Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Handbook WE ARE CREWS CHORUS! Sabrina Robertson, Choral Director Dr. Stacey Schepens, Principal Traci Baldwin, Assistant Principal Louis Mair, Assistant Principal Debbie Smith, Assistant Principal
Dear Chorus Students and Parents: Welcome to an exciting year with Alton C. Crews Middle School Chorus! I am elated to be your new choral director and look forward to an incredible year with each of you. Teaching music is truly my passion and I am committed to help build a choral program of excellence that provides a challenging yet fun music environment. This choral handbook is a general overview of the ACCMS Choral Program and will serve as a great resource throughout the year. Chorus is more than singing songs - it is a deeper understanding of reading and interpreting music through the use of Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. We will explore many aspects of singing using the Academic Knowledge and Skills curriculum and the Georgia Performance Standards as a guideline for our choral program. There are many exciting plans for chorus this year and I value your ideas. Keep an eye out for our Music Ideas Box for students to share creative songs or ideas with me. This is a special opportunity for every chorus student - so let me hear from you! Parents are an integral part of the choral program s success and parental help is welcome as various choral needs arise. Monthly choral newsletters will go home with reminders, requests and updated event information. Please read these newsletters carefully should there be any updates or changes. We are on a united mission to excel the choral program to new heights as we plan for unique choral experiences that create special memories. Get ready for a fun-filled year of teamwork as we reach for our goals of musical excellence! We can! We will! We are Crews Chorus! Warmly, Mrs. Sabrina Robertson Choral Director / General Music Teacher 2
Course Overview Contact Information Teacher: Mrs. Sabrina Robertson Office Phone: (770) 736-4154 Email: sabrina_robertson@gwinnett.k12.ga.us (Best contact) Course Description Chorus is a year-round performance-based class that allows students to grow and explore their musical abilities by reading music, learning music vocabulary, applying appropriate singing techniques, and working in a performance group. Students develop acquired skills through a comprehensive approach to singing and build self-confidence through numerous performance opportunities. Students will learn about different cultures through diverse repertoire, while gaining a deeper appreciation for all styles of music. Choral Performance Groups 6 th Grade Chorus - Sing unison and 2 part arrangements 7 th Grade Chorus - Sing 2 part music 8 th Grade Chorus - Sing 2-3 part music Crews Singers - Auditioned group of 7 th and 8 th grade students that exhibit strong leadership and singing skills. Chorus students will have opportunities to: Audition for District 13 Honor Chorus Perform for annual Fall & Spring Choral Concerts Audition for All State Chorus Perform for Large Group Performance Ev aluation Participate in Tentative Chorus Field Trips Perform for several forthcoming school-related/community events September October & May November & January March Daily Supplies 1. Folders (2) - with pockets and prongs (6 th Grade Yellow folder, 7 th Grade Blue folder, & 8 th Grade Red folder) 2. Loose Leaf Paper - must remain in chorus class folder 3. Pencils Only (NO pens) - must remain in chorus class folder 4. Highlighter - must remain in chorus class folder Optional Supplies 1. Copy paper- white or assorted bright colors 2. Hand sanitizers 3. Tissues 4. Pencils/erasers 5. *Water bottle- students are highly encouraged to bring to class daily 3
Code of Conduct Discipline expectations are set to high standards and chorus students must follow set rules as established by ACCMS and the choral director. Students that refuse to abide by set rules will be subject to the ACCMS tiered offenses. Read the class rules and offenses carefully below: Class Rules 1. Be Prompt a. Arrive to class, rehearsals, and performances on time 2. Be Prepared a. Bring class supplies daily b. No food, gum, or candy is allowed in the chorus room c. Water bottles are highly encouraged d. Practice at home and review class notes daily e. Attend all school performances before, during and after school hours 3. Be Polite a. Follow all rules set forth by the choral director and administration 4. Be Productive a. Actively participate in daily lessons, rehearsals, and performances b. Work as a team everyone contributes to the success of the choral program Disciplinary Actions: First Offense- Teacher warning Second Offense- Teacher modification of student behavior Third Offense- Teacher-assigned silent lunch (with parent contact) Fourth Offense- Teacher assigned 45-minute detention with teacher (with parent contact) Fifth Offense- Teacher referral to the administration (with parent contact) *Students will be held accountable for their actions through the school-wide discipline initiative Concert Etiquette Students should exhibit excellence behavior and musicianship before, during, and after a concert/performance. Outlined below are various concert etiquette rules that all students should follow: Refrain from talking. Refrain from unwrapping noisy candy wrappers during the concert. Turn off all electronic devices. Do not leave as soon as your portion of the concert is over. (All of the students deserve a full audience for their performances.) Applaud at the appropriate times. Do not leave the auditorium during the music. Go to the concert expecting the best. 4
