Nocona ISD

2016 – 2017 Choir

Handbook

August 22, 2016 Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to the Nocona Independent School District Choir Program! What a pleasure it is to start an exciting year of new adventures and success with you! We are going to have a wonderful year! The following choir handbook is very important. Please read it together carefully. It is your guideline for the school year. It contains important dates and scheduled activities, classroom procedures, grading policies, and other information about uniforms, parent volunteers, etc. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time during the school year. Sincerely, Lacy Murphey

Contact Information Lacy Murphey Director of Choral Activities Nocona Middle School and High School Conference Period: Lacy.murphey@noconaisd.net Office Phone: (940) 825-3264 Cell: (940) 781-9779

Remind App The remind app is a great way to stay up to date on all choir details and events. Please follow these simple steps to sign up. Middle School Choir students and parents: 1. Download the Remind app. It’s free! Enter the class code: @cd826 2. or text @cd826 to 81010 High School Choir students and parents: 1. Download the Remind app. It’s free! Enter the class code: @choirnhs 2. or text @choirnhs to 81010

Facebook Page

Our choir Facebook page is another great way to stay up to date on all choir details and events. Please find and like our page! The name of our page is: Nocona MS and HS Choirs

Choir Events TMEA All- State Choir: The All State Choirs (mixed, treble, and men) are made up of the best students from all over the state of Texas. In order to audition, students must meet the eligibility requirements for TMEA activities, which can be found at tmea.org. The process of becoming an All-State Choir member is a series of four auditions; each narrowing the field down until only a few students remain. The auditions are held in the following order: district, region, pre-area, and area. Auditions are held at schools within the region. At the audition, students sight sing and sing portions of the required music for a judging panel (hidden behind a screen) of five judges. Each student receives a score for their audition and the highest scoring students in each voice part are selected to advance. For each audition, the students learn new, required song selections; and the field continues to narrow. If a student is selected at an audition, he/she will be required to attend any clinics and concerts that are held for that audition level. Students may be removed from the process if they fail to attend any required activities associated with the audition process, or fail to maintain passing grades. Rehearsal times will be determined after groups have been selected. All-State Mixed Choir is being offered again this year for students who attend 1A – 4A (based on the new school alignment) small schools. The audition process will be the same as the Large School Choir, but students will compete against other small school students. Small school directors have the option to enter their students in either the Large School Choir (LSC) or Small School Choir (SSC) track. This decision will be made on a student-by-student basis. Some students may have already experienced success in the LSC (the only previously available track), and thus they may want to enter the LSC track again. Conversely, 1A-4A students who have never auditioned for All-State (or auditioned and did not experience success) might choose to audition via the SSC track.

Solo and Ensemble: The UIL sponsored solo and ensemble contest is an optional event for junior high and high school students. Students must meet all UIL eligibility requirements in order to participate. Participants will prepare a solo and/or ensemble piece to perform for one judge. The judge will rate the singer(s) from 1 to 5. First division ratings (1) on Class I high school solos/ensembles (the most difficult) will advance to the state solo and ensemble contest in May. UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest: All eligible junior high and high school choir members will attend UIL concert and sight-reading contest as a group. The choir will prepare three songs from the prescribed music list to perform on stage for three judges. The judges will rate the choir from 1 to 5. (1 being superior.) We will also prepare to sight sing for three judges in the sight singing room, and will receive a rating (1 to 5) from the sight singing judges as well.

Travel Information

As an ensemble, we have the opportunity to demonstrate our talents and love for music by performing at local events and venues provided by other surrounding communities. Often times, we may be asked to perform with little notice. As we approach these events, information will be provided as early as possible. Overnight Trips: The director will provide students with a complete agenda for overnight trips. The agenda gives detailed information about the event and includes a telephone number and address to the destination. Normal school dress code and eligibility rules are both strictly enforced. Students may need to bring performance attire or other special clothing. Curfews will be enforced each night. Chaperones will attend and be responsible for a set number of students. Students should remain with the group at all times. Certain expenses are the responsibility of the student. Trips are planned in advance so that students can be informed of approximate costs. If costs are substantial, they will be broken down into installments. All installments must be on time. Students also have the opportunity to fundraise to offset some of the costs.

