Please read the entire handbook. Then print & sign the Student/Parent Agreement.
Welcome to the Worth County Middle School Choral Department!
I am very excited about the coming year. This will be a year of many new beginnings. We welcome new students into our program. We have approximately 120 sixth graders enrolling this year which is a very large group. We are also looking into several performances throughout the year so your participation should be 100% at all times.
I expect the experienced choral students to step into leadership roles. One of the goals for this year will be to continue the use of choral officers. The leaders will be expected to fill duties that are necessary to for the choral program to thrive. Officer elections will take place the first week of school.
It's time to start setting new expectations...
· Expect to perform in public at least two times per semester.
· Expect to see an unprecedented growth in the Choral Dept.
· Expect to see our Booster Club become more involved in our activities.
· Expect to become a better singer.
· Expect to have a great year in chorus!
I give you my word that I will work hard to see each of these expectations fulfilled. But I can't do it without your hard work. To have a successful choral program it will mean your giving 100% of your efforts during class time, rehearsals and at performances.
There are a few things that you can expect from me:
· I will start and finish class on time.
· I will have each rehearsal planned out in advance.
· I will be fair and honest with my students.
· I will push you to become better people & musicians.
In turn, I expect a few things from you:
· Arrive in class on time and prepared.
· Show respect to me, your classmates, and to yourself.
· Give 100% at every rehearsal.
I know that this will be a year of change. I also know that it will be a great year and I am looking forward to getting started.
See you in class!
Lesli Holton
Choral Director, WCMS
Classroom Rules and Daily Procedures
1. Come to class prepared:
A. Students should be in assigned places when the bell rings.You should have your folder and a pencil at every rehearsal.
B. Use the restroom and get a drink of water before class. Students will not be excused to go to the restroom during the rehearsal.
C. No food, drinks, candy or chewing gum in the choir room at any time. Bottled water is allowed in class as long as it is not a disruption.
2. Follow the directions the first time they are given.
A. All students are expected to participate in warm-ups.
B. Observe good posture.
C. Raise your hand and wait to be called upon before speaking.
D. Ask permission before leaving your seat.
3. Participate appropriately in class activities.
A. Sing, stand and warm-up at the proper time.
B. Group talking ends when the class begins.
C. Accept responsibility and consequences for your behavior.
4. Respect property and each other.
A. All items that are not chorus related should be placed in the provided shelves until the end of class. There should be no book bags brought into the choral room. No purses or other items allowed at your seat.
B. Leave the choral room neater than you found it. Pick up trash near and around your seat.
C. Show courtesy and respect for your teacher, your classmates and yourself.
D. Hands off property that is not yours, including folders. Get permission before using piano, computers, white boards or electronic equipment.
E. No one is to be behind the seated risers unless you have been assigned to do so.
F. No fragrant lotions, sprays, etc. shall be used in the classroom. There are several that have medical conditions that could react severely. Note: If this rule is violated, immediately and severe action will be taken. Possible suspension will be given.
Consequences
First infraction: Personal warning & points off daily grade
Second infraction: Student conference, note to parents.
Third infraction: Call to parent.
Fourth infraction: Student conference, administrative discipline referral.
Self-discipline is the goal. Your behavior has a direct impact on the rest of the choir. Distractions steal valuable rehearsal time, resulting in diminished performance quality.
Choir Fee
All students enrolled in choir will be charged a choir fee of $20 to assist with basic supply expenses. This fee also provides each student with a choir t-shirt. All fees are due by September 30. Checks should be made payable to the WCMS Chorus. T-shirts will be given out as soon as they are ordered (after all have paid dues). Students who destroy or lose choir property will be fined a replacement fee in addition to the choir dues, including shirts.
Supplies
Each student will be provided (from supply fees):
1. A 3-ring folder with pockets.
2. Page Protectors
3. 1 pencil
4. Sheet Music
Each student must bring to class:
1. Several Sheets of notebook paper
2. Extra pencil (no pens)
Music will be distributed according to folder number. Students will be responsible for the music issued to them. Each original piece of music costs approximately $1.60-$3.50 per person. Lost or damaged music must be paid for by the student. Lost or damaged music folders must also be paid for by the student.
Choral Council
Student officers will be elected by the choral membership and will serve as the governing body for the organization. It will be composed of the following officers:
1. President - Will preside at meetings of the Choral Council and assign the officers,individually, the responsibilities of managing the equipment and other necessary duties.
2. Vice-President - Will preside in absence of the President.
3. Secretary - Will take attendance at each rehearsal.
4. Librarians - Will distribute and collect music and assignments,and will assist in maintaining the library database.
5. Accompanist/Warm-Up Assistants
Other responsibilities of Council members:
Must have at least one year of choral experience.
Must maintain a "B" average in academics and choir.
President and Vice-President may help conduct rehearsals.
Performances
Attendance is required at all performances!
Performance dates are on the enclosed calendar and are posted in the choir room. All students are expected to fulfill their responsibility to the choir. A concert is considered as an exam grade. Students are expected to be fully dressed in the required uniform in order to participate in concerts.
