Gwin Ovation (affectionately known as Ovation) is our school’s performing group made up of students who sing, dance, act, and play instruments. We perform at school-wide events, spreading the joy and knowledge of music throughout our school and community. Our group also performs:

• At local nursing homes

• At the Hoover Country Club

• In collaboration with Simmons Middle School Band and Choir

• In our end-of-the-year talent show

• And we serve our community through organizations like Grace Klein

We are looking for girls and boys who are excited about music and want to grow as singers and performers.

You DO NOT need to be perfect at singing or performing to join—that’s why I’m here! I’m your Music Teacher, and helping students learn, grow, and gain confidence is what makes my job the best job in the world!

Students in Ovation commit to regular practice so we can perform with confidence and excellence.

• Weekly rehearsals at 7:15am (no later than 7:20am):  EVERY Wednesday morning 

• Monthly after-school rehearsal from 2:35pm-4:00pm: Once a month, mostly on Wednesdays

• Occasional in-school rehearsals: Coordinated with homeroom teachers when needed

If a student misses a rehearsal, they must make it up with me during the school day

Bit more info:

Students who are part of both Gwin Ovation and Safety Patrol are absolutely welcome to participate in both! However, if a morning rehearsal is missed due to carpool duties, students will need to make up that rehearsal with Ms. Russell during the school day.

We understand that schedules can get busy. That’s why we ask that students do their best to attend every rehearsal—morning or after school—and arrive on time (no later than 7:20 AM for morning rehearsals). If a student misses or is very late more than 5 times in a semester, parents will receive a Check-In Call from Ms. Russell.

This call is simply to:

• See how we can help support your child’s attendance

• Discuss whether the current level of commitment fits into your family’s schedule

• Determine if it may be best for the student to step away from Ovation at this time

If a student misses or is tardy (after 7:20am) more than 7 rehearsals in a semester, they will be asked to step out of Gwin Ovation.

To perform confidently and proudly, students must also be prepared and know the material well. If absences affect a student’s ability to learn the performance pieces, they may be asked to sit out of a performance. This isn’t a punishment—it’s to protect their experience and the integrity of our group. Every student’s effort matters, and we want everyone to feel confident on stage and proud of what we share with our audience.

My goal is always to set students up for success and to create performances that reflect their hard work, growth, and joy.

While most of our performances are done as a big, exciting group, students will also have the chance to shine in small group or solo performances if they’re interested—there’s something for everyone!

We also offer amazing opportunities like the AMEA Music Festival and the Young Voices Festival, where students can join with other talented boys and girls from across the state to sing together in a mass choir—it's an unforgettable experience!

And of course, we wrap up our year with a big End-of-Year Celebration! It’s a special evening of performances and awards for our awesome students in Gwin Ovation, Safety Patrol, and their families. It’s our way of celebrating all the hard work, growth, and joy we’ve shared throughout the year—and it’s always a night to remember!

There is a nonrefundable fee to join Gwin Ovation. This helps cover the cost of:

• Performance uniform (returning students do not need to purchase a new one)

• Materials and supplies used throughout the year

• Special field trip opportunities

If you're a returning member and decide to continue, you’ll automatically move up in Ovation—no audition required! Your cost will be a portion of the cost, since you already have your uniform.

We follow both music classroom expectations and school-wide SOAR expectations:

To help our group be the best it can be, we have clear expectations for behavior both during rehearsals and throughout the school day.

• If a student receives 3 Major Warnings, they will be asked to step out of Gwin Ovation.

• Major Warnings may be given for:

  • • Behavior issues during rehearsal (ie: being sent back to class early from rehearsal)

    • Behavior concerns during the school day with teachers, faculty, staff, and peers

    • Visits to school administration (such as with Dr. White or Mr. Nichols)

These guidelines help us make sure that every student has a positive, focused, and respectful experience in Ovation.

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for the opportunity to lead and work with your amazing students as both their Music Teacher and the Director of Gwin Ovation. It is truly an honor and a joy to be a part of their musical journey.

Your encouragement and support—not just of your child, but of our music program as a whole—mean more than you know. Because of your belief in them and your commitment to what we do, our students are empowered to grow, thrive, and shine—not just as musicians, but as confident, creative individuals.

Thank you for being such a strong example of dedication, encouragement, and support. It makes all the difference.

Dear Students,

I want the very best for you—not just as performers, but as people. My hope is that being part of our Gwin Ovation family helps you grow in confidence, creativity, and joy.

I want you to feel brave enough to chase your dreams, bold enough to try new things, and proud of the unique voice and light you bring into the world. Whether you're singing, dancing, acting, or playing an instrument, I hope you know that you matter, and that every step you take forward is something to celebrate.

More than anything, I want you to know this: I love you, and I believe in you. Thank you for letting me be your Music Teacher—it's one of the greatest joys of my life.

With all my heart,

-Ms. Russell

Step 1: Please review the Gwin Ovation Guidelines above and review the Gwin Ovation Handbook

Step 2: Fill out the Gwin Ovation Participation Fee Form, which will include the Gwin Ovation Agreement Form. Return to Ms. Russell by Monday, April 18.

Step 3: Sign Up for the Gwin Ovation Screening Process. You can be screened by attending the in-person process and/or doing the virtual screening process. Both of these processes are explained in detail in the Gwin Ovation Handbook

Step 4: Be connected to the Gwin Ovation 2025-2026 ParentSquare group: This will be something that I will manually do once I receive your student's Gwin Ovation Agreement Form.

Step 5: Attend your first Gwin Ovation Rehearsal on Wednesday, August 27th! We are all in from there and will meet EVERY Wednesday after.