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Chestnut Ridge Middle School

Choral Handbook 2017-2018

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome Back! This packet contains everything you need to know about being

a member of the CRMS Choral program. This handbook is will serve as your source

of information as well as a contract. Once the commitment form is signed, you are

responsible for following the policies contained within. In an effort to conserve

paper, this handbook will only be available online. Please review the content of this

handbook completely and carefully, and refer to it many times throughout the

year. I recommend printing the page containing our rehearsal/concert dates and

posting it in various areas!

Please take the time to read through this material very carefully. I have done

my best to outline in detail everything that is expected of you and your child to

ensure his/her success. Should you have any questions, much of the information

included in this handbook is also available on my teacher page that can be accessed

through the CRMS website. You may also contact me any time at (856) 582-3535,

x5422, or via e-mail at kkershaw@wtps.org. After reviewing and discussing the

contents with your child, please fill out and return the following items by Monday,

September 11th:

Page 12: 2017-2018 Information Sheet/Commitment Form

Page 13: CRMS After School Activity letter to parents

Thank you for cooperation and support. I’m so excited to begin an excellent

year of music making!

Sincerely,

Ms. Katie Kershaw Director of Choral Activities

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Grading Procedures

a. Demonstrable Proficiencies…………………………………………………………………………………. p. 3

b. Class Participation/Attitude……...............................................................................p. 4

c. Vocal Lessons ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………p.4

d. Written Tests/Homework/Projects……………………………………………………………………p. 4

e. After School Rehearsals………………………………………………………………………………………..p. 5

f. Performances…………………………………………………..……………………………………………………….p. 5

2. Vocal Assessments…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….p. 6

3. Exploratory Cycles…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….p. 6

4. Special Honors Ensembles……………………………………………………………………………………………………….p. 6

5. Returning Assigned Music/Books…………………………………………………………………………………………..p. 6

6. Performance Attire…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..p. 6

7. Daily Classroom Procedures…………………………………………………………………………………………………….p. 7

8. District Fund Raiser Policy………………………………………………………………………………………………………p. 8

9. Trip Eligibility…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….p. 8

10. Concert Etiquette……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………p. 9

11. Rehearsal and Performance Schedule………………………………………………………………………………….p. 10

12. Information Sheet/Commitment Form…………………………………………………………………………..…..p. 11

13. Letter to Parents regarding After School Activities……………………………………………………..p. 12

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DEMONSTRABLE PROFICIENCIES COURSE TITLE: CHORUS – GRADE 6/Grade 7/Grade 8

I. CLASSWORK REQUIREMENTS

A. Participation in all Rehearsals & Performances

B. Participation in Vocal Lessons

C. Preparation for all Choral Activities

D. Performance on Vocal/Written Quizzes & Exams

II. ATTITUDE & BEHAVIOR

A desirable attitude and behavior during all rehearsals and performances, which is

conducive to healthy vocal musicianship, musical collaboration and performance

etiquette.

III. COURSE OBJECTIVES/OVERVIEW

A. COURSE CONTENT

To provide an opportunity to develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship and music

literacy through rehearsals and performances.

B. SKILLS

1. To develop basic singing skills, both individually and in an ensemble.

2. To develop basic music literacy skills

3. To learn appropriate behavior as a performer and observer.

C. APPRECIATION OF CONCEPTS

1. To develop and appreciate the aesthetic qualities of music as an art form.

3. To gain a genuine appreciation for choral singing and musical performance.

IV. ATTENDANCE

A. As per Board of Education Policy #5115 (revised 10/22/87)

B. Students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances; this includes

after-school rehearsals and evening performances.

V. GRADING PROCEDURES

A. Participation in Class

B. Participation in Vocal Lessons

C. Participation in Rehearsals & Performances

D. Performance on written/vocal quizzes & tests

70% proficiencies must be maintained throughout and at the conclusion of every cycle or term.

