Sheridan High School
Show Choir Handbook
2012-2013
Director: Mrs. McClain
Table of Contents
Attendance & Grading………………………………………………………………..3
Attendance & Absences……………………………………………………………....4
Rehearsal Expectations……………………………………………………………….5
Costume Information………………………………………………………………….6
Choir Club…………………………………………………………………………….7
Fundraisers……………………………………………………………………………8
Payment Schedule……………………………………………………………………..9
Summer Rehearsals & Camp………………………………………………………….10
Camp Schedule……………………………………………………………………….11
Qualifications of a Section Leader & Dance Captain………………………………...12
Show Choir Band & Crew……………………………………………………………13
Chaperone Duties…………………………………………………………………….14
Show Choir Tips……………………………………………………………………..15
Handbook Agreement………………………………………………………………..16
Attendance & Grading
Attendance:
- Attendance is a must and ALL concerts, competitions, and performances are MANDATORY!
- Excused absences from a performance include: family emergency (parent must talk to Mrs. McClain), death in the family, or sickness (must have a doctor's note). The student will then have to do an individual performance for Mrs. McClain to make up for the grade.
- ALL excused absences must be cleared with Mrs. McClain as far as possible in advance and definitely PRIOR to the performance. You MUST submit a hand-written excuse to Mrs. McClain before the absence.
- Students may not miss more than 3 rehearsals outside of school. Those students who have 3 or more unexcused absences from rehearsals will be dismissed from the group with a failing grade.
- Unexcused absences will result in a grade deduction.
- Attendance is taken daily in class and will reflect upon your class grade.
- Mrs. McClain must receive a WRITTEN NOTE FOR ALL MISSED REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES, WHETHER EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED. This note must be turned in at least 1 week before the missed rehearsal or performance.
Grading:
50 points per performance/concert
10 points for each afterschool rehearsal
10 points for signed syllabus
30 points for Saturday rehearsals
30 points for Elementary Tours
25 points for weekly music/dance checks
20 points for Show Choir end-of-the-year Survey
5 points for each pencil check
20 points for School Performance
Senior Final is TBA
Undergrad Final is the Graduation Performance (30 points)-you may not use exam exemptions for this final.
**Failure to attend concert performances may result in a failing grade unless it is an excused absence.**
Grading Scale is same as schools, please refer to the student handbook.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
· EXCUSED ABSENCES:
1. Sickness or ill with a doctor’s note
2. Death in the Family
3. Family Emergency (parents must talk with Mrs. McClain before hand)
4. Another school event as long as it has been discussed and OK’d with Mrs. McClain
· UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
1. Work
2. Don’t have a ride
3. Didn’t know about the practice or performance
4. Etc.
· All missed practices MUST be approved by Mrs. McClain in a weeks advance with paper notice to be considered excused. A grade deduction will not take place if the absence is excused however, non-excused absences will result in the lowering of the student’s grade.
· All missed performances MUST be approved by Mrs. McClain in two weeks advance with paper notice to be considered excused. A grade deduction will not take place if the absence is excused however, non-excused absences will result in the lowering of the student’s grade.
· Attendance is taken daily during school and will reflect upon your class grade. You will receive two points a day for class participation. Excused absences (through the school) will exempt you from the two points a day and will not harm your grade.
GRADING
Show Choir is a “registered class” at Sheridan High School. The grading scale will be based upon the Sheridan High School grading scale found in your student handbook.
Class Attendance 2 points a day
After School Practice Attendance 10 points
Saturday Rehearsals 30 points each
Performances/Concerts 50 points each
Elementary Tour 30 points
Class Survey 20 points
School Performance 20 points
Music and Dance Checks 25 points
Weekly Evaluations 20 points
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
· Be on time. Consequence-for every 5 minutes late 2 points will be taken off of the student’s rehearsal grade.
· Wear comfy clothes and tennis shoes and/or performance shoes.
· Be respectful. Everyone is at rehearsals to improve their performances. If a director corrects you, or a captain, or an upperclassman do not talk back. Take the criticism and if there is a problem see Mrs. McClain after practice or during a break.
· Attend All Rehearsals. Consequence-grade deduction and if this becomes a reoccurring event then possible dismissal from group.
· Come prepared.
· NO CELL PHONES. Consequence-confiscation of cell phone till the end of practice.
TRIPS AND PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
· Be on time. Consequence-for every 5 minutes late 2 points will be taken off of the student’s grade.
