Permenter Middle School Department of Choral Studies

CHOIR HANDBOOK 2016-2017 “Excellence WITHOUT Excuse” Music makes life worth living. It creates the context for our civilization. Musicians don't just happen; they are nurtured and cared for by schools, teachers, parents, and members of the community. These are the people who provide the base upon which creativity flourishes.

ENSEMBLES 6th Grade Treble 6th Grade Boys Treble Chorus I Treble Chorus II Select Ladies Choir Select Tenor/Bass Choir Beginning Tenor/Bass Choir

DIRECTOR Mr. Colton Blake

Welcome to Permenter MS Choral Department’s 2016-2017 Season! Greetings to all parents, friends, and choristers! I am excited to continue with the longhorn family this year as your 2016-2017 Director of Choral Education. There are a lot of exciting things happening this year, and I look forward to working with each of you! The Permenter MS Choral Department thrives on a philosophy of and commitment to tradition, musical excellence and pride in all that we do. This philosophy and commitment depends on the cooperation of ALL Choral students, parents and friends. Please understand that the success of a quality choral program demands that EACH member must claim personal responsibility and “ownership!” You have the power to do GREAT THINGS!

Our motto this year is “Excellence WITHOUT Excuse!” This year I will pull on each student and parent to be the BEST they can be in making the Permenter Middle School choral program a success. There will be days when we get tired and even days when we’re just not motivated—however, it is up to US to reach excellence—TOGETHER! I will expect that as I hold the students accountable, we will all hold each other accountable as well in making sure we reach our goal. It is with pleasure and pride that I present this Choral Handbook to answer most of your questions and to inform you of goals, expectations, calendar dates, etc. Please read the Handbook and have a parent or guardian sign and return the contract on the back page. With your help and support, we look forward to a successful year of music making! In Success, Colton Blake Director of Choral Studies W.S. Permenter Middle School

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Contact Information

Numbers to know: Permenter Choir Office: 972-291-5270 ext. 4751

Emails to know: Mr. Blake (Permenter Middle School): Mr. Leining (BCMS): Mr. Rhodes (CHHS): Mr. Growe (CHHS)

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Web sites to know: Cedar Hill ISD: www.chisd.net Mr. Blake:

http://permenter.tx.chm.schoolinsites.com Click on School staff. Click on Blake, Colton

Choir Webpage: http://chisd.net/domain/1650

Charms Music www.charmsmusic.com Username: PMSChoir Password: Your child’s school ID#(default--students are able to change)

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Course Descriptions 6th Grade Choir 6th grade girls/boys choir. 6th Grade Choir is a non-auditioned choir open to all 6th grade students. Students will learn basic concepts of proper singing techniques through daily practice. Students will develop new skills individually, as well as in a choral ensemble. Choir members are given the opportunity to explore different genres of music, music history, and music theory through vocal music literature. Members will perform in required concerts with opportunities to further their abilities in optional events such as: Solo and Ensemble, Regional and National Honor Choirs and Middle School Music Festival.

Treble Chorus I This treble chorus (SA, SSA) is made up of 7 th and 8th grade girls. This choir consists of female singers who wish to improve their choral skills through performance in a variety of musical styles. There are extra rehearsals and at least four performances per year. Members are checked out a uniform. No auditions are required. Evenings and afternoons are sometimes required. Eligible students may have the opportunity to participate in Region XX Honor Choir auditions, UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest.

Treble Chorus II This treble chorus (SA, SSA) is made up of 7 th and 8th grade girls. This choir consists of female singers who wish to improve their choral skills through performance in a variety of musical styles. There are extra rehearsals and at least four performances per year. Members are checked out a uniform. No auditions are required. Evenings and afternoons are sometimes required. Eligible students may have the opportunity to participate in Region XX Honor Choir auditions, UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest.

