SUNNYVALE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL DEPARTMENT POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Welcome to the Sunnyvale Middle School Choirs! You have received an honor and a privilege in becoming a member of our performing groups. We have a great reputation and we intend to keep it. The Sunnyvale Choral Department consists of the following organizations: 5th Grade Choir – meets once a week for a semester during 7th period 6th Grade Choir – 2nd or 5th Period every day 7th/8th Boys Tenor Bass Choir – 1st or 2nd period every day 7th/8th Girls Treble Choir – 4th period every day

The Choral Policy and Procedures are intended as a guide to ensure a successful experience for Choral students and parents. Please take a moment to read them. If you have any questions or comments call me at Sunnyvale: (972) 203-4657 or email at : [email protected]

CHORAL STUDENT OBJECTIVES 1. Knowledge of Musical Elements 2. Performance Skills 3. Social Skills 4. Enrichment of Non-Music Classes 5. Artistic and Emotional Expression

MUSIC AND SUPPLIES 1. PENCIL Students should have a sharpened pencil at the beginning of each class. It is a good idea to leave the pencil in the Choir Room. Since choral music is used for many years, markings in the music must be non-permanent. Erasable pens are not acceptable. Bring a pencil for a 100 grade.

2. CHORAL MUSIC AND FOLDER Students must provide their own Binder to use for their choir class. Binders can be any color, 3-ring, pockets inside, and ½” wide – do not bring binders that are wider since they don’t fit in the folder cabinets. Music will be given to the students to place in their binder. All music and binders will remain in the Choir Room unless special permission is given by the teacher. Bring your binder for a 100 grade. CONCERTS Most of our performances will be held in the evenings and attendance for all Choral students, regardless of eligibility or grades, is MANDATORY. Performances are a part of the state curriculum and are an important evaluation tool, much like an exam would be in another class or a game would be in an athletic event. An unexcused absence from a concert will affect the student’s grade.

CONTESTS Throughout the year students will have the opportunity to compete in several contests. Texas State House Bill 72 requires students to pass all classes in order to be eligible for competitions. Students with a failing nine weeks grade in ANY CLASS will not be allowed to compete at contests. This does NOT apply to non- competitive concerts.

EXTRA REHEARSALS It will be necessary at times during the year to have extra rehearsals outside of class to prepare for a performance. There will be sufficient advance notice to prepare for transportation. Students are expected to attend all extra rehearsals

UNIFORMS Uniforms are a valuable tool for student performance. They promote unity, pride, and neatness of appearance at Choir events. All Choir students will have the opportunity to buy a Choir t-shirt. The t-shirts will be worn for some performances and for personal use. 7th and 8th grade Choir students will also be issued a formal uniform. This formal uniform consists of a long black dress for the girls, and vest, shirt, and pants for the boys. The uniform is the property of the Sunnyvale Choral Department and will be worn for some performances. Formal uniforms will be fitted, checked out to the students, and returned at the end of the year. Cleaning of the formal uniform will be done by the SMS Choral Department.

FEES Students will be asked to pay a fee for Choir at the beginning of the year. The fees and products they provide are as follows: 6th Grade - $10 for Choir t-shirt (required for concerts) 7th/8th Grade - $20 for Choir t-shirt, cleaning of formal uniform (required for concerts)

Choir Fees are due by Friday, September 2, 2016. They can be cash or checks payable to Sunnyvale MS. A separate form will be sent home to order shirts and turn in fees. PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS The Sunnyvale MS Choral Department is providing the opportunity for students to participate in private voice lessons. Voice lessons are an optional enrichment experience. These lessons are taught during the student’s choir class period, during PE class time, or after school in the Choir Room, making them convenient for busy families. The cost averages $68 per month. Students must commit to lessons for the entire school year. Enrollment forms are available in the Choir Room, on the website, or by contacting the voice teachers, Mary Drayer, at 214- 226-3651 or [email protected] or Katie Wick – contact Mrs. Shelley for more information.

CHOIR GRADES All Choir students are able to make an “A”, but this does not mean they will automatically receive one. Grades will be determined by achievement in the following areas:

6th, 7th, 8th Grades – Daily Work – percentage by grade level Test/Major Work – percentage by grade level The Daily Work grade for Choir will be earned by in-class assignments, daily participation in singing, group work, written work, and weekly tests. The Test/Major Work grade will be earned by concert attendance/participation and major exams.

REMIND /E-mail Parents are encouraged to keep informed by signing up for Remind and E-Mail notices for Choir. You will receive notices before concerts and texts during field trips. In our busy world these services are very convenient – most Choir parents really appreciate the reminders. Sign up information is available on my webpage.

With everyone’s cooperation and enthusiasm we can have a great year and continue a winning tradition for the Sunnyvale Middle School Choirs!