Madison Middle School Choirs

Jennifer Calhoun – Director
Email:

School Phone *MHS* - (440) 428-2161
Google Phone for Madison Choirs- (440) 940-6314

I am looking forward to an exciting year as the choir teacher at Madison Middle School! I hope to expand and create enthusiasm for the Madison Choir Program that will benefit the students, school, and community for years to come. We will all need to work very hard to ensure that we achieve these learning goals. We can definitely tap this potential by working together, and keeping our goals in sight.

Philosophy and Goals

Singing is a skill. Skills need to be practiced in order to improve. Singers at Madison are also musician. Singing, like most skills, becomes more fun as one’s abilities increase.

  1. Every choir member will work to increase his/her individual music skills.
  2. Every choir member will acquire basic piano skills.
  3. Choir is a group effort – we will work together to achieve our goals.
  4. We will strive to give quality performances.
  5. We will work to develop healthy vocal habits for life-long voice use.
  6. We will work to become responsible and mature leaders with the Madison Community.

Expectations

  1. Attend class daily and be punctual.
  2. Bring a pencil
  3. Maintain a respectful and positive attitude
  4. Attend required performances and stay the whole time.
  5. Be a supportive of your fellow singers.
  6. Be proud of your accomplishments.

Grading Policy

  • 50% - Classroom Participation
  • 15% - Performances
  • 35% - Assignments

Performance Attire
All MMS Choir member perform wearing an MMS Choir Polo and Khakis with Tennis Shoes. Singers should strive to look nice for performances. Shoes and clothing should be clean and unwrinkled, and performers should look presentable for the audience

MATERIALS/SUPPLIES*

Students are asked to purchase:

  1. One 1 inch three-ring binder (which will remain in the choir room most of the time throughout the year)*

Binders bigger than 1 inch will not fit in the folder spots

Students must also bring to choir daily:

  1. Sharpened Pencil (NO pens)
  2. Daily Planner

*If you cannot provide your own binder and pencils, please see Miss Calhoun.

Dear Parents/Guardians of an MMS Choir Student(s),

I am very excited to be the choir teacher at Madison Middle School! By teaching middle school choirs last year, I got to know many of the students, and I love working with this age group. Now, I get to work with 6th -12th graders every day, and I couldn’t be more eager!

It is my goal to excite my students about music and singing and to provide them with meaningful music instruction in a positive, supportive learning environment. I have high expectations for each singer and am willing to meet with students before and after school to help them achieve success. Parent and student cooperation is appreciated and necessary for the success of the Vocal Music Program. Choristers will need your help and support as they undertake this musical endeavor. Please be sure to read this syllabus and familiarize yourself with the requirement for each student. The required performances are listed below.

2015-2016 Performance Schedule

September 5th – 8th Grade Choir Members to sing at the Captains Game with the MHS Choirs

October 16th – Homecoming Football Performance

7th and 8th Grade Choirs with all MHS Choirs

October 24th – Eclecticamp (Show Choir mini-camp. Optional)

TBA (December) – Winter Concert

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Choirs

TBA(May) – Spring Concert

6th, 7th and 8th Grade Choirs

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR YOUNG CHOIRISTER?

  • Help them get to the concerts and enjoy listening to them
  • Listen to them sing at home and encourage them.
  • Be supportive of any practicing (vocal or piano)
  • Encourage them to come to Miss Calhoun with any questions or to get help to improve.
  • If they are sick and unable to sing or stand in class – PLEASE write a note and send it to school with them so that I have documentation for their participation points.

There will be a Fall Choir Fundraiser. All students are expected to contribute to the fundraiser so that we can perform quality literature, and pay for our pianist.

Please sign the attached contract to indicate that you have read and understand the classroom policies and expectations: and to show your dedication to ensuring your child’s attendance at these performances. I’m looking forward to a great year, and more years to come. Please contact me, drop in, come to concerts, have conferences, and continue your interest in your child’s growth--musical and otherwise! I look forward to working with all of you this year!

Sincerely,

Miss Jennifer Calhoun

Performance Attendance Contract

Please Print Clearly

Student Name ______

Circle One: 1st Period (6/7/8 Boys) 2nd Period (7/8 Girls) 3rd Period (6Girls)

Parent/Guardian: ______

______

Phone:______

Email:______

______

We have read the attached Madison “Tentative Performance Schedule” andagree to attend all required performances. We realize that performance is animportant part of choir and that we all depend on everyone’s participation tomake our concerts a success.

We agree to be on time and dressed appropriately for each performance.

We understand that students may only be excused for serious, unavoidableconflicts and that we must notify Miss Calhoun of a conflict in writing at least 3 days in advance of the performance. Failure to do so will result in lowering of my/my child’s Semester grade one full letter. We understand that emergencies happen and that we will make every effort to notify Miss Calhoun by phone/text or email in case of a serious emergency. If we cannot reach Miss Calhoun, we will provide an explanation in writing the nextschool day.

Student Signature: ______

Parent/Guardian Signature:______

Date:______

Please Return to Miss Calhoun by August 20th.

Several parents and students have expressed an interest in Middle School Show Choir. I think that this could be really fun, so I’m willing to try it out. I can only make this happen if there are enough students willing to commit and/or audition.

Is this something that your student would be interested in doing?

NO, thank you. Show choir is not something my child is interested in.

MAYBE, but we’re not 100% sure.

YES! 100% Sure! My child would definitely want to be involved with this.

Please comment below or on the back with any questions, suggestions, etc.