Choir Page

As a member of the choir, each student is responsible to the rest of the choir to do his or her best to make the choir the best it can be. We are on a Quest for Excellence. Therefore, not only is attendance to class and all events very important but also the student's attitude both in class and at events. I realize there are circumstances where a student cannot come to an event. The events are listed at the end of this letter. Make arrangements NOW to get off for these dates. (see attendance policy) If you cannot come to an event for any reason, please contact me as far in advance as possible. This will help me greatly in planning. Let us serve our school and community well by being well represented at all of our events.

The student's choir grade will be based on:
Participation
Required Events (concerts, contests, etc.)
Other (written, quartets, shows, etc.)

The grading system for choir is a "Performance Based" grading system. Each student will earn 5 points towards their participation grade each day of the 9 weeks they participate in choir. (total of 225 point per quarter)
The following criteria will be used when determining a student’s weekly grade:
1. Student is on time to rehearsal
2. Has appropriate materials and puts away folder
3. Attentive and exhibiting good conduct
4. Attendance to all rehearsal sessions
5. Performs their part at a proficient level
An excused absence does not result in a loss of weekly participation points. Unexcused absences will result in loss of points and may not be made-up. (see attendance policy)
Music is a participation class. The only daily work we have is participation. If a student chooses not to participate, they will lose all five points and may be sent to 'time-out' in the office, if they are disrupting others. If a student does not sing in class at the proper time, they will lose all of that day’s participation points, if they distract others, they may be sent to the office, they may receive a detention, or they may be sent to 'time-out'.
Concert attendance (50 points per event) and any other required activity or event is included in this section of your grade. Concerts are like our final tests. Excused absences will not count against a students grade, however it will make the participation grade more heavily weighted. (see attendance policy section) This is an easy section to get an 'A' in. Just pay attention, and be where you are supposed to be when you are supposed to be there with a good attitude.
Other: Quartets are basically a singing test. Rarely are these given. If we have any written assignments, they will be included in this portion of your grade.

Attendance Policy

There are times when conflicts arise, no matter how much planning is involved. Therefore, I have developed this attendance policy in conjunction with Mr. Brooks. If there is a conflict with an event, the student must present a note, signed by the parent or guardian, with the reason for the conflict. This note must be turned in to the director five school days before the proposed absence. The only exception is an unforeseen emergency that cannot be avoided. The director will determine if the absence is excused or unexcused.

Excused Absence:
1. Illness with a parent or guardian’s verification or the verification of the school nurse or doctor.
2. Death or funeral of a relative or close friend.
3. Doctor or dental appointments. Please consult the choir calendar before making appointments.
4. Family emergencies
5. Inclement weather makes it impossible to attend- determined by the director and principal
6. The wedding of a family member.

Unexcused Absence:
1. All absences that are not considered excused, or not handled according to policy.
2. “Out of town” and “needed at home” will not be excused without an explanation concerning effect on family livelihood.
3. Leaving a rehearsal or performance without getting permission from the director and signing out in the main office when school is in session.
4. Personal Trips
5. Work

MUSIC AND SCHOOL EQUIPMENT

Please be very careful with all of our equipment and music. Make all marks in your music in pencil. Do not touch any instrument or equipment that is not yours.
Let's keep our music department looking sharp, and we will be able to add to, rather than replace and repair our supplies and equipment.SCHOOL AND MUSIC DEPARTMENT REGULATIONS
All school rules apply at all times we are together as a choir, both at and away from the classroom. I want to emphasize a few of these here: Possession or use of tobacco products, alcohol, illegal drugs or weapons at any event may result in immediate expulsion from the event in which case a parent or guardian may be required to make arrangements to have the student picked up, no matter how far away we might be. I have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy in this area. Don't take a chance! In addition, the use of gum will not be permitted, for obvious reasons, at any music department rehearsal or performance. No food or beverages other than water are allowed at concerts or in rehearsals. No cell phones may be on or visible during class. Our time is limited, so get drinks and use the bathroom before you get to class, be in your seats, with your music, ready to sing, on time when the bell rings. Tardies may result in detentions, as will as excessive trips out of class.

CHOIR RULES
1. Students are to be ready to sing when the director is in front of the choir.
2. Sit up straight ...use good posture
3. Be at all performances.
4. Be quiet and do not talk during rehearsal.
5. Be a leader and not a follower.
6. Know your part and sing your part the very best you can.
7. This is a team. We are all starters and play on the same side.

Keep watching for the choir newsletters at the beginning of each month

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