Choir Motto Raise the Stakes!

Choir Motto Raise the Stakes! Choir Director Kristin Jones Ms. Jones has been teaching at St. Anastasia for ten years. She also serves as the Director of Music at St. Anastasia Church, Choir Director at John Carroll High School, and an Adjunct Faculty member in the Vocal Department at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from Florida Atlantic University. She is an active member of state and national music affiliations including the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Florida Music Education Association (FMEA), and Florida Vocal Association (FVA). When not serving others through music, she cherishes the love and joy she receives from family and friends here in this Floridian paradise! Contact Choir Director: Ms. Kristin Jones Collaborative Pianist/Assistant: Mr. Steven Brownell Office Phone number: (772) 461-2232 ext. 124 Cell number: (772) 473-5133 Email: kjones@saintanastasiaschool.org 1

The Mission of St. Anastasia Catholic School The Saint Anastasia Catholic School and Church Community is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, where Catholic doctrine and values are integrated with a challenging curriculum. Through effective and innovative instruction, a balanced and healthy lifestyle, and active participation in the Sacramental life of the church, we work together with our families to develop foundations on which our children can build their lives. Inspired by the founding Adrian Dominican nuns in 1926, St. Anastasia Catholic School continues to seek the truth in the Gospel, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, and the value of all human life. Band and Choir Mission Statement Music is universal, cultural, and individual. It is with this understanding that the Music Department of Saint Anastasia Catholic School believes that every student should have the opportunity to receive a high quality musical training in school, regardless of grade level, ability level, or background. The goal of this musical training is to help participants achieve a personal level of understanding, appreciation, and passion for music. Every culture throughout history carries its own musical traditions. In our culturally diverse society, music is one of the few common threads that links peoples and ideas together. Music education uses the artistic medium of musical sound to give insight into the universal human experience. Performing Ensembles Junior Choir The Fifth and Sixth Grade Choruses will be responsible for music at school liturgical events such as the Living Rosary, Prayer Services, and Masses. This chorus will also act as the music theory and sight singing training for the upper level choir. Senior Choir The Seventh and Eighth Grade Chorus will strive to be the competitive choir. While preparing music for important Holy Days throughout the year, this group of students is responsible for the mid-year productions. Throughout the year, this ensemble will change their focus to concerts and adjudications in the liturgical setting and performance stage; including jazz, classical, musical theatre, popular, contemporary, and multi-cultural music. After School Choir Ensembles Show Choir/Musical Theatre Ensemble Students who are able to participate in these after school ensembles tend to excel faster than the students who are only in the main choir classes. These students are exposed to much more variety of styles of music which make for an even greater musical educational experience. Students who do not show exemplary conduct in their academic classes will not be allowed to participate in after school special ensembles. 2

Classroom Behavioral Expectations 1) We will be respectful to one another at all times. 2) We will be early and/or on time for all rehearsals and performances. 3) We will be prepared for class with the appropriate materials. 4) We will dress, speak, and act professionally at all times. 5) No food or drink in the choir room and/or practice and storage room. Student who do not respect the behavioral expectations will be given 1 warning. Any further violation of the expectations students will receive additional assignments. If the assignments are not completed, they will not receive credit for the class period they violated the expectations. Supplies Each student is responsible for having the following supplies at each class meeting, rehearsal, and performance. School issued ipad or Tablet (every choir class) Earbuds/Headphones Music presented and assigned in choir class Pencil (always available) Duo-tang folder for copied music and handouts (will be issued on 1 st day) Desire to make beautiful music together (mind, body, soul connection) Each student and parent will be given access to the St. A choir website during the academic year. The website is www.singers4theson.com. Accompaniment recordings, daily theory exercises, and the updated performance schedules are always posted. It has been a great asset to have this website and will allow the choir to progress at an accelerated rate. With this technological assistance, each student must display a level of progress at each rehearsal. If this progress is not occurring, singing pop-quizzes will be given at the discretion of the director. Concert Choir attire Choir Uniforms: 5th Grade: Regular school uniforms will be used for all 5th grade liturgical events and performances. 6th-8th Grade: St. Anastasia Mass uniforms will be used for all 6-8 th grade liturgical events and performances. Please consult your parent/student handbook. 3

