2016-2017 WBMS Choir on Fire Handbook Mr. Miller Director

2016-2017 WBMS Choir on Fire Handbook Mr. Miller – Director Victor Lowrimore – Principal 2

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, My name is Paul Miller, and I’m very excited to be a part of the family here at WBMS as the new choir director! This school year will be filled with wonderful music making, engaged learning, and vigilant striving for excellence. This handbook is designed to help you understand the expectations for all chorus students at WBMS. Please sign the contract located on pg. 8 and return by Monday the 22nd, as well as the Uniform agreement (pg. 9) by your student’s corresponding uniform distribution day. Please also note the calendar of events on the last page of this handout, as it contains many key events (some mandatory!) for you to be aware of. Please also refer to the contract on the last couple pages for basic information throughout the year. If any of this doesn’t make sense, please be assured that it will all be explained in detail during the parent meeting on the 26th of August. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. E-mail is probably the quickest way to get in touch with me rather than calling. My e-mail address is [email protected]. The phone number at the school office is 934-4010, and they can forward your call to my extension.

With best wishes, 3

Paul Miller 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!!

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. 4

We as a whole are only as good as the sum of our parts. 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 performance and rehearsals are a significant part of the grade. The choir is a team, and just like a quarterback is expected to be at all games, the chorister is expected to be at all performances, lest the ensemble suffer without them. 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, Winter Concert, and District Music Performance Assessment are the only required performances for the year. All rehearsals are also mandatory. 2) A performance or a game takes precedent over a practice or rehearsal, but does not mean that these practices aren’t crucial to the success of the ensemble. 3) The student is responsible for notifying Mr. Miller of the conflict no less than 2 weeks in advance unless special circumstances arise. A vacation is not considered special circumstance.

There are five categories in which the concepts are graded in:

♫ PARTICIPATION - 50% singing folder checks, pencil check, participation in daily rehearsals and activities. 5

♫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 - 10% These are written quizzes based on music theory in which the students are given notes and instruction in class. ♫ PERFORMANCES – 30% There are three required performances; the Spring and Winter concerts and District Performance Assessment. These are counted as tests. (Keep in mind that the rehearsal directly preceding the performance is also mandatory and will be graded accordingly). ♫ MUSIC THEORY – 10% This includes work in theory binders, tests, worksheets and composition projects

2014-2015 CHORUS SUPPLY LIST

UNIFORMS Girls- Long black dress purchased or rented through Chorus Department $54 or $25 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 Mr. Miller. 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, flat, black dress shoes are acceptable. Please contact Mr. Miller for rental shoes.

CHORUS T-SHIRTS $20 This is a required part of our uniform for Intermediate and Advanced chorus. It is optional for all other classes. CLASSROOM SUPPLIES

♫ PENCILS

♫ WATER BOTTLE 6

2 BLANK CDS

INDEX CARDS (to make theory flash cards)

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) ♫ Chorus President (select students who have been in chorus for 3 years) Students running for office must have a 2.0 GPA with no referrals. A speech is also required. ♫ Chorus Vice President (select students who have been in chorus for 2 years) Students running for office must have a 2.0 GPA with No referrals. A speech is also required. ♫ Out-reach Concerts: These performances are for the community and any student in Intermediate or Advanced may participate. ♫ Musical: Hairspray for 2014-2015 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. 7

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

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) Avoid 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) 8

www.menc.org (great site for music advocacy)

www.jwpepper.com (purchase music online for your budding vocalist)

www.musictechteacher.net (music theory games)

www.fva.net (Florida Vocal Association. This is the website with information on District MPA, Solo and Ensemble, and All State Choirs)

CHORUS HANDBOOK CONTRACT Students are required to submit this sheet to Mr. Miller by Monday, 22nd 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: 9 yes___ no___ CONTACT AND FIELD TRIP EMERGENCY INFORMATION Group: Woodlawn Beach Middle School Chorus Teacher: Paul Miller 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:

ALL CHORUS STUDENTS MUST HAVE A PERFORMANCE UNIFORM Rental Days for Girls: Wednesday, August 24th / 1:30-3:30pm Rental Day for Boysby : Friday, August 26th / 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. 10

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 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th. If more time is needed or there is a financial issue please send a note to Mr. Miller on the September 16th deadline.

