AMS T IGER

CHO IRS

2018-2019 Student/Parent Handbook

Marie Sanford, Director

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME!

CHOIR DIRECTOR CONTACT INFORMATION 3

I. GOALS 3

II. CHOIR COURSES OFFERED 3

III. GRADING POLICY 4

IV. EXPECTATIONS 5

A. ATTENDANCE 5 B. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND PROCEDURES 5 C. CLASS MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES 7 D. UNIFORMS 8 E. CONCERT ETIQUETTE 9 F. OFF-CAMPUS EXPECTATIONS 9

V. PARENT INVOLVEMENT 10

VI. STUDENT INVOLVEMENT 10

VII. COMMUNICATION 10

A. CHARMS 10

B. REMIND 10

C. CHOIR WEBSITE 11

D. E-SCHOOL/HAC 11

IX. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS AND FORMS 11

A. CHOIR FEES 11

B. PAYMENT OPTIONS 12

C. BEGINNING OF YEAR FORMS CHECKLIST 12

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WELCOME!

Welcome to AMS Tiger Choirs! The purpose of this handbook is to provide information for students and parents on the organization and operation of the choir program at Atascocita Middle School. Choir is a group activity that thrives on the hard work of all involved. This handbook will help as a guide and furnish you with useful information about choir and all of components that make the AMS Choral Department a successful one. If you should ever have any further questions that aren’t answered within the handbook, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Marie Sanford, Choir Director

Marie.sanford@humbleisd.net

281-641-4639

I.GOALS OF THE AMS CHOIR DEPARTMENT

Develop in each student a sense of appreciation of the importance of music

Inspire self-confidence, self-discipline, responsibility, social skills, and musicianship skills in each student through positive interactions with teachers and peers

Grow the musical potential of each student to the fullest

Heighten the musical skills of each student, including all facets of music theory, sight-reading, ear training, and singing in an ensemble

Instill an appreciation and understanding of our own culture and different cultures through different means and styles of making music

Foster self-expression through practice and performance during rehearsals and concerts

Act and encourage exhibiting proper concert etiquette through participation and attendance of live performances

II. CHOIR ELECTIVE COURSES OFFERED

Bel Canto Choir: Italian for “beautiful singing,” this name defines AMS’s top women’s performing group. This is an advanced, fast-paced course that focuses on music reading, sight-singing, and performing challenging repertoire for various choral festivals, solo events, and UIL choral contests.

Men’s Varsity Choir: Course designed for 6th, 7th and 8th grade young men wishing to sing at a high level of rigor. Students will learn skills and techniques related to the uniqueness of each singer’s voice and apply these skills to a diverse and challenging repertoire. These students also participate in choral festivals, solo events, and UIL choral contests.

Concert Treble Choir: Choir of 7th and 8th grade girls who love singing and are

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looking to advance their singing and musicianship skills in a less competitive and easy-paced environment. These students have the opportunity to participate in choral festivals, solo events, and UIL choral contests.

Cantabile Choirs: Introductory course to choral singing at the middle school level. This course focuses on skills and techniques for each student’s unique and changing voice, and on learning basic sight-reading and fundamental musicianship skills.

III. GRADING POLICY

A. Formative and Summative Grades

a. Formative grades are weighted 40% and include (but are not limited to): i. Daily rehearsal etiquette (TEKS 7.6.C), theory quizzes

b. Summative grades are weighted 60% and include (but are not limited to): i. Before and after-school rehearsals, concerts, performance assessments,

concert critique assignment B. Conduct Grades

a. Conduct grades are given in addition to academic letter grades at the end of each 9 week grading period. Students’ earned marks are at the discretion of the director’s observance of each student’s over-all participation and cooperation with fellow peers and choir director. A student will be given a behavior grade of: E= Excellent, S=Satisfactory, N=Needs improvement, U=Unsatisfactory. A student who receives two N’s or one U within a semester (two 9-week grading periods), will be dismissed from the choir program at Semester. Students in this case will complete alternate writing assignments during class time in lieu of participating with the rest of the class. Students will not be allowed to participate in any outside choral activities beyond the school day.

C. Eligibility: No Pass-No Play

The Humble ISD, by state law, follows the “No-Pass, No Play” policy of the Texas Education Agency. Choir is curricular as well as extra-curricular. This means that concerts and rehearsals outside of the normal school day are considered an extension of daily classroom learning, therefore, students receive a grade for these activities. Extra-curricular performances are defined as those that involve competition or charge a fee (i.e. auditions, festivals, contests, trips). Students who have failed any class during the previous six weeks are ineligible to participate in choir activities that are extra-curricular. Curricular activities are not affected by ineligibility and students are expected to attend these activities, even if they are ineligible for extra-curricular activities. Please contact the choir director if you are not certain if an event is curricular or extra-curricular.

