Transcript wildcat chorus - Santa Rosa County School District

WBMS Choir on Fire
2013 - 2014
WBMS Choir on Fire Handbook
featuring the Firettes Dance Team
Music has the ability to touch our hearts, to calm or excite us, to
involve us, to heal us, and inspire. It allows us to relax or participate,
to reach out and look with in. Music teaches us teamwork. It
reinforces basic skills. It is both a social and an individual activity.
Music has been a part of life for all recorded time. It is a part of our
history and culture.
Dear Chorus Parents and Students,
Welcome to WBMS Choir on Fire Chorus Program! A successful chorus
program is dependent on positive active participation by both the students
and their parents. It is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to
working with you this year. This handbook is designed to help you
understand the expectations for all chorus students at WBMS. If you
have any questions of any kind, feel free to call, write, or e-mail me. I will
return most calls at the end of the school day, but please allow me a
“return call window” of 24 hours. Rarely does a situation arise for which
there is no workable solution. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours in Harmony,
Gina LaVere
Chorus Director
Woodlawn Beach Middle School
[email protected]
934-4010 ext. 202
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
1) BE READY FOR CLASS WHEN THE BELL RINGS
A) Be in your assigned seat with music folder, pencil, and water bottle before your bell rings.
B) Fill water bottle before class. If the bottle requires filling, it must be filled at the water fountain
directly outside the chorus room.
2) BE PREPARED FOR CLASS
A) Bring chorus folder with pencils, paper, and water bottle every day.
B) Utilize the restrooms before or after class for personal grooming.
3) RESPECT OTHERS
A) Keep inappropriate comments to yourself.
B) DO NOT touch classroom equipment without teacher permission (this includes the PIANOS).
C) Students must remain quiet and attentive even when they are not singing. Much rehearsal time is saved
when students observe other sections.
4) STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
TRY YOUR BEST AND YOU WILL ALWAYS END UP A WINNER!!
Remember………. Shoot for the Stars and Land on the Moon!!!!!!
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The behavioral journal is used for disciplinary behavior. There are four steps in the journal.
1) Warning
2) Consequence with parent signature
3) Parent contact
4) Disciplinary referral
Note: A conference will be scheduled at this point and a contract will be made regarding
acceptable behavior in the chorus program.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be based on knowledge of concepts, demonstration of skills and participation in chorus activities,
including required performances and rehearsals. Because the chorus is a performing organization and a class, it is
essential that every student and parent understand that attendance and participation in required performances
and rehearsals is a part of the grade. Excused absences are determined using the same criteria as a school
absence. Unexcused absences for rehearsals are recorded as a zero. Any absence of a required performance
must be replaced by one of the curriculum based assignments at the back of the handbook.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Being aware that conflicts will occur in the scheduling of practices, rehearsals, games, performances and field
trips the following guidelines will be used:
1)
The Spring and Winter Concert and District Music Performance Assessment are the only required
performances for the year.
2)
A performance or a game takes precedent over a practice or rehearsal (except final rehearsals)
3)
The student is responsible for notifying Mrs. LaVere of the conflict no less than 24 hours in advance if
possible.
GRADING POLICY CONTINUED
There are five categories in which the concepts are graded in :
CLASSWORK 20%
HOMEWORK 5%
QUIZZES 35%
TESTS 40%
(performance based)
♫ PARTICIPATION - singing folder checks, pencil check, participation in daily rehearsals and activities.
♫SINIGING QUIZZES AND CHECKS - In-class singing quizzes will be administered at least every two weeks.
These quizzes are done in a small group setting (3-6 students) grading is based on their level of
improvement.
♫ REGULAR QUIZZES - These are written quizzes based on music theory in which the students are given
notes and instruction in class.
♫ PERFORMANCES - There are three required performances; the Spring and Winter concerts and District
Performance Assessment. These are counted as tests.
