1. art and entertainment
2. shows and events
3. classical concert

2015 – 2016
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL
VOCAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT
LINCOLNVOCALMUSIC.WEEBLY.COM
CHRISTIAN WHITE
PAIGE HARPIN
DIRECTOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
ASSIST. DIRECTOR OF VOCAL MUSIC
christian.white@dmschools.org
LHS room 1140
515.242.7500
paige.harpin@dmschools.org
RAILS room 1270
515.242.8452
LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL
2600 SW 9TH ST.
DES MOINES, IA 50312
515.242.7500
LINCOLN.DMSCHOOLS.ORG
Lincoln Choirs
A HANDBOOK FOR SOUTHSIDE SINGERS
Welcome to the vocal music department of Lincoln High School; we are extremely pleased that you have decided to
enroll in a vocal music course. Our priority as a department at Lincoln High School is to prepare students to be able to
“demonstrate an understanding of the value of fine and performing arts in society”, as outlined in the Des Moines Public
Schools Mission Statement and Student Expectations.
Please take the time to acquaint yourself with the information in the handbook. Each student’s individual commitment
and responsibility is important to the progress, morale, and achievement of the total group in a musical organization.
Together, we can accomplish great things.
If you have any questions about the music program or wish to discuss any concerns you may have, please contact or see
Mr. White or Ms. Harpin.
Directors and Staff
Christian White, Director of Vocal Music
Mr. Christian White was born and raised in the Des Moines area, where he grew to love singing while attending
Valley High School. Upon graduation, Mr. White moved to Chicago to attend DePaul University School of Music where
he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. While in Chicago, Mr. White studied under many well-known
scholars, including soprano Ms. Winifred Faix-Brown and conductor Dr. Clayton Parr. Mr. White also studied the music
of the Republic of Georgia with Dr. Parr’s Ensemble Alioni and worked as a show choir choreographer and clinician for
Chicago-area schools.
After Chicago, Mr. White moved back to Des Moines to teach at Lincoln High School; this is his third year
teaching with the Railsplitters. He will again be coaching Infinity and Omega Show Choirs while teaching the choirs at the
Main building. When he is not teaching, Mr. White enjoys running, traveling, football (go Hawkeyes!) and basketball (go
Blue Demons!).
Paige Harpin, Assistant Director of Vocal Music
Ms. Harpin is excited to be teaching vocal music at Lincoln RAILS Academy and Lincoln High School; she is
currently in her 8th year teaching music in Des Moines. Ms. Harpin is a graduate of Lincoln High School before attending
attended Kirkwood Community College focusing on Vocal Jazz. She graduated in 2008 from Drake University with a
Bachelors of Music Education. Ms. Harpin also performs frequently in Des Moines. When Ms. Harpin is not teaching or
making music, she enjoys spending time with friends and family.
We are excited to welcome Ms. Harpin to the Railsplitter team, where she will be teaching the choirs at the
RAILS building, leading the new Jazz Choir, and assisting with Infinity and Omega Show Choirs.
Joel Gettys will be available 1-2 days a week to give private voice lessons during a student’s choir or free period.
Elaine Wedeking is an extraordinary pianist and has been serving as an accompanist at Lincoln for over 25 years.
Choir Offerings
RAILS Choirs are the introductory choirs at Lincoln RAILS Academy available to all interested freshmen students. The
choirs are split into gender-specific sections during the day, and perform separately as well as together. Students will
explore and experience many different types of music and musical cultures while learning singing technique and proper
practice. Students will perform in three evening school concerts throughout the year, as well as State Large Group
Contest and eligibility to perform in state solo/ensemble contest. Blocks 1, 2, 3
Treble Choir is an all-women choir open to any female student grades 10-12. Students in this group will work to develop
a deeper understanding of vocal technique and choral singing. Emphasis will be on studying and performing choral music
of varied styles. Performances include evening concerts as well as State Large Group Contest and other performances.
