Performance groups rehearse before and after school. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to/from rehearsals.

Hickory Creek Elementary School MUSIC DEPT. Handbook (2014-2015) Mrs. Rhonda Gauger E-mail: Rhonda.Gauger@stjohns.k12.fl.us Email for band/chorus questions: hcemusic05@yahoo.com Students in the 3 rd grade may participate in the Chorus. Students entering the 4 th or 5 th grade are eligible to participate in the Chorus, Dance Ensemble and the Elementary Band. Performance Groups and Rehearsal Times Performance groups rehearse before and after school. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to/from rehearsals. Elementary Chorus is open to ALL 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th grade students. NO AUDITION IS NECESSARY! Rehearsals are on Tuesdays after school until 3:30 pm. Band is open to all 4 th and 5 th grade students. Beginning and Advanced Band run concurrently using the Music Room and the Stage area. Rehearsals for both bands are each morning, 7:30 am 8:15 am, Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Friday is an optional day--those ready for stripe testing. Advanced Band students are those returning from last year or who have had previous experience in a band program, either here at HCES or at a former school. Beginning Band students have had no prior experience working in a Band. No audition is necessary for this group. Dance Ensemble is an auditioned dance group of boys and girls who perform hip hop/jazz style dance routines. We are extremely grateful to Mrs. Stacey Dumdei for her continued gift of time, energy and expertise in working with our young dancers! Rehearsals for Dance Ensemble are Wednesdays after school until 3:30 pm. Dance Ensemble will only meet until the Polar Express performance has been completed. Expectations Participation in musical performing groups is similar to participation in sports activities. The group is dependent on each member working alongside each other in order for the group to be successful. To encourage discipline in the group, each Band/Chorus/Dance student will be on a point system allowing them to participate in field trips and festivals. Each member begins with 100 points. Points are deducted for: o Behavior problems excessive talking or not participating during rehearsals Students are expected to attend and participate in all rehearsals to the best of their ability. If they do not participate in rehearsal, they lose 1 point for that day. If a student cannot play/sing for some reason (for example, sore throat or dental issues), they should still attend and pay attention so they can hear and experience the learning taking place in that rehearsal. However, if they have fever and are contagious, please keep them at home! o Missing rehearsals for unexcused reasons 1

Excused absences would be for illness, death in the family, medical emergency, etc. Absences due to parties or shopping trips, busy schedules etc. will be considered unexcused and will result in a loss of 5 points. Absences due to ball games/practices, busy schedules etc. will be considered unexcused and will result in a loss of 5 points. You have the schedule for the required concerts already posted on the website so please mark those dates down on your calendar. In the case of sporting events ( My child is the only pitcher and has a game that night ) please notify your child s coach immediately upon receipt of the schedule of games so the coach can make an effort to reschedule games. In the 12 years that I have been in NW St. Johns County, I have found the coaches to be very understanding about school conflicts and they make every effort to work with the schools! o Missing required performances: Holiday Concert Spring Concert Students who must miss a performance are required to bring a signed parent note within 48 hours of the missed performance. Points necessary to participate in the Holiday performance at Jax International Airport = 95 Points necessary to participate in the Spring Music Festival (Universal) = 90 As per St. Johns County School District policy, students who are not in attendance at school the day of a field trip, afternoon rehearsal or evening performance will not be allowed to participate. Students should not stay home to rest so they are ready for the evening performance or field trip! Students are encouraged to maintain excellence in the classroom as they participate in Music activities. Please try to help your child budget his/her time to be able to stay on top of their academic grades. Participation in performances will be beneficial to your child s success academically and should not be a distraction with advanced planning. The HCES performers are encouraged to participate in local community service activities such as Relay for Life at Bartram Trail, Fall Festival and/or Spring Fling at Westminster Woods on Julington Creek, etc. These weekend activities are not required but are beneficial to all students and the recipients of their generosity. HCES is known for being a school that takes care of others needs! Uniforms All students are required to wear the specified uniform for performances. The formal uniform will be used for required concerts at school and performances in the community that are more formal in nature, such as the appearance at the Jacksonville International Airport and the Universal Orlando performance. The casual uniform will be used for our community concerts, where students might be staying to participate in games and riding rides, travel, and for some relaxed daytime performances. Students are asked to wear their casual uniform the day of concerts to help publicize our performances. Students may also wear their Band shirt at any time to show school pride. Students who do not have the proper uniform will not be allowed to participate in the event. Formal Uniform: White oxford shirt, short-sleeved with long black pants, black dress shoes (preferably closedtoe, with back, as required by Student Dress Code) and black socks. No necklaces, rings, bracelets, watches, or glitter. Small, stud earrings may be worn. Hair should be pulled back from face, and natural hair color only. Casual Uniform: Jeans full-length blue jeans (no holes, please) and the Hickory Creek Music t-shirt and sneakers (for your child s safety) 2