NAME: ______

I OWN MY DRESS ______

GIRLS RENTALS: $25. PLEASE CHECK IF RENTING ______

GIRLS BUY: $59. 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)

2016-2017 Chorus Calendar of Events

August Wednesday, 24th Rental day for girls - 1:30- 3:30pm @ WBMS Chorus Room. Chaperones th st Monday, 15 1 Day of School needed. Friday, 19th First Council Meeting 11

Friday, 26thth Rental day for boys - 1:30- Friday, 14th All County Honor choir 3:30pm @ WBMS Chorus Room. Chaperones rehearsal/Avalon MS/3:30-5pm (bus needed. transportation provided there and back. Students stay afterschool.) Friday, 26nd Parent Potluck dinner and chorus meeting - 6:00pm @ WBMS Cafeteria. Tuesday, 18th Mandatory Chorus rehearsal - Students to arrive at 5:45. Chaperones 1:30-3:45 pm @ WBMS Cafeteria. needed. Chaperones needed.

Monday, 29th Chorus Welcome Workshop / Thursday, 27th All County Honor choir 1:30-3:30pm/WBMS Cafeteria. rehearsal/Avalon MS /3:30-5pm (bus transportation provided there and back. September Students stay afterschool.)

th th Tuesday, 13 6 Grade Open House – 6:30 Monday, 31st All County Honor choir P.M. rehearsal/Avalon MS 3:30-6pm (dinner and bus transportation provided there and back. Tuesday, 13th All-State Written Exam – 5 PM Students stay afterschool.) @ Avalon Middle School.

Saturday, 17th All-State Sightreading Exam – November 8-2 (Specific times will be designated) @ Tuesday, 1st All County Honor Choir Crestview High. rehearsal and performance (all day rehearsal, Tuesday, 19th All County Honor Choir bring sack-lunch [Chick-fil-a dinner provided] Auditions at WBMS starting at 3:30pm. and performance at 7pm at Immanuel Baptist Chaperones needed. Church, Pace).

th Wednesday, 28th – October 12th Cookie Thursday, 10 Veteran’s Day Concert with Dough Fundraiser. WNIS (Advanced only, choir T-shirt and Jeans) – 8:15 @ W. Navarre Intermediate. Bus transportation.

October Tuesday, 15th Veteran’s Day Concert with WNIS (Advanced only, formal uniform) – 6:30 TBA, Auditions for Disney Singers (applicable PM @ W. Navarre Intermediate. to Intermediate Women and 7th & 8th grade th Men. Wednesday 30 Mandatory Final Rehearsal for Winter Concert – 1:30-4:30 PM @ St. Tuesday, 11th All State Vocal Auditions – Sylvester Parish Center. Bus transportation 5 PM @ Navarre High School. to the church only. Student pick-up.

Wednesday, 12th Last day for Cookie December Dough Sales Thursday, 1st Mandatory Winter Concert @ Friday, 14th Chorus Group Pictures -1:45- St. Sylvester Parish Center – 6:30 PM curtain. 2:15 @ Cafeteria. Chaperones needed. 12

Students to arrive at 5:30 for mandatory Monday, 6th DISTRICT MPA – TBA @ Niceville warm-up. High School (Beginner Girls and Men only). Chaperones needed. Friday, 16th Holiday Celebration – Individual class times @ WBMS Chorus Room  Tuesday, 7th DISTRICT MPA – TBA @ Milton High School (Intermediate, Advanced and January Showchoir). Chaperones needed.

th th Wednesday, 11 -14 FMEA Conference. April Chaperones needed. Thursday, 13th Mandatory rehearsal – 1:30-3 th Thursday, 19 Mandatory Rehearsal – 1:30- PM @ WBMS Cafeteria. Chaperones needed. 3:45 @ WBMS Cafeteria. Chaperones needed. May February Wednesday, 3rd Mandatory Final Rehearsal th th Monday 6 -10 Valentine’s Grams @ for Winter Concert – 1:30-4:30 @ St. Cafeteria. Chaperones needed. Sylvester Parish Center. Bus transportation Tuesday, 7th District MPA Men’s Chorus to church only. Student pick-up. rehearsal – 1:30-3 @ WBMS Chorus Room. Thursday, 4th Mandatory Spring Concert @ Chaperones needed. St. Sylvester Parish Center – 6:30 curtain. Thursday, 9th District MPA Treble Chorus Students to arrive at 5:30 for mandatory rehearsal (all beginner girls) – 1:30-3 @ warm-up. WBMS Chorus Room. Chaperones needed. TBA 6th grade recruitment @ WBMS, wear casual uniforms.

Monday, 8th-12th Advanced and Showchoir auditions March Monday, 15th (tentative) Showchoir – 8:15 Thursday, 2nd District MPA Men’s Chorus @WNIS. Bus Transportation. rehearsal – 1:30-3 @ WBMS Chorus Room. th st Chaperones needed. Friday 19 -21 Disney! Itinerary will be handed out later in the year. Friday, 3rd District MPA Treble Chorus th rehearsal (all beginner girls) – 1:30-3 @ Tuesday, 30 End of the year Chorus party! WBMS Chorus Room. Chaperones needed.