CHORUS

Washington Middle School

Erikka Edwards

Director

2016-2017

Handbook

Table of Contents

Parent LetterPage 3

Course DescriptionPage 4

Materials

Class Schedule

Evaluation/ Measures

Classroom RulesPage 5

Conduct/Expected Behavior

UniformPage 5

Fees Page 5-6

Rehearsal ExpectationPage 5

Rehearsal Schedule

Performance ExpectationPage 6

Performance SchedulePage 7

Text and Website InstructionsPage 8

Contract Consent Page 9

Washington Middle School

CHORUS

Ms. Erikka Edwards, Director

July 28, 2016

Chorus Contract 2016-2017

Welcome parents and students to another exciting year of musical excellence . I am very honored that you have chosen to lend your musical gift for the greater good to the Washington Middle School Chorus. Parents, thank you for supporting the advancement of your child(ren)’s musical talent.

As your choral director, I am committed to ensuring the delivery of exemplary music education to each choral student. Each student is important to the WMS chorus program, and I am very excited to work, direct, and enjoy the great music we will make this year. Exemplary performances result from hard work, practice, and dedication from each participating member. As a chorus, we depend on each other. WE ARE A TEAM. It will be up to each of us to make this year exciting and musically rewarding.

The chorus prides itself in serving the community through choral music. Here’s just a few of the exciting events/performances lined up for this year:

Annual Grady County Choral Performance(s)

Wild Adventures (Valdosta, GA) - Theme Park

Fox Theatre (Atlanta, GA) -Broadway performance (The Little Mermaid).

I encourage all 7/8th grade choral students to audition for Georgia’s esteemed All State Chorus. Five 6th grade students will be chosen to perform for the Georgia’s 6th grade honor chorus. These performances will take place in Athens, GA.

The choir will also perform in Georgia’s state adjudicated Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) in March. Location of this performance will be provided at a later date. We are very proud to have received our first SUPERIOR rating and will continue to strive for the highest quality of musicianship and performance.

Please read this handbook carefully. Sign and return the back page by Friday, August 5, 2016. By signing this contract you are acknowledging that you (the parent/guardian) have received this contract and fully understand its content and will comply with all of the choral procedures stated herein. This will count as the first graded assignment for the year.

Communication is vital and measures (see below) have been put in place to ensure proper communication.

Cell phone/texting service (Reminders)

Email: e.edwards@grady.k12.ga.us

Phone: 229-377-5858

Website: http://washington.gcm.schoolinsites.com (Click school staff, then my name)

Parents, thank you for supporting the Washington Middle School Chorus Program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Musically Yours,

Erikka Edwards

Course Description:

Middle school chorus is offered to students in grades 6th, 7th, and 8th for three consecutive nine week grading periods. In conjunction with the Georgia performance standards, students will learn the basic pedagogy (study) of voice, music theory, and age/grade-appropriate choral literature of various cultures; this will also include sacred music. Students are expected to sing on an individual basis and along with others in a choral setting.

Materials:

Provided by the school:

Provided by Student:

1) Method books

2) Choral binder and tabs

3) Sheet music for performers

a. Students who loses/misplaces music will need to purchase another copy for $2.00

1) Positive attitude and Willingness to learn

2) Singing Voice

3) 3-Ringed Pencil pouch (which will fit into a three-ring binder)

4) Pencil

5) Highlighter

6) Notebook paper

*Dues: ($30)

Choral dues (nonrefundable) help purchase music resources, minimize fundraising activities, the cost of travel expenses and performance registrations/fees throughout the year.

Meeting Times:

Each registered choral student will meet during the second half of his/her connection classes. Practices and performances are graded and students are expected to be in attendance.

General Evaluation/Assessment (100%):

Individual singing tests (10%)

Written tests (10%)

Behavior/Class participation (30%)

Performances/ Concerts/ Rehearsals (50%)

*Students who fail to attend a concert (for any reason) will receive a grade of ‘F’ for the performance. The ‘F’ grade will be forgiven only if a signed, written excuse (by a parent/legal guardian) and a three page written report on any musical topic is submitted the day after concert or when the student returns to school. Students have three days after the concert to submit the written report.

Report must include cover sheet and reference page (if needed) for a total of 5 pages. Report will be graded accordingly. The highest make-up grade is a 79% (C+).

**Examinations are based upon mastery of grade-level music standards. Failure to participate or inappropriate classroom behavior will result in an unsatisfactory evaluation/grade.

