Hand Chimes

**Important Dates**

• 11/28 and 11/30 - Last Rehearsal of 1st Semester/Last rehearsal before Winter Concert

• 12/4 - 6:00 PM - Winter Concert at Mauldin High School (report to MHS at 5:25)

• 1/16 and 1/18 - 2nd Semester Rehearsals resume

• 12/18 - Perform at BCES Talent Show (Thursday Chimes)

• 4/15 - 6:00 PM - Spring Concert at Mauldin High School (report to MHS at 5:25)

• 4/17 - Performance at the BCES Volunteer Breakfast (Tuesday Chimes, time TBA)

• Last Rehearsal and End of the Year Party TBA

General Information

• Hand Chimes is an extracurricular activity open (by audition) to rising 4th and 5th Graders

• Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays before school (7:10-7:40)

  • There are 2 ensembles; 1 ensemble will rehearse on Tuesdays, and the other will rehearse on Thursdays

• You and your child will need to sign a contract to participate in Hand Chimes

  • A commitment to join Hand Chimes is a commitment for the entire school year

  • There is a $27 fee to join. This covers the cost of the Hand Chimes shirt, allows us to purchase new and exciting music, and to fund other fun things for the groups!

** Please note that auditions for the 2023-2024 school year are closed. Auditions for the 2024-2025 school year will begin in the Spring

Expectations

All Hand Chimes students are expected to follow BCES school rules and Mr. Elston's Music Rules (see the page "Behavior Plan")

• BCES school rules (SOAR)

  • Stay Safe

  • Own Your Actions

  • And

  • Respect Everyone

As a member of the Hand Chimes Ensembles, you are expected to...

• Attend all rehearsals

  • Communicate all planned absences with me at least 24 hours in advance

  • If you are absent without a note, it is unexcused unless extreme circumstances prevented you from sending one to me

  • After 3 unexcused absences, you will, unfortunately, be asked to leave the ensemble

• Arrive on time

  • Rehearsals begin at 7:10 AM; be on time, or even a few minutes early

  • If you are more than 15 minutes late 3 times, you will be asked to leave the ensemble

• Attend all performances

  • Hand Chimes is truly a team. If even one person does not show up, it affects the entire group

  • If you cannot attend a performance, please let me know at least 2 weeks in advance

  • Concert attire is khaki pants, any pair of tennis shoes, and the Hand Chimes polo shirt (included in $27 chime fee)