DentonISD
CROWNOVERMIDDLE SCHOOL
Choir Handbook
2008-2009
Stephanie Hicks, Director
CrownoverMiddle School Choir Dept
August 26th, 2008
Greetings to the Students & Parents of the RCMS Choirs!
Welcome back! I hope you all had a great summer! Last year was truly wonderful here at Crownover, and I look forward to all that lies ahead this school year.
Participation in the Crownover choir program provides students the opportunities to improve individual vocal technique, music theory and sight-reading skills. We also focus on promoting group unity and pride and will be learning a variety of challenging yet exciting choral literature. The goal of our choir program is to instill in each student the concepts of work ethic, time management, appropriate peer group socialization and above all, a love and excitement for the artistry of making music. Communication and cooperation between students, parents and Ms Hicks is the key to our success.
This handbook is designed to introduce you to the many facets of the RCMS Choral Department and to answer as many questions as possible. Your cooperation helps insure a successful experience for all. Parent support and involvement in the choir program is the greatest asset there is.
Please read over this handbook, sign the last page and return it to Ms. Hicks by Friday, August 29th.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Hicks, Director
RCMS Choir Classes:
There are 4 choir classes available at Crownover. They include:
6th Grade Girls Choir:
This choir is a training choir, singing in preparation for more advanced choirs. Areas of instruction include vocal health, diction, changing voices, vocal technique, sight-reading skills, concert etiquette and adjusting to the middle school environment. They also have the opportunity to experience Solo & Ensemble contest and the Sandy Lake Choir Fun-Fest.
6th - 8th Grade Boys Choir:
This choir is also a training choir, singing in preparation for more advanced choirs and also competitions. Areas of instruction include vocal health, dealing with the changing voice, diction, vocal technique, sight-reading skills, and concert etiquette. They also have the opportunity to experience All-Region, Solo & Ensemble contest, UIL contest, Sandy Lake Fun-Fest, and Six Flags Music in the Parks.
7th8thGrade Treble Non-Varsity Choir:
This is also a training choir, singing in preparation for more advanced choirs and also competitions. Areas of instruction include vocal health, diction, vocal technique, sight-reading skills, and concert etiquette. They also have the opportunity to experience All-Region, Solo & Ensemble contest, UIL contest, and Six Flags Music in the Parks.
7th8thGrade Treble Varsity Choir:
This choir is a culmination of vocal training. Students are expected to master a variety of musical skills. Areas of instruction include vocal health, diction, changing voices, vocal technique, sight-reading skills, concert etiquette. They also have the opportunity to experience All-Region, Solo & Ensemble contest, UIL contest, and Six Flags Music in the Parks.
**CHOIR SUPPLIES
Each choir student needs to have the following supplies for choir class:
Black 1” 3-ring binder (with pockets)
Notebook paper
Pencil
Box of Kleenex
Crownover Choir
Student Code of Conduct
All members of the Crownover choir program are expected to behave in an exemplary manner. The following guidelines will help to make rehearsal time productive & will contribute to a positive learning experience for EVERYONE!
Rehearsal Guidelines:
1)Be ON TIME to class and on the risers ready to sing.
2)Stay on task! (Follow along in your music & study your part.)
3)Stand like CHAMPIONS and have a POSITIVE attitude!
4)Do not get off the risers without permission.
5)A pencil and music in hand is required.
6)No GUM, candy, food, drinks, etc…
7)Raise your hand if you have a question.
8)Clean up any messes you make.
9)Disorderly conduct & abusive language WILL NOT be tolerated.
Performance Guidelines:
1)Be on time for warm-up & performance.
2)Be dressed appropriately for each performance.
3)Be PROFESSIONAL on & off the stage.
4)Be the 3 “E’s”: Enthusiastic, Expressive & Entertaining!
Audience Guidelines (Students AND Guests):
1) DO NOT TALK during a performance.
2)Turn off all cell phones, pagers, etc…Applaud at the appropriate times. DO NOT yell or make noises at the performers.
3)Leave or enter the performance BETWEEN songs if necessary.
4)Observe the performance objectively & entirely.
Off Campus Choir Guidelines:
1)Dress appropriately as a school representative while on field trips.
2)Observe the rules of all venues (concert halls, schools, etc…)
3)Strictly follow the DISD & Crownover Student Code of Conduct.
Choir Uniforms & Fees:
6th Grade Girls:
$10.00 for a Choir T-shirt.
Uniform: Choir shirt, blue jeans, black belt & shoes.
7th & 8th Grade Girls:
$20.00 (Includes Choir T-shirt & Choir dress rental)
Concert uniform:Choir dress, black dress shoes & hose.
Casual uniform: Choir shirt, blue jeans/shorts, tennis shoes & socks.
6th, 7th & 8th Grade Boys:
$20.00 (Includes Choir T-shirt & Tux shirt, vest & bow tie rental.)
