Lincoln Southwest High School

Show Choir Handbook

2012-2013 (revised on January 28th, 2012)

SOUTHWEST SHOW CHOIR CONSTITUTION The Lincoln Southwest Varsity Show Choir shall be known as ‘RESONANCE’ and the Lincoln Southwest Prep Show Choir shall be known as ‘AMBIENCE.’ 1 PURPOSE: 1.1 It shall be the purpose of the Lincoln Southwest Show Choirs to promote and develop top quality

musicianship and choreographic movement, to instill confidence in its members, to teach responsibility, time management and organization, and to serve as ambassadors to the school, community, and state.

2 ELIGIBILITY: 2.1 A candidate for ‘RESONANCE’ and ‘AMBIENCE’ may be either a male or female. 2.2 Candidates shall be accepted based on trust in the student’s willingness to meet the demands of

show choir participation, vocal ability, coordination of movement, the director’s agreement, acceptance of show choir rules, and without prejudice of race, creed, color, or religion.

3 MEMBERSHIP: 3.1 The Lincoln Southwest Show Choirs shall consist of no more than 56 singers. Additional

members may be admitted and allowed to fill vacant ensemble positions after auditions have been held due to the following conditions: Student vacancies in the group, students who move to Lincoln Southwest after auditions have been held, and foreign exchange students who meet the criteria for participation.

3.2 The entire group will participate at their scheduled LSW Concerts, competitions, fundraisers, and community events for which advance notice of at least 2 weeks has been given.

4 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: 4.1 All Show Choir members will attend all practices and competitions or events, unless pre-approved

by the director. Unexcused absences of 2 or more rehearsals, practices, concerts, and/or performances will result in probation of the student. During probation the student will be allowed to rehearse but not perform with the group. The probation will last no more than four weeks. If the student has an unexcused absence from a rehearsal, practice, concert, and/or performance while on probation, they will be removed from the group.

4.2 Summer or Fall Choreography Camps: All show choir members are REQUIRED to attend. Students must make their families aware of choreography sessions to assist with planning of vacations, trips, and other family events. Information regarding rehearsals and choreography sessions will be available on the director’s webpage and from the school.

4.3 Competitions: All show choir members are required to attend competitions for which their group is competing. Show Choir is a group activity and when one person is missing, the entire group suffers.

4.4 Social Activities: All show choir members are strongly encouraged to attend social activities scheduled for the group(s).

4.5 In the event of illness, parents should contact the director by phone or e-mail within 24 hours of the missed rehearsal. After that time, the absence will be considered unexcused. Parents may leave a message on the director’s 24-hour voicemail system.

4.6 Group Fundraising: All show choir members are expected to assist with group fundraisers (e.g. Car Washes, Concession Stands, etc.)

4.7 Individual Fundraising: All show choir members unable to pay to cover costs of participation are expected to individually fundraise (e.g. Candy Bars, Soup Supper Tickets, Gift Wrapping, etc.)

4.8 Outside Performances: All show choir members are expected to participate in outside of school performances. Reasonable notice of all such events will be given for mandatory events, and as early as possible for others. (2 weeks notice is standard practice)

5 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other than costumes) 5.1 Every effort will be made to keep costs down for the groups while maintaining a competitive edge

and highly educational standard. We will only compete and have camps that we can pay for. Our budget amount for these expenses is determined by parent “donations,” student fundraising, and corporate sponsorships.

5.2 LSW Summer and/or Fall Choreography Camps: The show choir member will be responsible for the cost of attending. Fundraiser projects will be available to help students offset the cost of the camp. Students who are unable/unwilling to fundraise will need to find alternative methods of covering these costs.

5.3 Competitions: The show choir member will be responsible for transportation costs and hotel costs. Members may be asked to fundraise to cover the costs of competition entrance fees.

5.4 Food/Meals: Students are responsible for their own meals and beverages on trips and at competitions.

5.5 Necessary Clothing: show choir members will be expected to purchase their own shoes, socks, stockings, and undergarments. These items are not a part of the overall costume cost.

