Beaver Lake Middle School Chorus
Handbook
2008-2009
Tina Worthington, Choral Director
425.837.6392
worthingtont@issaquah.wednet.edu
www.blms.issaquah.wednet.edu/teachers/worthingtont
Performing Arts Classes
Welcome to the world of performing arts at Beaver Lake Middle School. The performing opportunities here at Beaver Lake Middle School consist of grade level ensembles for band, orchestra, and chorus. The curriculum is yearlong and will build upon each previous trimester session. Your music education and capabilities will grow and strengthen as you work through this program. In addition to daily performing opportunities, students’ curriculum will encompass music theory and music history in order to meet the Washington State requirements for music curriculum and Music National Standards (NS) objectives.
While having the opportunity to perform in large ensembles, students will also have the opportunity to participate in small ensemble and solo performances. Depending on the grade level and ability of each student, there are various district and statewide opportunities for students to further their knowledge and participation in music.
Performing arts classes meet everyday as one of the students’ elective periods; however, there may be out of class commitments that must be met as well. During each trimester session, there will be AT LEAST one required performance. Depending on the nature of the performance, a before or after school rehearsal may also be required. There will be sufficient notification of such performances and rehearsals.
Uniforms
Students participating in performing groups/ensembles will be representing Beaver Lake Middle School in addition to obtaining a valuable musical education. With this in mind, students are asked to dress appropriately for concerts. Details regarding our choir uniforms will be forthcoming.
Rehearsals
Daily rehearsals are an important part of our chorus ensembles’ success. We are extremely privileged to meet every day for the entire school year. This scheduling allows our groups to progress throughout the year. With this in mind, it is important that each of us remembers that the success of our group depends on how we perform as a team. Missing daily rehearsals not only affects how well you perform individually, but it also takes away from the sound of the ensemble. Therefore, please do your best to be in class daily.
Attendance
Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances for the choral ensembles here at Beaver Lake Middle School. One of the primary purposes of the choral program is to participate in various performances. Many of these performances take place after school and will serve as an extension to the classroom learning.
Most dates for public performances will be announced at the beginning of the year, but others will be announced at least two weeks prior to the performance date. However, we have may have opportunities to sing at venues which do not provide as much advanced notice as we would like.
Excused absences from performances will be granted in the situation of a genuine emergency. Pre-approved exceptions (including late arrival) need to be requested in writing at least 2 weeks prior to the event. If approved, the student will then have an opportunity to make up the performance grade by attending an outside of school concert or working in our choral library.
Grading Procedure
Grades will be based on the following point system:
100 pts. Concerts
· 50 pts. On time for call & set-up/Teardown
· 50 pts. Performance
50 pts. Field Trips
3 pts. Daily classroom participation and attitude
· 3 pts. Excused absence, Field Trip, In School Absence
· 2 pts. Tardy
· 1 Pt. Missing Music Notebook
· 0 pts. Unexcused absence
10 pts. Assignments, tests, returned forms, projects
See Beaver Lake Handbook for standardized grading scale)
Music and Materials
Each student is responsible for his/her own materials. Choir folders, pencils, and water bottles (optional) are to be with the students each day in class. All materials given out by the director are to be kept in a numbered folder which corresponds to the cabinet number in the classroom. Each student will be responsible for the music in his/her folder. If a student does not have their music in class, the student will be given 1pt. for that day and asked to share music with another student.
Issued music is kept on file for future use with the Beaver Lake choral ensembles. Students who lose or damage music will be charged for the replacement of that particular piece of music. Replacement costs can run anywhere from $1.00 to $4.00 for a single piece of music. Music is considered damaged if a student has either written in the music with an ink pen or has torn the music.
Please use pencils only to mark in your music if you are instructed to do so by your director.
Class Guidelines
· Be prepared for class with music folder and pencil each day.
· Be respectful.
· Be a positive Influence.
· Participate fully.
· No food or drink (except water) in the classroom.
· No gum allowed in the room or during any choir functions.
· School expectations apply in our choir class.
Class Procedures
· Enter the chorus room ready for action.
· Place all non-rehearsal items at the back of the room before the start of rehearsal.
· Retrieve your materials from their assigned location and take your place on the risers/chairs.
· If you were absent on the previous day, check with a person in your section to make sure that you are not missing any new pieces of music or handouts. See me to receive any missed materials.
· HAVE FUN!!! Because you chose to be here everyday and you love to sing, take this opportunity to soak up as much musical knowledge as possible and become the best singer you can be.
Discipline/Consequences
All discipline problems will be handled on an individual basis and will follow the Beaver Lake Middle School discipline step plan.
Parental Involvement
Many volunteers are needed throughout the year at our performances and events. We will need volunteers to help with Chaperoning, Choir Uniforms, Set Up/Tear Down, Sound Technicians, Photography, Refreshments, Copying, as well as Accompanists. If you are willing to lend a hand, please fill out the parent volunteer form included in this section.
Expectations for Behavior at Choral Concerts
· Come to the concert with enthusiasm and excitement to share your music with our audience!
· Remember to look your best in concert uniform. Your uniform is part of the presentation.
· Be on time and know your music! This will help you to feel more relaxed and jazzed about your performance!
· Keep your eyes focused on your director (unless she gives you permission to look at the audience). You don’t want to miss the chance to bring the music to life!
· Always be supportive of other choirs! It takes a lot of courage to do what you do, be proud of each other!
· Your behavior during a concert will help others to know how to act during a performance.
· Do not go in and out of the performance area. Leave only in emergencies. Wait to leave or enter in between selections.
· Listening is part of your responsibility. Do not leave a concert unless the director has given you prior approval to leave early
· Please remember that cell phones and electronic games interfere with sound equipment. Please leave your cell phones etc. off and out of sight during our concerts.
Keeping Your Voice Healthy
· Drink seven to ten 8-ounce glasses of fluids daily. Keep in mind that any drink with caffeine in it is dehydrating, so avoid sodas, coffee, and tea.
· Vocal folds like to breathe air that is 40% to 60% humid. Try to avoid situations that dry the air such as forced air heating, air conditioning, and breathing through your mouth.
· Just like a basketball player or any other athlete who must warm up before playing, you must warm up your voice before using it.
· Balance the amount of time that you use your voice with the amount of time you rest it.