1 La Marque MS Choir Hand Book 2017-2018 Imani James Choral Director ijames@tcisd.org LMMS Administration Dr. Florence Adkins, Principal Donnie Brown, Assistant Principal Brandi Peterson, Assistant Principal John Pyle, Assistant Principal TCISD Fine Arts Department Joseph Figarelli, Director of Fine Arts Jonathan Saint- Thomas, Choral Director, LMMS
2 Welcome to the La Marque Middle School Choir Program. It is my pleasure having all of my wonderful student-musicians with whom to work. I am Mrs. James, and I am the new choir director at La Marque Middle School. It should be a very fun year. Students will learn and perform music from a wide variety of styles and genres. They will become proficient in fundamentals of music including: music theory, sight reading, and musical interpretation. Students will show these skills in competition and performance. Music Literacy and Vocal Success Rhythm, Tempo, and Meter The Kodaly System for Sight Reading Knowledge of the reading the Musical Staff Vocal Development: proper breathing technique, healthy tone, correct pitch and intonation, and vocal health LMMS strives to be the best in all areas. That means that our choir will work extremely hard this year, not only as musicians but on our behavior. The LMMS Choir members should be well behaved and articulate. They are representatives of LMMS, after all. Expectations will be high for all students involved in the choir program. In order to achieve our goals this year, we will need a lot of help from our greatest supporters, our family and friends. The students need parents/guardians to be in attendance at concerts and also to chaperone fieldtrips and other events. It is imperative for every student, participating in concerts or programs after school to have a parent/guardian in attendance. Parents/guardians should not only be able to pick students up, but also to support them when they are performing. Students are more excited and motivated when they are performing for an audience.
3 It is a requirement for students to attend all performances. Students are also required to wear the choir uniform, which will be given in detail in the handbook. Students will either wear their formal or casual uniform, which will be specified by the choir director verbally and in writing. CHOIR ROOM RULES These rules are for the protection of students and school equipment. Breaking these rules will result in disciplinary action by the director. Bring All Required Materials to Class Respect Others and Their Property Hands Up, Eyes on Teacher, No Talking Raise Your Hand and Wait Until Given Permission Before Speaking Listen Quietly RESPECT The Three R s of LMMS Choir 1. Gum, candy or food of any type is not allowed in the choir room during rehearsals or choir classes. 2. Students should not talk during rehearsal. 3. Students are expected to follow the routine of rehearsal. 4. No writing on or vandalizing the music, chairs, folders, or other equipment. 5. Students may not have cell phones unless granted permission by Mrs. James. 6. Students may not have materials from other classes out (binders, slime, etc.).
4 RESPONSIBLE 1. Have pencils for rehearsals, as well as any other required materials. 2. All written assignments need to be in complete sentences. 3. Students must attend and participate in all classes, scheduled performances, and rehearsals. 4. Students and parents should plan ahead for transportation to rehearsals and performances. Attendance and Participation is a requirement. 5. Students must remain quiet during singing tests and rehearsals. 6. Students must stay focused, complete all work, and not interrupt the class. 7. No running or horseplay in the choir room. RELIABLE Students must attend and participate in all scheduled performances and rehearsals. Choir Class Grades Students will receive numerical and conduct grades for every progress report card. Grade Overview Participation (50%) Daily Vocal Warm-Ups Solfege and Rhythm Exercises Repertoire Classroom Behavior Having Required Class Materials Fundamentals of Music, Assignments, Daily Grades (20%) Written and Oral Assignments Handouts to be Returned on Time
5 Large Group Rehearsals (10%) There will be additional rehearsals, throughout the year. Students will receive a monthly calendar, and dates will be posted via remind and choir website. Concert Attendance and Tests (20%) Conduct Grades E: No Teacher Directed Focus Time in the 9 week period S: 1-2 Teacher Directed Focus Times in the 9 week period N: 3-5 Teacher Directed Refocus Times in the 9 week period U: 6 or more Teacher Directed Refocus Times in the 9 week period Classroom and Behavioral Expectations Students are expected to be on time to rehearsals and participate completely in all assignments. Points will be deducted from a student s weekly participation grade for the following: Tardy (1 point) Behavioral Warning- reminder to refocus behavior (1 point) 2 nd Verbal Redirect Warning (5 points) 3 rd Verbal and Written Redirect Warning (10 Points) Office Referral (20 Points) Not Participating (10 points daily)
