The AMBASSADORS Choir Handbook Grades 6, 7,

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1 The AMBASSADORS Choir Handbook Grades 6, 7, We are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 Mrs. Eileen Swanson, Director Mrs. Suzanne Karls, Pianist Contact information: eswanson@christianheritage.org Forms due Monday, August 27, 2018

2 The AMBASSADORS is a performance-based choral music class which meets during the school day throughout the school year. Our goals are to individually grow in faith, knowledge, understanding and skill, then demonstrate that learning in performance. Together we create music to share outside our classroom in enjoyable and meaningful ways. Class Description While learning our repertoire, we develop sight singing, ear training and rhythm reading skills. We make connections between our music and history, art, literature, science and math. Our choral repertoire gives opportunities for singing two, three or four-part harmony. Class evaluation includes performances, student mastery of the repertoire, skill testing in sight singing and rhythm reading, and class participation. Class participation includes punctuality, attendance, attitude, behavior and effort demonstrated in class. Written work includes music theory learning and reflective writing. All performance dates listed below as required are included in quarter grading and participation is expected. Every effort is made to communicate performance dates (and changes) well in advance. Absence from a required performance may be considered as excused for student illness or family emergency only, with prior parent communication. Vacation or travel does not excuse a required performance. Performances that are encouraged, but not required, are designated below as opportunities. First Semester - Required Performance Dates Chapels dates TBD Thanksgiving/Grandparents Day/Special Friends chapel Tuesday, November 20, 2018 Christmas Concert Friday, December 14, 2018, 7:00 p.m. Warm-up time TBD Christmas chapel Friday, December 21, 2018 First Semester Opportunities: Saturday, November 3, 2018 Honors Chorus Festival - ILMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) at Wauconda High School. Students who are recommended learn four pieces of music, work with a guest conductor, then present a public concert that afternoon. If you are interested in being recommended, please see Mrs. Swanson. Firm registration deadline is October 13. December 1, ACSI Midwest Music Festival registration forms will be available in November and are due December 1. Festival dates are March 15-16, 2019; see details below)

3 Second Semester - Required Performance Dates Chapel dates TBD Easter Chapel Thursday, April 18, 2019 Spring Choral/Instrumental Concert Friday, May 3, 2019, 7:00 pm Warm-up times TBD Festivals of Music Choral Competition - Saturday, May 18, 2019 (held at Six Flags) Second Semester Opportunities ACSI Midwest Music Festival, March 15-16, 2019 (overnight) ACSI Festival is an overnight event at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Working with a guest conductor, hundreds of Christian school students from the Midwest prepare challenging repertoire and present a public concert on Saturday afternoon. Parents, we will need a number of overnight chaperones, based on the number of students attending. This event requires an additional non-refundable charge for both students and chaperones (festival registration fee, hotel, meals). Registration is due by December 1 with the completion of all three forms. No late forms can be accepted. Performance Dress: The purpose of concert dress is to present a unified, polished presence in performance. Concert clothes are to be worn for all performances, including ACSI. The cost for concert dress appears on student statements. Measuring for fit will be done in class on September 5. Parents, please let Mrs. Swanson know if you are able to help with measuring. Boys: black dress shirt, black dress pants (no jeans), tie (all purchased; fee on account) The student will need to provide black dress belt, black socks, and black dress shoes (no sport shoes). No jewelry or watches. Girls: black palazzo pants, black knit top (all purchased; fee on account) The student will need to provide black dress flats, no socks. Small gold/silver post earrings only may be worn. Please do not wear hair bows, headbands or any other jewelry, including watches. Registration Forms Each student and parent/guardian should complete both forms that follow in this handbook. Please return them by Monday, August 27 to the CHA office, attention Ambassadors. Choir Fees The Ambassador fees for the year are pro-rated through the student s account. Please contact Mrs. Swanson if this is a hardship. We want every interested student to have the opportunity to be an Ambassador.

4 THE AMBASSADORS Interest Form Student Name Homeroom I am interested in: singing a solo singing in a small group playing an instrument Which instrument(s) do you play? accompanying choir on piano speaking reading Parent/Volunteer Opportunities Measuring for concert clothes (September 5) Performance supervision as needed Costuming/makeup drama Choreography Transportation as needed Chaperone for ACSI festival (overnight, fee) March 15-16, 2019 Chaperone for competition May 18, 2019 Parent Signature Date Parent Home phone Cell Please return to the CHA Office by August 27, 2018, attention: Ambassadors.

5 The AMBASSADORS Measurement Form Student Name Homeroom T-shirt size (circle one): Youth: S M L XL Adult: S M L XL Skirt/slacks size (girls): Dress size (girls): Height (in performance shoes) Pants size (boys): Shirt/blouse size Shoe size The Ambassadors Student Contract A choir is a musical team which depends on each member giving his/her best. In every class, these attitudes and choices will enable our choir to be its best: Respect for every person involved Cooperation, 100% effort and teamwork Kind, encouraging speech and actions By signing this contract, you are choosing to be this kind of choir member. You are agreeing to respectfully care for all the materials, music and equipment we will use. When someone consistently chooses not to honor these standards, he/she is hindering our choir from becoming its best. That student should not expect to be rewarded with special responsibilities. She/he will have opportunities to make positive choices and changes; however, if behavior, attitude or effort in class continues to hinder the choir, that student may not continue in The Ambassadors. I have read and understand all of the above. I recognize it is a privilege to be in choir. I am ready to be an Ambassador. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Please return to the CHA Office by August 27, 2018, attention: Ambassadors.