Concert uniform:Tux shirt, vest & bow tie, black dress pants, black
belt, dress shoes & socks.
Casual uniform: Choir shirt, blue jeans/shorts, tennis shoes & socks.
Fee Waivers:
Fee waivers are available to those choir members who qualify. This fee waiver would waive any uniform rental fees for 7th & 8th grade qualifying students & would waive the cost of the choir shirt (required uniform) for 6th grade qualifying students. Ms Hicks has the fee waivers forms for you to fill out. (See me for more information.)
Crownover Choir Website:
Crownover Choir students and parents can access the Crownover Choir website. It can be accessed through Choose Crownover from the list of schools at the top, then click on “Electives” and then click on “Choir”. This website has up-to-date information on all before/after school practices, activities, concerts, contests, etc…
Grading Guidelines for Choir:
All choir members are expected to meet all responsibilities for their choir class. Since choir is an ACADEMIC music class with some extracurricular activities, each student’s grade will reflect achievement in both curricular & extracurricular areas. Each choir member’s 6-week grade will be an average of the following:
Participation 50%:
Each week is worth a total of 100 points. Therefore, in a 6 weeks period there is a total of 600 daily points. The daily grade is determined by the student’s: 1) level of participation during class (on task, correct posture, singing, etc…) 2) following the classroom rules.
Common deductions from the daily grade are:
Tardies(5 pts)Gum/Candy(5 pts)
Bathroom(5 pts)No Music(10 pts)
No Pencil(10 pts)Unexcused absence (all daily pts)
Performance 30%:
The student will receive a grade for each performance during a grading period. (The number of performances will vary from one 6 weeks to another.) Performances count as major exams. If no public performance falls during a grading period, the performance grade will be based on informal classroom performances determined by the director.
Assignments and Tests 20%:
Each student will be expected to improve individual music skills.
An evaluation of this improvement will include singing tests & music theory tests. The student will also be expected to improve his/her fundamentals of singing & sight-reading. An evaluation of this improvement will include sight-reading tests.
Attendance Policies
Class attendance:
Unlike individual activities such as an academic class, it is impossible to makeup activities that occur in a choir rehearsal. Unexcused absences will have a negative impact on the student’s grade.
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 required 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.
Concert Attendance:
Concerts are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. Concert attendance is MANDATORY for all choir students. Choir members are expected to be present for the entire concert. An unexcused absence from a concert will lower the student’s grade dramatically. Absences and tardies will be excused 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. I do send out notice of activities well in advance so that your family may plan for these events.
Arrival and Pick-up:
Students must arrive ON TIME to scheduled activities and must be picked up PROMPTLY afterwards. Excessive lateness of pickup will result in the student not being able to participate in reward activities. (Please do not tell your student to call once the event is over. Make arrangements to pick your student up at the given time.)
Eligibility
The Crownover choir program will enforce all eligibility rules & regulations. Students who are ineligible will continue to rehearse during class and will have alternate assignments to make up for missed concerts/performances. They may not travel to any extracurricular performances or competitions during the school day.
Private Voice Lessons
The choir department at RCMS, in conjunction with the DISD Fine Arts
Department, allows students in music organizations the opportunity to further develop their musical ability through private lessons. Private lessons are very beneficial for every young singer. Private lessons should be a yearlong commitment by both parent and student. Students develop vocal technique, receive assistance for auditions (All-Region) and contests (Solo and Ensemble).
Students are allowed to receive their lessons during their choir class time
Or before or after school. Lessons are once/week, and the cost is $15.00/lesson. (Fee waivers are available to students that qualify.)
Private instructors are approved and are hired through the Denton ISD Fine Arts Department.
Please contact Ms Hicks is you have any further questions regarding private voice lessons. I would like to see my choir students benefit from this very helpful and educational experience.
All-Region
Any 7th/8th grade choir student may audition for the All-Region choir. (He/she must be passing to participate.) Auditions will be in mid-October & the actual clinic/concert will take place in November Music for All-Region is challenging and requires much time & effort to learn the music. I encourage anyone who wants to audition to do so. There will be extra help & practices for these auditions. To be chosen for the All-Region choir is a great honor & is worth the extra effort.
Solo & Ensemble Contest
Any choir student may compete in solo & ensemble contest in April.
(He/she must be passing to participate.) Each student may prepare 1 solo & up to 2 ensembles. This is an extracurricular activity, & the student would be expected to practice at home & learn the musicPLUS extra practice at school. This is strictly voluntary. It is great experience for the choir students, & I encourage anyone who wants to compete to do so.
Due Process
My goal is to make sure each student is treated fairly. I am here to provide a quality music education for each and every choir member. Please feel free to call 940-369-4726 or email me at if you have any questions or concerns, to resolve problems and/or to schedule an appointment with Ms. Hicks. Please make sure you understand both sides of the story before making any judgments. I will work with you to fix any problems.