Fair Share For those of you who are new to Chorus and Band, at the Middle and High School level, the choral and instrumental departments (as well as athletic departments) have been charging a fair share or Pay to Play fee/donation for many years. Sample amounts from other schools in St. Johns County are $125-140 for Middle School Band and High School Chorus and $250-450 for High School Bands. Due to the difficult funding issues we are experiencing in our district, we began a new Fair Share donation for Hickory Creek Elementary School Band, Dance Ensemble and Chorus: Band is $75 for the entire year Chorus is $50 for the entire year Dance Ensemble is $35 through December If your child is in more than one performing group, you pay only ONE fair share Multiple children in the same family pay only ONE fair share Any parents with financial need should discuss scholarship opportunities with Mrs. Gauger. No child should be left out for financial reasons! Talk to Mrs. Gauger for more information! There will be fundraising opportunities for all families to use toward their Fair Share cost. The Fair Share covers such expenses that are a part of the program as: Florida Music Educators Association annual teacher registration, conference registration, travel expenses and substitute costs necessary to allow students and teachers the opportunity to participate in All State performing events. Buses for performances at Jacksonville International Airport or other local venues. Printed choral music should be purchased each year so that the Music Library is up to date on current choral requirements as per the Florida Vocal Association and within current copyright laws. Instrument, Lighting and Sound Equipment repair and/or purchase. A Music T-shirt that will be used for more casual performances. Rental of a white, button-down oxford with Music Dept embroidered logo. The Fair Share does not cover: Some travel opportunities may require students to pay additional fees, such as the Spring Music festival at Universal which will require transportation via a chartered bus. The cost will be determined by the amount of funds donated during the school year, usually $50-60/student. Each student needs black dress pants (not jeans, leggings or shorts,) black shoes, black socks, and blue jeans to wear for different performances. Band students will be responsible for their own instrument rental--prices will vary based on the chosen instrument; instrument cleaning/maintenance supplies, an Accent on Achievement Book I for their instrument as well as a binder with pockets, pencil and clear page protectors. Dance Ensemble members must have black jazz shoes, black leotard, black jazz pants, black turtleneck, black, knee socks or tights, black jazz shoes Parent Involvement Parents must assist with fundraising, concerts, field trips, chaperoning, etc. We have a lot of work to do to keep the Band, Chorus and Dance Ensemble running smoothly so please help with the program in any way that your schedule permits. Any parent who would like to be a chaperone must be an approved St. Johns' County volunteer. Please contact Ruth at the front desk if you are unsure whether you've been approved. 3

Field Trip Policy School board policy dictates that all students ride in school-provided transportation to and from schoolsponsored events. If a parent is attending an event and wishes to transport their own child home from that event, please provide a note in advance. Mrs. Gauger must then personally release your child to you. This is for your child s protection. HCES Music Dept. Calendar 2014-2015 SEPTEMBER: 9/11/14, 6:30 pm Chorus and Band Parent Meeting, HCE Cafeteria. A representative from a local music store will be available with instrument rental/purchase information. 9/15/14 Rehearsals begin for Beginning Band. Arrive by 7:15 am. 9/16/14 Rehearsals begin for Chorus, after school until 3:30 pm. 9/17/14 Dance Ensemble audition, after school, 2-5 pm. OCTOBER: 10/14/14, 3-5 pm Polar Express Auditions, following chorus rehearsal. 10/25/14, 1:45-2:15 Chorus and/or Advanced Band Westminster Woods performance DECEMBER: 12/01/14 12/04/14, 3-5 pm: Polar Express Drama Practice 12/08/14, 3-5:30 pm: Dress Rehearsal for Polar Express ***REQUIRED*** 12/9/14, 9 am and 7 pm: Polar Express Performance ****REQUIRED***** 12/10/14, 9 am and 7 pm: Polar Express Performance ****REQUIRED***** 12/16/14, 8:30 am 1:30 pm: Chorus and Band performance 11-12, Jacksonville International Airport. Attire: Black slacks (no jeans, leggings, shorts, or skirts), black shoes, black socks, white button-down oxford shirt. Pizza at school upon return. JANUARY: BAND REHEARSALS BEGIN TUESDAY, 1/06/14. CHORUS REHEARSALS BEGIN 1/20/14. APRIL: FCAT--Yes, there will be practice! MAY 5/12/14, 9 am and 7 pm Band/Chorus SPRING CONCERT ****REQUIRED****. Band/Chorus Attire for 9 am: Music dept. t-shirt with BLUE jeans (no shorts, please). Band/Chorus Attire for 7 pm performance: Black Slacks, Black Shoes and Socks, White button-down oxford shirt. Band report to cafeteria by 6:30 pm. Chorus report to Music Room by 6:45 pm. 5/13/14, 9 am Band/Chorus SPRING CONCERT ****REQUIRED**** Attire for Band/Chorus: Music Dept. t-shirt with BLUE jeans (no shorts, please.) TBD - Band and Chorus performance Relay for Life at Bartram Trail High School. Attire: Music Dept. t-shirt and blue jeans or nice shorts (no basketball shorts) in black, denim, blue or khaki. 5/18/14, 6 am-8:45 pm ALL PERFORMING GROUPS TO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO Attire: Black Slacks, Black Shoes, Black Socks, White button-down oxford shirt. Wear uniform to school. Bring the music t-shirt, shorts, sneakers and socks in black, Music drawstring bag. NO sandals, flip flops or Crocs allowed. 5/20/14 No more rehearsals. Keep watch for an email about summer events. If you borrowed a white oxford shirt (there will be a number written in the collar of the shirt), please launder it and return it to the school ASAP so it is available for others who may need it next year. If your child is moving on to middle school or if you are moving away from Hickory Creek, please consider donating your shirt to the Chorus/Band program. We will also take donations of black slacks and shoes!!! 4

