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TEAM DAY FORM
Mountain Ridge Middle School
Choir Handbook
2018 – 2019
Dear MRMS Choir students and parents:
Welcome to the new school year! I hope that you are as excited as I am for this year in choir. This program has a tradition of excellence that together we will continue through great music, learning and fun!
This handbook will outline all choral policies and procedures, as well as lay out all performances for the year. Please read it and complete the online signature form with a parent by Friday, January 11th, 2019 to receive full credit.
I look forward to wonderful growth this new year. I hope that you will feel that the MRMS Choir program is your program; I value all feedback, both positive and constructive. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.
Lucas Reeves
[email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Philosophy
Our mission is to nurture the human spirit by enriching the lives of youth through musical excellence, helping them reach their fullest potential and live enriched lives through vocal music.
Music is a critical part of being human, both historically and in today’s society, and is therefore an essential part of the public education curriculum. As a music educator, it is my responsibility to develop students’ musical potential and advance independent musicians from MRMS’s classrooms and ensembles. Through their involvement in choir, it is my hope that each of my students is given the opportunity for performance, academic study, exploration and self-expression. Music education can also help develop life skills such as leadership, teamwork, self-motivation and discipline; lessons that will remain useful long after a student’s formal music education has ended.
Most importantly, music is vital in education because it is vital in life. The world would survive without music, but what a bleak and bland world it would be. Music and the arts add vitality and beauty to life. It enriches life, deepens it and makes it more satisfying. From the beginning of time, humans have sought this additional level of existence through the arts. For schools to not include such an essential element of the human experience would be tragic.
II. Colorado Music Standards
The MRMS Choir program is dedicated to developing well-rounded, independent musicians. To this end, all MRMS Choir students will gain experience in each of the Colorado Music Standards according to the grade level benchmarks. Follow this link to the Colorado Music Standards.
Please follow this link to learn more about the Colorado state standards for music.
III. Performance Ensembles & Clubs
During this semester, there are 3 choir classes throughout the day. These are each at the same level and expected to be at the same proficiency by the end of the semester.
In addition, there are choir clubs that are being offered before school 2-3 days each week. The number of clubs depends on the number of students signed up. The primary purpose of the clubs is to give those students who desire more performance opportunity, more difficult repertoire, and choreography, an opportunity outside of the classroom setting to fulfill this.
The clubs will meet once per week, each, before school at 6:45. There will be an expectation that students take more responsibility in learning the music independently, creating choreography (alone or with others), and taking ownership for the performance they will put on.
Men’s Choir – A non-auditioned men’s choir targeting all guys in the program or not. The men’s choir needs 10 singers to sign up or it cannot be held this semester.
Women’s Ensemble – A non-auditioned women’s choir targeting any and all students. Women’s ensemble will focus on building basic performance and vocal skills.
Advanced Choir – An auditioned choir open to all students who have completed a short audition process with Mr. Reeves. Advanced Choir will offer singers exposure to a vast selection of mixed choral repertoire as well as continue to develop advanced performance and dance techniques. This choir also takes a field trip to the elementary schools to promote our program in January.
IV. Rehearsal Expectations
Students will…
Music can be very expensive; students will be responsible for the cost of replacing any lost or damaged music.
V. Attendance Policy
The prompt and punctual attendance of each member at all rehearsals and performances is essential to the overall success of the choral ensemble. Successful choral ensembles are often the result of a strong “team spirit” within the group. Absenteeism or a detracting attitude from any individual may negatively impact the performing standard of the group. With this in mind, all choral classes will adhere to the MRMS attendance policy, as well as the following rules.
VI. Grading Policy
Participation and Effort
Participation points will be given to each singer based on punctuality, preparedness (music and additional supplies), and adherence to the rehearsal expectations. In the case of prolonged, excused absence, make-work may be assigned for participation points.
Concert attendance and conduct
Concert grades will be given based on attendance, appropriate concert attire, and proper concert etiquette. No make-up work will be allowed for unexcused concert absences.
Written Work
Throughout the grading period, written work may be assigned. This may include journal entries, concert reflections, listening assignment and written theory worksheets and tests.
Performance Assessments
Students may be assessed on performance skills, such as sight singing or performance of repertoire, either individually or in groups.
VII. Concert Attire
While choral performance is primarily an aural art, visual presentation is extremely important for the professionalism and initial impression of the choir. Each choir member is expected to obtain and wear the standard attire to all performances.
No student will be penalized due to financial constraints. If there is difficulty in purchasing part of the uniform please contact the director in writing and arrangements will be made to assist the student. Students will need to have this choir outfit in order to perform in the concerts.
The choir uniform will consist of the following:
All students will wear black bottoms and top with a splash of color.
Ladies may wear pants or knee length skirt. No cutoff shorts & no t-shirts. Skirts and shorts more than two fingers’ width above the knee will not be allowed onstage. The top is your choice, so long as it is black. The splash of color should be subtle (i.e. a scarf, hairpiece, undershirt, socks, other accessory, etc.) Shoes should be black and flats (no heels). We do a lot of walking/dancing around on risers and footwear should allow for this movement.