· Dressed and Ready. Have ALL your performance outfit ready and on if directed. Outfits must be clean and wrinkle-free.
· Respectful and Good Behavior. As a member of the SHS Show Choir you are a representative of our school. You are to be on your best behavior at all times and do not talk back to authorities. Consequence-left up to the director.
· Bus Behavior. All school rules apply on busses. Consequence-write-up from bus driver or director.
Show Choir Costume Information
When costumes/polos are to be worn:
· During a dress rehearsal, at Mrs. McClain’s discretion.
· Concerts and Performances
· AFTER the Show Choir season (end of the school year) you may wear your costume anytime you would like. I would NOT recommend wearing your polo shirt if you plan on continuing Show Choir due to the polo looking “old/worn out”.
Cleaning:
· You are responsible for taking care of your own costumes/polos.
Please pay close attention to the costume/polo information on cleaning.
Choir Club
The Sheridan High School Choir Club is a volunteer organization that is designed to support the choir programs at Sheridan High School, both financially and in other ways. If your son or daughter is a participant in the Sheridan HS Choirs in any way then you, the parents, are members of the Choir Club. The Club generously volunteer their time organizing fundraisers and running fundraisers to support the Choirs financially. The Choir Club is continually looking for more parents to become involved. Not only will this lessen the burden on current members, but it will help the formation of new ideas and projects. The Choir Club meets the first Thursday of every month at 7:00pm in the high school choir. The first meeting of the school year is September 6th at 7:00pm.
Fundraiser Requirements for Students
To help contribute and to help alleviate the burden on the parent’s pocket books it is HIGHLY recommended that choir members participate in ALL fundraisers. The mandatory fundraisers include the Craft Bazaar, Talent Show (if applicable) and Mother’s Day Sing-A-Grams. The profit from the fundraisers will either go into the student’s own personal account OR it will go into the Show Choir Choreographer/Competition Fees account. This is to be decided upon by the director as to which fundraiser goes into each account. See the calendar for a complete list of fundraisers and when they will take place. Please see Mrs. McClain if you have any questions or would like to know the balance in your child’s account.
Show Choir Fundraisers 2012-2013
June 2012 (set-up volunteer needed)
-Car Wash/Bake Sale (individual fund)
August 2012 (set-up volunteer needed)
-Pancake Breakfast at the Somerset Snack Bar (individual fund)
September 2012
-Discount Card Fundraiser-All Choir Fundraiser (individual fund for Show Choir only)
-Car Wash/Bake Sale at Coop’s Corner (individual fund) (set-up volunteer needed)
November 2011
-Craft Bazaar-All Choir Fundraiser (group fund)
May 2012
-Mother’s Day Sing-A-Grams (general fund)
Other Possible Fundraisers:
Restaurant Take-Over
Open to suggestions!
2012-2013 Show Choir Costume Payment Slips
Please send in a slip with each payment.
Checks payable to: Sheridan HS Choirs
Payment #1 of $65 Due Tuesday, August 28th
Student Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Check #: ______Amount on check: ______
Payment #2 of $65 Due Tuesday, September 25th
Student Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Check #: ______Amount on check: ______
Payment #3 of $65 Due Tuesday, October 30th
Student Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Check #: ______Amount on check: ______
Payment #4 of balance Due Tuesday, November 27th
Student Name: ______
Parent/Guardian Name: ______
Check #: ______Amount on check: ______
SUMMER REHEARSALS &
SHOW CHOIR CAMP
· Summer rehearsals begin in July. The first couple of rehearsals are to learn vocals and begin stretching and working out.
· Show Choir Camp is where the students learn the entire show with the choreographer in one week. See calendar for times. Camp is MANDATORY for all Show Choir members. Football players please see Mrs. McClain.
· Breaks will be given and students will not be permitted to go off campus during breaks. Please bring your lunch with you or arrange for someone to bring it at the designated times. Lunch Monday through Thursday is 11:45am-12:30pm. Lunch on Friday is 1:00am-1:45pm.
· Wear comfy clothes and tennis shoes to Show Choir Camp. You may also want to bring your performance shoes. Bring water and Gatorade to keep you refreshed and snacks are allowed during breaks unless you have a medical condition. Also, remember to bring your music, folder, and pencil to all practices.
· Bring a water bottle to ALL rehearsals.
