Middle School Choral Contract

MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK

Music

Concert Music: Students will be given assigned folders that will be stored in the music cabinet in the chorus room. All music will be numbered and kept in the folder of the same number. Students are encouraged to take the concert folders home to practice, but are reminded that the music must be in school for rehearsals. Each student is required to bring their own folder and pencil to rehearsal every day in order to mark phrasing, breath marks, etc. on their personal copy of each song. Failure to comply with this rule will result in rehearsal point deductions.

Please remember that music is very expensive and is meant to be respected and reused. Students are expected to mark their music as directed, but should mark the music in black pencil only. They are expected to turn in all music after the concerts or they will be responsible for paying for all lost or severely damaged music.

Grading Policy

Since chorus is a performing art, a major portion of each student’s grade will be based on performance. To receive a passing grade during a marking period, the most important aspect is participation in all performances. Since each concert is a major part of the marking period grade, this assessment will also be graded! Keep in mind, our performances are a group/team effort and are an important part of our curriculum. These performances should be a priority for all chorus members. Even one person missing from the performance will affect the sound of the group!

In case of extenuating circumstances, a taped assessment of the concert music must be scheduled and completed by the student in lieu of the concert. The only valid excuses for missing a concert or public performance are:

1. Personal Illness

2. Significant Family Emergency

** A parental note must be returned to the director within one week of any absence in order for the excuse to be valid and prevent any changes in a grade.

Choral Department grade will be determined by the following factors;

Ensemble performance- ensemble blend and balance, technical accuracy, intonation, stylistic interpretation, effort and attitude.

Individual performance- vocal technique, musicianship and accuracy of musical elements, effort and attitude, written assignments and tests.

Public performance- any performance for an audience of any size at any level.

Student’s grade will be based on these three categories. In addition, the district requires on written assignment and one test per marking period. Please refer to the attached Grading Policy sheet for more detailed information about grading.

Rehearsal Expectations

The following expectations apply to all students:

MUSIC, pencils, folders/folios ALWAYS with you.
GUM, food and drinks prohibited.
RESPECT everyone and everything.
QUIET after the bell and between pieces.
Be CONSIDERATE, positive and proud.

Not following these expectations will result in disciplinary action and/or lowered grade. A positive attitude and desire to be a part of any ensemble is required at all times. Lack of respect for oneself, peers, and teacher will result in a lowered grade. The Shamokin Are School District discipline policy will apply to all events in the choral department.

Expectations of Manners and Professionalism

I expect all students to use manners at all times and have a professional attitude towards all music and colleagues in the music department. Rudeness and disrespectfulness will not be tolerated. I expect all students to work together to achieve a common goal: experiencing and performing music of all types and levels. Being a professional means that colleagues do not speak ill of one another, but instead they encourage each other to become better musicians. Being a professional means respecting all the different types and genres of music for the knowledge it may bring to the overall musicianship of the student.

*If there is ever a problem between students or about any of the music, Mrs. Ulsh’s door is always open and her ears are always open.

The Shamokin Area Choral Department will continue to uphold a high level of professionalism and performance. Any violators of this will not be tolerated!

Concert Attire

The Following is required:

Gentlemen- black dress slacks, white shirts, ties, black socks and black shoes.
Ladies- black skirts, a white blouse, and black shoes

Please note that only tea length (mid-calf) or floor length skirts are acceptable
SHORT OR KNEE LENGTH SKIRTS ARE NOT PERMITTED
DRESS PANTS ARE NOT PERMITTED
LADIES- If you choose to wear stockings or panty hose, please wear the color nude or black.

Every female must wear a white blouse!

Appropriate concert attire is expected of ALL music department students; inappropriate dress will affect their concert grade. If this dress code is a burden for your family, please contact me at 648-5731 and other arrangements will be made.

Public Appearances: Rules and Expectations

All students are expected to represent the Shamokin Are School District in a positive manner during public appearances. All school policies regarding dress code, behavior, and discipline apply. There is ZERO TOLERANCE for possession or consumption of drugs and/or alcohol. All rehearsal expectations apply for public performance as well.

Performance Dates

Please make these dates on your family and personal calendar. You are responsible for making arrangements due to any conflicts.

Mandatory Rehearsals

(Added in-school and out-of-school rehearsals)

Winter Concert Rehearsals

Tuesday, November 29^th, 2011 (night rehearsal)…………...…6:00-8:30 (HS) and 6:00-7:00 (MS)