opera Auditions.


VIRGINIA CHORAL DIRECTORS ASSOCIATION
ALL-VIRGINIA CHORUS AUDITION ADJUDICATION FORM

Voice Part:
I. Tone Quality and Diction (35 points)
A. Beauty of Tone
Purity of Vowel
Clarity of Consonants
B. Production of Tone
Use of Entire Vocal Mechanism

II. Intonation (25 points)
A. Proper Interval Relationship
B. General Sense of Pitch
III.Preparation of Material (20 points)
A. Correct Notes
B. Correct Rhythms

[V. Musicianship (20 points)
A. Feeling of Phrase
B. Style
C. Interpretation
JUDGES SIGNATURE
Audition No.
TOTAL


WHY I TEACH MUSIC

Music is a Science
It is exact, specific, and it demands exact acoustics. A conductor's full score is a chairt, a graph which indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and harmony all at once with the most exact control of time.

Music is Mathematical
It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions of time into fractions which must be done instantaneously, not worked out on paper.

Music is a Foreign Language
Most of the terms are in Italian, German, or French; and the notation is certainly not English --but a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols to represent ideas. The semantics of music is the most complex and universal language.

Music is History
Music usually reflects the environment and times of its creation, often even the country and/or racial feeling.

Music is Physical Education
It requires fantastic co-ordination of fingers, hands, arms, lip, check and facial muscles, inaddition to extraordinary control of the diaphragmatic, back, stomach, and chest muscles, which respond instantly to the sound the ear hears and the mind interprets.

Music is All These Things, But Most of All, Music is Art
It allows a human being to take all these dry, technically boring (but difficult) techniques and use them to create emotion. That is one thing science cannot duplicate: humanism, feeling, emotion, call it what you will.

That is Why I Teach Music!
Not because I expect you to major in music,
Not because I expect you to play or sing all your life,
Not so you can relax or have fun,
BUT --
so you will be human
so you will recognize beauty
so you will be sensitive
so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world
so you will have something to cling to
so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness,
more good.....in short, more life

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?

--by Tim Lautzenheizer, Attitude Concepts for Today


1993-1994 DATES
Put on your calendar NOW!

October
2 (Sat) VMEA Honors Choir Auditions
16-17 (Sat-Sun) MECC Home Crafts Day
27-28 (Wed-Thurs( Fall Concert Dress Rehearsals
30 (Sat) Fall Concert

November
6 (Sat) Jr. All-Regional Auditions
13 (Sat) Sr. All-Regional Auditions
18-20 (Thurs-Sat) VMEA Honors Choir, Norfolk

December
*10-11 (Fri-Sat) Chorale Dress Rehearsals
*12 (Sun) Chorale Performance

February
10-12 (Thurs-Sat) Broadway Musical
19-19 (Fri-Sat) Sr. All-Regional Chorus

March
4-5 (Fri-Sat) Jr. All-Regional Chorus
19 (Sat) District Choral Festival

May
5-7 (Thurs-Sat) All-Virginia Chorus
TBA Spring Concert
TBA Senior Awards Ceremony

June
TBA VMEA Music Camp

N.B. These dates are as accurate as humanly possible at this printing. However, changes and additions may be neccesary.


1992-93 AWARDS

Outstanding Choral Student
Jennifer Stapleton

Daugherty Scholarship
Jennifer Stapleton

Music Study Club Award
James Estep
Tina Hamilton

Outstanding Soloist, Richmond Fiesta-val
Alvin Robinette

Clara Lou Kelley Music Theatre Award
Alvin Robinette

Choral Achievement Award
Ashley Slemp

Governor's School
Hugh Scott
Melanie Homer, alternate

Choral Hall of Fame
Jarrod Hood
Melanie Homer
Hugh Scott