6 Student offenses that could cause removal from Choir Program include the following: 1. Inappropriate on and off campus behavior 2. Harassment 3. Vandalism/ Theft 4. Fighting/Assault 5. Use/ Possession of illegal substances on campus 6. Placement in DAEP 7. Expulsion 8. Consistent Distractions that Hinder Daily Rehearsals and Performances Concert Attendance and Etiquette All concerts are mandatory unless Mrs. James specifies, otherwise. All students will receive a grade for concerts (attendance, behavior, and correct uniform are included). Concert Attendance is 20% of each student s grade. Alternate Assignments Students who are ineligible for concerts because of eligibility requirements will be given an alternate assignment (students can earn up to 100%). Students who have excused absences, which have been approved by Mrs. James prior to the concert, will have an alternate assignment (students can earn up to 100%). Students who have unexcused absences can only earn up to 70% on their alternate assignment. Sports or other extracurricular activities are not excused absences unless they are a sponsored by the school.
7 90-100- A 80-89-B 75-79-C 74-70-D Grading Scale Below 70 (Not Passing) - Parents will be contacted by the choir director. Students must be passing in all classes to participate in extra choir events/concerts (during school hours) or choir fieldtrips. Uniforms and Concert Attire One choir shirt will be provided for each student, this year. Students will be required to wear their choir t-shirts for specified concerts and performances. Students will have to pay $10.00 if they need to replace their choir t-shirt. Concert Uniforms will be provided for students to borrow, this year. Students must turn in concert uniforms at the assigned dates (TBD). Students will be responsible for any lost or damaged items. 5 th and 6 th Grades Choir Shirt and Blue Jeans (Jeans must be acceptable according to the LMMS dress code). 7 th and 8 th Grades Casual Performances: Choir Shirt and Blue Jeans Formal/ Concert Performances: Black Dresses for Women and Tuxedos for Men (Jeans must be acceptable according to the LMMS dress code). Attire will be specified by Mrs. James
8 Contact Information Social Media Remind 101 is a free service for educators, parents, and students. Mrs. James will send reminders and updates through via REMIND 101. To subscribe to this free service, text the code below to 81010. Also, feel free to email me. 5 th Grade Choir Students text @lmms5 6 th Grade Choir Students text @lmms6 7 th / 8 th Grade Choir Students text @ lmms8 Contact email: ijames@tcisd.org Dear La Marque Choir Parents, Feel free to contact Mrs. James with questions or concerns. You will receive information via calendars, from the website, and Remind 101 (refer to instructions listed). Please complete the information forms attached including: Information Sheet, Handbook Acknowledgement Page, and Parent Permission for Release Form. **Changes to the choir handbook may be made throughout the year. However, students will receive a written copy of these changes as well as postings on the choir website and REMIND 101.**
9 LMMS Choir 2017-2018 Student Information Sheet Please return by Monday, October 23 rd Student Name Choir Class Period Circle One Blue Gold Birthday Grade Homeroom Teacher Student ID# Parent/ Guardian (Please Print) Parent Phone Number Circle One: Home Work Cell Parent E-Mail (used to provide information) Choir T-Shirt Size (Please circle one of the following sizes) Youth X-Small Youth Small Youth Medium Youth Large Adult Small Adult Medium Adult Large Adult X-Large Adult XXL Other (Please list size)
10 Please place a check by one of the following: My child is a car rider My child is a walker Other (please specify) Please read the following and sign below I understand the expectations as well as the grading, attendance, behavioral, and eligibility policies, of the La Marque MS Choral Program. I understand that failure to follow these policies may result in dismissal from the program. I understand that the success of programs, such as the LMMS Choir, requires the support of the choir director, student, and parent. (Student Name- Please Print) (Date) (Parent Name- Please Print) (Date)