Fundraising
The members of Crownover’s choir program will be involved in fundraising throughout the school year for a variety of purposes. Proceeds for the fundraisers will be applied to music entry fees, music needs, buses, etc…
All choir members are EXPECTED to participate. I will send out information about our fundraising projects as they draw near. Our 1st fundraiser will kick-off on August 29th!
Choir Officers:
Choir officers are elected by their fellow classmates on the basis of leadership, service and participation in the choir program. These students are expected to exhibit outstanding behavior, excellent leadership and a positive attitude at all times. Above all, these leaders should exhibit a desire to serve the needs of our choirs. Being an officer is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, Ms Hicks reserves the right to remove anyone from office for inappropriate behavior or attitude. (Information about running for office will be sent home within the 1st two weeks of school.)
Crownover Choir
Class Rules & Regulations
1) BeON TIME to class and be on the risers with your music & pencil.
2)STAY ON TASK! (No talking or goofing off.)
3)Be an ACTIVE and POSITIVE part of rehearsal—mentally & vocally!
If you are unable to do this for any reason, you must speak with Ms. Hicks BEFORE class starts. (If you are in class, you are expected to participate!)
4)No gum, candy, drinks, etc…
5)Backpacks, cell phones, etc…ARE NOT allowed in class for ANY reasons!
Consequences:
1st time: Warning
2nd time: Detention
3rd time: Director/Student conference after class & call parent
4th time: Conference with parent, director & student
5th time: Office referral
For total disobedience: The student will be sent IMMEDIATELY to the office for punishment. The parent will be contacted ASAP.
Contact Info:
Stephanie Hicks, Crownover Choir Director
1901 Creekside Dr, Corinth, TX76207
Email:
Office Phone: 940-369-4726
Fax: 940-321-0502
(Email is the easiest & fastest way to get in touch with Ms. Hicks)
Please fill out the next page & return it to
Ms. Hicks on or before Friday, Aug. 29th.
Student Contact Information
STUDENT’s Name:
- Student ID#:Team:DOB:
- Address:
- City:State: TX Zip:
- Home Phone #:
MOTHER’S Name:
- Cell #:
- Work #:
- Email Address:
FATHER’S Name:
- Cell #:
- Work #:
- Email Address:
Choir Class Rules & Regulations
I have read and understand the Crownover Choir Rules & Regulations as stated on the previous page of the choir handbook. I agree to abide by and respect these rules and regulations throughout the 2008-2009 school year.
Student Signature: Date:
Parent Signature: Date:
Crownover Choir: Calendar of Events
I will send notice of any additional events and/or date changes when necessary.
AUGUST, 2008
Tues, 08/261st Day of School
Thurs, 08/29RCMS Fine Arts Fall Fundraiser Kick-Off
SEPTEMBER, 2008
Mon, 09/01Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
Tues, 09/02RCMS Open House, 6-8 pm (There will be a CHOIR PARENT MEETING)
Fri, 09/26RCMS Stampede Day, 1:00-3:30 pm
OCTOBER, 2008
Mon, 10/13Staff Development (NO SCHOOL)
Sat, 10/18All-Region Auditions (All day @ McNiel JH, Wichita Falls)
Fri, 10/31RCMS Fine Arts Costume Party, 4-6 pm
NOVEMBER, 2008
Sat, 11/15All-Region Clinic/Concert (All day @ Central HS, Keller)
11/26-11/28Thanksgiving Break (NO SCHOOL)
DECEMBER, 2008
Tues, 12/02Choir Winter Concert, 7:00 pm, RCMS Cafeteria
12/22-01/-02Christmas Break (NO SCHOOL)
JANUARY, 2009
Mon,01/03Staff Development (NO SCHOOL)
Mon, 01/19MLK Day (NO SCHOOL)
FEBRUARY, 2009
Mon, 02/16Staff Development (NO SCHOOL)
Date TBDPre-UIL, 7th & 8thGd choirs (after school @ Strickland MS)
MARCH, 2009
Wed, 03-11UIL Competition (Strickland MS)
03/16-03/20SPRING BREAK (NO SCHOOL)
APRILl, 2009
Fri, 04/10Snow Day (NO SCHOOL)
Mon, 04/13Snow Day (NO SCHOOL)
Sat, 04/18Denton ISD MS Choir Solo & Ensemble Contest (MMS)
MAY, 2009
Date TBDSandy Lake Choir Fun-Fest (6th Gd)
Date TBD7th-8th Grade Choir @ Six Flags
Thurs, 05/21Spring Choir Concert, 7:00 pm, RCMS Cafeteria
Mon, 05/25Memorial Day (NO SCHOOL)
JUNE, 2009
Thurs, 06/04Last Day of School