Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Handbook

Transcription

1 Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Handbook Crews Chorus: Making Music, Building Friendships, Creating Memories! Sabrina Robertson, Choral Director Dr. Stacey Schepens, Principal Traci Baldwin, Assistant Principal Louis Mair, Assistant Principal Debbie Smith, Assistant Principal

2 Dear Chorus Students and Parents: Welcome to an exciting year with the Alton C. Crews Middle School Chorus (ACCMS)! I am thrilled that you are a part of our choral program and anticipate another year of great singing and memorable events! You are a part of a performing arts group that continues to rise to the challenge by achieving superior and excellent performance ratings at the district and state level. This choral handbook is a general overview of the ACCMS Choral Program and will serve as a great resource throughout the year. Chorus is more than singing songs - it is a deeper understanding of reading and interpreting music through the use of Math, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts. We will explore many aspects of singing using the Academic Knowledge and Skills curriculum and the National Music Standards as a guideline for our choral program. There are many exciting plans for chorus this year and I value your ideas. Parents are an integral part of the choral program s success and parental help is welcome as various choral needs arise. Monthly choral newsletters will go home starting early September with reminders, requests and updated event information. Please read these newsletters carefully for any updates or changes. We are on a united mission to excel the choral program to new heights as we plan for unique choral experiences. Get ready for a fun-filled year of teamwork as we reach for our goals of musical excellence! Crews Chorus: Making Music, Building Friendships, Creating Memories. Let s have a wonderful school year! Warmly, Mrs. Sabrina Robertson Choral Director / General Music Teacher Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 2

3 Course Overview Contact Information Teacher: Mrs. Sabrina Robertson (Best contact) Office Phone: (770) Course Description Chorus is a year-round performance-based class that allows students to grow and explore their musical abilities by reading music, learning music vocabulary, applying appropriate singing techniques, and working in a performance group. Students develop acquired skills through a comprehensive approach to singing and build self-confidence through numerous performance opportunities. Students will learn about different cultures through diverse repertoire, while gaining a deeper appreciation for all styles of music. Choral Performance Groups 6 th Grade Chorus - Sing unison and 2 part arrangements 7 th Grade Chorus - Sing 2 part music 8 th Grade Chorus - Sing 2-3 part music Crews Singers - Auditioned group of 7 th and 8 th grade students that exhibit strong leadership and singing skills. Chorus students will have opportunities to: Audition for District 13 Honor Chorus Perform for annual Fall & Spring Choral Concerts Audition for All State Chorus Perform for Large Group Performance Ev aluation Participate in Southern Star Music Festival/Six Flags Fun Day September October & May November & January March May Daily Supplies 1. Folder w/pockets - 6 th grade yellow folder, 7 th grade blue folder, 8 th grade red folder 2. Loose Leaf Paper - keep in chorus class folder 3. Pencils Only (NO pens) 4. Highlighter Optional Supplies 1. Copy paper - white or assorted bright colors 2. Hand sanitizers 3. Tissues 4. Pencils/erasers 5. *Water bottle- students are highly encouraged to bring to class daily Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 3

4 Code of Conduct Discipline expectations are set to high standards and chorus students must follow class rules. Students that refuse to abide by the class rules will be subject to the school-wide disciplinary actions. Read the class rules and disciplinary actions carefully below: Class Rules 1. Be Prompt a. Arrive to class, rehearsals and performances on time 2. Be Prepared a. Bring class supplies daily b. No food, gum, or candy is allowed in the chorus room c. Water bottles are highly encouraged d. Practice at home and review class notes daily e. Attend all school performances 3. Be Positive a. Enter class ready to learn new information b. Encourage others around you 4. Be Productive a. Actively participate in daily lessons, rehearsals, and performances b. Work as a team everyone contributes to the success of the choral program 5. Be Polite a. Follow all rules set forth by the choral director and administration Disciplinary Actions: First Offense- Teacher warning Second Offense- Teacher modification of student behavior (with parent contact) Third Offense- Teacher-assigned silent lunch (with parent contact) Fourth Offense- Teacher assigned 45-minute detention with teacher (with parent contact) Fifth Offense- Teacher referral to the administration (with parent contact) *Students will be held accountable for their actions through the school-wide discipline initiative Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 4