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Grading Procedure

Please note: Please use Power School to keep track of your child’s grade in this course. Also, my webpage (accessible

through WTPS.org) will provide additional updated information on concerts, trips, rehearsals, fund raisers, and

assignments.

(25%) Class Participation/Attitude Chorus class is a group-oriented program that is only successful when all members are prepared

with a positive attitude and required materials EVERY DAY. Each student is expected to arrive to class

on time and fully prepared (on time = before the bell rings!). Required materials include: assigned music

folio, notebook, take-home folder, assignment book, and a PENCIL. Each student will be assigned a cubby

for their music folio. Students are also expected to participate fully and positively in all class activities,

including: discussions, rehearsals, and class assignments. GUM and other food/drink (except a bottle of

water) are not permitted in the chorus room at any time! Any student who fails to come to class prepared

or participate in class will lose Class Participation points for that day. Disruptive or disrespectful

behaviors have no place in our classroom! Continued lack of ability to adhere to these guidelines will result

in disciplinary action as per school policy.

(25%) Vocal Lessons Weekly vocal lessons are a vital part of the Choral curriculum. In these lessons, students will learn solo

and small group repertoire, as well as provide the forum for the individual voice instruction that is not

possible in a large ensemble setting.

Students will be scheduled for lessons based on grade, voice part, and schedule limitations.

The lesson schedule will rotate, and students are required to keep a copy of the lesson schedule

in their assignment book and locker. The procedure for attending lessons is as follows:

On your lesson period, report to your regularly scheduled class for attendance.

Then, ask if you may attend your vocal lesson. Write down any assignments you may miss that day, and

report to the choir room.

Your teacher may decide to keep you in class during your lesson period. The decision to

come/not come to lessons is up to the teacher, not the student. They may keep you if any of

the following conditions exist:

Your class average in that class is below a “C”

You have been excessively absent from that class (decided by teacher!)

Your class work cannot be made up (tests, quizzes, group projects)

If your teacher keeps you, you must fill out a “Music Lesson Absence Form.” You have 5

school days to turn in the form to receive full credit for the missed lesson.

Therefore, there is no excuse for getting a ‘0’ for any lesson! Blank copies of this form can be found in

the Chorus room.

If you miss your lesson, you are expected to find out what you missed and be prepared for the

following week.

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(25%) Written Tests, Assignments, and Projects A. Graded Class Work/Homework/Notebook

B. Written Tests/Projects/Mid-term/Final Exams

C. Vocal Assessments

There will be a small number of written assignments throughout the year. Students are responsible

for any and all information presented during class. Notebooks will be collected, and students are expected

to keep all handouts in their folders. Tests and quizzes will also be used to ensure concepts have been

mastered. A mid-year or end-of-year project/final may be assigned after the concert season has ended.

(25%) After-School Rehearsals & Performances

We will have a small number of mandatory, graded after-school rehearsals before the concerts

for the following reasons:

Students in 7th and 8th grade rehearse separately during the day, but perform together. These

rehearsals provide the only forum to rehearse as a full ensemble.

They provide the only opportunity to practice with our accompanist.

25% of each class is ‘in cycle’ at concert time, and do not attend daily chorus class. These

rehearsals are the ONLY opportunity for the entire ensemble to rehearse together!

They allow students to know where/how to stand on risers, practice walking on and off the

stage, and discuss performance logistics. These cannot be done during class time.

Performances A. Winter and Spring Concerts

B. High Notes Festival at Dorney Park / NJMEA Middle School Choral Festival

C. Other performances as scheduled

Performing is what being a musician is all about! Concerts and Trips are the culmination of all our hard

work, and will be graded based on a rubric evaluating all aspects of musicianship and professionalism. See

the attendance policy below in reference to after school rehearsals and concerts. More information

regarding what to wear for concerts can be found on page 7.

After School Rehearsal/Concert Attendance Policy

Students must attend all after school rehearsals and performances. Unexcused absences may result in being

removed from trips, concerts, and other activities. Students may be excused from rehearsals for the following

reasons: absence from school that day, court appearance, death in the family, or approved religious holidays. All

other scheduling conflicts must be documented with a note from home and cleared with the director AT LEAST 24

HOURS PRIOR TO THE DAY OF REHEARSAL. Any last minute emergencies will be handled on an individual basis.

