When All Words Fail, Still Music Speaks
632 South Union Street
Montgomery, Alabama 36104
2016 – 2017
School Motto:
Excellence In All Things
Slogan:
When All Words Fail, Still Music Speaks
Administration:
Quesha Starks, Principal
Milton Williams, Director
______
The choral music department at Booker T. Washington Magnet High School offers students the opportunity for a unique choral music experience. During this time, students will gain musical skills, a life-long appreciation for music, discipline, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment by working with others toward a common goal. As a member of the choir, you are expected to be a credit to your choir, your school, your family, and your community. Because our school is committed to excellence, we must share a common high standard. This handbook will define that standard.
Purpose of the Handbook
Welcome to a new school year. We have a high standard to set and are ready to face the challenge of music learning head on. New students, feel confident that you are a member of a high-quality performing group. Returning students, let’s continue to set the mark high and aim for excellence in performance.
This handbook will serve as a guide for the choral student and parents. If you do not find the answer to your question here, please contact Milton Williams, choir director, at 334-269-3617 or by email at .
BTW Choral Mission Statement
The mission of the BTW Choral Program is to promote and facilitate musical excellence in the class, rehearsal, and performance settings. The classroom must be a positive and safe environment where learning can take place. In the class, students are exposed to correct musicianship, musical literacy, and multi-curricular learning. It is of utmost importance that students in the choral program to make a correlation between fine arts and daily life. Students should leave the program with a strong sense of purpose, knowledge, and an infectious passion for music for the rest of their lives.
Choir Council
Milton Williams, Choir Director
Elijah Guidry, President
Tiffany Williams, Vice President
Courtney Jones, Secretary
, Treasurer
, Historian
Section Leaders:
Soprano- Chassity Rhodes, Monique Thomas
Alto- Courtney Jones, Sari Harper
Tenor /Baritone: Arlend Hobbie,
Bass: Kennon Watkins
Classroom Expectations
ü Follow directions when given.
ü No food allowed in the classroom, hallways, or bathrooms. Only water is allowed in class.
ü Respect Mr. Williams, your classmates, and yourself.
ü Arrive to class on time ready to learn.
ü No cell phones allowed during class time.
ü Do not enter the classroom out of uniform.
ü No yelling or loud talking.
ü No outside work allowed during class time.
General Expectations
ü Be on time for rehearsals and performances.
ü Be a responsible member of the choir. Be prepared for rehearsals and performances. Bring everything you need to succeed.
ü Respect the choir room, instruments, music, and equipment.
ü Keep the classroom and performance spaces clean and orderly.
ü Take pride in your personal appearance at all times. Be mindful of personal hygiene, especially during performances.
ü Always remember that your actions are a direct reflection of you, the school, the choir, and your family. Make sure they count!
Rehearsals
After school rehearsals are required for successful programs. Advance notice will be given; however, if other events interfere, you will be expected arrange your schedule to attend rehearsal. After school rehearsals are for the purpose of learning, working new material, and timing, marking positions, setting microphones and finalizing plans for a performance that cannot be handled in the classroom. Since the success of a performance is determined by the success of the rehearsal, the BTW choral director and principal reserve the right to cancel a performance and/or the participation of any student who is late for a rehearsal(s) or who fails to attend the rehearsal(s). Performances are a part of the BTW Choral Music curriculum, and therefore, will be viewed as required, graded assignments. There are no makeup grades for missed rehearsals. Students will have choral rehearsals after school at least twice a month on Wednesdays. These dates are listed on the choral calendar.
ü Be on time and in place
ü Take care of all outside business before arriving at rehearsal
ü Plan on remaining the entire time of a rehearsal or performance
ü No gum in performance
ü Utilize good posture
ü Watch the conductor
ü Cell phones are not allowed in rehearsal or performance
ü Be mature in taking corrections. You do not know it all.
ü Plan accordingly for rehearsals if you have a job
Commitment
You have auditioned and were selected to be in the choral program at BTW—that is your reason for being here! You must possess a positive attitude and truly want to be in the BTW Choral Music program, to contribute all that is necessary, and to receive all that is possible from your experience. If you are not willing to make sacrifices this program is not for you.