Select Tenor/Bass Choir Tenor-Bass choir (TB, TTB, TBB) is made up of 7 th and 8th grade men. This choir consists of male singers who wish to improve their choral skills through performance in a variety of musical styles. There are extra rehearsals and at least four performances per year. Members are checked out a uniform, but are required to provide their own white dress shirt and solid black slacks. Auditions are required. Evenings and afternoons are sometimes required. Eligible students are required to participate in Region XX Honor Choir auditions, UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest.

Select Ladies’ Choir This treble chorus (SA, SSA, SSAA) is made up of 7 th and 8th grade girls. This choir consists of female singers who wish to improve their choral skills through performance in a variety of musical styles. There are extra rehearsals and at least four performances per year. Members are checked out a uniform. Auditions are required. Evenings and afternoons are sometimes required. All students are required to participate in Region XX Honor Choir auditions, UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest, and UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest.

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Grading Policy Semester Grade Each 18-week semester is divided into three 9-week grading periods. Each of these grading periods is 25% of the semester grade. The final 25% is the final exam grade.

Daily Work/Participation: 50% Practice Logs/Homework: 10% Concerts/Rehearsals (including sectionals)/Tests: 40% Daily Work Grade/Participation (50%): ●

Students will earn a grade for each week of class for their achievements in being prepared for success. Each student will begin each new week with a 100% participation grade. Students will have the opportunity to gain and/or lose points throughout the week, based on the criteria below. o Students must be punctual and prepared for class, with music and pencil, every day. Students who are tardy or arrive without their materials will have 5 points deducted from their Daily Work Grade for each infraction. o Students who do not follow classroom procedures and rules will have 10 points deducted from their participation grade. o Students absent will not earn their participation points for days they are absent. Students may request the opportunity to earn points missed if their absence is determined to be excused by the attendance office. Points missed due to unexcused absences cannot be made up. o Students who exceed the expectations set by Mr. Blake each week will have the opportunity to gain additional participation points for that week. (Max. points = 20). ● Students will also be require to complete assignments in class that may be due before the end of the period. In some cases, students will have the opportunity to complete any missing daily work assignment for homework. In the event that a daily work assignment is assigned for homework, the assignment will still be weighted as a “Daily Work Grade.” Skill-Based Assessments/Assignments Choral music is a very demanding art form, requiring near perfection to simply be acceptable to the listener. Mastery of the fundamentals is essential to achievement. Therefore, many of our skill-based assignments will be graded with a 100 or a zero. Students may re-take or resubmit their assignments as many times as need until they demonstrate mastery of the element, but the grading schedule does impose deadlines on completion. Signing Technique and Aural Skills: Throughout the year, students will be expected to demonstrate their skills by singing in front of the class, recording themselves using technology, and in small groups. Written Solfege in Music: Students must complete this assignment on every piece of repertoire before the ensemble can progress collectively to concert preparation. All measures must be numbered and all notes labeled with the correct solfege syllable in order for the assignment to be acceptable.

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Music Theory: Written music theory is the foundation of excellent musicianship. Students will be expected to learn and demonstrate knowledge in the follow areas of music theory including, but not limited to: dictation, scale writing, intervals, key signatures, and time signatures.

Practice logs/Homework Grade (10%): Each week, students will turn in a practice log for a grade. Students must log one (2) hours of practice time per week. These will be turned in via Charms or may be turned in via email. Homework turned in after the due date will be subject to Permenter’s late work policy.

Concerts/Dress Rehearsals/Sectionals/Tests (40%): Audition Requirements: All students must learn and have the option to audition for solo/ensemble and/or allregion honor choirs. The Select Choir(s) is required to do both. Treble Chorus and Tenor/Bass Chorus must learn and audition the material for Mr. Blake with the option of auditioning for the contests. Concert Performances: In choral music, our major projects consist of certain auditions, concert performances, and the rehearsals leading up to them.