Performance Attire The Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Department performance attire for all choral performing groups is listed below for each grade level. See detailed information below: 6 th Grade Chorus 7 th Grade Chorus 8 th Grade Chorus Standard Attire: Chorus polo shirt (all shirts are to be tucked in) Long black dress pants Black dress shoes (low heels for risers) *No jewelry *Earring studs only Girls Formalwear: Black formal dress Black dress shoes (low heels for risers) Boys Formalwear: White long-sleeved collared dress shirt (with wing tip) Black vest Black bow tie Black dress shoes Girls Formalwear: Black formal dress Black dress shoes (low heels for risers) Boys Formalwear: White long-sleeved collared dress shirt (with wing tip) Black vest Black bow tie Black dress shoes Standard Attire: Chorus polo shirt Long black dress pants Black dress shoes (low heels for risers) *No jewelry *Earring studs only Standard Attire: Chorus polo shirt Long black dress pants Black dress shoes (low heels for risers) *No jewelry *Earring studs only $18 - chorus polo only *Must purchase black dress pants and shoes separately Girl Package - $60 formal attire Boy Package $60 (4-piece formal attire) *Must purchase shoes separately Order/Payment Deadline: Friday, August 29, 2014 *See attached order form on the last page of the handbook Girl Package - $60 formal attire Boy Package $60 (4-piece formal attire) *Must purchase shoes separately 5
Grading Policy The details of the grading policy should be carefully reviewed. Chorus grades are taken seriously and must be earned. All chorus students should strive to meet or exceed the standards by excelling in the five chorus grading categories below. Summative 50% Classroom 40% Tests (Written & Singing Proficiency)- Tests will be given to ensure student learning. All tests consist of a written portion and a singing proficiency section where students will sing in small groups. Students are expected to sing phrases according to the singing proficiency rubric. Daily Rehearsal - This includes bringing supplies, putting forth an effort to sing daily and following instructions. (Grading criteria listed in forthcoming rubric.) Homework Complete and turn in all assignments. Students may be given an option to take class work home to complete as homework and submit the next class day. PRACTICE DAILY!!! Final 10% Student Performance Growth (SPG) Post 2% Quizzes Students must practice, study and review music notes daily for announced quizzes. Concert Attendance- Students must attend school performances as announced wearing appropriate concert attire. (See attendance policy) Statewide test designed to measure student growth between the pre-test and post-test. *The content of the grading policy is subject to change. Homework Expectations Students should practice scales and choral repertoire as distributed on a weekly basis to perfect singing skills. All assigned homework should be completed by the next class day. 6
Late Work Policy Late submission of homework will result in a deduction of points for each day late. If absent, assigned class work/homework may be turned in the next class day. It is the responsibility of the student to request missed assignments and turn in all required work by the due date. Concert performances cannot be made up. If the chorus teacher is notified of an extenuating circumstance (noted in the excused absences table below) within a day of a concert, the student will be permitted to complete a make-up assignment for a concert grade. Standards/Academic, Knowledge, and Skills (AKS) The choral curriculum is aligned with the AKS. The overarching AKS references are listed below: A. Skills and Technique/Performance B. Creation C. Critical Analysis/Investigation D. Cultural and Historical Context Attendance Policy Time is valuable and your presence is necessary to meet the daily goals we strive to accomplish. Students must follow the school protocol for attendance and should report to class and all rehearsals on time. Bathroom and/or water needs should be addressed before or after class. Limited passes for bathroom/water requests will be issued for the school year. Students are highly encouraged to bring a clear water bottle to chorus class daily. Chorus is a performance-based class. Concert attendance is required for all students throughout the school year. Excused Absences Death in the family Illness or accident (must provide document from doctor) One-time family event (wedding, graduation, etc.) with prior notice only Unexcused Absences No ride Incorrect uniform Babysitting Another performance Forgetting Nerves Fund raising While fundraising opportunities support the choral program and benefits our students, participation is optional. Please read our monthly choral newsletters for detailed fundraising information. 7
