Fierce Melody

Showchoir

Handbook

2014-2015

Also available online at: npms.npsd.k12.ms.us

Dear______,

Congratulations on your selection into the “Fierce Melody” showchoir! I am very excited about your decision to be a member of the Showchoir program this year. I hope you are as anxious as I am about your membership and what lies ahead for us in 14-15. This year will be the third year that this ensemble will be competing. Each year, I try to reach new levels of quality in our performances and I am looking forward to reaching even more, higher levels of quality this coming year. In addition, I enjoy watching the fun students have, the relationships they gain, and the growth they experience as people throughout the season.

Participating in “Fierce Melody” is an important commitment you make to the group’s rehearsal schedule, financial obligation, and performances. This is a group where everyone is equally important in achieving success. In an effort to clear up some scheduling issues, conduct expectations, attendance and travel expectations, and financial obligations well ahead of time, I wanted you give you this time to read and digest this information. I would like to make sure that we are all in agreement about what is expected of you for this year.

The enclosed information deals with scheduling, conduct expectations, attendance and travel expectation, financial obligations, rehearsal expectations, and calendar issues. Also included are other items of information that are important for you to know.

Please read the enclose document carefully and discuss it with your parents/guardians. The agreement form needs to be signed and returned no later than May 16, 2014.

I am very happy to have you on board for another great Show Choir season.

Jenna Valentine

North Pike Middle School

Showchoir Director

601-684-3283

  1. Rehearsal Schedule and Attendance Policy

The schedule for Fierce Melody is very important and is included in this contract. I ask that all students inform me in advance of known absences. If a student is absent from a rehearsal without prior knowledge, theywill have 24 hours from the end of the rehearsal for a parent/guardian to contact Mrs. Valentine in order to excuse the absence. The absences will be by only a doctor’s excuse or participation in NPSD activity. Many others did not make it into the group, and it is disrespectful to them, to your fellow members, and to the director not to be at rehearsal. Demerits will be given for unexcused absences. Students are expected to bring a list of ALL known conflicts for the year (including sports schedules)with them as soon as you receive them. You can check the constantly updated yearly schedule ANYTIMEat and remind101 updates. Therefore, there is no excuse for a forgotten conflict, and such aconflict may or may not be accepted (Note: IF a sports schedule is not known in the summer, wewill work out the conflicts with the student and coordinator as they arise during the year)

A student’s commitment to “Fierce Melody” is made evident by attendance at rehearsals and performances. We will operate under a demerit attendance policy. This policy allows 10demerits per year. A demerit may defined as any of the following:

  • Poor attitude/ Misbehaviour (1 demerit)
  • Unexcused absence (2 demerits)
  • Frequent excused absences (Three excused absences=One unexcused absence)(2 demerits)
  • Tardiness (Three tardy=One unexcused absence)(2 demerits
  • Unexcused absence from a performance= (5demerits)
  • Late pick-up after rehearsal of more than 10 minutes (1 demerit)

After 10demerits, the director will determine the student’s future in the group. The first consequence is elimination from a number in the competition show. Missing a rehearsal causes complications and confusion for everyone. If a student is asked to leave, they will forfeit his/her showchoir fees and will be responsible for future fees. If you leave the group for any reason you forfeit your place for the remainder of the year and will not be allowed to try-out the following year. Any reported violation of the NPSD Code of Conduct will result in missed performances. These will count as excused absences. Any instances of fighting, either within showchoir or within the school, will result in an unexcused absence from rehearsal/performance. If you are to be absent or tardy to a rehearsal for any reason, an email needs to be sent as soon as you know about the conflict to

  1. Performance/Competition Attendance

The hard fast rule for performance attendance is: If “Fierce Melody” is scheduled to perform, you will be there! Your absence severely affects the entire group. On stage, it is possible that your absence would cause problems that are impossible for the group to recover from.

Competitions and school performances are extremely important and therefore cannot bemissed. In an activity that is so TEAM-BASED, it is IMPERATIVE that we have all members present forcompetitions. If a judge sees a “hole” in our blocking, due to missing members, this affects everymember of the group, can potentially affect our overall score, and ultimately our placing at thecompetition.

If a competition is going to be missed, this MUST be communicated to the director in the

summer. If a MAJOR sports/activity conflict arises during the year the conflict will be worked out between the directors, activitycoordinator, and the student. REGULAR PRACTICE is not grounds for missing a weekendcompetition and will not be excused. Outside of school activities are not excused.

Possible exceptions are, but not limited to, the following:

  1. Family emergency/serious illness.
  2. An unavoidable conflictwith another school activity. If this occurs it is important that a student informs Mrs. Valentine of which activity they are planning to participate in ASAP.