**All Performances, Rehearsals Sectionals and Practices are required for all classes and a grade will be earned.** Concert Dress Rehearsals: These rehearsals will be immediately preceding a performance and are as scheduled on the Choir Calendar given at the start of the year. Rehearsals will be for a grade equal to the performance. Additionally, students who miss a dress rehearsal with an unexcused absence will not earn more than a 60% for their performance grade. After-School Rehearsals: Circumstances may arise that require rehearsal time outside of the school day. These rehearsals are also considered mandatory! A two week courtesy notice will be given—however, please prepare to be flexible in the event that doesn’t happen. Each rehearsal will be a full sectional grade.

Attendance Policy: 1. Absences and tardiness for concerts and rehearsals will be excused in the case of medical emergency or death in the family ONLY. No other excuses are allowed! It is the responsibility of the parent and student to review the calendar and make the necessary arrangements. If there is a conflict, the parent must contact Mr. Blake at least 2 weeks before the scheduled date. Please call and leave a message on the choir office phone if any of these incidents occur: 972-291-5270 x4751; email is also acceptable. [email protected]. An absence form must also be submitted. 2. NOT HAVING A RIDE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXCUSED ABSENCE. Check your Choir Calendar now and plan ahead. We are a family! Please feel free to collaborate with your choir brothers and sisters, if needed!

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3. In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the STUDENT (and parent) to notify the Mr. Blake (IMMEDIATELY) via EMAIL of the conflicting activity. The sponsors will then determine the student’s obligation. Both sponsors will work together in the best interest of the student. 4. If a concert is missed due to an excused absence, the student may only make up the absence by writing a Composer Report and attending two (2) outside CHISD concerts. 5. Per school policy, students must be in attendance the full day of a concert in order to participate, so please be mindful of these dates when scheduling appointments. An excused absence during the school day does not automatically become an excused absence from an evening performance. Singing Tests: From time to time, students will be asked to sing alone or in small groups on selected literature. Everyone will be asked at least once each semester. Not being prepared or failure to perform when asked, will adversely affect the student’s grade in the area of participation. Most evaluations of this type will be a part of their major project grade. Parent Letters: Keeping the lines of communication open between the Directors and the parents is a top priority for any excellent choral program. Parents cannot fully support their student’s success without full information. Letters should be returned with parent signatures by the deadline given. Students who turn in forms and letters on time will receive a daily grade of 100%.

Final Exam Grade Choral Study is not only an art form, but an academic subject as well. All choral students will complete a written final exam that will include elements of music fundamentals, theory, and literacy each semester.

Eligibility Students must maintain a grade of at least 70 in every class, every six weeks in order to be eligible for competitions and contests. Ineligibility is not an excused absence from any rehearsal or performance. Students who so not attend events will receive a grade of a zero.

**A Preliminary Calendar is distributed with this handbook that contains dates and times of rehearsals and performances outside of the school day. Be sure to ask your child for a copy and keep it posted in a prominent place in the home. Any changes or adjustments to the calendar will be updated online and/or a courtesy email sent.

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Student Code of Conduct Classroom Expectations Be prompt Be prepared Be polite Be productive Be positive DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES (Offenses are cumulative for each nine week grading period, per Director’s discretion) 1st Offense: Verbal Warning 2nd Offense: Points off weekly participation grade, Verbal Warning, Parent Contact 3rd Offense: Points off weekly participation grade, Parent Contact, After School Detention 4th Offense: Points off, Parent Contact, After School Detention, Parent Conference 5th Offense: Grade of 0 for the weekly participation grade, Discipline Referral to Assistant Principal, Student removed to office. REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE ●

Responsibility: CHECK THE CHOIR CALL BOARD EVERY DAY. It is your responsibility to plan ahead to minimize event conflicts and to find a ride!

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Positive Attitude: Come to rehearsal with the attitude that hard work does pay off! Excellence is achieved with an open and hard-working mind. Leave other classes and problems outside the Choir Room doors so that our musical goals can be the focus of each rehearsal.

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Posture: Your body is your instrument. Use it properly for singing. When you stand, your feet should be slightly separated, shoulders straight, rib cage fully extended, face engaged. When sitting, use the front part of the seat and legs should be slightly forward for balance. Do not cross your legs. Keep both heels on the floor.