Members are eligible to perform in state solo/ensemble contest. Block 6
Concert Choir is open to any student grades 10-12 who has a desire to participate in choral music. Students in this nonauditioned group will build an understanding of vocal technique and choral singing. Emphasis will be on studying and
performing choral music of varied styles, historical periods, and languages. Performances include evening concerts as
well as State Large Group Contest and other performances. Members are eligible to perform in state solo/ensemble
contest. Block 3
Chamber Choir is open to students in grades 10-12 by audition only. In this select choir, students are required to prepare
and audition for Iowa All State Chorus. This is a highly selective group that will be selected from the top membership of
the other choirs. They will have many community performances as well as competing at State Solo/Ensemble Contest, a
Chamber competition, State Large Group Contest, and other performances. Block 7
Omega is an auditioned junior varsity show choir. Membership in another ensemble is suggested for participation in
Omega. This ensemble focuses on a variety of choral arrangements or popular songs and musical theater literature.
Emphasis will be on vocal technique, style, and choreography appropriate to this repertoire. Omega performs in two
shows a year, as well as three to four competitions. Show Choir dues are approximately $230 and may be met by
fundraising. Block 8
Infinity is a highly selective varsity show choir. This ensemble focuses on a variety of choral arrangements of popular,
jazz, and musical theater literature. Emphasis will be on vocal technique, style, and choreography appropriate to this
repertoire. Infinity performs in two shows a year, as well as four to five competitions. Show Choir dues are
approximately $535 and may be met by fundraising. Block 4
Jazz Choir Jazz Choir is a select choir of students who will study and perform vocal jazz pieces in many community events
and competitions. Jazz Choir is an extra-curricular choir that meets outside of the school day; members of Jazz Choir
must also be enrolled in another vocal music ensemble. Jazz Choir dues are approximately $150 and may be met by
fundraising.
Selection of Choral Literature
Students participating in vocal music choirs at Lincoln High School will study and perform a wide variety of choral
literature. Based on the following criteria, the directors determine the selection of literature:
- The literature will be of appropriate musical material to aid the physical development and function of the
vocal mechanism.
- The literature will include representation from the historical periods of Renaissance, Baroque, Classical,
Romantic, and Twentieth Century, including multicultural representation.
- The literature will be written by composers of historical significance or those presenting valid alternative
programming opportunities.
- The literature will represent a wide variety of text sources and types.
In accordance with the American Choral Directors Association Sacred Music in Public Schools Statement, it is the position
of the Vocal Music Department of Lincoln High School that the inclusion of significant sacred and secular music is
imperative to facilitate a total music experience for students. More information and the statement can be found under
the “Resources” tab on the Lincoln Vocal Music website.
Uniform Requirements
As part of performances and concerts, students are expected to be uniformly dressed. All dress should be professional,
conservative, and adhere to the building dress code, which can be found in the student handbook or online at
lincoln.dmschools.org. While we rely on small monetary contributions to help with upkeep of robes, tuxedos, and
dresses, we understand some students may not have the financial means. Please do not let this discourage participation
in the Vocal Music Department; we can always find a way.
RAILS Choirs: nice blue jeans (no holes, jewels, etc.), white or black dress top (button up, dress sweater, blouse, etc.),
dress shoes (no sneakers, boots, etc.). Hair should be out of the face and no jewelry.
Concert Choir and Treble Choir: choir robes and stoles are provided by the Vocal Music Department. A $10
recommended contribution will be requested of each student to help with maintenance and upkeep of the robe.
Students will assume responsibility for repair or replacement due to neglect. Men are to wear black dress slacks, black
dress shoes, black socks, and un-collared shirts underneath the robes. Women are to wear skirts or dresses with flesh
colored hose, or black slacks, and black closed-toe dress shoes underneath their robes. The hemline of a skirt must be so
that it is not seen below the hemline of the robe. Hair should be out of the face and no jewelry.
Chamber Choir: tuxedos and dresses will be provided by the Vocal Music Department. A $25 recommended contribution
will be requested of each student to help with maintenance and upkeep of the clothing. Students will assume
responsibility for repair or replacement due to neglect. Men will need to supply black dress shoes and black dress socks.
Women will need to supply black closed-toe dress shoes and flesh colored hose. Hair should be out of the face and no
jewelry.
Music
As a member of an ensemble, students will be responsible for a music folder. You will be assigned a folder number and a
slot in the folder cabinet. Singers are responsible for having their folders and music at every rehearsal; failure to do so
will result in a negatively affected rehearsal technique grade. Singers may share folders with one other person in some
ensembles; both singers are jointly responsible for the folder and music. If music is lost or ruined, the student(s)
responsible will be required to reimburse the music department before a semester grade may be given.
