CCP Handbook (page 2)... 2020-21
Info via Twitter, Facebook, Email, and Text Message
Parents of Concert Choir, sign up here.
Parents of Chorale, sign up here.
Parents of PULSE, sign up here.
All parents and students who have a Twitter account should make it a point to ‘follow’ the feed. Any parents without a twitter account should check the Twitter page regularly.
Auditioning
Many times throughout the year, students may have the opportunity to audition for solos, or for entrance to a class or extra-curricular group. While each audition will present its own unique requirements, there are some uniform practices that are followed:
Auditioning students are NOT selected based on seniority. It is not the fault of a student that they were born a year later than another auditioner. In addition, acceptance into a class or extra-curricular group one year does not guarantee entrance to the group the following year. It is for this reason that all students enrolled in Choir or Chorale, and all members of PULSE or other extra-curricular groups must re-audition each year; there may be talented middle school students coming up, or there may be students who could not previously fit a choral group into their schedule.
Solo auditioners are NOT discounted simply because they have had previous solos. If someone deserves the solo, they get it.
Other non-musical criteria is often used in the audition process. This may include (but is not limited to) attendance, class participation and attitude.
To read the 'class placement audition' FAQ, click here. The audition process is one of Mr. Sardo's most difficult responsibilities. However, it is a by-product of the success of the CCP. It is the school district practice that the director's audition decisions are final. If you cannot accept the possibility that you may not get the solo, make the group, or be placed in the class, you should reconsider auditioning.
Recommendation Requests
Mr. Sardo is asked to write 15-20 college recommendation letters per year, and will make every effort to accommodate all requests. Students requesting a letter of recommendation MUST MAKE THE REQUEST THRU CALHOUN'S NAVIANCE SYSTEM. Please make your request as early as possible.
Publicity
From time to time, events that the CCP participates in are highlighted in newspapers, on television, or on the Internet. Local reporters and photographers may feature individual students at these activities. If for any reason your parents/guardians do not wish for you to participate in interviews or have your photo or video released, please have them contact Mr. Sardo at the start of the school year, even if they have already filed an 'opt-out' form with the district.
The Performing Arts Wing
I- The Vocal Room:
How you keep the Vocal Room is a direct reflection of your pride in the Calhoun Choral Program. As the program grows, it may become increasingly difficult to upkeep the Music Wing. The Vocal Room will be kept neat, however, and the following rules of the room will be followed:
II- Mr. Sardo’s Office:
No one is permitted in the Vocal Office at any time. Please knock if you need Mr. Sardo and he is in the office, and he will come out if/ when he can.
III- The Instrumental Music Room:
Certain privileges given to choral members by Mr. Sardo may differ from those given to band and orchestra members by Mr. Tumminelli and Ms. Flynn. When you enter the Instrumental Music Room or knock on Mr. Tumminelli's or Ms. Flynn's office doors, remember that you are a guest required to follow the band and orchestra members’ procedures.
IV- Practice Rooms:
Due to the current situation, Practice Rooms will be CLOSED until further notice.
V- The Auditorium/ Little Theater:
VI- Dressing Rooms:
Due to the current situation, Dressing Rooms will be CLOSED until further notice.
Extra-Curricular Involvement
The Music Department has a number of non-graded, volunteer organizations, many of which are auditioned. So that the optimum conditions for musical perfection may be achieved, the procedures contained in this handbook will be applied to those groups, insofar as possible. Each extra-curricular organization has its own additional procedures, which will be discussed at each organization’s first rehearsal. Students who do not meet the responsibilities of extra-curricular organizations may not be allowed to perform or may be dismissed from the group.
Robes/ Costumes/ Props
During the first few weeks of the school year, Concert Choir members will be issued a choral robe. Some robes were originally purchased in 1969, and are extremely fragile. It is very difficult to find replacement robes in the identical style, color, and fabric, so it is important that great care be taken in handling the robe and its sash. Special care is needed when zipping and unzipping the robe. Each program member issued a robe, sash, hanger, costume piece or prop is financially responsible for that item.
Amnesty Clause
It is the intent of the Calhoun Choral Program to assist students with developing responsibility for their actions and to encourage honesty. Therefore, any student who voluntarily reports to Mr. Sardo and admits to a violation of either CCP handbook rules or other CCP policies (including, but not limited to, field trip rules) before being reported by some other means may possibly be granted leniency (on a case-by-case basis, depending on the violation).
- The CCP makes use of the free educational service, Remind, to keep students informed of important information via text message. All students will be instructed on how to register to their ensemble's account during the first few rehearsals.
- In an effort to 'go green', Mr. Sardo will be sending most of the CCP's parent/ student correspondence via email throughout the school year. Please select a link below to sign up for 'letters home' (your email address will be safe).
Parents of Concert Choir, sign up here.
Parents of Chorale, sign up here.
Parents of PULSE, sign up here.
- The CCP also employed the use of a Twitter feed to give parents and supporters of the program up to the minute information.