Chorus Communication Newsletters (Homework Grade) Monthly choral newsletters are sent home via parent email and printed copies are distributed inclass. Students are responsible for reading the newsletters and should mark all rehearsal, concert, and event dates in their agendas. Enrichment Opportunities Crews Singers Select auditioned group of 7 th and 8 th grade students who perform for special school/community events. Students must exhibit strong leadership and singing skills. Audition and rehearsals will be scheduled before regular school hours. Additional information is forthcoming in the monthly choral newsletter. District 13 Honor Chorus A distinguished auditioned group of select 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade chorus students that perform in a combined choir setting for a live recorded concert. The event will be held October 31-November 1, 2014 at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. Interested students must audition using the audition packet guidelines. Audition and rehearsals will be scheduled before regular school hours. All State Chorus Regarded as the most prestigious choral event for 7 th -12 th grades in the state of Georgia. Students must participate and successfully pass two rigorous auditions. Successful students earn an opportunity to perform in a select choir for a three-day event at the Classic Center in Athens, GA. Rehearsals will be scheduled before regular school hours to help students prepare for the audition process. Interested students should have choral experience, strong sight-reading skills, and know the major, minor, and chromatic scales. See general audition information below if interested: Chorus Parent Volunteers We value the support of our parents! Parent volunteers contribute to the ongoing success of the ACCMS choral program. Please consider assisting the choral program by serving as a chaperone, fundraiser organizer, performance attire organizer, business liaison, graphic designer, and other areas of need. 8
Media Release & Permission Form I,, give permission for a photograph/interview of to be used in (print name of student) news media coverage of the school system and in promotional print and electronic publications of Gwinnett County Public Schools. The subject of the photo/interview is. or (Signature of student if age 18 or older) (Signature of parent or guardian if student is under age 18) Date Please return to your child s teacher by August 15, 2014. 9
Calendar Mark your calendars for the special events below and plan to attend. Please refer to the monthly choral newsletters for updated calendar events throughout the school year. Date Time Event Location Performance Group *October 9 6:00pm Fall Choral Concert CMS Cafetorium ALL (Concert Grade) October 31- District 13 Honor Chorus Classic Center Select Students November 1 Athens, GA November 15 *December 9 January 22, 23, or 24 *March 3 March 5-7 *March 19 or 20 May 8 & 9 *May 15 All State Chorus Region Audition Winter Choral Concert (Brookwood Cluster) All State Chorus Final Auditions North Gwinnett MS Brookwood HS 6:00pm LGPE Preview Choral Concert CMS Cafetorium All State Chorus Classic Center Athens, GA Choral LGPE Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church Southern Star Music Festival Six Flags Over Georgia 6:00pm Spring Choral Concert & Dessert *Notes required concerts for all choral performance groups Select Students ALL (Concert Grade) Select Audition Students ALL (Concert Grade) Select Students 7 th & 8 th Grade Choruses ALL (Concert Grade) 10
Handbook Acknowledgement Form DUE BY: Friday, August 15, 2014 Parents/Guardians & Students, By signing this form, you are hereby considered knowledgeable of the requirements outlined in the Alton C. Crews Middle School Choral Handbook. Please return this page only and keep the remaining handbook in a safe place for future reference. Student Name (Print) Student Name (Signature) Student Number Chorus Class Period Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Day Time Phone # ( ) Cellular Phone # ( ) Home Phone # ( ) Other Phone # ( ) Parent/Guardian E-Mail Address Please circle a parent volunteer area of interest: Chaperone Fundraiser Organizer Performance Attire Organizer Business Liaison Graphic Designer Parent/Guardian Signature Date 11