Table of Contents

I.       Mission Statement                                                        2

II.      History                                                                          2

III.     Organizational Structure                                             2

IV.    Reaching Out to Prospective New Members              3

V.      Chorale Personnel and Executive Board                   4

VI.    Parent Involvement                                                      5

VII.   Goals                                                                             6

VIII.  Curriculum                                                                   7

IX.     Rehearsal Schedule                                                      7

X.      Attendance                                                                    8

XI.     Rehearsal Expectations                                                8

XII.   Performance Procedures                                              9

XIII.  Concert Attire                                                               10

XIV.  Sheet Music and Folder                                               10

XV.   Tuition                                                                          10

XVI   Awards and Achievement Program                             11

I.  Mission Statement

The Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale is a non-profit organization that provides educational and environmental settings to promote and stimulate high standards and values of choral performance.  The Chorale emphasizes vocal technique and artistic musicianship appropriate for various age and skill levels.  The choral experience allows for family involvement and positive interaction among its members.  Our charge is to create a community of young musicians while inspiring their appreciation and enjoyment of music through the study and performance of high quality and diverse choral music, with the purpose of nurturing singers’ personal, musical and social development. 

II. History

The Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale was founded in January of 1997 under the sponsorship and direction of the Fond du Lac Arts Council, with support from the Noon Kiwanis Club and musical/artistic representatives from the Fond du Lac Area. Windhover Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin is the home base for the Chorale.   Because the Chorale is a non-profit organization, it relies on generous contributions from the Noon Kiwanis of Fond du Lac and other service organizations, tuition fees, individual donations and fundraising activities for its operating expenses.

III. Organizational Structure

 The Chorale is governed by an Executive Committee under the advisement of the Executive Director of Windhover Center for the Arts, the Chorale Manager, the Chorale Directors and parent/community volunteers.  The Executive Committee is made up of parents and interested community members who hold the offices of President, President Elect, Past President, Secretary and Treasurer.  In addition to these voting members, the Chorale Manager, a representative from the FDL Arts Council and the Chorale Directors will also attend the monthly meetings as non-voting members.  The Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the entire operation of the Chorale to include: setting policy, fiscal oversight, evaluation of and employment issues dealing with paid Chorale staff.

The Chorale Manager is responsible for coordinating activities with the staff of the Fond du Lac Arts Council, administrating the directives of the Executive Board, overseeing and coordinating the parent committees, advising the board on operational planning and overseeing financial management.

The Artistic Staff includes the directors and the accompanists.  The directors are responsible for directing the musical development of choristers, selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals and performances and programming retreats and tours.

The Chorale consists of students in grades 4-8.  Through auditions the students are placed in sections within the choir.  Singers in 3^rd grade can audition at the January auditions for the spring concert season.

 The program offers choristers musical and social education opportunities through weekly rehearsals, annual concerts, musical retreats and tours.  The curriculum is presented in an environment of sharing, growth and recreation to foster self-discipline, build self-confidence, encourage teamwork and to develop an appreciation for the aesthetic beauty of choral music.  The Chorale performs several concerts throughout the Fond du Lac Area and the State of Wisconsin.

Membership in the Chorale should give the singer a sense of pride and also a sense of commitment and responsibility.  Enrollment is for the entire season, August through May and each member is expected to remain active and committed to the program for the duration of the season.

Tuition:  Due dates will be published on the Chorale Web Site and through mailings and newsletters.  Tuition covers only approximately ½ of the expenses to run the Chorale for its concert season.  We depend on donations and fundraising to supplement our income.  Payment is accepted by cash, check, money order or MasterCard or Visa.  Checks should be made payable to:  FCC.  Charge authorization and payment can be made at Windhover Center for the Arts during regular business hours.  There are no refunds.

IV. Reaching out to Prospective New Members

Our program caters to students with a wide range of abilities.  We make every effort to find a place for every young person that shows an interest in singing.  No previous vocal training or choral singing experience is required to join.  At our auditions for new singers, we look for a love of singing, an ability to match pitch, an ability to sing a simple song without accompaniment and a willingness to work hard and try new things.  Membership is open to boys and girls regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, financial need, geographic location, or physical disability, and membership will not be denied for these reasons.

Placement to either the Concert Choir or the Festival Choir will be decided during the auditions by the chorale directors using the following criteria:

• Demonstrate signs of self-discipline and cooperation.
• Demonstrate a clear head tone in unison singing.
• Ability to carry his/her own part when singing a round.
• Ability to echo sing or clap short melodic or rhythmic patterns.
• Demonstrate a clear, focused head tone while maintaining accurate pitch throughout a song.
• Accurately hold their part of a round and simple harmony parts.
• Accurately echo complex rhythmic and melodic patterns.
• Ability to sight-read simple melodies without accompaniment.