Time and dedication are required from each student in this area and students chosen for BTW Choral Music must make a full school year commitment to BTW and to the group. There are NO scheduling changes at the end of the first semester.
BTW students should place BTW activities (specifically choral activities) first in their schedule of performances, rehearsals, or other activities that may or may not involve BTW students. (Outside jobs are permitted as long as they do not interfere in any way with BTW choral activities.)
Each student who is accepted into the BTW Choral Music Program is automatically a member of “Schola Cantorum” Concert Choir and is expected to attend any and all additional rehearsals and performances. Similarly, all women are members of Southern Tones and all men are members of Taliaferro’s Men.
Performances
Each student will be expected to put forth 100% effort. Quality will be demanded with no room for compromise. Each student represents self, family, and school. Appropriate, positive behavior and appropriate dress are expected from each student before, during, and after all performances and at any function he/she attends on behalf of BTW.
Not all students will be involved in performances, but those selected to perform will be expected to be present and on time for performances. Fairness will be shown to all students, but performers will be selected at the discretion of the choral director, including soloists.
At performances, all personal items, including jewelry, will be worn at the discretion of the director. Appropriate hairstyles and make-up are required for all performers, and any student who fails to follow directions about dress and attire will be excused from performance at the discretion of the director. A grade of zero (0) will be given.
Students who consistently miss performances will not be allowed to return to the choral program at BTW.
Financial
Lack of funds should not discourage any student from participation in the choral program. Any student with a genuine financial need should refer to the appropriate section of the BTW Student Handbook and bring this matter to the instructor in writing. All such requests will be kept confidential.
Students in BTW Choral Music have a commitment to appear in performances and competitions locally, in-state, and out-of-state as recommended by the instructor. These appearances represent the culmination of the learning experience and will be counted as a part of the student’s grade. Students are required to pay entry fees for competitions. Also, students are responsible for the cost of any trip taken. Fund-raising opportunities and/or payment plans will be implemented by the instructor, but the burden of raising money is the student’s responsibility.
Students are responsible for the purchase of shoes, appropriate clothes, sheet music, and supplies, as needed and as specified by the instructor. Additionally, students are required to purchase their own costumes/uniforms. Advanced notice will be given if additional purchases are required.
Per BTW policy, all funds turned in to a teacher for payment of fees, trips, etc., must be paid in cash, money order, or cashier’s check. No personal checks will be accepted. If you have any concerns about payments, please contact the school’s bookkeeper, Ms. Jessica Burt, at 334-269-3617 for assistance in this matter.
Transportation
For performances outside of school hours, it is necessary that students provide their own transportation to and from the designated location. Exceptions occur when school buses, charter buses, or other means are communicated to the parents. When parents provide transportation for students, they need to be aware that punctuality is essential. Points will be deducted for tardiness to such an occasion, regardless of the reason. The rationale is that as a performer, one is expected to be ready to begin a performance on time, especially when compensation is expected much like working a job. Per the BTW Student Handbook, if a parent is repeatedly tardy for dropping off or collecting a student, the student may not perform until the situation is satisfactorily rectified. Students are to be picked up on time from ALL rehearsals, performances, and school functions.
Required Materials/Fees
All choral students are to purchase and/or pay for the following materials:
· No. 2 pencils
· A black, 3-ring binder or folder for keeping notes
· Choral fee ($20 per semester; $40 for entire year)
· 1 ream of white copy paper
· BTW Event Fee ($50 for year)
· Choral t-shirt ($13)
· Peanut Festival ($2 student fee, $7 admission ticket, $20 for wristband if you so choose)
· Alabama National Fair ($5, $20 wristband if you so choose)
· Tux (men) $90; Dress (women) $90 (new students only)
Grading
Students will be graded based on (1) class participation, (2) theory, (3) performances/tests. Performances/tests make up 65% of the total grade, theory 25%, and daily grades/homework 10%. Remember, students must maintain at least a B average in their magnet and C average in academics to remain in the program. There will be plenty of opportunities for students to earn those grades in choral.
