Brown Middle School Chorus Information Handbook School Year 2018-2019 Mr. Bailey-Adams, Director email: matthew_baileyadams@newon.k12.ma.us website: https://mattbbaileyadams.wordpress.com/
September 2018 Please review the handbook, fill out the registration page and both parent and student SIGN THE CONTRACT PAGE (Please write neatly so I can read your name). Return these to me with the appropriate information and signatures by Friday, September 30, 2018. The Brown Middle School 6 th Grade Chorus and 7 th /8 th Grade Chorus are open to everyone from Brown Middle School. 6 th Grade Chorus meets on Day 1 (1 st & 2 nd Extensions) and Day 4 (2 nd & 3 rd Extensions). 7 th /8 th Grade Chorus meets on Day 3 and Day 6 (1 st & 2 nd Extensions). Both ensembles meet in the Auditorium. NEW: I will be posting reminders and information occasionally using the Remind app. This will include concert reminders and other information. To sign up for the 6 th Grade Chorus Remind class, please use the following link: https://www.remind.com/join/6bmsc. To sign up for the 7 th & 8 th Grade Chorus Remind class, please use the following link: https://www.remind.com/join/78bmsc. To sign up for the A Cappella Remind class, please use the following link: https://www.remind.com/join/bmsacapp. Grading in Chorus You will receive a grade on your report card each semester. Your grade will be based on: rehearsal and concert attendance, being prepared, progress, folder condition, and class participation. Please note: Newton Public Schools Middle School Performance Policy The Concerts are the culmination of this class, equivalent to a final project or final exam. Attendance at all concerts is mandatory. Absences are acceptable only for: Attending funerals Due to illness provided that the teacher is notified BEFORE the concert Other extenuating circumstances will be considered provided that the teacher is notified a minimum of TWO WEEKS BEFORE the concert. If you do not attend a concert, you will receive a zero for the concert portion of your Chorus grade. A Cappella Choir A Cappella Choir is a non-audition performing ensemble that deals exclusively in a cappella music. It is open to all grades, and meets Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30am. Information about signing up for this ensemble will be given in rehearsal and over the announcements in the morning and afternoon.
Rehearsal Time Chorus offers an opportunity to expand skills in vocal technique, sight-reading, musical phrasing and appreciating music in a unique environment. Chorus is a highly active atmosphere that might not be present in other academic classes. Therefore, part of your musical experience and education must include the development of good rehearsal skills. In order for the ensemble to have a productive and an effective rehearsal, please observe the following: Be in the auditorium and ready at the beginning of each class. Always be quiet and attentive when the conductor is teaching, conducting, or giving instructions. Behave in a courteous and respectful manner to each other and to the teacher (conductor). Always have a pencil ready to mark your music. If you need to leave the room for an appropriate reason, sign out in the book. NO FOOD IN THE AUDITORIUM If you have read this far, send Mr. Bailey-Adams a Schoology message with your name and your favorite type of sandwich for extra credit Concert Uniform The purpose of the concert uniform is to promote a feeling of professionalism and unity within the ensemble. We are many voices singing as one. Our concert uniform is as follows A white, formal shirt or blouse (long-sleeved for button down shirts) with a conservative neckline. For collared shirts, students are required to wear a royal blue bow tie, which they can acquire for themselves or purchase from Mr. Bailey-Adams for $5. Students without a collar should wear a royal blue accent (hair-tie, headband, scarf, necklace, etc.) Black formal bottoms (pants, long skirt) with a black belt where appropriate. If a student wishes to wear a full dress, it must be black and white. Black dress shoes with black socks or equivalent where appropriate. **Sneakers, jeans, tank tops, crop-tops, mini-skirts, leggings and shorts are not acceptable concert attire. Attendance and Tardiness Each member of a Chorus plays an important role because everyone is a team member. In order for the group to work together and achieve its goals, it is necessary that everyone come to class (rehearsals) regularly, prepared and on time. The only acceptable absence is when a student is absent from school. If you are going to be tardy you must have spoken to Mr. Bailey-Adams IN ADVANCE.
HANG THIS SHEET UP IN A PROMINENT SPOT AT HOME CHECK THE DATES OFTEN SO YOU DON T MISS A CONCERT Brown Middle School Concert Dates for SY 2018-2019 January 2019 Wednesday, January 9 @ 7:00pm NSHS Feeder Concert- band only Saturday, January 12 MMEA Jr. District Auditions @ Needham HS For grades 7-8 only (Snow: January 13) Tuesday, January 15 @ 7:30pm Band & Mostly Brass Concert (Snow: 1/17) Wednesday, January 16 @ 7:30pm Orchestra & Chorus Concert (Snow date: 1/17) Wednesday, January 23 Choir Fest Part 1: 8:30am 11:30pm Workshop/Rehearsal at NSHS Part 2: 7:00pm (6:30pm call) Concert at NSHS Auditorium February 2019 Musical TBA If your child is interested in being in the musical, please have them listen to the morning announcements for details! Dress Rehearsal Saturday, February 9 5 th Grade Performance: Monday February 11 9:00am Tuesday, February 12-7:30pm Wednesday, February 13 7:30pm Snow date: February 14 7:30pm March 2019 Friday March 8 th and Saturday March 9 th MMEA Jr. District festival at Lincoln- Sudbury HS (Snow date 3/10) For 7/8 graders that have been accepted. Tuesday, March 19 @7:00pm Showcase Concert (Voluntary audition for solo or small group performance) (Snow date (3/20) June 2019 Tuesday, June 4 @ 7:30pm - Band & Mostly Brass Wednesday, June 5 @ 7:30pm - Orchestra & Chorus
CONTRACT PLEASE SIGN BELOW AND RETURN TO MR. BAILEY-ADAMS BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2018. Contract Checklist! * Added the Concert Dates to your family calendar. * $12.00 for pizza parties (checks made out to Brown Music PTO) * I have read the information and I understand my responsibilities as a Brown Middle School Chorus member. Student Name (Print please) Date Parent Signature Date