Grading Policy Daily Participation Points: 50% = 20 points a day o This class is participation oriented. Consequently, the student s demeanor and willingness to try techniques for maximum vocal use is most important. o Daily Theory Assignments (completed on ipad) o Attentiveness and engagement + 15 pts o Tardiness - 5 pts o Talking - 5 pts In-class Assignments and Assessments: 25% o Showbie assignments + 25 pts Showbie assignments were created to encourage practicing outside the classroom. (Assignments can be exempt if student are involved in multiple ensembles). o Formative Assessments Written Tests: Vocabulary, Music Notation, Rhythmic Accuracy Singing pop-quizzes and tests Performances/Dress Rehearsals: 25% o The dress rehearsals and performances for this ensemble are in facilities that house the Blessed Sacrament. Please be reminded that you must genuflect to the tabernacle (because Jesus is truly present) when you enter the church and the pew; also, you must bow to show reverence anytime you cross in the path of the altar (because this is where the re-presentation of the sacrifice takes place). Consequently, misbehavior during a rehearsal/performance will not be tolerated. o Performances are a mandatory part of the student's grade and serve as summative assessments for musical growth. If there are any schedule conflicts, please complete a Performance Absentee Form and submit to the director 60 days prior to the event. Grading Scale 100-90 and above=a 89-80=B 79-70=C 69-60=D below 59=F 4

Choir Performance Schedules The Band and Choir have required performances throughout the year and are part of the curriculum and grade. These dates should be marked on a calendar to avoid conflicts. If there are any schedule conflicts, the parent must complete a Performance Absentee Form and submit it to the director 60 days prior to the event. Students that attend performances make the highest grades in band and choir. Students who miss events may see lower grades and may have disciplinary action depending on the circumstances. *Please notice that NOT all of the performances occur during school hours (i.e. Dec. 24, April Spring concert, and May 6). 5th & 6th Grades Date Event Location Misc. Oct. 5 @ 12:30-2:15pm Living Rosary Church REQUIRED Nov 15 @ 12:30-2:15pm Thanksgiving Prayer Service Church 5 th gr. ONLY Dec 8 @ 9:30-11:0am Immaculate Conception Church 6 th gr. ONLY Dec 24 @ 3:30-5:30pm Christmas Eve Mass Church INVITED MEMBERS Jan 30 @ 8:15-9:30am Catholic Schools Week Church REQUIRED Jan 31 @ 8:15-9:30am Catholic Schools Week Church REQUIRED Feb/Mar (TBD) Annual Disney Trip Orlando OPTIONAL (6th only) May 6 @ 11:00-1:00pm 1st Communion Mass Church INVITED MEMBERS May 24 @ 9:15-11:00am Farewell Mass Church REQUIRED *Other opportunities to perform may be added as time permits. Possible schedule changes may occur. As soon as these are posted, a new calendar will go home with the choir students. Below are additional opportunities for you to go above and beyond in choir. If you are interested in any of the options, please let e-mail Ms. Jones at kjones@saintanastasiaschool.org for more information. Private Vocal Lessons FMEA All-state Chorus Solo/Ensemble District Festival St. Anastasia Catholic Church Choir (all masses available) 5