♫ MUSIC THEORY - This includes work in theory binders, tests, worksheets and composition projects.
2013-2014 CHORUS SUPPLY LIST
UNIFORMS
♫ PAPER
♫ PENCILS
♫ FOLDER (for notes/worksheets)
♫ STAFF PAPER (optional)
♫ WATER BOTTLE
2 BLANK CDS
Girls- Long black dress purchased through Chorus Department $54
Boys- Black dress pants and white tux shirt rented through the
Chorus Department $25
No student will be denied participation in chorus should the cost of
a uniform present a financial hardship for you. If this is the
case, please contact Mrs. LaVere. All information will be kept
confidential.
PERFORMANCE GROOMING
Hair - All hair must be away from face
Jewelry- No jewelry should be worn on girls or boys during a chorus
performance. Small stud earrings will be allowed for those
students with pierced ears.
Shoes- No sneakers, slides, sandals, or strappy shoes. Only closed
toed black dress shoes are acceptable.
CHORUS T-SHIRTS $20
This is a required part of our uniform for Intermediate and
Advanced chorus. It is optional for all other classes.
EXTRA MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES
These performances and events are extra opportunities for select chorus members (extra expenses are required
for some of these activities).
♫ All-County (6-8 grade audition)
♫ Disney chorus trip (Advanced and Intermediate chorus members only. These students must have no ISS, OSS,
bus suspension, or two referrals in one semester. Grades in chorus must be an A/B and no D, F, or course
recovery in core classes )
♫ Running for Chorus President (select students who have been in chorus for 3 years)
♫ Running for Chorus Vice President (select students who have been in chorus for 2 years)
♫ Out-reach Concerts: These performances are for the community and any student in Intermediate or Advanced
may participate.
♫ Musical: Advanced Chorus only * This does not occur every year.
♫ Madrigal: Advanced members only. Renaissance Dinner as a fundraiser for the fine arts department. Occurs
every-other year.
FUNDRAISING
The WBMS Choir on Fire has grown quickly over the past thirteen years and our cost to run the
program has grown as well. Fundraising is essential to help keep our costs low. These fundraisers pay
for rental uniforms, bus transportation, competition fees, extra music, chorus materials and much more.
Your participation and the success of our fundraisers keep the cost of chorus very low.
We offer two fall fundraisers:
1. Soliciting friends, family and businesses for sponsorships and ads in our WBMS Choir on Fire
Program Book (overview letter and form located at back of the handbook)
2. Selling of Classic Cookie dough (yum!)
Our three spring fundraisers are:
1. Valentine Grams (sold in the school)
2. Annual WBMS Talent Show. We only ask parents to help chaperone and bring items to use
for door prizes during the talent show.
3. Yankee Candle Fundraiser
Your participation is greatly appreciated!
HELPFUL HINTS FOR VOCALISTS
1)
Always warm up before singing (a vocal warm up is like stretching before exercise)
2)
Drink lots of water. About 64 oz a day to be exact.
3)
Eat 30 minutes before you sing at a performance. Eating and singing right after can cause many
singing problems (i.e. water in a gas tank).
4)
Stay healthy!!! Your body is your instrument and it can’t be taken into the shop to replace. Eat right,
exercise, and get plenty of rest : )
5)
No screaming, yelling, or unnatural sounds. These sounds cause damage to your vocal chords.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR PARENTS
1)
Have a set time and space for your musician to practice.
2)
Encourage your child with positive words and actions. This makes a big
difference in their progress.
3)
Here are a few web sites to check out with your budding musician!!
www.musictheory.net (this website has lessons and theory trainers which we will be
using in class)
www.menc.org (great site for music advocacy)
www.jwpepper.com (this is where you can purchase music online for your budding
vocalist)
www.musictechteacher.net (this has tons of music theory games )
www.fva.net (this is the Florida vocal association)
CHORUS HANDBOOK CONTRACT
Students are required to submit this sheet to Mrs. LaVere by Friday, August 30th.
