Johnston Performing and Visual Arts Middle School --
Handbell Handbook
2014-2015
Dear Parent(s):
Welcome toJohnstonMiddleSchoolfor the Performing and Visual Arts! You have chosen to become part of an exceptional program of arts education. The 2014-2015 school year promises to be an exciting and challenging one with many musical performances, dance concerts, art exhibitions, and drama productions. In this era of technology and science, many schools are phasing out the arts; we atJohnstonknow that the arts play a vital role in every individual’s life. We are dedicated to enabling our students to work in a team towards our common goal of excellence in performance.
When asked the question, “Why do we give our children instruction in the arts?” we answer:
Not because we expect them to major in the arts;
Not because we expect them to perform all their lives;
Not so they can relax;
Not so they can have fun;
But so they will be human,
So they will recognize beauty;
So they will be closer to an infinite beyond this world;
So they will have more love, more prosperous living
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?
This handbook is designed to answer your questions about the choir program atJohnston. Please read it carefully, sign the form (both sides), and return it to school.
Thank you!
Laurie Conner and Vasti Cantu
Choir Directors
JohnstonMiddle School
Performing and Visual Arts Faculty
Art Tobi Arsham
Art Christina Gutierrez
Art Courtney Adams
Band James Fry
Band Gregory Siegrist
Broadcast Journalism Vinnie Arlt
Choir Laurie Conner
Choir Vasti Cantu
Dance Chad Peters
Guitar Roberto Guinea
Handbells Vasti Cantu
Mariachi William Hoffman
Orchestra Jose Rocha
Piano Diane Grosscope
Piano Rolethial McKelvey
Theater Arts Jennifer Wood
Magnet Coordinator Gary Leger
The faculty may be reached at the following telephone numbers:
Main School Number (713)726-3616
Magnet Office (713)726-3628
Fax (713)726-3622
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
Students enter our magnet program through the audition process in their primary areas of interest. Students will remain in those two disciplines for their three years atJohnston and will not be permitted to leave their primary area of interest. Students are also expected to remain in their second magnet class throughout the time in our program unless there is sufficient reason presented to necessitate a change (schedule conflict or teacher deems a change is appropriate).
HANDBELL CODE OF CONDUCT
ADDITIONAL REHEARSALS/ACTIVITIES
Students will be given adequate notice of all additional rehearsals and activities outside of the regular class period. These rehearsals and activities are course requirements and are vital to the success of the choral program. Every effort will be made to minimize the amount of out-of-class time required. Therefore, unexcused absences from these activities will be treated in the same manner as an unexcused absence from class, and will affect the student’s grade. In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the sponsors of the activities. The sponsors will then determine the student’s obligation.
HANDBELL FEES
In order to produce the extraordinary results we achieve in our program, it is necessary to collect a handbell fee from each participating student. This fee goes toward your music, maintenance of the bells, handbell t-shirt, and equipment (tables, pads, gloves, etc.). While the $75 fee is a yearly one, you may contact the director to make arrangements to pay the fee over time. You may arrange for this in the magnet office, room M2. Fees are due by Thursday, October 2, 2014.
HANDBELL UNIFORM
Uniforms are required of all Handbell students.
Girls must wear:
· Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”
· Black slacks or Black skirt.
· Black hosiery.
· Jewelry and hair must be subtle and not draw particular attention to the student.
Boys must wear:
· Black dress slacks.
· Black dress shoes and Black socks.
· Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”
· Tie, to be provided by the choir department. This tie must be dry-cleaned and returned at the end of the year in excellent condition, otherwise a $30 replacement fee will be assessed.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Unlike individual activities such as an academic class, it is impossible to make up activities that occur in a choir rehearsal. Unexcused absences could have a negative impact on the student’s grade.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be in your assigned seat with paper, books and pencil when the bell rings.
2. Do not talk without permission.
3. Keep your hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.
4. No gum, food, candy, or drinks are allowed, except for bottled water WITH A LID! [This includes before and after school.]
5. No grooming in the choir room. Do not brush hair, spray perfume or hairspray, apply scented lotions, or put on make-up in the choir room. There could be people around you with severe allergies to perfumes or strong scents, including your director!!
6. No touching bells without gloves.
CONCERT AND CONTEST ATTENDANCE
Concerts and contests are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. Choir members are expected to be present for the entire time of each required concert. Concerts and dress rehearsals are 30% of a student’s grade during the six weeks in which they occur. ATTENDANCE IS NOT OPTIONAL!! Absences and tardies will be excused only for cases of medical emergency or death in the family. Prior notification of any conflict with a required concert or rehearsal is required. Students are held responsible for keeping up with the dates and times of scheduled activities.
AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE AND ITS’ DRESS REHEARSAL WILL RESULT IN A 30% REDUCTION IN THE SIX-WEEK GRADE.