The Chorale actively recruits new members by placing ads in print media and on the radio, through mailings and by contacting area schools and music teachers.  Additional information about the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale can also be found by visiting  www.windhovercenter.com, calling the Chorale Manager at 924-2192, or sending an e-mail to  fdlchildrenschorale@hotmail.com.

V. Chorale Personnel and Executive Board

Community Members

Mark Plummer, Director of Choirs at Marian College

Bill Zierdt, Representative from the FDL Arts Council

Kevin Miller,  Executive Director of Windhover Center for the Arts

Mary Wohlust, Active Community Member in the Arts of Fond du Lac

VI. Parent Involvement

Officers:

• President:  The president shall be selected by the parents of Chorale members and shall hold the position for one year.  The President is responsible for activities of the Executive Committee including conducting meetings, inviting participation of others in these meetings and directing all key persons, paid and unpaid, in accomplishing the goals of the F.C.C.. 

• President-Elect:  Shall be selected by the parents of the Chorale members and serve for one year.  The President-Elect shall assist the President in conduct of duties and be the primary liaison with volunteer committees.  This will include selection of committee chairs for the succeeding year.

• Past President:  Shall be the outgoing President and shall assist the President in establishing continuity in the organization.  Primary responsibility will be planning for the future of the organization with assistance of ad hoc committee as needed and approved by the Executive Committee.

• Secretary:  The Secretary may be selected by the Executive Committee and serve an indeterminate term at their mutual agreement.  Shall record and document all activities of the Executive Committee.

• Treasurer:  The Treasurer may be selected by the Executive Committee and serve an indeterminate term at their mutual agreement.  The Treasurer is responsible for preparation of the operating budget, with input from all committees, and shall track all revenues and expenses against the budget.  Close coordination with the Chorale Manager will be required.

Committees:

• Fund Raising Committee:  The Fund Raising Committee shall be comprised of a chair selected by the Executive Committee and other members as chosen.  This committee will handle all aspects of public and Chorale fund raising activities.  With input from the supporting Chorale parents, will determine the method of raising funds for the operation of the F.C.C., schedule and coordinate these activities and report to the Executive Committee the results of these activities.  While dollar goals may be established by the Executive Committee, the meeting of these goals will be done by and through the Fund Raising Committee. The Committee Chairperson is expected to attend the monthly Executive Board Meeting.

• Uniform Committee:  The Uniform Committee shall be comprised of a Chair selected by the Executive Committee and other members chosen.  Shall be responsible for selecting, acquiring, maintaining and distributing of performing uniforms for the choirs and making recommendation to the Executive Committee.  Coordination with the Treasurer and Chorale manager will be required to plan the activities of changing, replacing and funding uniforms.  The Committee Chairperson is expected to attend the monthly Executive Board Meeting.

• Awards Committee: The Awards Committee shall be comprised of a Chair selected by the Executive Committee and other members chosen.  The Awards Committee shall be responsible for attendance at rehearsals and concerts, as well as preparing awards ceremony for the Spring Concert. The Committee Chairperson is expected to attend the monthly Executive Board Meeting.

• Public Relations:  The PR Committee shall be comprised of the Chair selected by the Executive Committee and other members as chosen.  The committee shall be responsible for all publications, advertising and public relations campaigns and activities to increase awareness of F.C.C. in the region. The Committee Chairperson is expected to attend the monthly Executive Board Meeting.

• Concert Committee:  The Concert Committee shall be comprised of a chair selected by the Executive Committee and other members as chosen.  This committee shall be responsible for the logistical operation of all aspects of conducting public performances.  These duties shall include ticketing, facilities, technical support, site preparation, checking Chorale Member concert attire prior to concerts/performances and other activities as determined by the Choir Directors and approved by the Executive Committee.  The Committee Chairperson is expected to attend the monthly Executive Board Meeting.

• Social Committee:  This Support Committee shall be comprised of a chair selected by the Executive Committee and other members as chosen.  This committee shall be responsible for planning the social activities (pizza parties etc.) during rehearsals and concerts for the concert season.  The Committee Chairperson is expected to attend the monthly Executive Board Meeting.

VII. Goals

• To provide musically-talented children the opportunity to achieve a high level of excellence through the skillful development of their singing and performing abilities.
• To provide social and instructional opportunities for choir members to gain a sense of self-worth, self-esteem and the pride of accomplishment.
• To introduce and perform quality children’s choral literature of varied historical periods, styles and cultures.
• To encourage and foster student and community interest in singing.

VIII. Curriculum

Skills and concepts taught in the Children’s Chorale will be reinforced and refined as students move up through the program.