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Supplies: It is critical that you bring your MUSIC and PENCIL to EACH rehearsal. Just as you would take a textbook to class, bring your music to choir. All choir members will need a Choir Folder. Keep all music in your folder and have your folder in class every day. 10 POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR LACK OF SUPPLIES. Place backpacks and purses in assigned area. Only bring your pencil, folder, and water to your assigned seat.

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Concentration: The best choir rehearsals move quickly. To accomplish this, each choir member must be completely attentive at all times. Even when your section is not singing, you must listen and be ready to jump back in.

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Respect: When many people work closely on a musical project, it is important to maintain respect for each other. Choral music requires the focus of musicianship as well as the emotions. Be sensitive to the feelings of others in the group. TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.

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Talking: DON’T! It distracts you and everyone else. Choir rehearsals are for using the vocal mechanism to sing and harmonize. When you talk, you are not rehearsing properly. It is very unprofessional and wastes time.

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Entering/Exiting: Make sure you are ready to warm up before the tardy bell rings! Our beginnings set the pace and standard for each rehearsal. If you must get up for any reason, wait until there is a pause in the rehearsal to raise your hand and ask permission to get up. When re-entering the choir room wait until there is a pause and enter silently.

Financial Commitment and Fundraising

In order to continue to build and maintain a high quality program at Permenter MS, fundraising is an ever important necessity, and provides for experiences above and beyond the minimum scope of a performing arts course. Fundraising opportunities are provided to assist or offset any costs not covered by the school or school district associated with running elective/co-curricular activities such as choir. The choir activity fee is ONE-TIME payment of $50.00. The breakdown of what that fee covers is as follows: $10.00: Performance attire check-out fee (Dry cleaned and pressed) $15.00: Choir t-shirt (6th graders will receive a $25 choir polo, instead of a shirt) $10.00: Supplies fee $10.00: Contests and Competitions (UIL Solo and Ensemble, All-Region Contest, etc.) $5.00: Choral collaborative community *Supplies include: one (1) black three ring binder, dividers, pencils, highlighters, pencil pouches, music, etc.

Upgrades and Trips (optional): ITZ! Pride of Texas Choir Festival ($40.00) Every eligible (academically and behaviorally) student enrolled in Treble I/II will have the opportunity to go on the PMS choir trip to “IT’Z” this year. The fee for this trip is detailed below: $40.00: -UNLIMITED bumper cars -UNLIMITED laser tag - UNLIMITED go-carts - UNLIMITED miniature golf - UNLIMITED non-redeemable arcade games -ALL YOU CAN EAT pizza, pasta, dessert and drinks -Transportation to and from “IT’Z!” WOW! What a deal!

CHISD All-Choir Skate Out ($3.00) Every eligible (academically and behaviorally) student enrolled in Choir will have the opportunity to go on the PMS choir trip to “The All Choir Skate Out” this year. More details to come.

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Six Flags Over Texas Fiesta Texas ($140)-Select Choirs Only Every eligible (academically and behaviorally) student enrolled in Select Choir will have the opportunity to go on the PMS choir trip to “Six Flags Over Texas” this year. More details to come.

Fundraising Each student will have a fundraising record of his or her own efforts. The first $5 of profit will be allocated to the general fund for use of all students for social events, scholarships, etc. After the first $5 of profit, a record will be kept in the student’s name and can be used towards the student’s activity fees and/or trips. Fundraising money may not be used for replacement of damaged uniforms or materials. Unless otherwise informed, unused account balances will be absorbed into the general choir fund at the end of each school year. Please respect the integrity of the fundraising efforts. Any lost, stolen, or damaged materials are the responsibility of the student, and will be charged accordingly. Additionally, these monies are not to be “USED” or “BORROWED” by the student, parent, or other people for personal finances. Any items not returned by the deadline date will result in a possible lowered grade or detentions, and charges to the student for the amount not returned.