Classroom Rules: MUSIC CLASS

Page 3 of 9

1. M- Make good choices

2. U- Use equipment properly

3. S- Speak when the time is right

4. I- Involve yourself in all activities

5. C- Cooperate with others

6. C- Come to class prepared

7. L-Listen to others

8. A- Always follow directions the FIRST time given

9. S- Stay in your seat/designated area

10. S- Solve your problems PEACEFULLY

·

· Absolutely no gum, candy, food, or drink in chorus room (unless permitted by Ms. Edwards)

· No writing, leaning on, or placing anything on piano

Failure to adhere to ‘No Food Rule’ will result in a one (1) page written report on one of the following chosen topics:

1. The cause and effects of choking

2. The challenge of learning with rodents and/or insects running rampant in a classroom setting.

If student fails to submit report on the next day of offense, his/her weekly participating grade will drop 5 pts.

Expected Behavior:

Students are expected to be on their best behavior at ALL times. Unacceptable behavior will result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Washington Middle School’s Code of Conduct.

All choral students are to demonstrate respect for themselves, adults, and fellow classmates. Receiving multiple In/Out-of-School-Suspensions will result in dismissal from the choral program.

Students with an Out-of-School Suspension or Five (5) In-School Suspensions will not be permitted to travel with the chorus. Any previous monetary fees paid will be forfeited (not refunded).

UNIFORMS:

(1) Dress

(2) Casual

· Chorus Polo Shirt

· Black Dress Pants/Skirt

(girls may wear a knee length or longer black skirt)

· Black Shoes and Black Socks

· Closed-toe, No Sandals, 1” maximum heel height

This uniform is to be worn on all formal performances

· Travel T-Shirt

· Blue jeans or Black dress pants

The travel shirt will be worn on trips and non-formal performances

$15 (price for Polo Shirt)

$10 (price for Travel T-Shirt)

***Students must be in correct uniform to perform in concerts***

Fees:

Money for chorus shirts ($25) and first half of dues ($15) are due by Friday, September 2, 2016

Total Chorus Fees: $55

First Payment Due by September 2nd: $40

Second Payment Due by November 4th: $15

Fees continued:

Choral dues (nonrefundable) help purchase music resources, minimize fundraising activities, the cost of travel expenses and performance registrations/fees throughout the year.

Due to the many expenses that are associated with the beginning of the school year, I ask that 50% of the dues ($15) are submitted by Friday, September 2, 2016, and the other half ($15) by Friday, November 4th.

Rehearsals:

Rehearsal attendance is of the utmost importance to achieve the best possible performance. Rehearsal are mandatory! Just like practices for other sporting activities are mandatory, chorus rehearsals are also. Any absence(s) will lower the student’s performance grade. Only true emergencies such as a death in the family, or a chronic illness will be deemed as an excused absence. A written, signed excuse (by parent/legal guardian) must be provided by the student the day following the absence or when the student returns back to school.

Please note that rehearsal are divided into ‘sectionals’ and will progress to a full choir rehearsals as the dates of the performances gets closer.

Rehearsals are from 3:15pm to 4:30pm in the WMS chorus room. Please prepare (in advance) for chorus students to be picked up from the chorus room which is located behind the school (4th Ave. SW). Students will not be allowed to walk to the front of the school to be picked up.

For students participating in All State, 6th grade honor chorus, LGPE, and the ‘travel choir’ rehearsal dates will not be provided within this contract because these performances are not mandatory for the entire chorus.

Rehearsal Schedule: Dates are subject to change

Date

Time

6th Grade

7th Grade

8th Grade

August

3:15pm - 4:30pm

Boys (ONLY): 18th, 25th

Boys (ONLY): 24th, 31st

Boys (ONLY): 23rd, 30th

September

3:15pm - 4:30pm

15th, 22nd, 29th

7th, 21st, 28th

6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

October

3:15pm - 4:30pm

11th, 13th, 27th

11th, 13th, 26th

11th, 13th, 25th

November

3:15pm - 4:30pm

3rd, 8th, 10th, 17th

2nd, 8th, 10th, 16th

1st, 8th, 10th, 15th

December

3:15pm - 4:30pm

1st, 8th

7th, 8th

6th, 8th

January

3:15pm - 4:30pm

19th, 26th

18th, 25th

17th, 24th, 31st

February

3:15pm - 4:30pm

2nd, 9th

1st, 8th

7th, 21st, 28th

March

3:15pm - 4:30pm

2nd, 7th, 9th, 13th, 14th

1st, 7th, 9th, 13th, 14th

7th, 13th, 14th

Performances:

Concert attendance is Mandatory. Students who fail to attend a concert (for any reason) will receive a grade of ‘F’ for the performance. The ‘F’ grade will be forgiven only if a signed, written excuse (by a parent/legal guardian) and a three page written report on any musical topic is submitted the day after the concert or when the student returns to school. Students have three days after the concert to submit the written report.

