Madras Middle School Chorus Handbook

August 11, 2015 Madras Middle School Chorus Handbook Dear Chorus Parents and Students, Welcome to the Madras Middle School Chorus! I am looking forward to sharing a great year of musical events with you! To the returning chorus students, welcome back! To the new chorus members, we are so happy to have you join us! We have several events planned already, and I am working on more performance opportunities for the students. Your student will need a folder with pockets, paper and a pencil in class every day. Please make sure that you have these supplies by August 14, 2015. Please read the handbook in its entirety. It holds very important information you will need to know for the school year. Parental support is very important to the success of our program this year. I have included an information sheet that will provide me with the information I need to get in touch with you and how we can best use the resources that you have to offer. Please take a moment to fill out this form and return it to me by August 14, 2015. This will let me know that you have seen and read the Madras Middle School Chorus Handbook and understand all policies and dates. We also have Remind101 for our Chorus this year. Text 678-971-3691 and in the comment/body type @mmschoir for all choir classes any grade level. Please feel free to contact me at anytime with your questions and concerns. You can reach me by phone or email at (770)-254-2744 or at erin.walton@cowetaschools.net. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you as we make music together. Sincerely, Erin R. Walton Chorus Director Madras Middle School

Grading Policy and Procedures Chorus Goals: The student will perform a variety of music in different genres, languages, and time periods in music history. The student will be able to identify and describe basic vocal anatomy in order to help him/her produce the correct vocal sound. The student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of music theory (reading and notating music) through both written work and sight-reading. The student will be responsible for applying knowledge of choral procedures through appropriate participation in class. The student will use choral music to describe voice parts found in choral literature, critical listening of music, and performance evaluation. The student will be able to make connections in music in regards to culture, history and many other disciplines. Category Grading Scale Pre-Test Diagnostics Preassessments Initiating Activities & Participation Introductory activities Participation Any work done at home Practice Tests 9 Weeks Exam Daily work Practice Building toward mastery Weight 0% 10% 40% Major tests Assessments of mastery Performance tasks 40% (6 th grade) 35% (7 th grade) 30% (8 th grade) Nine Weeks Exam 10% (6 th grade) 15% (7 th grade) 20% (8 th grade) The students will be graded as follows: 1. Participation- Preparation (10%) Brings folder and pencil to class daily and attends rehearsals. Sings as instructed individually and with the group, marks music when appropriate, studies his/her individual part while the teacher works with another section, actively participates in daily vocal warm-ups and sight-reading, effectively listens to and describes music in regards to voice part, musical vocabulary and participates in choral procedures appropriately. 2. Practice- Written/Correct Vocal Production (40%) Demonstrates musical knowledge through warm-up exercises and other written activities, keeps all daily exercises and other written activities in a well organized notebook, and demonstrates knowledge through quizzes and tests. Uses correct posture for singing, uses correct breathing techniques, uses correct mouth position, and uses correct anatomy vocabulary to describe vocal technique. 3. Tests-Written and Oral (See above) Demonstrates musical knowledge through written activities or through singing assessments. For assessment purposes, students may choose to attend a concert or make a tape of their solo performance of the material learned. Please refer to Concert Attendance requirements later in handbook for more details on assessment. 4. EDMODO- students have access to extra help and information for chorus class, show choir enrichment and TMX. The code for Chorus is (qmu582). Discipline Policy Chorus students will be expected to abide by the School Discipline Policy. Being part of chorus is a wonderful experience for those students who have a love for singing and choose to abide by the rules. Students who do not abide by chorus class procedures are subject to chorus probation. At the end of the nine weeks, is the student continues to not abide by the class procedures, he/she may be assigned a new connections class. Field Trip Attendance The chorus at Madras Middle School is often asked to sing for various events and many times, that means leaving school grounds. Students are expected to display their best conduct on such trips. We represent not only Madras but the Coweta County School System everywhere we go. Students who do not behave in class will not be given the privilege of participating with the chorus on field trips. Also a student who has been consistently absent from school may be asked to stay behind from the field trip in order to make up assignments missed from academic classes. An alternative assignment will be given to them during their chorus class. Please remember that it is important that every member attend every concert and display appropriate behavior.

