Our Vision

Active participation in music enriches a student’s life experience by providing opportunities for self-expression, creativity and both social and emotional development, while developing musical knowledge and skills. Music is a vital component of the school curriculum. Chorus provides the student with a musical challenge. Being a part of a musical ensemble is a wonderful opportunity for each and every student involved to make a difference, and play an important role in the success of the group.

Choral Program Goals

  1. To have FUN learning new music
  2. To provide musical challenges and enhance individual musicianship
  3. Develop vocal skills and techniques
  4. Learn to sing in tune, with good tome quality
  5. Learn to read music
  6. Learn to use and understand basic musical terms
  7. Sing in 2-part (Soprano, Alto)
  8. Develop self-discipline and responsibility
  9. Learn the value of hard work, cooperation, and working as a group toward a common goal
  10. Become a leader and gain self-confidence

Chorus Policies

  1. All members are to be at rehearsal on time, ready to begin
  2. Attendance at ALL rehearsals is mandatory
  3. The rehearsal room is to be kept clean
  4. No food or gum.
  5. Participation and attendance at ALL concerts is mandatory. The goal of being in a performing group is to perform for friends, and family. The only validexcuses for missing a concert/performance are:

- Illness that keeps you from school or sends you home from school

- Death in the family

- Family illness

A written excuse will be required if a concert/performance is missed for any

of these reasons.

6. Each Chorus member will be assigned a folder. Their chorus music is to kept in that

folder. Missing or damaged music and folders will be your responsibility and you will be billed for lost or damaged materials. NO MUSIC IS TO LEAVE THE AUDITORIUM OR SCHOOL!

Fundraising/Field Trips

Both the Choruses will be involved in field trips. These trips are another way to expand the student’s musical experiences and reward the students dedication and hard work during the year. However, these experiences are not free. In order to help pay for the trips, there will be a fundraiser at the end of September.

Chorus Grading Policy

Each student will receive a grade for chorus each marking period. That grade will be based on:

1. Attendance and Participation at Rehearsals

Students will earn 5 points each rehearsal based on whether or not they have met the following criteria:

Being on timeBeing prepared for rehearsal

AttentivenessOverall behavior

1 point will be lost for every 10 minutes of being tardy to class

2 points will be lost for having food or gum in the rehearsal room

2 points will be lost for making a mess in the auditorium, or not taking

care of your music.

5 points will be lost for an unexcused absence from rehearsal

A student loses one point for each behavior infraction.

2. Attendance at Performances

Concert attendance is MANDATORY. If a student misses the concert and does

not have an excuse, the student can make up the grade by singing the concert for the director.

3. Music Learning

Concert Dress

Boys: White Dress shirt, Black dress pants, black socks, black shoes.

Girls: White blouse, Black skirt or dress pants, black shoes (flats to 1” heels)

CALENDAR

Important dates and events. Please mark you calendars!

Winter Concert:December 9, 2015, 6:30 PM

North Park Jr. High Auditorium

Spring Conecrt: June 8, 2016, 6:30 PM

North Park Jr. High Auditorium?

All County Audition: December 12, 2015

Chorus members may choose to prepare a solo and audition – sing and be

rated by a judge. Based on that rating, students may be selected to participate in a NCMEA All County Chorus.

Junior High All County Festival: February 5 – February 6, 2016

The success of any performing group is dependent on the dedication and commitment of each member. Together with the help, cooperation, and support of the instructor and parent the student will attain success. It is very important for you and your child to understand that participating in a North Park Junior High Chorus is a commitment on the students part to follow the policies set forth and do his/her best. A musical group cannot function without the commitment of ALL its members.

I look forward to seeing you at our performances so that you can hear our finished product. Please encourage your child’s interest in music with your attendance at the concerts.

Please complete the contract below and have your child return it to me by September 25, 2015. This contract serves as an agreement between student, parent, and teacher.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me, Ms. Taylor, at 478-4700, ext. 5776 or e-mail: .

Sincerely,

Joanne C. Taylor

General Chorus Director

Please fill out the form below and send this page back to school with your child. Please also consider circling below to become a parent helper.

This form must be returned to Ms. Taylor by September 25, 2015.

North Park Chorus Contract

2015 – 2016

Student Name (PRINT)

Parent Name (PRINT)

I have read and understand the guidelines set forth in this information

Packet.

I have noted all concert dates.

Parent Signature Date

Would you be interested in helping with any of the following?

Fundraising Concert night helper

Day Phone Night Phone

As a member of the North Park Junior High School General Chorus, I will strive to:

  1. Respect others – Instructors and Chorus members
  2. Listen to and follow directions
  3. Arrive to class on time
  4. Participate to the best of my ability
  5. Sing with good posture
  6. Attend ALL required concerts
  7. NOT eat or chew gum while singing

I promise to follow these rules to the best of my ability. I understand that if I cannot follow these rules, I will be removed from Chorus.

Student Signature Date