Welcome to 7th Grade Chorus!
Mrs. Donna Girvan
www.tenafly.k12.nj.us/~dgirvan
I am thrilled that you have chosen to participate in the Chorus at TMS this year! I am looking forward to working with all of my new and returning students! Chorus will be a fun, enriching and rewarding experience for all as long as we are all striving for the same goal of excellence. I am providing this agreement in order to clarify all of the expectations associated with being a Chorus member at the Middle School.
Rehearsal/Class Procedures:
1. Leave all books and belongings along the walls on the hallway outside of the room.
2. Bring a pencil to class in order to mark music as instructed. Pen marks will be considered text book damage, which students will be charged for.
3. Take your assigned seat to facilitate quick attendance
Rules For a Productive Rehearsal Environment:
1. Come to class on time and prepared (see above)
2. No gum, food or drink in class
3. Treat others (students and teachers) with respect at all times
4. Pay attention (NO TALKING!), even when your section is not singing
5. Participate! Give it your all!
6. Raise your hand if you have a question
7. Do not interrupt the teachers or fellow students
8. If you are tardy or have to leave the room for any reason, distract as little as possible
9. Follow all school rules and remember your commitment to Tiger Integrity!
Attendance:
In addition to the regular Chorus classes which meet as scheduled during the school day, Chorus members must also attend:
1. Sectional rehearsals during one to three study hall periods per week
Failure to attend these rehearsals is considered a cut class and is dealt with accordingly
2. A few 7:30 AM rehearsals (one to three before each concert)
3. All performances- Concerts are a requirement of membership and count as the Mid-Term and Final Exams. Most importantly, we’re counting on you! Don’t let the group down!
Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 7:30 PM (period 1 Assembly for the 7th Grade Tues 12/14)
Spring Concert: Wednesday, June 1, 2011 at 7:30 PM (period 1 Assembly for the 7th Grade the same day)
Supplies:
1. All Chorus students must have a folder with 3 fasteners and 2 pockets with a small (15 sheets) supply of notebook paper in it by 9/20
2. All Chorus students must always bring a pencil to class (no pens!) (over)à
Notices/Signatures:
1. A few times a year, students will be given notices requiring parent/guardian signatures. These are to insure that parents are aware of upcoming performances, “dress” rehearsals (usually 7:30 AM), performance dress code, etc.
2. Returning signed notices counts as a homework grade.
3. I post notices on my website, so they can always be obtained, even if the handout is lost or forgotten
Discipline Policy/Consequences:
Chorus classes are large and complete cooperation is imperative to a positive and successful experience for all involved. Infraction of school and class rules or display of disrespectful behavior will result in one or more of the following consequences:
1. Verbal reprimand
2. Teacher assigned detention at 7:30 AM (parent/guardian must sign notice)
3. Phone call and/or e-mail to parent/guardian
4. Disciplinary referral to Administrator
5. Removal from group
Grades:
Chorus is a participation-based class! All students start with a grade of 100% (A). Those who are always focused and giving it their all will keep that grade for the marking period. Non-adherence to any of the expectations as listed here will cause a grade to drop.
Concert Dress: (TMS dress code rules apply-see planner)
Please acknowledge the importance of your performance by dressing up with pride!
Girls:
1. Black dress shirt
2. Black dress pants (No leggings, capris, shorts or jeans please!)
OR
Black skirt (a solid black dress is also fine)
3. Black dress shoes and socks/pantyhose (no sneakers please)
4. Hair tied back/put up or styled in a manner that you will not be “fixing” it during the performance, when hands should be at your side
Boys:
1. white dress shirt
2. tie
3. black dress pants
4. black dress shoes and black socks (no sneakers please)
Please feel free to contact me at any time throughout the school year with any questions or concerns. (E-mail is a particularly efficient way to reach me)
With your signature please acknowledge your understanding and agreement to comply with the procedures and policies as described in this contract. Return the signed contract and Image Permission slip to me at the next class meeting.
I look forward to a fantastic year of singing!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Donna Girvan, Choral Director
Student Signature:______Print Student’s Name:______
Parent/Guardian Signature:______7th Grade