5 Performance Attire The Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Department performance attire for all choral performing groups is listed below for each grade level. See detailed information below: Order/Payment Deadline: Friday, August 28, 2015 *Order form will be distributed soon 6 th Grade Chorus 7 th Grade Chorus 8 th Grade Chorus Standard Attire: Chorus polo shirt (all shirts are to be tucked in) Long black dress pants (low heels for risers) *No jewelry *Earring studs only Girls Formal Attire: Black formal dress (low heels for risers) Boys Formal Attire: White long-sleeved collared dress shirt (with wing tip) Black vest Adjustable tuxedo black dress pants Black bow tie Girls Formal Attire: Black formal dress (low heels for risers) Boys Formal Attire: White long-sleeved collared dress shirt (with wing tip) Black vest Adjustable tuxedo black dress pants Black bow tie Standard Attire: Chorus polo shirt Long black dress pants (low heels for risers) *No jewelry *Earring studs only Standard Attire: Chorus polo shirt Long black dress pants (low heels for risers) *No jewelry *Earring studs only $20 - chorus polo only *Must purchase black dress pants and shoes separately Girl Package - $60 formal attire Boy Package $60 (4-piece formal attire) Garment Bag - $10 *Must purchase shoes separately Girl Package - $60 formal attire Boy Package $60 (4-piece formal attire) Garment Bag - $10 *Must purchase shoes separately Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 5

6 Concert Etiquette Students should exhibit excellent behavior and musicianship before, during, and after a concert/performance. Outlined below are various concert etiquette rules that all students should follow: Refrain from talking. Refrain from unwrapping noisy candy wrappers during the concert. Turn off all electronic devices. Do not leave as soon as your portion of the concert is over. (All of the students deserve a full audience for their performances.) Applaud at the appropriate times. Do not leave the auditorium during the music. Go to the concert expecting the best. Grading Policy The details of the grading policy should be carefully reviewed. Chorus grades are taken seriously and must be earned. All chorus students should strive to meet or exceed the standards by excelling in the grading categories below. Summative 50% Classroom 40% Tests (Written & Singing Proficiency) - Tests will be given to ensure student learning. All tests consist of a written portion and a singing proficiency section where students will sing in small groups. Students are expected to sing phrases according to the singing proficiency rubric. Daily Rehearsal Actively participating in choral rehearsals and displaying appropriate musicianship skills as outlined in the AKS and National Music Standards. Class work Complete and turn in all written/performance assignments. Quizzes Students must practice, study and review music notes daily for announced quizzes. Final 10% Concert Performance- Students must perform in all required dress rehearsals and informal/formal concerts. Appropriate concert attire should be worn at all performances. (See concert policy) *The content of the grading policy is subject to change. Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 6

7 Concert Policy Time is valuable and your presence is necessary to meet the daily goals we strive to accomplish. Students must follow the school protocol for attendance and should report to class and all rehearsals on time. Bathroom and/or water needs should be addressed before or after class. Limited passes for bathroom/water requests will be issued for the school year. Students are highly encouraged to bring a clear water bottle to chorus class daily. Chorus is a performance-based class. Concert performance is required for all students throughout the school year. Excused Absences Unexcused Absences Death in the family No ride Illness or accident (must provide Incorrect uniform document from doctor) Babysitting One-time family event (wedding, Another performance graduation, etc.) with prior notice Forgetting only Nerves Homework Expectations Students should practice scales and choral repertoire as distributed on a weekly basis to perfect singing skills. All assigned homework should be completed by the next class day. Late Work Policy If a student is absent, assigned class work may be turned in the next class day. It is the responsibility of the student to request missed assignments and turn in all required work by the due date. Concert performances cannot be made up. If the chorus teacher is notified of an extenuating circumstance (noted in the excused absence table below) within a day of the concert, the student will be permitted to complete a make-up assignment for a concert grade. Standards/Academic, Knowledge, and Skills (AKS) The choral curriculum is aligned with the AKS. The overarching AKS references are listed below: A. Skills and Technique/Performance B. Creation C. Critical Analysis/Investigation D. Cultural and Historical Context Fund raising While fundraising opportunities support the choral program and benefits our students, participation is optional. Please read our monthly choral newsletters for detailed fundraising information. Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 7