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Music and Uniforms You will be responsible for a choir uniform, choir folder, and choral octavos throughout the year. Just as you are expected to return textbooks to the school, we expect you to return your music and uniform to the choir department. Your music should be returned with all pencil markings erased and all pages intact. Your choir uniform should be returned in excellent condition. Please take care of things to avoid fines or replacement fees. Always write your name on the front of your music and label your uniform. Uniforms turned in after the due date will be assessed a late fee of $10.00. Ladies (formal): ● Black PMS Concert Dress (must be free of any wrinkles) ● Black tights or shorts under dress ● All black shoes. Heel cannot be higher than 2” for the students’ safety ● Hair must be pulled back out of the face ● Absolutely NO perfume or ANY scented lotions can be worn! We will be in close quarters, and we want to respect everyone’s different allergies. ● The ONLY acceptable jewelry are SMALL earrings, that DO NOT hang from the ear (studs or pearled) and/or a small necklace—that does not have a distracting pendant attached. NO arm or hand jewelry will be allowed! NONE! Please make sure you leave it at home! (If you have a question about your jewelry being acceptable, please see Mr. Blake!) If you show up wearing any items that are not approved, you will be asked to remove it until you get home!

Men (formal) ● ● ● ● ● ●

Vest and Bowtie (School will provide) Solid white, button-down dress shirt (Student will provide) Solid black dress slacks (Student will provide) Solid Black dress socks ALL black dress shoes No jewelry of ANY kind can be worn! This includes earrings! Not even small studs. If you show up wearing any items that are not approved, you will be asked to remove it until you get home! th 6 Grade ● ● ●

Choir Polo Solid Black Dress Pants (or skirt) Solid Black dress shoes (no open-toe)

Concert Etiquette

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Parents and Friends: We ask your help in assuring that our audiences come to our concerts and other performances knowing that each song being performed represents many hours of work and preparation. It is extremely important that our audiences remain quiet and attentive so that each choir member can perform with the utmost concentration and skill. Choral repertoire is performed in an acoustical setting and requires that each singer be able to hear themselves and others as they tune and harmonize with each other. Family and friends who come to support their chorister should not be distracted as they listen to and enjoy the intimate beauty of the human voice. We also record our performances for our records, for sale, and for educational evaluation. It is very disappointing to have a permanent recording of a concert marred by excessive audience noise, crying babies, or crashing doors. With your help, we can create a very professional and "artist friendly" atmosphere at Permenter MS. We also expect our choir members to know how to be a wonderful and supportive audience member. Thank you for your help in leading by example.

1) If you bring children to our concerts, please sit on the ends of the aisles and at the back of the auditorium. If they become restless, please quietly exit to the foyer immediately. The audience, choir and recording company will appreciate your thoughtfulness. When your child is once again calm, please feel free to reenter the auditorium between numbers to enjoy the remainder of the concert. 2) If you must leave during our concerts, we ask that you wait until a song is finished and the audience begins its applause. Exit quickly and please do not re-enter the auditorium until you again hear audience applause. 3) IF YOU MUST BRING A CELL PHONE OR PAGER, PLEASE TURN IT OFF DURING THE ENTIRE CONCERT. One of the many benefits of enjoying an evening of music is the opportunity to remove yourself from the hectic pace of everyday life and allow your spirit to be nurtured. This is our gift to you. 4) Please do not talk during a performance number. When the choristers have finished a piece and you feel the need to comment, do so by a warm round of supportive applause! 5) Concerts are formal occasions; therefore, please do not yell out and draw attention to your choir member or friend on stage. You may congratulate your chorister at the end of the concert. 6) We ask that you not bring food or drink into our auditorium. We cherish this performance space because of its history and grand beauty. Help us keep it clean. 7) If someone in the audience is being unruly or disruptive, please find one of the APs or House Volunteers. With your help, we can make this year a truly artistic endeavor for both performers and audiences alike. "Music is meaningless noise unless it touches a receiving mind."-Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)

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