Gentlemen should wear pants, not shorts. Shirts will be tucked in. Black shirts should have a collar. The splash of color may be a tie, undershirt, or other appropriate accessory.
If there is any question on what might work, please ask Mr. Reeves BEFORE the day of the concert.
A few notes regarding concert dress…
Shoes for performance should be comfortable enough for extended periods of standing and occasional stage movement. Keep shoe styles simple and plain.
Elaborate jewelry and hair accessories are to be avoided as they detract from the uniformity of the choir.
Clothing should always be clean, pressed and neat for performance.
All singers should refrain from wearing any perfume, aftershave or other fragrances during performance. However, a shower and a little unscented deodorant will make the atmosphere more tolerable for everyone! ☺
IX. Calendar Dates
While not likely, these dates are subject to change and additional dates may apply.
SEPTEMBER
18th - Choir Concert at MRMS – 7pm (students arrive at 5:30)
22nd - MVHS Feeder Festival concert at MVHS gymnasium - 930am-1pm
OCTOBER
3rd - Audition recording after school (3p-5p) for All-State Choir (optional)
23rd - Men in the Middle Festival - Greeley, CO (optional)
November
TBA - Field Trip Possible
DECEMBER
11th Choir Concert at MRMS – 7pm (students arrive at 5:30)
JANUARY
11th - Advanced Choir to elementary feeders - ALL DAY
FEBRUARY
27th - Walking Field Trip to MVHS to watch musical
MARCH
5th - Choir Concert at MRMS - 7PM (students arrive at 5:30)
7-8th - Colorado Middle School All-State Choir (Downtown Denver)
Students audition (optional) in October for the festival that is held in March
MAY
7th - Choir Concert at MRMS - 7PM (students arrive at 5:30)
Thank you for reading the syllabus with your student. Please follow this link to complete the contract. By electronically "signing" this document you are stating that you are aware of the policies and procedures and understand the requirements of the course.
Click here to sign the form.
Fall semester, plus use MySchoolBucks to register for the Feeder Festival.
Choir Handbook
2018 – 2019
Dear MRMS Choir students and parents:
Welcome to the new school year! I hope that you are as excited as I am for this year in choir. This program has a tradition of excellence that together we will continue through great music, learning and fun!
This handbook will outline all choral policies and procedures, as well as lay out all performances for the year. Please read it and complete the online signature form with a parent by Friday, January 11th, 2019 to receive full credit.
I look forward to wonderful growth this new year. I hope that you will feel that the MRMS Choir program is your program; I value all feedback, both positive and constructive. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.
Lucas Reeves
[email protected]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Philosophy
- Colorado Music Standards
- Performance Ensembles
- Rehearsal Expectations
- Attendance Policy
- Grading Policy
- Concert Attire
- Calendar Dates
- Parent/Student Agreement
I. Philosophy
Our mission is to nurture the human spirit by enriching the lives of youth through musical excellence, helping them reach their fullest potential and live enriched lives through vocal music.
Music is a critical part of being human, both historically and in today’s society, and is therefore an essential part of the public education curriculum. As a music educator, it is my responsibility to develop students’ musical potential and advance independent musicians from MRMS’s classrooms and ensembles. Through their involvement in choir, it is my hope that each of my students is given the opportunity for performance, academic study, exploration and self-expression. Music education can also help develop life skills such as leadership, teamwork, self-motivation and discipline; lessons that will remain useful long after a student’s formal music education has ended.
Most importantly, music is vital in education because it is vital in life. The world would survive without music, but what a bleak and bland world it would be. Music and the arts add vitality and beauty to life. It enriches life, deepens it and makes it more satisfying. From the beginning of time, humans have sought this additional level of existence through the arts. For schools to not include such an essential element of the human experience would be tragic.
II. Colorado Music Standards
The MRMS Choir program is dedicated to developing well-rounded, independent musicians. To this end, all MRMS Choir students will gain experience in each of the Colorado Music Standards according to the grade level benchmarks. Follow this link to the Colorado Music Standards.
Please follow this link to learn more about the Colorado state standards for music.
III. Performance Ensembles & Clubs
During this semester, there are 3 choir classes throughout the day. These are each at the same level and expected to be at the same proficiency by the end of the semester.
In addition, there are choir clubs that are being offered before school 2-3 days each week. The number of clubs depends on the number of students signed up. The primary purpose of the clubs is to give those students who desire more performance opportunity, more difficult repertoire, and choreography, an opportunity outside of the classroom setting to fulfill this.
The clubs will meet once per week, each, before school at 6:45. There will be an expectation that students take more responsibility in learning the music independently, creating choreography (alone or with others), and taking ownership for the performance they will put on.
Men’s Choir – A non-auditioned men’s choir targeting all guys in the program or not. The men’s choir needs 10 singers to sign up or it cannot be held this semester.