Choir Officers

Choir officers are selected by choir members and the director. Positions are based on leadership qualities, participation in, and service to the choir program. Choir officers are expected to aid the director and maintain high standards of behavior and choral singing; and should thus be respected by the membership for their efforts. These individuals must maintain good academic records, be great leaders, and have a positive attitude. Choir President: This office is considered an assistant to the director. They are expected to be one of the first to show up and one of the last to leave. Only juniors and seniors are eligible for this office. However, all students are permitted to vote. Vice-President: This office is considered an assistant to the director and the choir president when necessary. They are also expected to be one of the first to show up and one of the last to leave. Only juniors and seniors are eligible for this office. However, all students are permitted to vote. Librarian: This officer is responsible for assisting the director in the organization of our choral music. All students are eligible for this office. Historian: This officer is responsible for helping the director maintain a history of the choir program. (Takes pictures of choir events through out the year, creates a slide show for choir banquet, etc.) All students are eligible for this office. Section Leaders: This office is chosen by the director. The choir will have one section leader, or two co-section leaders for each voice part in the choir. They are expected to lead sections in daily and contest material, as well as plan and lead sectionals when necessary. All students are eligible for this office.

Being an officer is a privilege, not a right. The director has the right to remove any officer from their position because of poor behavior, abuse

of power, lack of motivation, etc.

Behavior Policy Classroom Expectations:

1. Respect yourself 2. Respect others 3. Respect resources

Consequences:

1st offense: Warning 2nd offense: Loss of participation points 3rd offense: Removal from activity to refocus 4th offense: Parent contacted by phone or e-mail 5th offense: Office referral 6th offense: Parent conference 7th offense: Constant infractions may lead to dismissal from choir

program Student and director expectations: When coming to choir, I expect the following from each student:

Positive attitude – toward the director, other students, and the rehearsal plan and music. Concentration and focus – both of these are essential for successful choir rehearsals. Preparedness – all students should come to class with all required materials and be ready to rehearse.

In turn, you can expect the following from me:

Positive attitude – toward each student and each rehearsal Preparedness – I will have a plan for success for each rehearsal Energy and dedication – I will give it all…….all of the time!

Grading Policy

Participation: Students will receive a grade for daily rehearsals. Rehearsal grades will be based on the following:

• Students should have all materials needed for class • Students should remain focused and on task • Students should actively participate in class

Assignments/Tests: Students will be given adequate notice of upcoming assignments and tests. The format will be well explained so that students know what to expect. Grades will be figured like any other normal assignment/test grade in other subjects. Concerts: Performance outside of the school day is a necessary component of choir. Attendance is required for all performances, concerts, and after school rehearsals. Performance dates are listed on the calendar of events. Any extra-curricular activity dates not listed on the calendar will be given to students with adequate notice. An excused absence will be awarded only on a case-by-case basis. Parents must contact the director if there are circumstances that keep the student from performing. Occasionally, choir events may conflict with other NISD events. We encourage our students to participate in other organizations and we work hard to resolve conflict in scheduling in a way that meets both the student’s and group’s best interests. In the event of a conflict, the director of both groups will work with the student and the parent to resolve such a conflict. The student must inform the director of the conflict in a timely manner. * Failure to attend a concert or other performances without proper notice will result in a grade of a zero. If a student has been granted an excused absence, they will be given an alternate assignment to replace the zero in the grade book.

Eligibility: Texas is a “no pass, no play” state which simply means that in order to participate in some choir events, students must pass all classes with the minimum grade of 70 percent. The following choir activities are included in the “no pass, no play” policy:

• All-state Auditions • Solo and Ensemble Contest • UIL Choir Contest • Choir Trips (if applicable)

*All students (passing or not) are able and required to participate in all rehearsals, concerts, and local performances. Members are expected to maintain eligibility throughout the school year so he/she can participate in all required activities and earn a grade. *

High School Letter Jacket Policy

Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for a letter jacket:

1. The student must represent the choir department in a positive manner and abide by the Code of Conduct as outlined in the handbook.

2. The student must have a history of attending all performances and rehearsals.

3. The student must be eligible for the majority of all choir contests.

4. The student must have a history of no discipline referrals. 5. The student must earn membership in the TMEA state choir,

advance to the state solo and ensemble contest, and/or be a member of the NISD choir for three years.