· No missing rehearsals or coming in late or leaving early.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
Show Choir can be an extremely hard physical activity. While we do exercises and stretching during rehearsals, it is a good idea to get yourself in shape prior to camp and to continue exercising through the entire year. Workout sessions are available throughout the summer in the homes of the Dance Captains. There will be a schedule posted soon of dates and times.
During rehearsal breaks PLEASE, take the opportunity to hydrate yourself. Also, make sure your Emergency Medical form has been turned in and is up-to-date. If any information changes, it is important to notify Mrs. McClain.
Show Choir Camp Schedule
(Monday-Thursday)
8:00-8:25am: Vocal & Physical Warm-up
8:25-8:30am: Break
8:30-10:00am: Choreography
10:00-10:15am: Break
10:15-11:45am: Choreography
11:45-12:30pm: Lunch
12:30-12:45pm: Activity Time
12:45-3:00pm: Choreography
3:00-3:15pm: Break
3:15-5:30pm: Choreography
Show Choir Camp Schedule
(Friday)
9:00-9:25am: Vocal & Physical Warm-up
9:25-9:30am: Break
9:30-11:00am: Choreography
11:00-11:15am: Break
11:15-1:00pm: Choreography
1:00-1:45pm: Lunch
1:45-3:30pm: Choreography
3:30-3:45pm: Break
3:45-5:45pm: Choreography, Run-throughs & Clean-up
5:45-6:00pm Break
6:00pm: Performance in the Choir Room
Qualifications of a Dance Captain & Section Leader
· Must be an upper classman with a minimum of one-year experience.
· Must show good leadership skills and qualities of a good role model.
· Must have good attendance both in school and in Show Choir practices and performances.
· Must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
· Must fill out an application in March of the year before entering the role.
· Must have a good audition in March.
Process:
· Fill out a Dance Captain and/or Section Leader application.
· Perform/tryout for the position.
· Audition in March.
· Interview with Mrs. McClain.
Show Choir Band
· This is a select group, chosen by the Director.
· The members of this band must have achieved a high level of playing on their instrument and be able to play their own parts independently.
· Show Choir band members may take Show Choir as a class if it fits into their schedule.
· It is the responsibility of each Show Choir Band member to learn their own music and come prepared to rehearsals.
· Show Choir Band members must attend all rehearsals and if they can not they must contact Mrs. McClain in advance (before the day of rehearsal).
· Rehearsals for the band are noted in the Show Choir Calendar.
· Band members must purchase the Show Choir polo, as it is a part of their uniform. The uniform for band members includes black pants, black socks, black shoes, and the Show Choir polo.
Show Choir Crew
· The Director or auditions, in March, selects the crewmembers for the Show Choir.
· Crewmembers are responsible for creating, making/building, and maintaining the Show Choir sets. They also help the choir backstage and help build-up and tear down sets.
· The crew may take Show Choir as a class if it fits into their schedule.
· The crew begins working on the sets in August and is required to attend rehearsals in November/December at the Director’s discretion.
· Crewmembers are to be at all performances and competitions.
· Crewmembers must purchase the Show Choir polo, as it is a part of their uniform. They must also wear black pants, black socks, and black shoes.
Chaperone Duties at Competitions
1. Chaperones are parents who either ride the bus or drive the equipment truck to and from competitions. They are on first come, first serve basis.
2. On the bus chaperones are asked to help keep control of students including:
-Keeping noise level down
-Students in their seats and facing forward
-Students are not allowed to stand up or move seats while the bus is in motion
-Students are not permitted to eat or drink on the bus
-Keeping an eye on students- no PDA or else seating will be boy/boy and girl/girl for all remaining Show Choir trips throughout the season.
3. Arrival and Departure at competitions:
-Chaperones may be asked to help unload or load our equipment.
4. In the “Homerooms” at competitions:
-If boys/girls rooms are separated then make sure they stay that way at all times
-Keep the room as structured and organized as possible
-Keep noise level down. Remind the students that they are being watched on and off stage.
-A chaperone should be in the room at all times to keep an eye on students. Some competitions will not allow students in the room alone without a chaperone at all time.
-Students are allowed to stay in the homeroom however they must watch at least two other groups perform in the performance hall (not on the television in the room).
-There should be no food in the homeroom or drinks (with the exception of water and bottled drinks).
5. In the Performance Halls:
-Keeping a general eye on the students.
-If you see students talking during a performance please wait till the performance is over and then tell them to stop. I also as that you give me know the names of the students.