Choir Performance Schedules 7th & 8th Grades Date Event Location Misc. Sep. 19@ 1:45-2:55pm 8 TH Grade Commissioning Church REQUIRED Oct. 5 @ 12:30-2:15pm Living Rosary Church REQUIRED Nov. 1 @ 9:30-11am All Saints Mass Church REQUIRED Dec 24 @ 3:30-5:30pm Christmas Eve Mass Church INVITED MEMBERS Jan 29 @ 8:15-9:30am Catholic Schools Week Church REQUIRED Feb TBA @ 10:45-12:45 Confirmation Church INVITED MEMBERS Feb/Mar, TBD Annual Disney Trip Orlando OPTIONAL Feb 14 @ 1:30-3:00pm Ash Wednesday Mass Church REQUIRED Apr TBA 1 st Annual Spring Concert Parish Center REQUIRED May 6 @ 11:00-1:00pm 1st Communion Mass Church REQUIRED May 17 @ 6:00-8:30pm JCHS Baccalaureate Mass Church INVITED MEMBERS May 24 @ 9:15-11:00am Farewell Mass Church REQUIRED *Other opportunities to perform may be added as time permits. Possible schedule changes may occur. As soon as these are posted, a new calendar will go home with the choir students. Below are additional opportunities for you to go above and beyond in choir. If you are interested in any of the options, please let e-mail Ms. Jones at kjones@saintanastasiaschool.org for more information. Private Vocal Lessons FMEA All-state Chorus Solo/Ensemble District Festival St. Anastasia Catholic Church Choir (all masses available) 6

Performance Absentee Form In the rare case of a missed performance or event, the choir parent must complete a Performance Absentee Form and submit it to the director 60 days prior to the event. This form can be scanned and emailed or turned in by the student, however, the following information will be needed to excuse a missed performance. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Jones at (ofc) 461-2232 ext. 124, (cell) 473-5133 or via email Kjones@saintanastasiaschool.org. Student name Grade Homeroom Liturgical Event/Performance Reason for absence: Parent s Signature Date 7

Choir Participation Pact 2017-18 Please read carefully and completely Please sign and return this document to Ms. Jones by August 24, 2017. St. Anastasia Catholic School is happy to have your choir student involved in the Singing for the Son Chorus Program. It is a privilege to be a member of the chorus program. All members of this program are valuable no matter what their ability, grade, voice type, and musical knowledge may be. The intent of the chorus is to teach students an appreciation for all types of music through skillful and active participation. Students who start the choir program in the Fall Semester are expected to be in choir for a least the current school year (2017-2018). The choir director has complete control of the choir program and can recommend the removal of a student at any time. The choir program at St. Anastasia School, fifth through eighth grade, has its schedule arranged so it will not conflict with the sports programs, cheerleading, and most all other activities. On those few occasions where there is an unusual conflict with another program, prior arrangements can be made to miss a routine rehearsal or event. The choir director requires that all choir students be at all rehearsals and events unless excused in advance. Please refer to the Choir Performance schedule enclosed in your packet for more information regarding this requirement. All students joining choir are automatically assumed to be choir members to continue throughout middle school, high school, and college. Since choir is a progressive individual and group skill, where students depend on each other for success, students are not allowed to come and go as part of the choral program. Since parents and the school invest much time, money, and trust in a student, and choir/singing is a progressive skill, once a student leaves the choir program in any grade, he or she is usually not allowed to rejoin the program here at St. Anastasia. Choir is considered an academic class. The grading system in choir is the same used by all of the academic classes. Students are graded in choir and the grade becomes a part of the student s Permanent School Grade Point Average (GPA). Students are expected to follow all rules of conduct necessary to the program. Conduct grades given by the choir program are the same as given by all other academic classes. I understand and agree with this Choir Participation Pact. We (parents and student) will mark our calendars now for concert dates in 2017-18 so that no other activity will keep us from attending the required concert performances. Please sign and return the separate/single sheet version of this document to Ms. Jones by August 24, 2017. Choir Parent Choir Student Ms. Kristin Jones Choir Director Dr. Hoeffner and Mrs. Richmond Principal/Assistant Principal 8

Choir Student/Parent Information Sheet Please complete student/parent information form and return to Ms. Jones by Thursday, August 24, 2017. If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at (ofc) 461-2232 ext. 124, (cell) 473-5133 or via email Kjones@saintanastasiaschool.org. Student name Grade Homeroom Date of Birth: Parent s name Contact Phone (include at least two numbers, please!) Parent s Email Address Date Any additional information: allergies, medicines, etc. A separate single sheet of this form will be handed out for you to fill out so that you will be able to keep this handbook and information/schedule for future reference. 9