6. The choir director must recommend the student for a letter jacket.

Concert Etiquette and Performance Expectations

Choir students will exhibit proper concert behavior during all performances in order to reflect positively on the NISD choral program. Students will be graded on their concert etiquette. The following rules will be followed at all performances:

1. Be respectful and do not talk. It is disrespectful to performers on stage and audience members who wish to listen to the performance. 2. Do not leave your seat for any reason. Use the restroom and drinking fountain before concerts begin. If you must leave, ask your choir director or a parent chaperone first. If permitted, leave quietly only between songs or during applause. Be sure to quietly exit doors. 3. No food or drink is allowed in the performance area. This includes the stage, back stage, and the seating area. 4. Support your fellow choir members with appropriate applause. Yelling, whistling, shouting names, etc. are not acceptable. The audience should never cause attention to be shifted from the performers on stage. 5. During serious music, applaud only after the conductor has lowered his or her arms. During pop or jazz music you may applaud for a soloist during the song. 6. In songs that have multiple movements, applaud only after the final movement. This will be noted in the concert program. The conductor will lower his or her arms when the final movement is over. 7. Set a good example for the audience and other students. 8. Cell phones are strictly prohibited during concerts and

rehearsals. Cell phones should NEVER be visible during concerts or rehearsals.

9. Stay for the entire concert. 10. Enjoy the concert. This may be the only time you will ever get

to see it live!

Uniforms

Casual Uniform: Ladies: Choir shirt, blue jeans (denim, no holes), nice shoes Gentlemen: Choir shirt, blue jeans (denim, no holes), nice shoes Formal Uniform: Ladies: Concert dress, closed toe black dress shoes, black hose Gentlemen: White button up long sleeve shirt, black tie, black dress

pants, black dress shoes, black socks * Your appearance should be neat and tidy. Hair should be out of your face. Refrain from wearing any jewelry. This ensures that our choir looks like a team. * Formal Uniform Process: • Students will be assigned a formal uniform. The uniforms are the

student’s responsibility for the entire school year. • Arriving at a performance with a wrinkled, torn, or damaged uniform

is unacceptable and will result in an immediate grade reduction. TAKE CARE OF THE UNIFORMS!

• At the end of the year, each student will be held responsible for his or her numbered uniform. Uniforms should be returned clean at the end of the school year. They should be washed according to the directions found on the inside tag. If the entire uniform, or parts of the uniform are missing or damaged, the student will have to replace the uniform, or the parts that are lost/damaged. The replacement cost of the uniform is itemized below.

White button up, long sleeve shirt: $ 25.00 Black dress pants: $ 35.00 Black tie: $ 10.00 Dresses: $ 80.00

Fees and Expenses

Most costs of participating in choir are covered by the budget for NISD choral department. Participation in some optional choir events includes fees, which will be covered by the choral budget when possible. Although, if the school enters and pays a fee for a student in an optional choral event, the student is responsible for reimbursing that fee if he/she decides not to participate. All-State Choir $45 (includes music and CD) Solo & Ensemble $8.50 per member/event Over Night Trip (if applicable) TBA – based on fundraising proceeds Fundraisers The NISD choral department will participate in fundraising activities this year. There are many costs that go into operating a choral program, and the school district gives us only a portion of that money. Fundraising activities will be announced as the year progresses. Please remember that a fundraiser is only successful when everyone does a little bit, not when a few do a lot. The sole purpose of a fundraiser is to allow each student to participate in choir activities with less, little, or no cost to you. Choir Supplies In order for successful rehearsals to take place, all students must be prepared for class every day. All materials should be brought to each day. Students will have to pay for each piece of music that is damaged or lost. Prices depend upon what the cost is for that particular piece of music.

