F.A.Q.

How is my child graded in choir?

Students in choir are graded weekly during in class rehearsals based on two different criteria. 

1. Participation Rehearsal Grade 

2. Skills and Written assessments 

It is expected that students participate to their fullest ability every day in their choir class. Classroom expectations are include but not limited to: meeting directors stated expectations the first time, having all choir materials ready every rehearsal, creating no distractions that hinder the learning ability of the student and/or their peers, respect for both peers and directors, following all classroom procedures correctly and efficiently. 

If students do not meet participation expectations, they will be given an alternate in class assignment to fulfill their participation grade. If students don't do / refuse to do the alternate assignment, their grade will affect accordingly with 10 points off their participation grade each day the assignment is not done. 

Skills and written assessments include but are not limited to: Inside or outside of class quizzes, marking all musical scores instructed by the director, ability to notate and define musical notes and phrases taught during class, any online or written assignment. 

How are concerts graded?

CMS Choir Concert Grading Rubric

Are concerts mandatory?

Yes. All performances of the CMS choirs are mandatory because they are part of the choir TEKS and the school curriculum.  A choir calendar is issued at the beginning of the year, and available on the CMS Choir website.  The choir website will be updated weekly.  Any changes or additions in calendar dates will be emailed to parents and placed on the choir website.  Please contact the director immediately if there is a schedule conflict due to a previously scheduled event.  All schedule conflicts will be handled on an individual basis, but it is a requirement and expectation that all choir members attend all applicable choir concerts.

●     If a student is absent (full or partial day) on the day of a school-related event (i.e. choir performance or trip), the student will not be able to participate without a valid written excuse from a physician’s office.  This is a district policy. Students unable to produce a valid physician’s office note will receive an unexcused absence.

●     As stated on our concert grading rubric, concert grades will be lowered for certain behavior.  These include, but are not limited to: inappropriate concert behavior such as talking, causing any kind of distraction during a performance, tardiness, improper uniform, etc. Student demonstration of proficiency in audience and performance etiquette are an expectation of this choir program.

What concerts and performances does Covington choir have?

We have a Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Concert, UIL Contest, and an End-of-Year Pop Show!

How do you deal with items left in the choir room?

The choir program is not responsible for personal items left in the choir room. Any items left in the choir room for more than 24 hours will be taken to lost and found. If the item is deemed to be of significant monetary value (a phone, wallet, jewelry, etc.), then it will be taken to the front office.

What if my child needs a new choir shirt or has lost theirs?

Students are required to purchase a new shirt each year, as all extra shirts are property of the CMS Choir inventory.  Shirts are $10. New shirts will be able to be purchased directly through our shirt vendor later in the fall semester. If a new shirt needs to be purchased, students must pay for it IN PERSON during school hours with a check or cash. 

What are all the ensembles you offer in Choir?

We have a 6th grade Girls Choir (C Clefs), 6th Grade Boys Choir (Stallion Singers), 7th/8th Grade Treble Choir (Chorale Gold), and 7th/8th Tenor Bass Choir (Colt Chorale)

Can I be in athletics or another organization while in Choir?

Yes, you can! Choir is a year-long commitment but you can still be in athletics and other music ensembles at Covington!

What else do we do besides concerts?

We sing at football games, assemblies, have various social events throughout the year, perform at our elementary school feeders/nursing homes, and go on spring trips (all grade levels)!