By checking each item and signing this form, you agree that you:
____ have read the Chorus Handbook and understand the information it contains.
____ have examined the calendar of events for conflicts.
____ understand that an unexcused absence from an after-school performance or rehearsal will earn zero points.
Student’s Name (print please): ____________________________
Parent’s Name (sign please):______________________________
I give permission for my child’s picture to appear in the newspaper: yes___
no____
I give permission for my child’s picture to appear on the school website: yes___ no___
CONTACT AND FIELD TRIP EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Students are required to submit this sheet to Mrs. LaVere by Friday, August 30th.
Group: Woodlawn Beach Middle School Chorus
Teacher: Gina LaVere
Student:_______________________________
Home Phone:_______________
Cell Phones:________________
Student Address: _______________________________________________________
Parent e-mail Address:______________________ (we have an e-mail newsletter with chorus news & reminders)
Parent/Guardian:______________________________
Daytime Phone:_______________
Evening Phone: _______________
Other Parent/Guardian:_______________________________
Daytime Phone: ______________
Evening Phone: ______________
Emergency Phone number for parent/guardian if other than above:
_______________________
Comments regarding special health problems or severe allergies of student:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CHORUS UNIFORM / T-SHIRT ORDER FORM
ALL CHORUS STUDENTS MUST HAVE A PERFORMANCE UNIFORM
Rental Days for Boys: September 4th/ 1:30-3:30pm
Rental Day for Girls: September 6th/ 1:30-3:30pm
(please bring this form with you to the rental day)
BOYS: All boys have a $25 rental fee. Boys are only allowed to rent because they often change uniform sizes during
the same school year. If you have been chosen to sing with the advanced girls then, a chorus t-shirt must be
purchased for performances in the community.
GIRLS: Girls have the option to rent or buy. Returning girls and new girls in the 8th grade are given the opportunity
first to try on rentals for two reasons: because they either rented last year and/or also it is their first and last
chance to be in chorus.
The 7th grade girls will try on rentals second, followed by the 6th grade girls. There are only a limited number of rentals
available. The fee will be $25 for rentals. This price charge offsets the chorus department costs for the dresses
and dry cleaning at the end of the year.
T-SHIRTS ARE OPTIONAL FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT FOR THE ADVANCED AND INTERMEDIATE GROUPS: $20
(these two groups do outreach concerts in the community and the chorus t-shirt is the uniform used for those
performances)
PLEASE FILL OUT THE ORDER FORM BELOW AND ATTACH CASH OR CHECK (CHECKS MADE PAYABLE TO
WBMS CHORUS).
T-shirt and new uniform orders must be turned no later than MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th. If more time is
needed or there is a financial issue please send a note to Mrs. LaVere on the September 16 th deadline.
NAME:_________________________________________________
GIRLS RENTALS: $25. PLEASE CHECK IF RENTING _______
GIRLS BUY: $54. PLEASE CHECK IF BUYING _______
BOYS RENTAL: $25. PLEASE CHECK IF RENTING_________
T-SHIRTS: $20. PLEASE CHECK IF BUYING A T-SHIRT__________T-SHIRT SIZE_________
(adult sizes only S,M,L,XL)
2013-2014 CHORUS CALENDAR
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AUGUST
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22ND (Chorus parent meeting) 6:30pm in cafeteria
Advanced Parent Meeting to follow afterward.