All other reasons are considered unexcused and will result in a ‘0’ for that rehearsal.

Doctor’s appointments, babysitting family members, “I don’t have a ride home,” and other such reasons are NOT

excused. You have been given a calendar outlining your responsibilities for the entire school year, and the

expectation is on the student and family to make all arrangements necessary to be present at every rehearsal and

concert. Plan ahead! Don’t wait until the night before or the day of to tell your parents you have rehearsal!

Students who miss any rehearsals unexcused may not be allowed to perform at the concert, and must complete a

make-up project at the discretion of the director. Students who miss rehearsals and/or performances unexcused

may also be excluded from any trips or special activities, at the discretion of the director. Please be at the school

to pick your child up by 4:00 if you do not want him/her to take the late bus home! If a student does not

have a ride by 4:00, it is mandatory that he/she take the late bus home. This is school policy to ensure the

safety of your child.

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Vocal Assessments At least once per year, students will take vocal benchmark assessments. These will assess the students’

abilities to perform and understand various musical skills that are being mastered in class. The most common

components of a vocal assessment are:

Rhythmic Memory (I clap, you clap)

Tonal Memory (I play, you sing)

Major Scales (accompanied and a cappella)

Chromatic Scales (accompanied and a cappella)

Solo repertoire (mostly patriotic songs)

Vocal Range (highest and lowest note)

The purpose of the vocal assessment is to gauge vocal progress throughout the school year. Assessment results are

used to assign vocal parts (soprano, alto, and baritone), and to ensure a blended and balanced ensemble sound.

Exploratory Cycles – Keyboarding, Art, and Technology Music students will go to one Exploratory cycle class each year for one marking period. 6th graders will take

Keyboarding, 7th graders will take Art, and 8th graders will take Design & Technology. All students remain full

members of the Chorus program even while going out to cycle; therefore, they will receive both a Chorus grade and

an Exploratory grade while they are out. Students will be expected to uphold their responsibilities as a chorus

member at all times, including: scheduled after school rehearsals, and concerts/trips. Any supplemental measures

taken to ensure music is learned are encouraged. These include, but are not limited to: individualized help during

any free time available, acquiring a recording of the music (see Director), and individual/group practice outside of

school.

Special Honors Ensembles 6th graders may be selected to participate in the South Jersey Elementary Choral Festival in March of each

year. 4 students (2 sopranos, 2 altos) will be chosen at the discretion of the Director to represent CRMS. More

information will be distributed in December.

7th and 8th graders may audition for All South Jersey Chorus. This is considered a high honor for any music

student, and anyone who is interested in auditioning and representing CRMS and Washington Twp. Schools will need

to prepare with the Director in the weeks prior to the audition. More information will be handed out as audition time

approaches.

Returning Assigned Music/Books Each student will be assigned a music folio and various pieces of music throughout the year. Students are

expected to keep their music in excellent shape and return all materials in the condition it was given to them. Music

may only be marked in pencil, and all marks must be erased before turning in the music. Students may take their

music home with them to practice with the understanding that they must treat their music like their academic

textbooks. Lost or damaged music will result in a book fine as per school policy.

Performance Attire

Proper appearance and demeanor is an important aspect of performance etiquette. Although middle school

students are not expected to wear the traditional uniforms of most choirs (tuxes or robes), CRMS students will

dress according to certain simple guidelines that foster professionalism. Looking professional and uniform is the key!

Concerts

Boys – black dress pants, white CRMS polo (tucked in), black dress shoes with black socks.

Girls – black skirt with stockings (or dress pants), white CRMS polo, black shoes.

Skirts must be at least knee-length.

*No reflective jewelry!!

Other performances and field trips

Boys and Girls – solid black pants/jeans, black shoes/sneakers, black socks, and black CRMS choir shirt.