All parents and students who have a Twitter account should make it a point to ‘follow’ the feed. Any parents without a twitter account should check the Twitter page regularly.
- Finally, be sure to follow us on Facebook for general public news and announcements!
Auditioning
Many times throughout the year, students may have the opportunity to audition for solos, or for entrance to a class or extra-curricular group. While each audition will present its own unique requirements, there are some uniform practices that are followed:
Auditioning students are NOT selected based on seniority. It is not the fault of a student that they were born a year later than another auditioner. In addition, acceptance into a class or extra-curricular group one year does not guarantee entrance to the group the following year. It is for this reason that all students enrolled in Choir or Chorale, and all members of PULSE or other extra-curricular groups must re-audition each year; there may be talented middle school students coming up, or there may be students who could not previously fit a choral group into their schedule.
Solo auditioners are NOT discounted simply because they have had previous solos. If someone deserves the solo, they get it.
Other non-musical criteria is often used in the audition process. This may include (but is not limited to) attendance, class participation and attitude.
To read the 'class placement audition' FAQ, click here. The audition process is one of Mr. Sardo's most difficult responsibilities. However, it is a by-product of the success of the CCP. It is the school district practice that the director's audition decisions are final. If you cannot accept the possibility that you may not get the solo, make the group, or be placed in the class, you should reconsider auditioning.
Recommendation Requests
Mr. Sardo is asked to write 15-20 college recommendation letters per year, and will make every effort to accommodate all requests. Students requesting a letter of recommendation MUST MAKE THE REQUEST THRU CALHOUN'S NAVIANCE SYSTEM. Please make your request as early as possible.
Publicity
From time to time, events that the CCP participates in are highlighted in newspapers, on television, or on the Internet. Local reporters and photographers may feature individual students at these activities. If for any reason your parents/guardians do not wish for you to participate in interviews or have your photo or video released, please have them contact Mr. Sardo at the start of the school year, even if they have already filed an 'opt-out' form with the district.
The Performing Arts Wing
I- The Vocal Room:
How you keep the Vocal Room is a direct reflection of your pride in the Calhoun Choral Program. As the program grows, it may become increasingly difficult to upkeep the Music Wing. The Vocal Room will be kept neat, however, and the following rules of the room will be followed:
- NO GUM CHEWING IN THE VOCAL ROOM- period.
- Due to the current situation, there is to be NO sitting on the ledge in the back of the room... ever.
- Due to the large number of students in the CCP, please safeguard your belongings during class, rehearsals, and performances. The Vocal Room is not your locker; due to the current situation, do not leave books, bags, etc. throughout the day.
- The piano is not to be played by anyone.
- The white-board should be checked periodically for announcements, schedules, changes, etc.
II- Mr. Sardo’s Office:
No one is permitted in the Vocal Office at any time. Please knock if you need Mr. Sardo and he is in the office, and he will come out if/ when he can.
III- The Instrumental Music Room:
Certain privileges given to choral members by Mr. Sardo may differ from those given to band and orchestra members by Mr. Tumminelli and Ms. Flynn. When you enter the Instrumental Music Room or knock on Mr. Tumminelli's or Ms. Flynn's office doors, remember that you are a guest required to follow the band and orchestra members’ procedures.
IV- Practice Rooms:
Due to the current situation, Practice Rooms will be CLOSED until further notice.
V- The Auditorium/ Little Theater:
- Students are reminded to keep the Auditorium clean, as many school and community organizations utilize this area. No food or drink (except water) is permitted in the Auditorium- No Exceptions!!!
- The use of the Little Theater is designated mainly to the Calhoun On-Tour Program. No admittance without authorization.
VI- Dressing Rooms:
Due to the current situation, Dressing Rooms will be CLOSED until further notice.
Extra-Curricular Involvement
The Music Department has a number of non-graded, volunteer organizations, many of which are auditioned. So that the optimum conditions for musical perfection may be achieved, the procedures contained in this handbook will be applied to those groups, insofar as possible. Each extra-curricular organization has its own additional procedures, which will be discussed at each organization’s first rehearsal. Students who do not meet the responsibilities of extra-curricular organizations may not be allowed to perform or may be dismissed from the group.
Robes/ Costumes/ Props
During the first few weeks of the school year, Concert Choir members will be issued a choral robe. Some robes were originally purchased in 1969, and are extremely fragile. It is very difficult to find replacement robes in the identical style, color, and fabric, so it is important that great care be taken in handling the robe and its sash. Special care is needed when zipping and unzipping the robe. Each program member issued a robe, sash, hanger, costume piece or prop is financially responsible for that item.
Amnesty Clause
It is the intent of the Calhoun Choral Program to assist students with developing responsibility for their actions and to encourage honesty. Therefore, any student who voluntarily reports to Mr. Sardo and admits to a violation of either CCP handbook rules or other CCP policies (including, but not limited to, field trip rules) before being reported by some other means may possibly be granted leniency (on a case-by-case basis, depending on the violation).