Report must include cover sheet and reference page (if needed) for total of 5 pages. Report will be graded accordingly. The highest make-up grade is a 79% (C+).

WMS Chorus Event/Performance Dates 2016-2017

2016

2017

August (20th) - Parent Meeting

August (22nd - Sep. 2nd) - Krispy Kreme Fundraiser (WMS)

September 2nd - Money for Dues and Shirts are due

October 17th - Grady County Choral Extravaganza (CHS)

November 11th - Veterans Day Assembly (WMS)

November 12th - All State Chorus Auditions

November 18th – Wild Adventures

December (12th) - Christmas Concert (WMS)

January 14th - Fox Theatre (The Little Mermaid/Atlanta, GA)

January 19th - Final All State Auditions

February 17th thru 18th - Sixth grade Statewide

Honor Chorus (Athens, GA)

February 23rd thru 25th - All State Chorus

(Athens, GA)

March 14th or 15th - LGPE Performance

March (20th) - Spring Concert

March 31- Elementary Recruitment Day

Performances:

** Note: Dates and Times are subject to change. Additional performances may be added to the above-mentioned dates. You will be notified in advance.

On campus - MANDATORY:

DATE

EVENT

TIME

LOCATION

ATTIRE

Nov. 11th

Veterans Day

TBA

Gymnasium

Chorus Polo/Dress

Dec.

Christmas Concert

6:00 PM

Gymnasium

Chorus Polo/Dress

March

Spring Concert

6:00 PM

Gymnasium

Chorus Polo/Dress

Off Campus - MANDATORY:

DATE

EVENT

TIME

LOCATION

ATTIRE

Oct. 17

Grady Choral Extravaganza

6:30PM

CHS Auditorium

TBA

Off Campus - Encouraged/Volunteer:

DATE

EVENT

TIME

LOCATION

ATTIRE

Nov.

All State Audition

TBA

Crisp County High

N/A

(Look nice, no extreme casual)

Jan.

All State Final Audition

TBA

Bainbridge High School

N/A

(Look nice, no extreme casual)

Feb. 17-18

6th grade Honor Chorus

8AM-9PM

Athens, GA

N/A

(Look nice, no extreme casual)

Feb.

All State Chorus Event

8 AM- 9 PM

Athens, GA

N/A

(Look nice, no extreme casual)

March 14 or 15

LGPE

TBA

TBA

Chorus Polo/ Dress

Nov. 11

Elementary Veterans Day Program

TBA

Cairo, GA

Chorus Polo/Dress

Nov. 18

Wild Adventures

TBA

Valdosta

Travel Shirt/Casual

March 31

Elementary Recruitment

TBA

Cairo, GA

Travel Shirt

~ Quick Reference Guide ~

How To Remain in Contact and Updated

6th grade:

Text @a993fa to the number 81010

If having trouble text @ a993fa to (703) 687-9252

7th grade:

Text @25da7d3a to the number 81010

If having trouble text @25da7d3a to (703) 687-9252

8th grade:

Text @25da7d3 to the number 81010

If having trouble text @25da7d3 to (703) 687-9252

Website: http://washington.gcm.schoolinsites.com

Click on ‘School Staff’- left hand side

Click on my name: Erikka Edwards

Contract Consent Page

Due by Friday, August 5, 2016

First Graded Assignment

Please complete, sign and return this contract form indicating you (the parent and student) understand all Chorus classroom procedures and that chorus is a commitment (August 2016 – April 2017). This submitted form will count as the first graded assignment for the year.

Student Name: ____________________________ Student Signature: _______________________

(Print)

Grade: ___________ T- Shirt Size: ________

Parent Name: ______________________________ Parent Signature: ___________________________

(Legal Guardian) Print

Parent Contact Phone number(s): __________________ __________________ ________________

CellWorkHome

Address: _________________________________________________________

Parent email address: ______________________________________________

Person responsible for pickup: ____________________ Relationship__________ Phone number___________

_____ Yes, I would like to Chaperone Chorus trips and/or concerts

Please list special talents/gifts you are willing to lend (i.e. accounting, photography, building, technology).

______________________________________________________________________________