N.A. Ferri Middle School

N.A. FERRI MIDDLE SCHOOL

SELECT CHORUS 2014-2015

Description: The Ferri Middle School Grade 8 Select Chorus is an ensemble made up of singers who are serious about performing at an advanced level. Students in this group will build upon what they have learned in previous chorus classes by exploring advanced vocal techniques and skills pertaining to breathing, blend, balance, part singing, note reading, and musical terms. This class will consist of approximately 28 singers and will meet as part of the schedule during the regular school day for the 2014-2015 school year.

Performances: All members of the Select Chorus will perform music as part of the regular chorus. However, this ensemble will also perform additional music separate from the regular chorus at our winter and spring concerts. The Select Chorus will also have the honor of representing Ferri Middle School by giving special performances at other events outside of the school. More information will follow about these special events.

Mandatory performance: It is the obligation of every chorus student to attend two concerts for this school year: the winter concert and the spring concert. The concerts are important because they give us the opportunity to display to the community all of the music we’ve been learning and rehearsing in class. Attendance of these concerts is mandatory and part of each student’s chorus grade. Concerts will be held in the Johnston High School auditorium. Dates and the concert attendance policy are listed on the opposite page.

Additional performances opportunities:

· Grade 8 Select Chorus students are strongly encouraged to audition for the Rhode Island Junior All State Chorus. There will be an audition fee and after school rehearsals with Mr. Conlon to help prepare for the audition. More information will follow for those students who are interested in this great opportunity.

· All chorus members are invited to sing at a Providence Bruins game on the afternoon of Sunday, April 12, 2015. Rehearsals will be held Wednesdays after school in March and April. More information will follow.

· Grade 7 and 8 will once again have the opportunity to sing at the Great East Festival, an all day performance field trip, tentatively schedule for Friday, May 29, 2015. The choruses will perform for judges, receive an award (bronze, silver, gold, or platinum) based on their performance, and then spend the rest of the day at an amusement park! More information will follow. Last school year, both choruses and our band won GOLD MEDALS at this festival!!!!!

· Grade 8 Chorus and Select Chorus will sing at 8th Grade Awards Night, which usually takes place on a weeknight in June at Johnston High School. Grade 8 Chorus and Select Chorus attendance is mandatory for this performance.

If you have any questions at all throughout the year, please contact me at or call the school at 401-233-1930 x2724. I look forward to a fun and successful year!

Sincerely,

Tom Conlon, Chorus Director

RULES and EXPECTATIONS: Students must:

· attend the winter and spring concerts.

· be on time to class, in your assigned seat, ready to sing.

· be attentive and participate fully in every rehearsal. NO CANDY OR GUM!

· respect chorus music and all school property.

· display proper singing posture during rehearsal. Lounging is not allowed!

· respect others at all times. Be courteous and helpful.

· give 100% effort and always try to have a positive attitude. No whining!

GRADING: Students will receive a grade each quarter based on:

· 50% - Effort and participation (see Chorus Rubric)

· 50% - Concert Attendance (see Concert Attendance Policy)

O = Outstanding (95-100) S = Satisfactory (75-94) N= Needs Improvement (65-74) U = Unsatisfactory (0-64)

MANDATORY CONCERTS (held in the Johnston High School auditorium)

Winter Concert: Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Grade 6: 5PM

Grade 7 and 8 Choruses: 7PM

Spring Concert: Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Grade 6: 5PM

Grade 7 and 8 Choruses: 7PM

Grade 8 Awards Night (Grade 8 Chorus only)

June 2015 (date to be announced)

IMPORTANT: Concert Attendance Policy

Concert attendance makes up 50% of each student’s grade so it is important for every student to attend both concerts. If a student is going to miss a concert due to an emergency, Mr. Conlon must be notified personally in the form of an email, phone call, or written note so that the absence is excused. In the case of an excused absence, the student will have the chance to make up the grade in the form of an assignment. Failure to notify Mr. Conlon of an absence and complete the make-up assignment will result in a failing chorus grade.

CHORUS DRESS CODE: As a select chorus, our goal is to proudly present ourselves in the best way possible. We must look as good as we sound!

GIRLS:
· Nice plain white shirt (NO T-SHIRTS, TANK TOPS)
· Black pants (NO SKIRTS, JEANS, LEGGINGS, JEGGINGS, YOGA PANTS etc.)
· Nice black shoes (NO SNEAKERS OR FLIP FLOPS) / BOYS:
· Plain white shirt tucked in with collar (button down or polo shirt)
· Black pants (NO JEANS)
· Black shoes (NO SNEAKERS)

IMPORTANT: Parents, please make sure your child has appropriate concert attire. Failure to follow the chorus dress code will result in dismissal from the performance and a failing concert grade. If you have any concerns about the dress code, please contact Mr. Conlon at or 233-1930 ext. 2724.

CHORUS REHEARSAL RUBRIC
Criteria / Points
20 / 15 / 10 / 5
Promptness / Student is always prompt for rehearsal and ready to sing. / Student is seldom late to rehearsal and usually ready to sing. / Student is late to rehearsal more than two classes in a row. / Student is late to rehearsal for almost every class and is never ready to sing at the start of class. / ____
Respects School Property / Student always treats music, chairs, and all school property with care in order to maintain present condition. / Student almost always treats music, chairs, and all school property with care in order to maintain present condition. / Student occasionally treats music, chairs, and all school property with care in order to maintain present condition. / Student is destructive with chairs, music, etc., showing no respect for school property. / ____
Attitude / Student always displays a positive and encouraging attitude during rehearsal. / Student almost always displays a positive and encouraging attitude during rehearsal. / Student occasionally displays a positive and encouraging attitude during rehearsal. / Student displays a negative and discouraging attitude during rehearsal. / ____
Effort / Student always gives his/her best effort during rehearsal. / Student almost always gives his/her best effort during rehearsal. / Student occasionally gives his/her best effort during rehearsal. / Student does not give sufficient effort during rehearsal. / ____
Proper Singing Posture / Student always sits/stands appropriately, exhibiting proper vocal technique when singing. / Student almost always sits/stands appropriately, exhibiting proper vocal technique when singing. / Student occasionally sits/stands appropriately, exhibiting proper vocal technique when singing. / Student frequently slouches, lounges, and turns around during rehearsals and concerts. / ____
Total----> / ____

(Please sign and return only this page.)

I understand the policies of the N. A. Ferri Middle School Select Chorus, especially the discipline, grading, and attendance guidelines. To the best of my ability, I will fully participate in the ensemble and its activities.

Parent Signature______

Student Signature______

Grade/Team______

Street Address ______Johnston, RI 02919

Phone ______

(Your contact information is appreciated to ensure contact if necessary.)