Scheduled Rehearsal Time:

• Vocal Technique:  The students will learn proper singing technique including breathing, posture, vowel placement, tone, diction, intonation, and blend.
• Score Reading:  The students will learn to follow choral music and accurately perform their part as they continue to learn to sight read.
• Music Theory: The students will learn about notes, rests, scales, rhythm, meter, dynamics, melody, harmony, form and style through expressive choral singing. 
• Sight-singing:  The students will learn to sight-sing and read simple melodies and rhythmic patterns.  They will be expected to actively apply all of their musical skills when learning a new piece of music. 
• Languages:  the choir will be exposed to and sing songs in difference languages.
• To develop a sense of teamwork, cooperation and mentoring.
• To foster an appreciation for a wide variety of vocal music

Extended Rehearsal Time:

• Reinforce and refine the skills and techniques acquired in the Choir.
• Breath support and control:  Learn to plan your breaths to honor the text and to appropriately apply "staggered breathing" techniques.  This should be learned in each choral setting.  .
• Continue to develop and encourage sight-singing skills. 
• Study and perform good choral literature in unison and multiple parts to foster blend and independent singing. 
• Develop a high level of expressive singing through subtle phrasings, dynamics, facial expression, etc.

IX. Rehearsal Schedule

Scheduled Rehearsal Time:

4^th through 8^th grades             Thursdays 5:45-6:40 P.M.  at Windhover Center

Extended Rehearsal Time:

            6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades                         Thursdays 6:45-7:15 P.M.  at Windhover Center

            All Chorale members will receive a complete calendar of rehearsals and concerts at the beginning of the Chorale Season.  Extra rehearsals may be necessary to prepare for special events and will be called on an as-needed basis.

            Transportation to and from rehearsals and concerts is the individual responsibility of the parents.  Chorale rosters will be issued to facilitate car-pooling. 

            It is essential that parents are prompt in bringing the students to rehearsals and picking them up.  Parents are encouraged to park closer to Portland Avenue or in the library parking lot and escort Choral Members from Windhover Center to vehicles.  This will help prevent accident injury.  

X. Attendance

            Every singer is a vital part of a choir.  In order to maintain standards of musical excellence, the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale requires a commitment to consistent and punctual attendance of rehearsals, performances and other special events by all of its members.  Since the Chorale is a team with equal balanced sections, absences and tardiness disrupt the progress and quality of rehearsals and performances.  All of the rehearsal dates and performances for the 2007-2008 Concert Season will be published at the beginning of the Chorale season.  It is the expectation that all of these dates will be placed on your yearly calendar as a priority commitment.

Failure to attend rehearsals (unexcused absences) will result in the following:

·        One unexcused absence per semester:            no penalty           

·        Two unexcused absences per semester:          schedule a time with the director to demonstrate that they have studied the music on their own.

·        Three unexcused absences per semester:  the singer will not be allowed to perform on the next concert, although attendance will still be required.

·        Four unexcused absences per semester:  the singer will be asked to leave the program.  There will be no tuition refund. 

Excused Absences: 

Excused absences will not result in the above penalties.  A Chorale member may be excused from rehearsals if a legitimate conflict arises.  Acceptable excuses include:  illness, a death in the family, a mandatory school function or a long-planned family vacation.  Babysitting and transportation problems are not acceptable excuses.  To be excused, parents should notify the Chorale Manager at 924-2192 no later than one hour before the rehearsal. In the case of a long-planned family vacation, a written notice including the child’s name, reason and dates for absence and a parent’s signature should be given to the attendance person as soon as possible. 

XI. Rehearsal Expectations

Rehearsals are conducted in an efficient and professional manner.  The following guidelines help us to maximize our time together and to respect other patrons and guests of the Windhover Center.

·        Arrive not more than ten minutes before the designated rehearsal time and immediately report to the attendance person for check-in.  Chorale members may not leave the building after check-in without permission from their director and escorted by parent.

·        Pick up your name badge and report to your assigned seat.

·        There is to be no gum chewing.  Deposit your gum in a wastebasket if you have it.  Gum chewing encourages poor singing habits.  

·        All Chorale members should be in their seats with music ready to go at the exact starting time. 

·        Please use the restroom before the start of every rehearsal. 

·       Every Chorale member must be in his/her respective rehearsal room for the entire duration of the practice.  There will be no roaming around the Windhover.  Failure to comply will result in an unexcused absence. 

·       Bring your assigned music and folder to every rehearsal.  Treat them with care because they are the property of the Chorale.  You will be charged for any lost or damaged music, minimum of $15.

·       Once the rehearsal begins, singers are expected to follow the director’s instructions attentively and quietly. 

·       Keep you feet, hands and other objects to yourself.

·       Running, shouting and rowdy behavior will not be tolerated.  You were chosen for your character, so we have the highest expectation of each member’s behavior.  This includes before, during and after the rehearsals!