Students who have an illness/conflict must communicate it to Mrs. Valentine at the soonest possible moment. If this is not done, the absence becomes unexcused. Students CANNOT request to miss an event for an “unexcused” reason. If the studentmisses an event for an “unexcused reason, the student’s absence will be unexcused(5 demerits earned).

  1. Rehearsal Etiquette
  1. In order to succeed we need cooperation. This means you need to know when to talk and when to be quiet. Ifyou are talking you might miss something very important. You also distract the other members when you talk.
  2. The director will appoint section leaders and dance captains. You need to show these individuals the respectthey deserve. Everyone has the right to voice his/her opinion; practice is not the time to do this. You arethere to sing and dance and that is what you need to accomplish.
  1. Show choir must function as a family. All differences among individual members must be “left at the door”before rehearsal. Backbiting gets you bumped out of placing.
  1. TEAMWORK-- EQUIPMENT DOESN'T PUT THEMSELVES AWAY!

We need every studentto do their fair share of loading, unloading, storing, assembling, sweeping, and whatever else needs to be done. We take notice of slackers!!! NOBODY is too good for a little manual labor. We are in the process of purchasing excellent equipment and materials and we hope each member will take pride in their ownership by taking good care of our facility. No food or drink (except water bottles) is permitted at rehearsal. At the end of rehearsal trash must be cleaned up, folders stored, and equipment put away. Everyone will stay until this is completed.

  1. Important out-of-town travel Info
  1. Students are required to wear their “Fierce Melody” t-shirt each and every time we travel. Not only does it promote group unity, it also makes NPMS students easy to spot in the crowded hallways, gyms, etc.
  2. Students are not allowed to leave the performance facility for any reason, unless it is discussed and approved with Mrs. Valentine ahead of time. We must have total accountability of all students at all times. This is very important liability and safety issue!
  3. When we are at competitions, students will be expected to be in the performance hall watching other groups perform when they are not needed elsewhere (getting prepare to perform, eating food, etc). The use of a cell phoneis not permitted on competition day!

Bus

1. Pick up ALL trash – even if it’s not yours

2. Keep stuff organized. Make sure you take ALL of your things off the bus (including all costumes).

3. Do not leave valuables on the bus at any time. You are responsible for your own things.

4. Be respectful to all parent volunteers.

Competition

1. Be friendly to all other schools even if they don’t return the courtesy.

2. Clap for schools after they perform. Don’t trash talk anyone.

3. Again, you are representing your school. Make a good impression on other people by not running through thehalls and horse playing.

4. Be friendly and outgoing. Give support to everyone.

5. Always be professional.

6. When you are not performing or preparing for a performance, you need to be in the auditorium watching otherschools.

7. You will not use a cell phone, even to text during other choir’s performances or backstage

8.Be respectful to all parent volunteers. Parents are donating their time towards your success – whether helping with hair, make-up, costuming, or staging. Do not complain about the work they are doing.

****Students will be under the NPMS Code of Conduct at all times. Students must understand that they will be representing NPMS when we travel. Poor choices on their part reflecton the ENTIRE school district, staff and student population.

  1. Student Field Trip Conduct Code

Duringshow choir trips, my conduct will be such to promote an excellent perception of students and schools in the North Pike School District. I agree to follow these eight conduct rules:

  1. My behavior at all times will reflect a positive image.
  2. I will keep the field trip advisor(s) informed of my whereabouts and activities at all times
  3. If I experience any accident, injury, or illness during the field trip. I will report to the advisor(s) immediately, I will do the same if I see someone else injured or ill.
  4. If I steal or vandalize while on the field trip. My parent(s)/ guardian(s) andI areexpected to pay for the damage/product stolen.
  5. I will not purchase, have in my possession, consume or be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at any time.
  6. I will not purchase, have in my possession, or use any tobacco product,
  7. I will follow all directions given by the advisors(s) and will do so with courtesy and respect.
  8. I will follow all school rules, as well as state and federal laws.

I know I will be subject to disciplinary action and my parent(s)-guardian(s) will be notified if I break any part of the Conduct Code. If I break any part of the conduct code and the director decides to return me to NPMS, all expenses incurred will be paid for by my parent(s)/ guardians(s) and me.

  1. Financial Obligations

Approximate costs for the year

Choir fee (CF)$150

Fee covers: Costumes, arrangements, choreographer fees, set, shirt

Accessories fee (AF)$150

Fee covers: shoes, jewelry, dress accessories, props

Travel Fee (TF)$150

Fee covers: competition and festival fees, mass choir, bus

Payment Schedule:

May15 th$150

August 7th$150

September 9th$150

*Remember fundraising is available to cover these cost but each student must raise their own.