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V. EXPECTATIONS

A. Attendance

a. Daily Attendance i. To be marked “present,” students need to be in his/her assigned seat

with music/binder, and a pencil by the time the bell rings. If a student is not in his/her assigned seat by the bell, he/she will be marked tardy.

ii. If a student leaves the room for any reason after the bell has rung, he/she will need a signed pass (tardy, nurse, AP, etc.) to re-enter the choir room. Students without a pass will not be allowed to re-enter the room and will be marked absent.

b. Rehearsal and Concert Attendance i. We as a group spend a majority of our class time preparing for

performances. When a child signs up for choir please realize that it is a commitment for both child and parent for making the arrangements to attend both dress rehearsal and concert. If arrangements are hard to make such as finding rides and so forth, please contact Mrs. Sanford 48 hours before the concert/dress rehearsal. I will try to help you find a workable solution to your problem. It is the student’s responsibility to talk to Mrs. Sanford and parent’s responsibility to email the conflict before the day of the concert. If conflict is not known by director in the amount of time stated above, a zero will be entered into the gradebook.

B. Classroom Management and Procedures

Mrs. Sanford’s Tigers ROAR!

Responsible

Be prepared for class with your binder, music, and pencil EVERY DAY Communicate with Mrs. Sanford any conflicts, issues, or concerns with scheduling

grades, peers, etc. in a prompt and professional manner.

On time, on task

Be in your assigned place working on the bell assignment when the bell rings.

Use time wisely.

Pay attention.

Always following directions

Listen carefully to instructions and follow them the first time they are given.

Follow classroom procedures and directions/re-directions.

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Respect

Be courteous, positive, and supportive of your fellow choir members and teacher

Raise your hand and wait to be recognized before you speak

Refrain from talking during important rehearsal time

All property belonging to the school, fellow classmates, the teacher, and places we visit will be respected. This includes the piano and sound equipment.

1. Routines and Materials i. Students are expected to leave their backpacks on the shelving units in

choir room. Students should leave phones and other electronic devices in their bags(unless directed to be used that day by the director), and should only have necessary choir materials upon entering the room.

ii. Students are expected to report directly to their assigned area on the risers and begin their warm-up assignment/routine. Class begins when the bell rings to start class. Any student who is not prepared for the start of class (i.e. continues talking, does not have proper materials, etc.), will need to retrieve a tardy pass.

2. Behaviors and Consequences i. Social Contract:

1. Each class will create a Social Contract based on ways they would like to be treated by their classmates.

1- Foul: If a student breaches the Social Contract with a disrespectful or inappropriate behavior, a “foul” will be called on the student. If the student receives a “foul” (from either the director or another classmate), he or she must offer two affirmations to the person or institution fouled. Refusing to do so will result in a “Behave Out,” where the student will be excused from the classroom and receive a D-Hall.

2- Recurring Off-Task Behavior: If an off-task behavior (i.e. not adhering to ROAR or other class and school procedures) is witnessed after 1 verbal warning, the teacher will re-direct the student by asking 4 questions:

1.) What are you doing? 2.) What are you supposed to be doing? 3.) Are you doing it? 4.) What are you going to do about it?

If a student does not answer these questions appropriately or respectfully, the student has chosen to “behave out” of

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class. He/she will be issued a D-Hall and will be expected to complete and return a Behavior Reflection sheet with a parent signature the following attendance day. If a student does not return the Behavior Reflection, the director will call home for a conference.

3. Passes i. Passes must be presented in order for a student to enter or re-enter the

choir room after the starting bell. If a student does not present a signed pass, they will be sent to the office to receive a tardy.

ii. Students are expected to use the restroom during passing periods—not during class time. (Exceptions apply only as directed by a students’ 504 plan.)

4. Daily Participation a. All students are expected to:

i. Be respectful to everyone ii. Give 100% every day

iii. Ask the director when they don’t understand something iv. Stand or sit in the requested position with superior singing posture v. ALWAYS USE SOLFEGE HAND SIGNS

vi. Have their supplies vii. Always know where in the music the director is rehearsing, even if she is

working with a different section—be an active singer and listener! viii. Write rehearsal notes as instructed by the director

B. Class Materials and Supplies

1. Materials Checks a. Random materials checks occur weekly, and are entered as a formative grade. Students are given 100% for having all of their materials, 50% if a student is missing his/her binder or pencil, or 0 if the student is missing both and he/she makes no effort to borrow these materials from a friend.