Scheduled Performances
POPS Concert- 9/29/16 - 10/1/16 7pm
Alabama National Fair- 10/31/16
Dothan Cultural Arts Choral Festival- 11/9/16
Choral Holiday Concert- 12/8/16 7pm
MPS Holiday Choral Concert- 12/13/16 7pm
Showcase rehearsals and performances- 1/10/17 – 1/14/17
District Performance Assessments and Solo/Ensemble- 3/16/17
True Divine-High School Joy Night- 3/16/17
Spring Choral Concert- 5/2/17
Mayfest/FLIMP- 5/6/17
Baccalaureate- 5/14/17, First Baptist Church
**Please refer to your calendar for rehearsal dates!**
Extra- At your discretion to participate in (note that there are additional fees for this activity):
All-State Auditions- 11/3-4/16
Solo/Ensemble- 3/16/17
All-State- 3/2-4/17
All-State Auditions fees (including music and rehearsal tracks)
SATB- $28.00
SSA- $27.00 Please bring exact amounts!!!
TTBB- $23.00
Show Choir- $50.00---this includes medal and t-shirt through AVA
Performance Etiquette
During a performance, a choir is evaluated as much on its professionalism and appearance as it is on its performance. Remember the following:
ü As soon as you enter the performance venue, you are performing. Be mindful of your behavior and appearance
ü Arrive with the appropriate performance attire. Men-tuxes; women-dresses, pearls, earrings, wrinkle-free always
ü Make sure hair styles do not block other member’s view or are distracting. No loud colors. No excessive make up. No perfume, cologne, smelly lotions.
ü Arrive early
ü Listen carefully to all announcements
ü No cell phones
ü When on stage, maintain proper singing posture (no hands in front of you or in pockets)
ü Stand in a window, not directly behind someone else
ü Do not talk on stage
ü Keep hands out of face during singing
ü Never draw unnecessary attention to yourself during performance
ü If you feel yourself getting sick or about to faint, quickly move off stage—do not wait until it’s too late.
ü Remain quiet in the wings
Make up Work/Excused Absences
Only in extreme situations will make up work or absences be excused. Since choir is a performance/rehearsal course, make up work is limited to alternative musical assignments. They will be given out at the discretion of the director. Regular assignments given out during absences must be made up. It is up to the student to collect all make up work. A zero will be given for any assignment not made up. Unexcused absences cannot be made up.
All performances on the calendar are required performances. If a performance is given at extreme short notice, the student will not be penalized for not attending (less than a week notice). This is the case often for highly regarded musicians. Please be amenable to attending the performance. Excused absences include death of an immediate family member, personal illness that does not allow a student to attend school (which requires a doctor’s excuse), or emergency over which the student has no control. Work is not an excuse for missing a performance or rehearsal. Please notify Mr. Williams at least 2 weeks in advance of a conflict of performance attendance.
Vocal Problems
Students who are unable to sing 100% in a rehearsal should write rehearsal notes. Notes include every aspect of class or after school rehearsal. **Please note** being unable to sing does not excuse a student from rehearsal attendance. Turn in rehearsal notes at the end of the rehearsal. If a student has a persistent inability to sing they will be required to bring a doctor’s note.
How Parents Can Help
ü Show an interest in the music study of your child
ü Keep a record of the student’s various musical activities
ü Notify Mr. Williams if your child is to be absent or tardy at rehearsals or performances, 334-625-8458
ü Teach your child the importance of being punctual
ü Monitor your child’s grades in all classes
ü Become a choir booster and provide support with choral activities
ü Attend concerts and other events involving your child
Fundraisers
Any money earned from school-sponsored events is non-refundable. Any items bought with these funds become the property of BTW Magnet and MPS. Funds earned during previous years cannot be used during a new school year. All monies deposited into the choral activity account will be used for the choral program.
Grading
Grading ScaleA / 90 – 100
B / 80 – 89
C / 70 – 79
D / 60 – 69
F / 0 – 59
GPA Calculations Quality Points:
A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0
AP Courses:
A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, F=0 (please note that AP courses are not weighted until the end of the school year)