These dates detail when payments are due. Accounts not reflecting a 0 balance on or after the dates outlined above will be considered late. Please communicate if you have a special concern or request and accommodations can be made. Students who are behind on payments may lose the opportunity to perform. Communication is KEY!!!

Students may use money from their fundraising account to help pay this fee. Once received, payment is non-refundable. Any unpaid fees will be turned to the school secretary.

I can assure you that compared to other competitive show choirs, our fees are at or well below what other schools charge.

  1. Stage Appearance

An issue for a competing showhcoir choir to deal with is maintaining a uniform appearance on stage. It is important that each member on stage give the same appearance as all of the others. This is an issue with many judges and is included on many ballots at competitions. The decisions made about our group “look” are not your individual choice. Since our main goal is to perform to the best of our ability each and every time, each student will need to make a commitment to conform to the following stage appearance standards.

  1. Hair will be done to the satisfaction of the director.
  2. All hair color must be in one color. Highlights are acceptable, but bright tones that are not natural hair colors are not.
  3. Men’s hair must be neatly trimmed
  4. Make-up will be applied in the same fashion as every other women in the group (this includes colors!)
  5. Although we will have some on stack, all students should provide their own hairspray, gel, brushes, etc.
  1. NPSD/ NPMS Code of Conduct

Any student found in violation of the NPSD/NPMS code of conduct will be handled in accordance with school policy and administration. This code of conduct is found in your student handbook. Please read this information carefully. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Valentine.

  1. Grades and No Pass/ No Play

According to MHSAA students who do not maintain an overall grade average of 2.0 (C average) in four basic courses the previous semester will not be able to compete. This is all of your classes averaged together must be a 2.0. The year-end average for the spring semester will be used to compute averages for the fall semester.

Missing student from competitions presents challenges not only to the directors. But also to the students who have learn not only new spacing but sometime new choreography and new solos. As a preventative measure, Mrs. Valentine will check all progress reports for D’s and F’s.

Parent’s WANTED!

Choir Parent Volunteer Sign-up

The choral department at North Pike Middle school is in need of assistance from student parents for the 2014-2015 school years. We are in need of committee members and coordinators alike to volunteer their time and support the efforts of NPMS in providing our students with an outstanding choral musical experience. Please complete the volunteer checklist below by marking all areas that you feel you have the time and talent with which to assist. Please fill out all information below and completely so that correct information will be listed on the volunteer list.

Parent/Guardian’s

Name:______

Student’s Name______

Home Phone______Home E-mail______

Work Phone______Work E-mail______

Cell Phone______

Parent/Guardian’s Occupation______

Are you available during school hours? Yes No

If yes, please list day and times______

Please check the boxes below of all that applies to you willingness to support the showchoir

Job Description / I am willing to help
Costume
-Machine Sewing
-Hand Sewing
Publicity
Trip
Backdrop Transportation
Tech/Prop Construction
Fundraiser
Hair and Make-up
Concert
  1. Membership Signature Agreement

PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN THE ENTIRE PAGE OF THIS AGREEMENT AND RETURN IT TO MRS. VALENTINE TO COMFIRM MEMBERSHIP.

“Fierce Melody” Membership Agreement

We confirm that we have read and do completely understand all of the information that is stated in this handbook. Furthermore, we state that I/our student agree(s) to follow these policies/guideline in order to maintainmembership in NPMS showchoir. It is understood that appropriate actions will be taken against me/our student in the event that this agreement to follow these policies/guideline is broken,

Student Signature______

Parent/Guardian Signature______

  1. Membership Information

Student Name______Parent/Guardian Name______

Shirt Size: S______M______L______XL______XXL______

Shoe Size______

Rehearsals and Performances!

Please check the NORTH PIKE MIDDLE SCHOOL SHOWCHOIR WEBSITE CALENDAR

for updates/concert dates/competition dates!

We will rehearsal schedule will be given at the beginning of the school year.

2015 Competition Schedule!

February 6: Jackson Academy Showchoir Invitational, Jackson MS

February 13: Purvis Showchoir Invitational, Purvis MS

and either

February 20: Homewood South Classic, Homewood AL

Or

February 27: Petal Showchoir Invitational, Petal MS

I will have the rest very soon!

Keep this on your

Refrigerator

Communication

Most problems are simply a lack of communication. Students must

discuss any conflicts or problems with the director (contrary to

popular belief, I can't read minds!)…I can be reached at:

E-MAIL (works best):

601-684-3283

If a student misses rehearsal it is his/her responsibility to

communicate with the director in advance. It is also their

responsibility to ask if any announcements or pertinent info was

missed. Also, any extra handouts given can be received from Mrs. Valentine

Adapted from Muscatine High School Showchoir