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Daily Classroom Procedures Each day in chorus class, students will be expected to follow the following procedures:

1. Have your required materials out and ready to show Ms. Kershaw as you walk through the door.

2. Place all non-chorus materials (books, purses) on the shelves upon entering the room

3. Get music folder out of cubby. Look at the agenda on the board to see what you need for class.

4. Sit in your assigned spot on the risers, and copy down the daily goals into your notebook. Write

any HW assignments in your assignment book.

5. Stand and begin individual stretching/vocal exercises while Ms. Kershaw takes attendance. Use

this time to ask any questions you may have before class begins.

6. Once warm-ups have begun, please stop all conversations and put your full focus into the

rehearsal.

7. Keep your pencil out during rehearsal, as you will need to make notes in the music.

8. When Ms. Kershaw is addressing another section, use that time to review what we are working

on and listen to the suggestions she is giving the other section. Remain quiet because those

suggestions might help you, too! Listening is the key to excellent rehearsal etiquette.

9. At the end of the class, take all of your belongings with you and make sure nothing is left on

the floor.

10. Place your music folder neatly into your cubby, being careful not to bend it.

11. Wait quietly until the bell rings. Please remember Ms. Kershaw dismisses you, not the bell!

Things to remember about rehearsals:

Always raise your hand if you have a question. Don’t ever be afraid to ask a question, but do not

call out.

Be present and engaged for the entirety of rehearsal.

Use correct singing technique at all times!

Gum is NEVER allowed in the chorus room. No exceptions.

Bathroom Usage: Use the first 5 minutes of class to ask to use the lavatory. Emergencies only

once music rehearsal has begun. You must have your assignment book in order to use the

lavatory, and you must complete the sign-out sheet by the door.

Water fountain: Emergencies only once rehearsal has begun. You are permitted to have a water

bottle in class to avoid needing to use the water fountain.

Pencil Sharpener: Please wait for time in between activities/songs to get up and sharpen your

pencil. If class is in the middle of rehearsal or other activity, raise your hand and ask

permission.

Tissues: You may get up at any time if you need a tissue.

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District Fund Raiser Policy From time to time it may be necessary for the Music Department to raise funds for specific department projects not in

the school budget (i.e., attending concerts, festivals, T-shirts, etc.). For this purpose, fund raising activities will be reviewed and

proposed by the music faculty.

Participation in fund raising activities is not mandatory. Students will have the choice of participating in the fund raising

program or directly paying their portion of the activities cost.

Participation in fund raising is not a guarantee the student will participate in the activity. Students can eliminate

themselves from participating through unacceptable musical performance, poor academic performance, discipline problems, or

other concerns as deemed relevant by the music teacher or the school administration.

All funds will be deposited into the school activities fund in the appropriate music account. Should a student supersede

his/her set goal, the extra amount will remain in the account and be credited to that student for future use. Should a student

leave the school (through transfer/promotion, etc.), any remaining credits will be remanded to the general music activities account

and used to offset the overall cost of future activities.

The choir will participate in a small number of fund raisers per year. These will be done to offset the cost of T-shirts

and trip expenses. Based on funds, availability, educational value, and student progress, a trip may be planned.

Door-to-door sales are strictly prohibited unless the student is accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Trip Eligibility Every year, the 6th grade Chorus travels to Rowan University for the annual NJMEA Middle School

Choral Festival, and the 7th+8th grade Chorus travels to Dorney Park for the Music in the Parks Festival.

More information regarding costs, chaperones, and itineraries will be distributed later in the year.

The CRMS choral program strives for high musical and personal excellence. These trips are

opportunities in which we represent our school, as well as our community; therefore, behavior above and

beyond the norm is required. As a means of ensuring the best effort on the part of each member of the

CRMS Chorus, students must meet certain expectations in order to go on the trip. These expectations

encourage students to remain fully cooperative, well behaved, and consistently motivated to do their very

best throughout the school year. Students who do not meet these expectations may be excluded from

their class’s trip, at the discretion of the Director. In addition, students who disqualify themselves after

the final count has been turned in will not be reimbursed.