Student Expectations
Students are expected to adhere to district, building, and classroom expectations at all times. District and building
procedures and expectations can be found in the student handbook or online at lincoln.dmschools.org. Below are
classroom expectations for all students.
- Respect yourself, others, and property.
- Participate to your fullest, try your hardest, and be the best you can be.
- Be always prepared with materials necessary for class.
- Respect and observe your commitments to the ensemble.
- Check it at the door, be positive; help foster an environment where growth is possible.
Attendance
Some of you will think that attendance is not necessary to pass a vocal music class. I don’t know who you are; I don’t
know what you want. If you’re looking for an easy A, I can tell you I don’t have your easy A, but what I do have are a very
particular set of skills, skills which I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people
like you. If you attend class regularly, that will be the end of it: I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you
don’t, I will look for you, I will find you, and I will grade you.
Choir classes require the active participation of each member and it is difficult or impossible to makeup the experience
we have each day. Students receive daily assessments of rehearsal technique. Because our classes are co-curricular
ensembles, rehearsals outside the school day are occasionally necessary and are figured into assessments and grades.
The classroom tardy procedures will adhere to building policy; students are expected to be in the classroom before the
ring of the bell.
By joining the Vocal Music Department in co-curricular ensembles, one commits to all activities and events both in
school and out of school. Performances are the culmination and assessment of everything done in class. Missing a
performance negatively impacts the performance of the group as we rely on each other.
Absences
Absences from all activities and events outside of school will be considered excused for reasons equivalent for excused
absences from school; these can be found in the student handbook or online at lincoln.dmschools.org. Students are
expected to notify of all absences, excused or unexcused, via email or in writing from a parent or guardian at least 24
hours in advance of the activity or event. Excused absences will result in exemption of grade or makeup opportunity, at
the discretion of the director. Unexcused absences will result in a 0 – no evidence shown as a grade.
Food/Drinks/Gum/Cells
To keep our classrooms clean and to provide for a proper singing environment, gum, food, and drinks are not allowed
and will result in deducted rehearsal technique grade, with the exception of water in a clear bottle. If there is food in the
choir room, Mr. White will eat it. Cell phones will be confiscated without warning.
Expectation Violations
1st offense: verbal warning
2nd offense: teacher/student conference
3rd offense: referral, detention
4th offense: phone call home, referral, detention
5th offense: referral to administration
Grading
Classes of the Vocal Music Department will be utilizing a Standards-Referenced Grading model for assessments. Below
are the equally-weighted standards for each ensemble. The full spreadsheet of standards, scales, and expectations for
standards can be found under the “Resources” tab on the Lincoln Vocal Music website. You will receive the grade you
choose to achieve; everyone is capable of earning a good and passing grade in choir. Decide what you want and make
your choices accordingly.
Choirs
Standards/Topics:
Vocal Technique
Rehearsal Skills
Presentation
Rhythm
Solfege
Grading scale
3.00 – 4.00
2.50 – 2.99
2.00 – 2.49
1.50 – 1.99
0.00 – 1.49
A
B
C
D
F
The following Frequently Asked Questions about Standards-Referenced Grading is adapted from a DMPS pamphlet from
the office of the Director of Teaching and Learning (Secondary), which can be found under the “Resources” tab on the
Lincoln Vocal Music website.
What is Standards-Referenced Grading (SRG)?
In education, the term standards-referenced refers to instructional approaches that are aligned to learning standards –
i.e. written descriptions of what students expected to know and be able to do at a specific stage of their education. In
other words, standards-referenced refers to the use of learning standards to guide what gets taught and assessed in
schools.
What are the advantages of SRG?
Improved communication and additional feedback for parents, students, and teachers – parents and students will see
areas of academic strength and weaknesses in the gradebook rather than seeing a test score or homework assignment
and wondering what the next steps might be. Teachers will know which standards they need to re-teach. Students will
know which standards for which they need additional learning opportunities and/or practice.
How will feedback be given beyond a score in the gradebook?
Because teachers and students operate from common scales that define what each level 1-4 means, the feedback can
be targeted. Example: “You received a score of 2 because you have sufficiently stated your claim. In order to get a 3, you
will need to support your claim with text evidence.”
How do scores translate to a grade?