• Current music being worked on • 1 inch black 3-ring binder • 2 pencils • highlighters

* Note: Finances should never affect a student’s participation, progress, or potential in choir. In the event that finances become a concern, please contact the director. Arrangements can often be made in these situations. *

Nocona Choir Calendar 2016-2017

August 2016 22 School Begins 26 All-State entry deadline (district date) 26 Handbook forms and supplies due September 2016 5 Labor Day (No School) October 2016 ?? Region All-State Auditions (TBA) November 2016 ?? Veteran’s Day Program (Auditorium, during school day) Region Clinics & Concerts (LSC Auditions) (TBA) 23-25 Thanksgiving Holiday December 2016 ?? Christmas in the park (Downtown Nocona, TBA) ?? Choir Concert Rehearsal (after school – concert time) ?? Grades 6-12 Choir Christmas Concert (NHS Aud. 6:00 PM) ?? Christmas Caroling (Nocona, TBA) 13 Solo and Ensemble entry deadline (district date) 19-30 Christmas Break January 2017 ?? Area All State Auditions (TBA) February 2017 ? Solo and Ensemble Contest (Sanger HS, TBA) 8-11 Texas Music Educator’s Association Convention (San Antonio) ?? Mardi Gras Parade (Downtown Nocona, TBA)

March 2017 13-17 Spring Break April 2017 ?? Possible after school rehearsal (TBA) ?? UIL Clinic (TBA) ?? After school rehearsal (TBA) ?? Concert and Sight Reading Contest (Decatur HS, TBA) May 2017 ?? Grades 6-12 Choir Banquet (NES Gym, 6:00 PM) ?? Grades 6-12 Choir Spring Concert (NHS Auditorium, 6:00 PM) ?? HS graduation (TBA) * All information was accurate at the time of printing. Additions and changes will be provided as they occur. *

CHOIR STUDENT INFORMATION FORM

_____________________________________________________________ STUDENT NAME: LAST FIRST MI _____________________________________________________________ STUDENT ID GRADE BIRTHDAY _____________________________________________________________ PARENT’S / GUARDIAN’S NAME (FIRST & LAST) _____________________________________________________________ HOME PHONE WORK PHONE CELL PHONE _____________________________________________________________ E-MAIL

MEDICAL INFORMATION FORM School Name: _________________________________________________ Student Name: __________________________________ Age: __________ DOB: __________________ Address: ______________________________________________________ Student Cell Phone: _______________ Home Phone: ______________ Name of Parent/Guardian: ________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Cell Phone: ____________ Business Phone: ____________ Health History: (Check all that apply) Allergies (check all that apply) _____ Diabetes _____ Aspirin _____ Orthopedic Problems _____ Penicillin _____ Asthma _____ Sulfa _____ Epilepsy _____ Insect Stings _____ Cardiac Problems _____ Tetracycline _____ Other (specify) _____ Other (specify) Do we have permission to administer to your child? (Check) _____ Tylenol _____ Advil I give permission to the physician or hospital to secure proper treatment for my child as named above. _____________________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

NOCONA ISD CHOIR PERMISSION FORM

Dear Parent/Guardian, Throughout the school year your child will be performing at numerous events in Nocona as well as other towns. We will sing at concerts, contests, and other exciting events. The school will supervise the trip(s) properly, but it is impossible to ensure that no accidents will occur. Therefore, be it hereby understood that Nocona ISD is free from any liability and responsibility in case of accident on the trip. It is understood that the student is still directly responsible to those teachers sponsoring the trip from the time of leaving until returning, the same as if in regular school attendance. Students must go and return by the same means of transportation, unless by mutual agreement by both parents and sponsors, through written approval. This is a blanket permission form to cover all trips taken by the Nocona ISD Choirs during the 2014-2015 school year. ______________________________________________ Student’s Name has my permission to attend local and out of town trips with the Nocona ISD Choral Department. _____________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date ____________________________________________ Phone Number to be reached in case of emergency

NISD CHOIR CONTRACT

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students, I am pleased and excited that you have decided to participate in the Nocona ISD Choral Program for the 2014-2015 school year. In choir, we will experience the joy of music through singing. Along with developing and improving the singing voice, chorus members will develop increased self-confidence, self-discipline, and skills necessary for teamwork. Participation in choir is a privilege that requires discipline, commitment, and responsibility. Please sign and return this sheet to the director. We have read the provided choral handbook, and understand the guidelines and our responsibility of commitment to the choir. CHORUS MEMBER NAME GRADE CHORUS MEMBER SIGNATURE DATE PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME PHONE PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE DATE