Trip Eligibility Expectations:

Respect for fellow students and director at all times

Positive attitude and behavior as well as preparedness in class at all times

No more than 1 missed after-school rehearsal unexcused

No missed performances unexcused

Learning and practicing music while in Exploratory class (Keyboarding, Art, Technology)

Maintain at least an overall average of 77% (C) in chorus at the end of each of the first three

marking periods and on progress report day of the fourth marking period.

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Concert Etiquette Concert etiquette refers to the proper way to attend a performance. This applies to all students,

performers, and non-performers (parents, family, etc.). These guidelines have existed for centuries and

are considered ‘standard practice.’ They enable everyone involved (performers and audience members) to

enjoy the concert experience in a formal atmosphere free of distraction and disrespect. The following

are accepted guidelines for attending a concert:

1. Be seated prior to the start of the program. If entering or leaving the concert hall after the

program has begun, do so only during applause or when the performers are changing position.

2. Remain quiet during the musical performance. Talking, whispering, and other noises made with your

voice, program, candy wrappers, etc. can be extremely distracting to both the performers and fellow

audience members. When bringing small children to a concert, they should be under the constant

supervision of those responsible for their presence. In addition, cell phones should be turned OFF

prior to entering the concert hall (leaving them on ‘silent’ or ‘vibrate’ could still interfere with the

sound system).

3. Remain seated until intermission or the end of the program. Drinks of water and restroom breaks,

during a performance, should be done only in case of emergency.

4. Applaud only at the end of each program selection. There should be no applause during a piece of

music, unless directed by the conductor (ex. after a solo section in a Jazz piece). You will know when

it is time to applaud by watching the conductor, who will lower his/her hands and turn to face the

audience. Although these concerts are designed to be entertaining, they are not a venue for loud

yelling, calling out to the performers, or other inappropriate displays of enthusiasm. As excited as you

may be, please refrain from yelling or making other noises, which might detract from the formal

atmosphere of the event.

5. Stay and enjoy the entire program. Performers devote countless hours of hard work preparing for

their concerts. They deserve your full attention throughout the entire program, even if the performer

you have been watching has completed their portion of the evening. In other words, please stay and

enjoy the entire concert!

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CRMS Choral Activities Rehearsal and Performance Schedule 2017-2018

(subject to change with adequate notice) Performances in bold

Concerts and performances are the culminating activities of our program. These activities as well

as the after school rehearsals are mandatory for every student enrolled in Chorus. All after school

rehearsals are from 2:50-3:55pm. See pages 5 for more information.

NOTE: Students will be issued 1 permanent bus pass for the entire school year.

6th Grade Chorus:

Monday, November 06, 2017 – After School Rehearsal

Monday, November 13, 2017– After School Rehearsal

Monday, November 27, 2017– After School Rehearsal

Monday, December 4, 2017 - After School Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 – Winter Concert (CRMS Cafeteria 7:00pm)

Date TBD, Spring, 2018 – Choral Festival at Rowan University (trip during school hours)

Monday, April 23, 2018 – After School Rehearsal

Monday, April 30, 2018 – After School Rehearsal

Monday, May 7, 2018 – After School Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, May 8, 2018 – Spring Concert (CRMS Cafeteria 7:00pm)

Date TBD, Spring 2018 – 8th Grade Graduation (Daytime Ceremony)

7th and 8th Grade Chorus:

Thursday, November 30, 2017 – After School Rehearsal

Thursday, December 7, 2017 – After School Rehearsal

Monday, December 18, 2017 – After School Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 – Winter Concert (IBPAC 7:00pm)

Thursday, February 18, 2018- HS Choral Pops Concert (8th Grade Only 7:30pm IBPAC)

Thursday, May 3, 2018– After School Rehearsal

Thursday, May 10, 2018– After School Rehearsal

Monday, May 14, 2018– After School Dress Rehearsal

Tuesday, May 15, 2018– Spring Concert (IBPAC 7:00pm)