REGISTRATION HCE Band, Chorus, Dance Ensemble STUDENT S NAME: STUDENT GRADE/TEACHER: STUDENT T-shirt size (circle) Youth S (6-8,) Youth M (10-12,) Youth L (14-16) Adult S (34-36), Adult M (38-40), Adult L (42-44,) Adult XL (46-48) STUDENT white oxford button down shirt size (circle) YS, YM, YL, YXL, AS, AM, AL Please check all that apply: CHORUS DANCE BAND (Instrument: ) PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME(S): PARENT EMAIL: PARENT HOME PHONE #: PARENT CELL PHONE #: PARENT ADDRESS: Initial I understand I must provide transportation to band rehearsals and special performances. Initial I understand that there are two required performances: the Holiday and Spring Concerts. I would like to support my child in the music program in the following ways: (volunteer for singing or band rehearsals, leadership for Holiday musical, work on the set, run a fundraiser, organize/file music, chaperone field trips, transport instruments/stands for field trips, draft program for performances, run the sound system or lights, donate cookies and/or hot chocolate for holiday performances, stage crew, I would like to buy additional t-shirts. Total additional cost: $ Circle sizes: Youth S, M, L ($6) Adult S, M, L, XL ($7) Adult 2X ($9), 3X ($10) BAND INSTRUMENT. Please check one: I own my instrument and give you permission to ask Rhapsody to provide an estimate for any needed repairs when the representative stops by the school. I rent my instrument from Rhapsody Music (either with or without the maintenance plan) and give you permission to ask Rhapsody to provide an estimate for any needed repairs when the representative stops by the school. I rent my instrument from another music store (besides Rhapsody) and ask that you contact me about any repairs needed. I will take my instrument to the proper repair shop. INTERNAL USE ONLY Amount paid: $ ; Date: ; Check #: 5

Band/Chorus/Girls Ensemble Commitment Form Student Commitment: I have read the Hickory Creek Elementary School Music Handbook information. By signing this form, I agree to the following guidelines: 1. I am making a one-year commitment. I will not drop out before the end of the school year. 2. I will arrive on time. 3. I will listen for directions and follow the conductor. 4. I will attend all rehearsals and performances unless excused for illness. 5. I will wear the required performance uniform as required for the performances. 6. I will follow the rules stated in the handbook. 7. I WILL ENJOY MYSELF! Parent Commitment: I have read the Hickory Creek Elementary School Music Handbook information. By signing this form, I agree to the following guidelines: 1. I understand this is a one-year commitment. My child will not drop out before the end of the school year. 2. I will have my child at performances on time. 3. I will check the music website, school newsletter and my e-mail for information regarding rehearsals and performances. 4. I will have my child attend all rehearsals and performances unless excused for illness. In the case of illness or emergency, I will provide written notification as soon as possible. 5. I will provide my child with the required performance uniform for the performances. 6. I will encourage my child to enjoy the rehearsals and the performances. 7. I will review and discuss the rules with my child. I have gone through this handbook with my child and feel we both understand the commitment being made to the Hickory Creek Elementary School Band, Chorus and/or Dance Ensemble. I give my permission for my child to participate in Chorus, Dance Ensemble and/or Band field trips. School board policy dictates that all students ride in school-provided transportation to and from school-sponsored Band events. I understand that I may take my own child home from an event only if I provide a signed note in advance and Mrs. Gauger releases my child directly to me. Unless indicated below*, I give permission for my child s picture to be included in photos on the school website, newspaper, or other media. No names will be included without your specific permission. Please sign below and return to Mrs. Gauger. Keep the rest of the handout for reference during the year. Student Name Signature Parent Name Signature Date * (Initial) I do NOT give permission for my child s picture to be used in publicity photos in school website, newspaper or other media. 6