·       If a singer cannot actively participate in a rehearsal (i.e., they have a sore throat) they should alert their director and sit quietly and observe. 

·       Children’s Chorale members are responsible for taking home any information distributed during rehearsals.  This will contain important information for both parents and choir members.

·       Practice at home is expected of each singer.  This includes breathing, vocalization, notes and memorization of the text and music. 

Parents of students who exhibit chronic misbehavior or inappropriate attitudes will be notified.  If the problem continues, the student will be removed from the Chorale with no tuition refund.

XII. Performance Procedures

Performances are the culmination of all of our hard work.  Below are some helpful tips at making our performances as polished and rewarding as possible.  Remember, your performance starts the minute you arrive at the concert site and continues until you are on your way home!  Your behavior and performance directly affects the image and success of the Children’s Chorale.   

·        Arrive attired in proper concert uniform.  Failure to do so will result in being “benched” for the performance. 

·        Take care of your body!  Your instrument, your voice, is housed inside your body so it is important that you treat it with respect and keep it healthy.  Yelling at a sporting event is definitely not recommended!

·        Drink plenty of water, eat a balanced meal and avoid dairy products, chocolate and carbonated beverages. 

·        Know your music!  It is the responsibility of each singer to be sure they are ready to perform.

·        Always conduct yourself in a calm, polite and professional manner. 

XIII. Concert Attire

Good personal hygiene is a must for all Chorale members.  This includes clean, well-combed hair, clean teeth and the use of deodorant as necessary.  Hair should be groomed away from the face and no obvious cosmetics or make-up should be used.

Concert wear should be laundered regularly and kept in excellent performance condition.  Shirts will always be worn tucked in.

Casual Uniform

Boys and girls:            Red Chorale t-shirt**

Black dress pants

Black close-toed shoes and black socks

Formal Uniform:

Boys & Girls:             White Oxford shirt with collar

Black dress pants

Black close-toed shoes and black socks

Girls only:                   Black crossover tie *

Boys only:                   Black tie *

**  Purchased through the Chorale by the singer at the beginning of the concert season, approximate cost of $8, if needed.

 *   Supplied by the Chorale

XIV. Sheet Music and Folder

All Chorale Members will be issued a music folder.  The music and the folder will each have a number imprinted on them and their numbers should match.  For example, folder 14 will have music that is also numbered 14.  A minimum fine of $15.00 will be assessed for damaged or missing folders and/or music.  The fine will be determined by the exact cost of the music. 

XV. Tuition

Because the Fond du Lac Children's Chorale is completely self-funded, it is necessary to collect the following tuition form each member:    Tuition will be $125.00 per Chorale Member for each choir.  Students auditioning for the spring semester must pay their tuition amount of $70 by the first scheduled rehearsal of the semester.  Students will not be permitted to participate with the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale if full tuition payment or tuition payment arrangements have not been received by the first scheduled rehearsal.

    If your family has a particular financial need, please call the Chorale Manager at 924-2192 to inquire about alternate payment arrangements.

    The tuition only covers approximately 50% of the total Chorale budget with the remainder of the money coming from fund-raising, donations, and grants.  If you wish to give a donation to the Chorale, please make checks out to the Fond du Lac Children's Chorale and send them to Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale – P.O. Box 962 – Fond du Lac, WI 54936.  For additional information about how you may support the Chorale, contact the Chorale Manager by sending and e-mail to fdlchildrenschorale@hotmail.com or calling 924-2192.

XVI.  Awards and Achievement Program

Participation Certificate:

Upon completion of the concert season, all members of the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale will receive a Participation Certificate.  The certificate will state participation year and be signed by the Children’s Chorale director.  This certificate will be presented to Chorale Members following the Spring Concert.

Perfect Attendance:

Perfect attendance is defined as only two excused absences per year.  (See page 8 of Parent Handbook for specifications of an excused absence.)  Chorale Members with perfect attendance will receive a special indication on their Participation Certificate which will be awarded following the Spring Concert.

Longevity Awards:

Chorale Members will receive stars as longevity awards for each year they have been a member of the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale.  The stars will be worn on the collar of the Formal Uniform (see page 10 of Parent Handbook for specification of formal uniform.)  Longevity Awards will be given prior to the Spring Concert and worn immediately for the Spring Concert.

Liability Release Form

I hereby release the Fond du Lac Children’s Chorale, the Windhover Center for the Arts and the Fond du Lac Arts Council, Inc. from any liability for injury, damage to or loss of personal property which might occur while my child is enrolled in activities at the Windhover Center.

Child/ren’s Name(s):  ______________________________

Signature of Parent:  ______________________________

Date:                            ______________________________

______________________________________________________

Back to Children's Chorale