Teachers collect bodies of evidence for each learning topic. At semester, teachers will examine the evidence and
determine a final topic score. Final topic scores are then averaged and converted to a grade using the above conversion
scale.
Lettering Application (2015-16)
Name __________________________________
Grade________
Applications must be submitted to Mr. White or Ms. Harpin by the deadline (May 9th). All applicants must have earned a
grade of “A” or “B” in each ensemble for both semesters.
(circle) This is my
first
second
third
fourth
year lettering.
_____
_____
_____
_____
100
125
150
200
First year participant in the Vocal Music Department
Second year participant in the Vocal Music Department
Third year participant in the Vocal Music Department
Fourth year participant in the Vocal Music Department
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
250
250
250
200
100
100
100
Member of Chamber Choir
Member of Jazz Choir
Member of Infinity Show Choir
Member of Omega Show Choir
Member of Concert Choir
Member of Treble Choir
Member of RAILS Choir
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
300
100
200
150
100
100
100
75
25
Member of the Iowa All State Choir or Opus Honor Choir
Auditioned for Iowa All State Choir or Opus Honor Choir
Division I rating at State Solo and Small Ensemble Contest
Division II rating at State Solo and Small Ensemble Contest
Division III rating at State Solo and Small Ensemble Contest
Best of Center Award/Showcase, State Solo and Small Ensemble Contest
Division I rating at Large Group Contest
Division II rating at Large Group Contest
Division III rating at Large Group Contest
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
_____
100
50
100
200
200
100
50
50
50
50
Choir Officer
Band or Crew of Infinity or Omega Show Choirs
Special Act Performance at a Show Choir Show
Private voice lessons (weekly lessons throughout year, note required from instructor)
Summer Music Camp Participant (list camp and dates on back)
Additional All-State Music Camp (more than required)
Sang the National Anthem at a school event (per event)
Performed at community performance (per event)
Participation in community or church choir (note from director)
Miscellaneous duties or projects approved by director (list on reverse side)
__________ TOTAL POINTS (1000+ needed to letter)
Due to their nature as performing groups, music ensembles utilize both classroom and out-of-class time. They are considered cocurricular because the outcomes of class instruction are used in public demonstrations for an audience. The groups most frequently
used in such a dual role are band, orchestra, and choral ensembles. The vitality and value of these classes are affected through group
preparation for public performances during in-class and out-of-class times. We the directors hold in high regard our students’ time,
energies, and contributions, and on our part, we are dedicated to most efficiently using time spent in the classroom and outside of
it. For students, the nature of our ensembles inherently includes out-of-class time participation.
We want to ensure that students who enroll in our classes understand that the conditions for satisfactory grades include out-of-class
commitments, including rehearsals and performances. A schedule of performances for the semester is given to students at the
beginning of each semester and sent home to parents/guardians for planning purposes. Because of the collaboration fundamental
to our ensembles, we rely on the contributions of all members, and we aim to make it as easy as possible for students to attend outof-class performances. It is important to note that some of the class and co-curricular activities are conducted off campus, and
students may be responsible for arranging their own transportation. Notification of any such event will be sent to parents/guardians
prior to performances.
If a student must be absent, written agreement of the out-of-class schedule from both parents/guardians and students is required.
Excused absences will be honored when the director is informed at least 24 hours before the performance for reasons equivalent for
excused absences from school and arrangements to make up the absence should be discussed with the director. Again, we’d like to
stress that parents are asked to provide a written or email excuse to the primary director of the ensemble when their student will be
absent from a performance. In the event a conflict should arise between activities within the school, an arrangement agreeable to all
parties will be worked out in consultation with the student and the activity sponsors involved.
All performing groups encourage parent/student communication with the respective directors. Parental participation in student
activities is appreciated and valued as it enhances the performance program. We the directors pledge to continually inform
administration, students, and parents of upcoming events, performances, and festivals that take place during the year.
Thank you for reviewing the information presented. The communication and performance expectations are important to your child’s
development in the music program. Please detach and return the form below to your vocal music director by Friday, September
th
11 .
---------------------------------------------------------------We have received and reviewed the information and understand the additional commitment to out-of-school
performances and presentations. We have received and reviewed the Vocal Music Department Handbook and
understand and agree to all expectations and grading procedures as laid out.
Student Name
________________________________________________
Student Signature
________________________________________________
Parent Signature
________________________________________________
Date
________________________________