SEPTEMBER
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH: Uniform Rentals for BOYS 1:20-3:30pm in chorus room
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th: Uniform Rentals for GIRLS 1:20-3:30pm in the chorus room
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH: Chorus Rehearsal 1:20-3:30pm in the cafeteria
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH: All County Chorus Auditions 1:20- 6pm at WBMS
(This audition is for girls only. There is a written test and a prepared choral piece)
OCTOBER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4TH: Chorus Group Pictures for the Yearbook 1:20-5pm
(Students must bring their uniform and proper shoes to school in the morning)
MONDAY, OCTOBER 7TH-18TH: CHORUS FALL FUNDRAISER “CLASSIC COOKIE DOUGH”
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24TH: All County Honor Choir Rehearsal 1:20- 5pm Avalon Middle School
(Only for students selected to sing in all county. Bus transportation is provided to and from. Pick up is at WBMS at 5:30pm)
NOVEMBER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH: All County Honor Choir Rehearsal 1:20- 5pm Avalon Middle School
(Only for students selected to sing in all county. Bus transportation is provided to and from. Pick up is at WBMS at 5:30pm)
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH: All County Honor Choir Rehearsal and Performance
(Students will be rehearsing all day at Immanuel Baptist Church and at 7pm a performance. Transportation to the event is provided as well as dinner)
DECEMBER
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH: Winter Final Rehearsal 2-4:30pm St. Sylvester Parish Center
(Transportation provided to the church. Pick up is at the church)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5TH: Winter Concert arrive at 5:30pm/performance at 6:30pm
(St. Sylvester Church.)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH: MADRIGAL REHEARSAL 1:20-4PM in cafeteria
(This is for advanced chorus and select chorus members participating)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12TH: MADRIGAL REHEARSAL 1:20-4PM in cafeteria
(This is for advanced chorus and select chorus members participating)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13TH AND 14TH: MADRIGAL DINNER 6:30PM in cafeteria
(This is an event that tickets will be sold in advanced)
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JANUARY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21ST: WOMEN’S REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in chorus room
(TB 1 & 5 only)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND: MEN’S REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in chorus room
(TB3 & men only from TB6)
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23RD: TREBLE REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in chorus room
(TB 2 & TB 4 only)
FEBRUARY
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH-14TH: CHORUS VALENTINE GRAM FUNDRAISER
(we sell valentine grams at lunch to the students and pass out on valentine’s day)
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10TH-20TH: CHORUS SPRING FUNDRAISER “YANKEE CANDLES”
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH: TREBLE REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in chorus room
(TB 2 & TB 4 only)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25TH: WOMEN’S REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in chorus room
(TB 1 & 5 only)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH: MEN’S REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in chorus room
(TB3 & men only from TB6)
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH OR 28TH: CHORAL DISTRICT MPA time TBA
MARCH
THURSDAY, MARCH 27TH: BENEFIT CONCERT (interfaith ministries)
Arrive at 5:30pm/perform at 6:30pm at St. Sylvester Parish Center
APRIL
MONDAY, APRIL 7TH: CHORUS REHEARSAL 1:20-3PM in cafeteria
FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH: TALENT SHOW AUDTION 1:20-4:30PM in cafeteria
MONDAY, APRIL 28TH-30TH: TALENT SHOW REHEARSALS 1:20-4:30PM in cafeteria
MAY
THURSDAY, MAY 1ST: TALENT SHOW PARENT PERFORMANCE
(Arrive at 5:30pm/perform at 6:30pm in cafeteria)
FRIDAY, MAY 2ND: TALENT SHOW STUDENT PERFORMANCE 1:20-4:30PM in cafeteria
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH: SPRING FINAL REHEARSAL 2-4:30pm St. Sylvester Parish Center
(Transportation provided to the church. Pick up is at the church)
THURSDAY, MAY 8TH: CHORUS SPRING CONCERT arrive at 5:30pm/performance at 6:30pm
(St. Sylvester Church.)
FRIDAY, MAY 16TH-18TH: ADVANCED CHORUS TRIP TO DISNEY
CHORUS END OF THE YEAR PARTY: TO BE ANNOUNCED
ADVANCED CHORUS AUDITIONS FOR 2014-2015 SCHOOL YEAR: TO BE ANNOUNCED
TRY OUTS FOR CHORUS DANCE TEAM: TO BE ANNOUNCED