Chorus Class Procedures 1. Enter the room quietly, get your folder, and walk to your seat. You will be marked tardy if you are not in your seat when I begin to take roll. 2. Begin warm-up exercise to be completed when the timer goes off. 3. Participate: Sit up straight, have your music ready, and make beautiful sounds. 4. Silently study your music when the director is working with another section. 5. Come to class prepared: have your folder, pencil, paper, and a good attitude every day. 6. Respect the teacher, others and yourself: EVERYONE is very important to the success of our group as a team. 7. NO GUM, CANDY, FOOD or DRINKS. Only water is allowed. Concert Attendance The success of our music program is dependent on student participation. It is imperative that all students attend all performances. A serious family emergency or illness excused with a doctor s note should be the only reason that a student does not attend a performance. These notes should be turned in to Mrs. Walton the day the student returns to school to be excused. If you choose to not attend a concert you must complete a recorded performance of yourself singing in order to be evaluated for the class. This recording should include your students assigned vocal part on all songs that were performed at the concert. This recording should be turned into Mrs. Walton no later than three days after the concert. If for some reason you are unable to make a tape, please see Mrs. Walton to set up a time to come and sing for her. Our choruses are performing groups and by signing up for chorus you are committing to me and the other members of your group to be at all performances. It is very important that each parent and student understand this from the beginning. Every member is valuable and needed. We practice in class everyday to prepare for performances creating balance and sound throughout the group, and when one person is absent it can effect the sound of the entire group. I understand that many of you are involved in extra curricular activities outside of school but chorus is a performing group and you are expected to attend. Enclosed you will find a copy of the dates that have officially been scheduled during the school year. There may be a few additions but I will let you know weeks in advance. Please remember the importance of your attendance at all concerts. Concert Attire Because of the hard work that goes into class every day, it is important that we show our pride in our work by the way that we dress for our performances. You are responsible for purchasing the uniform. If there is a financial need, please let me know as soon as possible. I am willing to help you as much as I can so please let me know. There are two uniforms, one formal and one informal, and I will always let you know in the letter I send home what uniform to wear. The chorus concert attire for the year will be as follows: Formal Attire: For Ladies: 1. Dress (to be purchased by the individual through the school. We will measure students and order dresses here) 2. Black dress shoes, no open-toe shoes, high heels or boots, etc. A short or flat heal is better to sing and to move around in when entering and exiting the risers and it is important that the singer be comfortable while standing on the risers. 3. Tights or hosiery For Men: 1. Shirt, Vest and Tie (to be purchased by the individual. I will send home more information at later date.) 2. Black Slacks and Black Belt 3. Black Socks and Black Dress Shoes Informal Attire: I will always send a letter home notifying you of the outfit Shirt with Madras Middle School Chorus Logo- purchased from outside vendor. Blue Jeans may be worn with this outfit. No holes in jeans anywhere and they must be worn with a belt. Shoes will be determined for event. Probably tennis shoes

Students need to refrain from wearing perfume to our performances. Many students have allergies and we want to eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction during our performances or the possibility of the voice becoming irritated. Students should also refrain from wearing excessive jewelry especially chokers around the neck during performances. It is important for the chorus to be uniformed in the way we dress for performances. It will influence the way that we perform and the way that the audience receives our performance. Students not complying with the attire may not be allowed to perform. If there are any questions about this attire, please feel free to contact me. Financial Information on the CHORUS Uniforms I feel that it is very important that we not only sing like a superior group but look like a superior one also. This year we are purchasing formal outfits for our chorus concerts. This year I have chosen a solid black dress for the girls, and a shirt, vest, tie and pants for the guys. Many times choral outfits are made so that they are uncomfortable and cannot be worn in addition to the chorus events. I wanted to offer students the opportunity to have a nice outfit that they could wear in other singing events or even a family event after they leave Madras. As I have told the students, when you leave the program if you feel that you do not want to keep this outfit, then you will have the opportunity to sell it to incoming students for the next year. The cost for the girls pearls/dress/garment bag is $65.00. The polo shirt is $20.00. The total price for a new incoming student s dress and polo-shirt will be $85.00. If you have any concerns about this price please contact me as soon as possible. The cost for the boys outfit/garment bag is going to be $65.00. The polo shirt is $20.00, bringing the total to $85.00. If you have any concerns about this price please contact me as soon as possible. ***I do have access to used uniforms that can be purchased from former chorus students so if you are interested in these please let me know and I will check and see if they will work for your student. AUGUST 18-6:00pm (Open House night) There will be a used uniform sale. Students will be measured ahead of time and those sizes will be available for your student so that you can inquire about purchasing a used dress from someone at the sale. I cannot promise that your size will be there but you can try to cut down on the cost. Please park in the back parking lot and enter the gym. You will not be allowed to enter at 6pm through the main building. I have to order the new outfits by September 12 th, because it takes 4-6 weeks and we need the outfits in for the first concert and each uniform needs to be hemmed so that takes time. This year we are going to only accept cash, money orders or cashier s check to pay for the uniforms. You will turn everything in a sealed envelope each time and you will receive a receipt for your payment. I want to make sure that every students name is put into the records correctly for paying for the outfit. There are 3 payment dates for the uniforms this year. You can pay all up front if you would prefer but if you have to pay in payments I need for 50% of the uniform to be paid for in order for us to order it. That would mean that on September 3 rd you would pay $42.50. October 8 th you would pay $21.25. November 5 th you would complete your plan with $21.25. I need you to finish paying for the uniform by November 5 th unless you have worked out something different with me. If there is a problem or a financial need please contact me so that we can work out a plan. I am willing to work with you on this. Thank you for your support of this program. Again if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at erin.walton@cowetaschools.net or at 770-254-2744.