Women’s Ensemble – A non-auditioned women’s choir targeting any and all students. Women’s ensemble will focus on building basic performance and vocal skills.
Advanced Choir – An auditioned choir open to all students who have completed a short audition process with Mr. Reeves. Advanced Choir will offer singers exposure to a vast selection of mixed choral repertoire as well as continue to develop advanced performance and dance techniques. This choir also takes a field trip to the elementary schools to promote our program in January.
IV. Rehearsal Expectations
Students will…
- Participate actively in a positive manner for the full class period
- Be respectful to the director, accompanist, student leaders, and other students
- Be respectful of class materials, such as music, books and the piano
- Be seated as class begins with music folder and pencil ready
- Avoid gum, food, drinks (except for water) and all electronic devices
- Practice good singing posture
- Refrain from talking during rehearsal
Music can be very expensive; students will be responsible for the cost of replacing any lost or damaged music.
V. Attendance Policy
The prompt and punctual attendance of each member at all rehearsals and performances is essential to the overall success of the choral ensemble. Successful choral ensembles are often the result of a strong “team spirit” within the group. Absenteeism or a detracting attitude from any individual may negatively impact the performing standard of the group. With this in mind, all choral classes will adhere to the MRMS attendance policy, as well as the following rules.
- NO absences from scheduled concert performances. The only acceptable excuses are severe personal illness or personal emergencies. All absences must be cleared with the director beforehand in order for make-up work to be assigned. Excused absences from performances may be made up with a written assignment. Unexcused absences may not be made up.
VI. Grading Policy
Participation and Effort
Participation points will be given to each singer based on punctuality, preparedness (music and additional supplies), and adherence to the rehearsal expectations. In the case of prolonged, excused absence, make-work may be assigned for participation points.
Concert attendance and conduct
Concert grades will be given based on attendance, appropriate concert attire, and proper concert etiquette. No make-up work will be allowed for unexcused concert absences.
Written Work
Throughout the grading period, written work may be assigned. This may include journal entries, concert reflections, listening assignment and written theory worksheets and tests.
Performance Assessments
Students may be assessed on performance skills, such as sight singing or performance of repertoire, either individually or in groups.
VII. Concert Attire
While choral performance is primarily an aural art, visual presentation is extremely important for the professionalism and initial impression of the choir. Each choir member is expected to obtain and wear the standard attire to all performances.
No student will be penalized due to financial constraints. If there is difficulty in purchasing part of the uniform please contact the director in writing and arrangements will be made to assist the student. Students will need to have this choir outfit in order to perform in the concerts.
The choir uniform will consist of the following:
All students will wear black bottoms and top with a splash of color.
Ladies may wear pants or knee length skirt. No cutoff shorts & no t-shirts. Skirts and shorts more than two fingers’ width above the knee will not be allowed onstage. The top is your choice, so long as it is black. The splash of color should be subtle (i.e. a scarf, hairpiece, undershirt, socks, other accessory, etc.) Shoes should be black and flats (no heels). We do a lot of walking/dancing around on risers and footwear should allow for this movement.
Gentlemen should wear pants, not shorts. Shirts will be tucked in. Black shirts should have a collar. The splash of color may be a tie, undershirt, or other appropriate accessory.
If there is any question on what might work, please ask Mr. Reeves BEFORE the day of the concert.
A few notes regarding concert dress…
Shoes for performance should be comfortable enough for extended periods of standing and occasional stage movement. Keep shoe styles simple and plain.
Elaborate jewelry and hair accessories are to be avoided as they detract from the uniformity of the choir.
Clothing should always be clean, pressed and neat for performance.
All singers should refrain from wearing any perfume, aftershave or other fragrances during performance. However, a shower and a little unscented deodorant will make the atmosphere more tolerable for everyone! ☺
IX. Calendar Dates
While not likely, these dates are subject to change and additional dates may apply.
SEPTEMBER
18th - Choir Concert at MRMS – 7pm (students arrive at 5:30)
22nd - MVHS Feeder Festival concert at MVHS gymnasium - 930am-1pm
OCTOBER
3rd - Audition recording after school (3p-5p) for All-State Choir (optional)
23rd - Men in the Middle Festival - Greeley, CO (optional)
November
TBA - Field Trip Possible
DECEMBER
11th Choir Concert at MRMS – 7pm (students arrive at 5:30)
JANUARY
11th - Advanced Choir to elementary feeders - ALL DAY
FEBRUARY
27th - Walking Field Trip to MVHS to watch musical
MARCH
5th - Choir Concert at MRMS - 7PM (students arrive at 5:30)
7-8th - Colorado Middle School All-State Choir (Downtown Denver)
Students audition (optional) in October for the festival that is held in March
MAY
7th - Choir Concert at MRMS - 7PM (students arrive at 5:30)
Thank you for reading the syllabus with your student. Please follow this link to complete the contract. By electronically "signing" this document you are stating that you are aware of the policies and procedures and understand the requirements of the course.
Click here to sign the form.
Fall semester, plus use MySchoolBucks to register for the Feeder Festival.