CONSEQUENCES
If a student fails to follow one or more classroom rules, the director is assuming he/she has temporarily forgotten what the rules are. The director is more than willing to remind students of what they have forgotten. After several reminders, however, it becomes apparent to the director that a student’s“I forgot. . .”is really an“I don’t care. . .” Be aware that repeated reminders will be viewed by the director as an“I don’t care”and could result in lowered conduct grades, lowered class participation grades, parent conferences, detention, and disciplinary referrals.
GRADING RUBRIC
The student’s six weeks’ grade will be averaged as follows:
I. DAILY QUIZ (20%)
As soon as the bell rings in the choir room, a 5-point daily quiz will begin. This requires each student to be in his/her seat with music, textbooks, pencil, and paper. If a student is not in his/her seat when the bell rings, number 1 on the quiz is automatically marked wrong.
II. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS (CONCERT/CONTEST ATTENDANCE/TESTS )(30%)
Attendance is required for the entirety of all performances, including concerts and contests. Performances are listed on the Calendar of Events. An excused absence from a rehearsal or concert will require the same criteria as an excused absence from school – personal illness where the student has been absent from the entire school day, death in the family, or family emergency. The absence will not be excused if the parent has not communicated with the director PRIOR to the event. It is imperative that the parent contact the director regarding the absence, as these concerts are a HUGE part of the student’s grade.
III. CLASS WORK/SING FOR A GRADE (25%)
Each student will sing and/or clap rhythms for a grade several times each six weeks.
IV. HOMEWORK (10%)
Homework assignments will be assessed at 10% of the student’s grade.
V. PRODUCT/CLASS PARTICIPATION/PROJECTS (15%)
Appropriate class participation will earn the student 15% of his/her grade.
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
The success of an ensemble depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and cooperation of the students. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. The fewer the mistakes and individual distractions, the greater your contribution is to the handbell choir. Be patient, attentive, careful, and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. When the director has to discipline and control rather than direct, the rehearsal and eventually the choirs are headed for failure. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the choir is successful!
- A positive attitude towards director and fellow choir members is vital.
- Good concentration on the present has to take precedence over past classes or experiences as well as future classes or experiences.
- A pencil in hand is required. Please mark your music diligently. This allows you to be a responsible choir member by keeping up with the progress of the music. The “SINGER’S CHECKLIST” is posted in the choir room to remind students of the prioritized list of factors which will ensure successful rehearsals on a daily basis.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 1 Holiday
September 9 Open House, JMS, 5:30-9:00PM
September 24 End of Six Weeks
September 28 Early Dismissal
October 2 Report Cards!
October 3 Fall Holiday
October 9 Advanced Ensemble Concert (Advanced Handbells, only), Johnston Middle School, 7PM
October 29 Early Dismissal
November 7 End of Six Weeks
November 19 Early Dismissal
November 14 Report Cards!
November 26-28 Thanksgiving
December 2 Choir Winter Concert, JMS, 7PM (All Handbell Ensembles.)
December 19 End of Six Weeks
December 22-2 Holiday
January 2 End of Six Weeks
January 9 Report Cards!
January 19 Holiday
January 28 Early Dismissal
February 2-7 Magnet audition week
February 13 End of Six Weeks
February 18 Early Dismissal
February 20 Report Cards!
March 16-20 Spring Break
April 3 End of Six Weeks
April 11 Report Cards!
April 17 Holiday
May 22 End of the Six Weeks
May 25 Holiday
May 28 Report Cards!
USE OF FINE ARTS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
AUXILIARY ROOMS
There are closets and storerooms within our choir rooms. Do not enter these rooms without permission.
CARE AND FEEDING OF CHOIR ROOM
We need to make the care and maintenance of our choir rooms, their auxiliary rooms, and our auditorium a daily priority. Remember, there will be no food or drink in the rooms, with the exception of water with a lid.
STAGE/AUDITORIUM
You are not to be on the stage or in the auditorium unless you are accompanied by your director.
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
The audio equipment can be used by students with these guidelines: you must use the equipment for rehearsal purposes or for specific listening work once you have obtained the director’s permission. Groups of students are encouraged to rehearse Region Choir or Solo & Ensemble music in the choir room. Only serious practice will be allowed.
PIANO
Don’t play the piano unless the director specifically asks you to do so.
------STUDENT AND PARENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND SIGNATURE PAGE
I acknowledge that I have read the 2014-2015 Handbell Handbook.
______
(Student’s signature) (Date)
I acknowledge that I have READ the 2014-2015 HandbellHandbook, and that I am aware that the Handbell Supply Fee is due no later than Thursday, October 2, 2014.
This page of the handbook should be returned no later than Thursday, October 2, for a grade in your child’s choir class.
______
(Parent’s signature) (Date)