WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHORAL MUSIC HANDBOOK
Congratulations! You are a member of the WMS team of choral musicians! What a great opportunity to explore the fascinating world of vocal music and performance. I am excited to be working with you and am looking forward to a journey filled with challenge, growth and fulfillment.
COMMITMENTS
CONCERTS
All singers will be expected to perform at the three major concerts (December, March, May). This is why we do what we do! Therefore, attendance at these concerts is mandatory and will strongly affect your grade and your trip eligibility.
TRIPS
Once a year, in May, the choirs may be eligible to go on a field trip to a festival at another school site. In addition, I am looking at scheduling a performance with the Nampa High choral program and possibly visiting the elementary schools that feed into WMS to grow and strengthen our program. There will likely be other trip possibilities for Honor Choir members. Singers must meet WMS academic eligibility standards in order to go.
REHEARSAL RULES
These guidelines (rules) should be followed during rehearsal and class time:
1. Treat all others with courtesy, respect, and dignity
2. Be on time, have pencil and choir materials, participate in all rehearsal activities.
3. Be in your designated rehearsal spot unless otherwise directed.
4. Water is allowed during rehearsal. No other drink, food or gum is allowed.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Part of the overall effect of our performances is determined by how we look. Our appearance may also determine, or at least influence, how we feel about ourselves as we perform. It is therefore important that we approach our concert attire professionally and responsibly. Voice (6th period) and Chorus (8th period) members will wear a uniform t-shirt with appropriate pants or skirt. This t-shirt will be ordered for each individual in the choir at cost of ten dollars per shirt. Honor Choir members will wear the formal uniform which consists of black tux pants, black long sleeve shirt and red tie for the boys and a black, knee length dress for the girls (girls may opt to wear the pant/shirt/tie outfit if they choose). These items will be ordered by Mr. Maine early in the year. Honor Choir students who already own the outfit are not required to purchase another, provided the outfit still fits and is in good condition. Students are required to cover these outfit costs. An optional music department fundraiser will be held in the fall or spring to help students pay for the uniforms. Parents will be notified when the order is being placed. The notice will include the cost of the shirt and where to send/bring the money. At concert time, the choir member will remain in FULL ATTIRE as long as the audience can see them. Students who show up for a concert not dressed in proper concert attire will be in jeopardy of not being able to perform.
ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Grades in music are subjective and are based on the following:
Daily participation, effort, and attitude ___40%
Participation in performances ___40%
Tests, Quizzes, and other required written work ___20%
Grading Scale: A 90%
B 80%
C 70%
D 60%
F 59% or below
Mr. Maine
Tentative Calendar for 2017-18(subject to change)
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 – Idaho Youth Barbershop Festival (Honor Choir only)
– all day – Morrison Center for the Performing Arts – Boise
*Thursday, December 14, 2017 – Christmas Choral Concert - 7 PM – West Middle School Gym
*Tuesday, March 13, 2018 – Choir Festival Concert – 7PM – West Middle School Gym
*Friday, March 16, 2018 –Jazz Coffee House (Honor Choir Only) – West Commons
Wednesday, May 2 or Thursday, May 3, 2018 – District III Choral Festival – Daytime – Middleton HS
*Thursday, May 17, 2018 – Spring Choral Pops Concert – 7PM – West Middle School Gym
* Dates in Bold are mandatory
** Other dates/performances may be added to the schedule as they arise.
PLEASE FILL OUT AND RETURN THE "PERSONAL INFORMATION SHEET AND COMMITMENT CONTRACT" ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE. THIS SHOULD BE TURNED IN TO MR. MAINE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. AN ASSIGNMENT GRADE WILL BE GIVEN FOR ITS RETURN.
PERSONAL INFORMATION SHEET
AND COMMITMENT CONTRACT
NAME______GRADE______
ADDRESS______PHONE______
PARENT/GUARDIAN ______PHONE______
COMMITMENT STATEMENT
I have carefully read the attached CHORAL HANDBOOK and fully understand the guidelines and expectations to which my child and I are committing. We agree to show tolerance and respect for others when involved in choral-related activities. We also agree to communicate with Mr. Maine and others in a positive, clear manner in matters involving or related to choir.
______
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE
______
STUDENT SIGNATURE student name (print) DATE