2. Binders a. Each student will be supplied a 1” black binder at the beginning of the school

year for storing, protecting, and organizing issued music and papers. Included in the binder are pencils, highlighters, a pencil pouch, and organizational dividers.

b. Each student pays a $15 supply fee to help cover the cost of class supplies (including music, pencils, highlighters, dividers, and a pencil bag). Each student is solely responsible for his/her binder and the contents therein. If a student loses a binder or any of its contents, the student will be responsible for replacing these necessary supplies. Students can choose to purchase their own replacements, or can purchase gently used items from the Choir Department.

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3. Technology/BYOD

a. Mrs. Sanford supports the district BYOD policy, but does not incorporate it into daily lessons. A red card or green card will indicate whether or not students’ own devices will be of use during the lesson for that particular day.

b. Students who use their electronic device at an inappropriate time and/or in an inappropriate manner will have their phone taken up and turned in to the appropriate grade-level AP. Mrs. Sanford is not responsible for damage or loss of the phone while the phone is at the AP’s office.

D. Uniforms

Students are issued a variety of choir uniforms in order to accommodate the various natures and venues of our performances and activities.

1. Concert Attire a. Formal concert attire includes:

i. Women: formal concert performance black dress*; black nylons; black, closed-toe shoes with a short heel ii. Men: AMS neck tie*; formal black pants*; white, button-down, long-sleeved shirt*; black dress shoes; black socks

* issued by AMS Choir Department

b. Students will sign a uniform contract during the school year when uniforms are issued. Damage or loss of uniforms will result in replacement fines which could easily exceed $100. These fines must be cleared before finals can be taken or students can graduate on to the next grade level. Cleaning/Maintenance fees of $15 are paid by each student at the beginning of the school year.

c. The hemline of the choir formal dress should be exactly 1 inch off of the floor. Care must be taken in hemming dresses or pants. Hems must only be sewn loosely. DO NOT CUT THE DRESS! Do NOT use staples, safety pins, or tape! It is the responsibility of each student and parents to see that necessary alterations are administered with the director’s permission, and that their formalwear fits properly. If major alterations are necessary, they must be approved in advance by the choir director.

3. Choir T-Shirt All Students are expected to purchase an AMS Choir T-Shirt. They are worn

at informal performances, field trips, and on spirit days/events with: a. blue jeans- NO holes anywhere please b. tennis shoes

E. Concert Etiquette

Students are expected to demonstrate proper concert etiquette both on and off the stage. It is very helpful when parents and audience members help reinforce this.

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1. Be silent on stage or while in the audience. 2. Stay in your seat for the entire performance. In the instance of an emergency, exit quickly and quietly during applause. When you return, wait at the door for the song to end. Listen for applause. 3. Food, drinks, or gum should be kept outside of the amphitheater. 4. Support your fellow choir members or other groups with polite applause. Calling out names, yelling, whistling, or cheering loudly should be kept to sporting events. 5. During serious music, clap after the director lowers his/her hands or baton. Sometimes songs have multiple movements and it is only appropriate to applause after all movements have been performed. 6. While attending UIL Concert and Sight-Reading performances, it is only appropriate to applaud after the choir has completed their entire performance (after three songs). 7. In songs that are pop or jazz style, it is appropriate to applaud after a solo. 8. Set a good example for the audience. Know the correct concert etiquette and the other audience members will follow. 9. Cell phones, pagers, iPods, or watches with alarms should be turned off during a performance. 10. Enjoy the music and the performance!

F. Off-Campus Expectations

Students who participate in one of various social outings, trips, or community performances represent Atascocita Middle School, the district, the choir, and their choir director. It is expected that students practice their best behaviors and represent their choral program and community with utmost integrity and professionalism. It is a privilege to be able to participate in off-campus activities. Mrs. Sanford reserves the right to not invite or allow a student to participate in an off-campus activity due to questionable behaviors that could jeopardize the image and experience of our choir.

V. PARENT INVOLVEMENT

There are a number of ways for parents to get involved with choir this year:

a. Annual Fund Donations: parents and family members can contribute to AMS’s Annual Fund online, which raises money for various organizations, including choir.

b. Concert Help (set up, take down, decorations, programs, posters, supervision, etc.)

c. Field Trips: Chaperones are needed for bus trips and participation in UIL, Solo and Ensemble, Region, and other singing festival events, etc.