Excused absences include death in family or severe personal illness (must have a doctor's excuse within two days of concert). Students who have an excused absence must do makeup work as assigned in order to prevent grade penalty. Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to do makeup work. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in dropping the final average one letter grade. Students in auditioned groups such as The Treble Choir or Jazz Choir who have unexcused absence from performances will be removed from that choir and placed into the non-auditioned group. Sixth grade students who miss concerts will not be considered for advanced ensembles.
Grading Policy
Grades will be averaged as follows:
1. Daily Grade - 50%
Each day is worth a total of 100 points. The point value for each day is 100 points. The daily grade is determined by the student's level of participation during class.
Common deductions from the daily grade are:
Note: Students will be expected to do push-ups or wall squats for Gum/Candy/Food in class
Tardies (-10) unexcused Gum/Food/Candy (-10)
Bathroom (-10) after tardy bell
No Folder/Music (-15)
No Pencil (-10)
Food (-10) Sent to Office (-20)
Nurse (-10) non emergencies Unexcused Absence (-20)
Talking (-10) Class Disruption (-30)
2. Concert & Rehearsal Attendance - 30%
Attendance is required for all concerts and pre-scheduled rehearsals after school hours. An unexcused concert absence will result in the dropping 30% from the final average. *See the section on performances for explanation of excused absence.
The absence will not be excused if the parent has not communicated with the director PRIOR to the concert with viable excuse. See above explanation and note below #3.
3. Assignments and Tests - 20%
Assignments will be completed and tests will be administered to monitor the progress of the student. Students will be expected to sing individually for a portion of the assessment.
*Excused absences include: Death in immediate family, student illness (must have been absent from school day of concert). If transportation is a problem, it is the student/parent's responsibility to arrange transportation. "Not having a ride" is not considered an excuse.
Uniforms- 6th Grade ONLY
Please Read Carefully
**** All Students in chorus must have proper uniforms!!
Girls Attire:
A. White blouse with long or ¾ sleevees. Wear appropriate undergarments if blouse is sheer.
B. Black dress slacks or long, ankle length black skirt
C. Black, closed toe dress shoes, with low heel.
Boys Attire:
A. White, long-sleeved, button down dress shirt
B. Black dress slacks, with dark belt
C. Black, dress shoes and black dress socks.
Students should not wear any jewelry that can be seen from distance. Hair should be natural color and kept off face for performance.
Informal Concert Dress (And traveling outfit)
Choir T-shirt (tucked in), nice blue jeans with belt, clean sneakers/loafers.
The choir t-shirt will be issued before the first concert. The cost is included in the choir fee. The t-shirt should only be worn at choir functions in order to keep shirts looking good.
**If your child is selected for the Statewide Sixth Grade Honor Choir, girls will need to have an all-black uniform for this performance.
Uniforms- 7th & 8th Grade ONLY
**Concert Attire- ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE UNIFORM
GIRLS:
1. Black concert dress. (See ordering information below).
2. Black, closed toe dress shoes, low heels- no more than 1 ½ inches, with black hose.
BOYS:
1. White tuxedo shirt. (See ordering info below.)
2. Black vest
3. Black dress pants.
4. Black dress shoes and black socks.
Students should not wear any large jewelry (earrings, necklaces, no bracelets). Hair should be natural color and kept off face for performance.
Ordering Uniforms
Girls will be sized for dress orders. Approximate prices are below. Students will have an opportunity to raise money to pay for uniforms.
Boys should order the tuxedo shirt, pants, and vest
Ladies Black Concert Gown $60
Men's White Tuxedo Shirt
Men's Black Vest
Men's Tuxedo Pants
Men's Uniforms total $60
**Fittings for uniforms will take place in September
Informal Concert Dress (And traveling outfit) Choir T-shirt (tucked in), nice blue jeans with belt, clean sneakers/loafers.
The choir t-shirt will be issued before the first concert. The cost is included in the choir fee. The t-shirt should only be worn at choir functions in order to keep shirts looking good.
Fundraising
Fundraising is a necessary part of the choral program. All money raised is used to help build and benefit the choral program and the students involved. Our first fundraiser will provide a means for students to pay for their choir uniforms. Other fundraising will help pay for festival fees, transportation, accompanist fees, spring music and other needs. All students and parents are encouraged to participate.
Social Events
Choir fellowship is important to build friendships and build team morale. The Choral Council will be planning functions so the choir can get together outside of school. All of these will be designed to get to know each other better.
Awards & Honors
Director's Award of Excellence
These awards are earned by one choir student from each grade, based on exemplary leadership, character, enthusiasm, musical ability and dedication to the choral program.
Outstanding Choir Members
These awards will be presented to students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and character.
Music Theory Awards
Given to students who strive for excellence in the study of music theory.
Most Improved Awards
The awards are given to students who have demonstrated the most improvement throughout the year.
Parent Involvement
All choir parents are invited to become a member of the Choir Booster Club. You will be asked to help with fundraising projects. Parents will also be asked to chaperone choir trips. (Chaperone preferences will be given to parents who have helped with other choir activities.) An organizational meeting will be held when school starts. Please plan to attend. The WCMS Choir needs your help in order to provide a quality program for your child.
Please read and sign the Student/Parent Agreement provided in class