FAQ
Welcome to the Orchard View Choir! This FAQ covers expectations, grading, and the purpose behind our practices, assignments, and events. At Orchard View, we’re dedicated to building confident, skillful, and engaged musicians
Is concert attendance mandatory?
Yes. Choir rehearsals prepare students for the final goal of a concert performance, which functions as a type of “final exam.” Attendance is essential for each student’s grade and the success of the performance as a whole. If you must miss a concert, please contact me at least two weeks in advance. Make-up assignments are given only for excused absences and at the director’s discretion. Unexcused absences will result in a zero. Make-up assignment link
"The show must go on." – Queen
What do I need to wear for the concert?
Concert attire is all-black and must follow the dress code. Dressing uniformly allows the choir to present a polished, professional appearance, which helps emphasize the music and unity of our group. Proper attire shows respect for the performance and for our audience.
"To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time." – Leonard Bernstein
What is a participation grade?
Participation is a large part of any performing arts class. Since most of our class time involves singing, moving, and working together on musical skills, daily participation is essential. If a student doesn’t sing or participate, they lose 1-2 points for that day. Distracting or inappropriate behavior also results in lost points, as it disrupts the learning environment for others.
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." – Robert Collier
When is the next concert?
Concert dates are posted on our website under the "Calendar" tab. Please visit Orchard View Choir Calendar for the latest updates.
"Music is the universal language of mankind." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Why do we sometimes sing songs that nobody knows?
Learning and performing lesser-known pieces enriches students' musical education and expands their knowledge of different styles, cultures, and historical contexts. Unknown songs often bring fresh challenges and broaden singers’ adaptability, making them more versatile musicians. By exploring a variety of musical pieces, students become more skilled in interpreting unfamiliar music, deepening their connection with diverse genres and composers.
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." – Bob Marley
Why was my high school student marked absent?
High school students are required to sign in to class every day. After the bell, any student not signed in will be marked tardy or absent. Signing in for a friend or skipping class after signing in is prohibited and can lead to removal from the choir.
"Accountability breeds response-ability." – Stephen Covey
Why are daily vocal warm-ups essential for choir students?
Daily vocal warm-ups are crucial for developing vocal strength, flexibility, and overall vocal health. These exercises prepare students' voices to sing at their best, gradually increasing range, breath control, and resonance. Consistent warm-ups are like training for athletes; they build the stamina, agility, and tone quality necessary for more complex singing. As each singer grows individually, the choir as a whole becomes stronger and more cohesive.
"The only thing better than singing is more singing." – Ella Fitzgerald
Why are sight-reading bellringers important?
Our daily sight-reading bellringers, where students copy a 4-measure melody off the board into their binders, are foundational for developing music literacy. Sight-reading teaches students to interpret and understand music on the spot, strengthening their ability to read notes, rhythms, and other musical notations. Over time, this practice builds independence, sharpens listening skills, and enhances their confidence in tackling new pieces. A choir full of strong music readers can learn music more quickly and with greater precision.
"Music can change the world because it can change people." – Bono
Yes. Choir rehearsals prepare students for the final goal of a concert performance, which functions as a type of “final exam.” Attendance is essential for each student’s grade and the success of the performance as a whole. If you must miss a concert, please contact me at least two weeks in advance. Make-up assignments are given only for excused absences and at the director’s discretion. Unexcused absences will result in a zero. Make-up assignment link
"The show must go on." – Queen
What do I need to wear for the concert?
Concert attire is all-black and must follow the dress code. Dressing uniformly allows the choir to present a polished, professional appearance, which helps emphasize the music and unity of our group. Proper attire shows respect for the performance and for our audience.
"To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time." – Leonard Bernstein
What is a participation grade?
Participation is a large part of any performing arts class. Since most of our class time involves singing, moving, and working together on musical skills, daily participation is essential. If a student doesn’t sing or participate, they lose 1-2 points for that day. Distracting or inappropriate behavior also results in lost points, as it disrupts the learning environment for others.
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." – Robert Collier
When is the next concert?
Concert dates are posted on our website under the "Calendar" tab. Please visit Orchard View Choir Calendar for the latest updates.
"Music is the universal language of mankind." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Why do we sometimes sing songs that nobody knows?
Learning and performing lesser-known pieces enriches students' musical education and expands their knowledge of different styles, cultures, and historical contexts. Unknown songs often bring fresh challenges and broaden singers’ adaptability, making them more versatile musicians. By exploring a variety of musical pieces, students become more skilled in interpreting unfamiliar music, deepening their connection with diverse genres and composers.
"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." – Bob Marley
Why was my high school student marked absent?
High school students are required to sign in to class every day. After the bell, any student not signed in will be marked tardy or absent. Signing in for a friend or skipping class after signing in is prohibited and can lead to removal from the choir.
"Accountability breeds response-ability." – Stephen Covey
Why are daily vocal warm-ups essential for choir students?
Daily vocal warm-ups are crucial for developing vocal strength, flexibility, and overall vocal health. These exercises prepare students' voices to sing at their best, gradually increasing range, breath control, and resonance. Consistent warm-ups are like training for athletes; they build the stamina, agility, and tone quality necessary for more complex singing. As each singer grows individually, the choir as a whole becomes stronger and more cohesive.
"The only thing better than singing is more singing." – Ella Fitzgerald
Why are sight-reading bellringers important?
Our daily sight-reading bellringers, where students copy a 4-measure melody off the board into their binders, are foundational for developing music literacy. Sight-reading teaches students to interpret and understand music on the spot, strengthening their ability to read notes, rhythms, and other musical notations. Over time, this practice builds independence, sharpens listening skills, and enhances their confidence in tackling new pieces. A choir full of strong music readers can learn music more quickly and with greater precision.
"Music can change the world because it can change people." – Bono
If you have any further questions, please reach out. Your support and engagement are essential to your student’s success and to our choir’s growth!
