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Batavia High School Music Department
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BHS CHOIRS

For the latest choir news and the archive of past announcements, please go here
BHS Music Mission Statement:

"To foster a life-long understanding of, growth in, and appreciation for music"

Essential Learning Outcomes
(Goals for every student)

1. To accurately perform music from notation and/or by ear
2. To recognize and identify elements of music from sound and/or notation
3. To critically analyze music
4. To contribute positively to a musical ensemble
Course Description & Content: Batavia High School offers six curricular choirs, involving about 160-200 students each year. All 9th grade students are placed into one of two possible sections of Freshmen Chorale, which are referred to as “Bass Chorale” and “Treble Chorale”. These classes are equivalent and introductory, and are divided according to the voice part needs. Varsity Choir is available to 9-12 grade students, and is an intermediate ensemble. Treble Choir and Chamber Singers are advanced ensembles, and are available by instructor permission only. Additionally, we offer the BFF choir as part of the VTP curriculum. Classes meet for 90 minutes every other day.


Materials Needed
  • Several #2 Pencils (keep them with you always)
  • ​Chromebook (Charged & ready)
  • 1” 3-ring binder of any color. We rarely use them in concert so getting a unique color may keep it from getting lost. If your binder is bigger that 1', it won't fit in the slot and may damage the sheet music. 
  • MusicFirst login (provided by teacher)
  • Sheet Music (provided by teacher)
  • Headphones (please, not fancy)

Grading Breakdown: Please see this page

Zero Policy
A zero will be placed in the gradebook immediately after the due date. For most work, students can turn in late work with no penalty. Contact Mr. Barsch if you have a schedule conflict with a concert. 

Classroom Procedures
Grades vs. BARK Ratings: In addition to the grades, students will receive BARK ratings periodically. We try to separate Skill and Knowledge Acquisition from Behavior. 
  • Grades will reflect those skills that students have demonstrated. This can range from Sight-reading proficiency, theory knowledge, demonstration of mastery of concert material, etc 
  • BARK ratings will reflect our common agreements (as a school and as a choir program). You will be able to see your students BARK ratings in PowerSchool, it is listed separately from grading.
  • I will do my best to contact parents when a student is not Meeting Expectations, but please feel free to contact me at any time about anything in either category. 
A note about Devices: Phones and Chromebooks will be used during many class periods. Students are encouraged to have them available and charged. If the devices are being used irresponsibly, the student may lose the privilege and assignments will need to be completed outside of class. Students or entire classes may lose the privilege of phone use at the director’s discretion. Inappropriate phone use is certainly an element of a student's BARK rating. 

Calendar
All BHS choir after-school rehearsals, events, and performances will be posted and updated on the Batavia High School Music Department website, found at www.bataviamusic.org.  This is the best resource for staying updated on concerts, rehearsals, and other events for the music program.

2020-2021 Choir Events and Performances
(Attendance at performances/events are REQUIRED for all BHS choir students unless otherwise specified)
  • Thursday, October 7: Choir Concert (Please note that this is just before a long weekend. Please contact Mr. Barsch immediately with conflicts). 
  • Wednesday, December 1: Kaleidoscope Concert
  • Fri-Sat. Dec 10-11: Festival of Carols      (Chamber, plus selected members of Treble)
  • Thursday, Feb 20: Choir Concert
  • Thursday, May 5: Final Choir Concert & Senior Night

Other Important Dates:
  • Early October:  ILMEA Auditions (Chamber required to audition); Successful Auditioners participate in the ILMEA District 9 Festival
  • Tues-Wed, March 15-16: Showtime! (BFAC performance for show choirs and Chromatics)
  • TBA: Gala! Batavia Music Buffs annual fundraiser

Concert Uniforms
All Choirs: Black dress pants or skirt, black dress shirt, black socks (or nylons) and dress shoes, which each student must provide. Shoes must be completely black, including soles and laces. Some performances will include robes, which BHS will provide. 


Expectations of Choir Students: BARK Chart
Be respectful: Treat each other and the music directors with respect at all times.
Be organized:  Show a sense of responsibility by frequently reviewing the calendar above and informing your parents                  of performance dates.
Be on time:  Arrive to the choir room and get ready when the bell rings.  
Be prepared: Choir members must be prepared with a pencil and appropriate music materials for every rehearsal.  Each member must prepare his or her concert music outside of rehearsal, so that we can focus on musical and ensemble issues during rehearsal.
Be responsible:  Choir members are responsible for all music and folders they receive.  Missing or damaged original music must be replaced. If the part is still published, the music will cost $3.00 to replace.


Music Classes
AP Music Theory
Band
Choir
Orchestra
Rock 'n' Roll Methods
Extra-Curriculars
Chamber Orchestra
Jazz Bands
Madrigals/Troubadours
Marching Band
Show Choir
Tri-M Honor Society

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Batavia Music Department - 1201 Main Street - Batavia, IL 60510