Calendar of Events 2015-2016 Below you will find a list of dates in bold print that are for Chorus and some that are for individual members who have committed themselves to extra opportunities. Bold and Underlined are mandatory practices and concerts. Please refer to handbook for attendance policy. Dates are subject to change and there are times when more will be added. Date Event Time Place Tuesday, Aug. 18 Parent Information Meeting (NEW students) 6:00pm MMS-chorus room Open House is this evening also at 7pm. If you need to purchase a choral uniform, there will be former students available this evening to sell these to you. If you are purchasing uniforms you need to pay Cash or Money Order. You will also be able to begin payments on the new uniforms if you choose to purchase one through the chorus program. Please PARK in the back parking lot and enter gym. You will not be allowed to enter main building. Thursday, Sept. 3 Uniform Payment Due Thursday, Oct. 8 Uniform Payment Due Oct. 15-30(Orders/Money due October 30) FUNDRAISER Thursday, Nov. 5 Uniform Payment Due November Veterans Day Program (8 th only) 9:00am MMS Saturday, Nov. 14 Allstate Chorus Audition TBA TBA Friday, Nov. 20 District Honor Chorus(Audition to be held) 7 th and 8 th grade eligible TBA UBC Thursday, Dec. 10 Holiday Concert REHEARSAL 3:30pm-5:30pm MMS Friday, Dec. 11 HOLIDAY CONCERT 6:00pm CCPVAC Concert Choirs and Show Choir required- Possibility of riding bus over after school-tbd Jan. 21 2 nd Allstate Chorus Audition TBA TBA (February 14 Inclement Weather 2 nd Allstate Audition if necessary) Thur-Sat: Feb 25-27 Allstate Chorus TBA Athens, GA Friday, March 4 MMS Talent Show- Chorus Fundraiser 6:00pm MMS Gym March (28-31) Festival- (During School Hours) TBA Friday, May 13 Spring Concert REHEARSAL 3:30-5:30pm MMS Sun May 15 or Fri May 20 SPRING CONCERT 7:00pm TBA We are trying to reschedule this to a new location so that we do not have to perform on a Sunday. The Centre assigned us this date. Please mark both dates- Concert Choirs and Show Choir required- Students will arrive earlier probably around 4:00pm CCPVAC- Coweta County Performing and Visual Arts Center UBC- Unity Baptist Church Newnan GA MMS- Madras Middle

For Full Copy of the Handbook and Dates, please see the Madras Middle School Website under music programs. If you need a paper copy of the handbook please notify me at school. Madras Middle School Chorus Information Sheet Students Name Grade 6 7 8 Father s Name cell number EMAIL ADDRESS If you want to give email, this will be used for parent letters and information for concerts. Please check this email often for updates. Mother s Name cell number EMAIL ADDRESS If you want to give email, this will be used for parent letters and information for concerts. Please check this email often for updates. Please check any of the following that you would like to help with: Chaperoning Hemming/Sewing Concerts/Events Piano Accompaniment or other instrument Other I am willing to help with anything you might need Please only call or email me for what I checked above I am available during school hours Medical Issues: Questions/Comments: By signing below, my student and I agree that we have read the handbook and fully understand the concert attendance policy. My student understands that it is his/her responsibility to contribute to the choir in class and for performance, and if they are unable to come to the performance they understand the alternative assignment. Please make sure that you check your email often for updates and enroll in Remind 101 for quick reminders. Students also have edmodo accounts to access class information. Codes are included under the grading policy and procedures in this handbook. Parent Signature Student Signature Date