8 Chorus Communication Newsletters Monthly choral newsletters are sent home via parent and printed copies are distributed in class. Students are responsible for reading the newsletters and should mark all rehearsal, concert, and event dates in their agendas. Enrichment Opportunities Crews Singers An auditioned group of 7 th and 8 th grade students who perform for special school/community events. Students must exhibit strong leadership and singing skills. Audition and rehearsals will be scheduled before regular school hours. Additional information is forthcoming in the monthly choral newsletter. District 13 Honor Chorus A distinguished auditioned group of select 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade chorus students that perform in a combined choir setting for a live recorded concert. The event will be held October 31-November 1, 2014 at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. Interested students must audition using the audition packet guidelines. Audition and rehearsals will be scheduled before regular school hours. All State Chorus Regarded as the most prestigious choral event for 7 th -12 th grades in the state of Georgia. Students must participate and successfully pass two rigorous auditions. Successful students earn an opportunity to perform in a select choir for a three-day event at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. Rehearsals will be scheduled before regular school hours to help students prepare for the audition process. Interested students should have choral experience, strong sight-reading skills, and know the major, minor, and chromatic scales. See general audition information below if interested: Chorus Parent Volunteers We value the support of our parents! Parent volunteers contribute to the ongoing success of the ACCMS choral program. Please consider assisting the choral program by serving as a chaperone, event organizer, performance attire organizer, business liaison, graphic designer, and other areas of need. Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 8

9 Calendar Mark your calendars for the special events below and plan to attend. Please refer to the monthly choral newsletters for updated calendar events throughout the school year. Date Time Event Location Performance Group August 20 August 27 August 29 October 30- October 31 November 14 *December 8 January 21 *March 8 February *March 17 or 18 *May 5 May am & 4-5pm 8-9am & 4-5:30pm TBA Concert Attire Fitting Chorus Room ALL STUDENTS WITHOUT ATTIRE (7 TH & 8 TH ONLY) Crews Singers Auditions Chorus Room Interested Students Gwinnett Braves Performance Gwinnett Braves Stadium TBA District 13 Honor Chorus Classic Center Athens, GA TBA TBA 5:30-7:30pm (times assigned) 6:30pm All State Chorus Region Audition Winter Choral Concert (Brookwood Cluster) All State Chorus Final Auditions LGPE Preview Choral Concert North Gwinnett MS TBA Brookwood HS CMS Cafetorium TBA All State Chorus Classic Center Athens, GA TBA Choral LGPE Lawrenceville First United Methodist 7:00pm TBA Spring Choral Concert & Dessert Southern Star Music Festival Church Grace Fellowship Church Six Flags Over Georgia 8 TH GRADE CHORUS ONLY Select Students Select Students ALL (Concert Grade) Select Audition Students ALL (Concert Grade) Select Students 7 th & 8 th Grade Choruses ALL (Concert Grade) Eligible 7 th & 8 th Grade Chorus Students *Concert grade performance required Check monthly choral newsletters for event/performance additions and updates *Notes required concerts for all choral performance groups Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 9

10 Handbook Acknowledgement Form RETURN BY: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 Parents/Guardians & Students, By signing this form, you are hereby considered knowledgeable of the requirements outlined in the Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Handbook. Please return this page only and keep the remaining handbook in the chorus folder. Student Name (Print) Student Name (Signature) Student Number Chorus Class Period Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Best Contact # ( ) Parent/Guardian Address(es) Please circle a parent volunteer area(s) of interest! Your help is needed and appreciated! Chaperone Concert Attire Assistant Business Liaison Graphic Designer Photographer Spring Concert Dessert Fundraiser Organizer Spring Concert Dessert Fundraiser Volunteer Parent/Guardian Signature Date Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 10

11 Media Release & Permission Form RETURN BY: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 I,, give permission for a photograph/interview of to be used in (print name of student) news media coverage of the school system and in promotional print and electronic publications of Gwinnett County Public Schools. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Updated: August 2015 Keep in chorus folder - 11