VI. STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

Choir Aides

Choir Aides are students who choose to offer help to the choir program as one of their elective periods during their daily course schedule for a semester. Aides are recommended by

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the director and must be in the 8th grade for the current school year. Aides write announcements and goals on the choir announcement board, update the choir bulletin board, run in-school errands, and keep track of binders left out and items left in the Maid Box, and other organizational/secretarial tasks.

VII. COMMUNICATION

A. Charms

1. Charms is an online hub for accessing choir communication, music, recordings, calendars, assignments, and more. It is imperative for every student to have Charms in order to participate in choir events, complete choir assignments, and engage in at-home practice.

2. Charms can be accessed online: www.charmsoffice.com, or via the “Charms Blue” app.

3. It is the responsibility of students and parents to make sure their contact information is correct and updated. Families should take care to check their junk email inbox and make sure to receive Charms correspondence. Notify Mrs. Sanford right away of any missed or unclear communication.

C. Remind

1. Remind is a free messaging application that allows Mrs. Sanford to send short, quick reminders and updates. We live in a fast-paced world, and it is very easy for parents and children to feel overwhelmed with the amount of information they have to keep track of in their daily lives. AMS has a school Remind, and all Choir parents and students are encouraged to sign up for the Choir Remind as well. This communication really is a great way for teachers to “remind” students and parents of upcoming important events and deadlines. 2. Each class has a unique code so that Mrs. Sanford can send messages specific to each choir. 3. Please find the code listed below that matches with your child’s choir. Text the code to the given number (don’t forget the “@”) and you’re in! Further instructions can be found on the AMS Tiger Choir website. a. Men’s Varsity Choir: text @AMSMenV18 to 81010 b. Concert Treble: text @AMSTreble18 to 81010 c. Bel Canto: text @AMSBelcanto2018 to 81010 e. Beginning Girls: text @AMSCantabile18 to 81010

C. AMS Tiger Choir Website

1. The Choir website is another way to access important information, practice recordings, and print-outs. 2. Instructions on how to get to the website:

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a.) Go to humbleisd.net/ams b.) Then, click “Activities” on the directory bar. You will see “Choir.” Click on that link, and it will take you to the AMS Choir Website. c.) Use the sidebar to navigate the site and find the information you are looking for. Please contact Mrs. Sanford if you have any difficulty accessing recordings or documents on the website

D. E-School/Home Access Center

1. Humble ISD uses E-School as their gradebook tool and way of communicating a child’s progress to his/her family. Please check E-School/HAC frequently for individualized communication on your child’s progress in choir. E-mail communication will be sent via E-School 2. Mrs. Sanford cares very much about the academic learning of each child. In order for students to participate in UIL events and off-campus choir events, students must maintain eligibility. It is the responsibility of students and parents to check HAC frequently, and to communicate with teachers in classes where they may be struggling, so to maintain eligibility.

VIII. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS AND FORMS

A. Choir Fees

1. Choir Fees help cover the costs of various expenses and supplies necessary for choir program operations. Fees do not cover field trip costs—they are for supplies and operations only. The cost of the fees should NEVER inhibit a student from being able to participate in choir. Payment plans and work-study plans are a couple of alternatives to paying the entire choir fee up front. Don’t be afraid to talk to Mrs. Sanford about fee options. Fees are required by every member to participate and must be paid by designated deadlines—and by the end of the school year—in order for the student to be able to participate in all choir events and register for the next grade level. 2. Choir Costs:

a. Supply Fee (required): covers the cost of necessary choir materials (binder, music, pencil pouch, pencil, 2 highlighters, organization tabs) b. Formal Uniform Maintenance Fee (required for 7th and 8th graders only and 6th grade boys): covers the cost of cleaning and normal wear-and-tear repairs of formal dresses and neckties. c. Choir T-Shirt (required): this shirt is re-designed each year and is worn for informal performances, spirit days, and while on field trips.

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B. Payment Options

Students are able to pay for all fees, fines, and trip costs with cash, check, or credit card online via Charms. a. Instructions (for more detailed instructions, see the AMS Choir website):

i. Visit our district website at http://www.humble.k12.tx.us ii. Click Online Payments link iii. Make payment using a VISA, Discover and MasterCard debit or credit

card

b. Payments are non-refundable.

C. Beginning of Year Forms Checklist (AMS Choir Student Information

Packet due 9/7/2018)

1. Student Information 2. Charms Log-in 3. Monetary Obligations 4. Medical Information 5. Student & Parent Contract