Date TBD, Spring 2018– High Notes Festival at Dorney Park

Date TBD, Spring 2018– 8th Grade Graduation (6th and 7th graders Daytime Ceremony)

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2017-2018 CRMS Chorus Information Sheet/Commitment Form

(Please print all information neatly)

Name_________________________________________ Grade/Team______________

Address_______________________________________ Advisor__________________

City/State/Zip____________________________________________________________

Home Phone # ____________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian 1 Work #___________________________

Cell #__________________________

Parent/Guardian 2 Work # ___________________________

Cell #___________________________

Parent/Guardia E-mail_______________________________________________________

Fund Raisers Please indicate below which Fund Raisers your child will participate in this school year. We estimate the Dorney Trip in May for

the 7+8 Chorus will be $105, and all 6th Graders will be responsible for purchasing their white music polo for $17. For all 6th and 7th

graders, any extra funds you raise will be carried over towards your Chorus trip next year. A detailed instruction sheet will be sent home

when each Fund Raiser begins.

Fund Raiser #1 (Individual): “ENJOY THE CITY” COUPON BOOK (10/2017)

Enjoy The City is a coupon book that offers hundreds of buy-one get-one free discounts, along with many other great discounts. The book

is sold for $20, with students earning $10 profit on each book. For every 5 books a student sells, he/she will get 1 book free. There are

coupons for places in Washington Township, other South Jersey locations, and Philadelphia! Participating students agree to purchase 1

book to take home and use while selling. Students will collect all money from buyers, and turn in 1 check for their entire order.

Fund Raiser #2 (Department): YANKEE CANDLES (10/2017)

Yankee Candles make great holiday gifts, and orders will be in before winter break! This is our Department Fund Raiser, and all profit

will be put towards t-shirts and other program costs during the year. Students will be given a brochure to take home, and are asked to

collect all money from buyers themselves. Then, students will turn in 1 check for their entire order.

Fund Raider #3 (Individual): CANDY SALE (1/2018)

Students will receive a carrier containing 30 candy bars to be sold at $2 each (they are big!). Earning 50% profit, students make $30

towards their costs for each box they sell. All distribution of boxes and sales will be done outside of school hours. We cannot return

opened boxes of candy, so parents are asked to indicate the number of boxes they anticipate selling. We will order a few extra in case

you can sell more!

“ENJOY THE CITY” COUPON BOOKS: ____ YES ____ NO

YANKEE CANDLES: ____ YES ____ NO

CANDY SALE: ____ YES ____ NO If YES, # of Boxes ordered: _________

I have read and discussed the 2017-2018 Choral Handbook with my child. We understand the policies and

expectations, and have noted all mandatory rehearsal dates and concerts on our family calendar.

Student Name_______________________________ Student Signature______________________________

Parent Signature__________________________________ Date_________________________________

Parents, how would you prefer to be contacted? Phone E-mail Letter

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Chestnut Ridge Middle School 641 Hurffville-Cross Keys Road Sewell, NJ 08080 (856) 582-3535 FAX (856) 589-0683

“Where Every Student Matters”

James Barnes Jennifer MacMillan Principal Assistant Principal

September, 2017 Dear Parents, Your child will be participating in __CHORUS______________________ on _ALL YEAR_________________________. We would like to remind you that children are asked not to bring anything of any value to a rehearsal or a performance. The school cannot and will not be responsible for lost or stolen articles. Therefore, to be on the safe side, we ask that games, audio equipment, pocketbooks, jewelry, money and the like be left at home where it is safe. Thank you for your cooperation in the matter. Sincerely, Katie Kershaw Advisor

Principal

Personal Property Waiver – 2017-18 School Year I understand that participants in school activities are requested not to be in possession of valuables (jewelry, electronic games, audio equipment, money, etc.). Parent Signature: __________________________________ Child’s Name: _____________________________________ Organization or Activity: __CRMS CHORUS_______________ Date: ____________________________________________