5.6 Students that withdraw from participation from the group mid-year will still be responsible for covering their portion of the costs to be in the group. (the FULL amount)

5.7 Students will learn of their acceptance into the group in March of the proceeding year. The FINAL PAYMENT for the group is due on October 1st or the next business day if the 1st falls on a weekend. Students unable to get their account paid of by this point must make arrangements with the director or forfeit their right to perform in concerts, pep rallies, and competitions. Students on the fines list are also unable to purchase dance tickets.

6 TRYOUTS: 6.1 A tryout will consist of the following: demonstration of singing ability and coordinated movement.

Other teachers or educators may be present during auditions to assist with casting of the ensembles. A video camera may be used in the absence of other judges. The director will make a final decision.

6.2 Tryouts will normally be held in February to facilitate scheduling for Lincoln Southwest. Additional tryouts may be conducted at other times at the discretion of the director.

6.3 The format of the Tryouts will be decided by the director, and will be held in a fair and open manner conducive to allowing each candidate to show his/her best abilities and potential.

7 REHEARSAL SCHEDULE: 7.1 The director will set the rehearsal schedule. The mandatory rehearsal schedule will occur from

5:00 – 7:00 pm on Tuesdays for ‘RESONANCE,’ and from 3:00-5:00 for ‘AMBIENCE.’ beginning in September. Additional practices may be called on Saturdays/Sundays or before school as needed. Advance notice will be given of these rehearsals.

7.2 Students involved in another activity during these times on Tuesdays should inform both directors/coaches of conflicts and work out a compromise. Students should not expect directors to work it out among themselves. It is the student’s responsibility to come up with a solution, present the solution to both directors, and then implement the plan. If the student is unable to work out a compromise, the sponsors will work it out.

7.3 All show choir members are required to attend all rehearsals. Parental permission in the form of a signed note or phone call will be required to miss a rehearsal. Notes or phone calls received the day of a rehearsal will be unexcused except in the case of an emergency. Students must make the director aware of conflicts no less than 24 hours in advance. Refer to Attendance Requirements.

8 UNIFORMS AND PRACTICE WEAR: 8.1 Show choir members will be responsible for a uniform rental cost for show choir

costumes/uniforms. See Show Choir Costs Sheet. 8.2 Show choir members must avoid being seen in uniform before performances. 8.3 While in uniform, members must refrain from eating and drinking food of any kind. 8.4 Members must be in either FULL uniform or in street clothes. 8.5 It is the responsibility of each member to put their uniforms in their garment bags. Uniforms need

to be hung up properly to avoid wrinkles and creases. 8.6 If a costume/uniform is damaged, the show choir member will assume the replacement cost of

each garment. (This cost will usually far exceed the cost of the rental) 8.7 Show choir members in costumes/uniforms and other LSW apparel are expected to conduct

themselves in an appropriate manner. Members are representatives of themselves, Lincoln Southwest High School, the city of Lincoln, and the state of Nebraska.

8.8 $300 is required from each show choir member for costume rental fees. In most instances, this does not cover the total expense of each costume.

8.9 Due to the cost of costuming, it will be necessary to reuse some costume pieces and parts each year. In an effort to stay competitive, some costume pieces and parts will be passed from Varsity Show Choir to Prep Show Choir.

8.10 The director has final say in what costumes are worn by each show choir. 9 APPEARANCE: 9.1 Members should strive for a ‘uniform’ and neat appearance. 9.2 Costumes/Uniforms should be kept clean and stored properly between performances. 9.3 Makeup for performances should be ‘uniform.’ For hygienic reasons, each female performer may

be asked to purchase a specific brand/shade of makeup. 9.4 Due to the nature of stage lighting, performers are encouraged to use sunless tanning products to

keep the skin from appearing ‘washed out.’

9.5 Each performer is responsible for keeping their hair neat and secured up and out of the face. The hair should not need attention or draw negative attention during a performance. Use of hair care products may be necessary. In some cases, a haircut or trim may be necessary.

10 CONDUCT 10.1 Show choir members are expected to uphold ALL Lincoln Southwest school rules and policies

while participating both on and off campus. 10.2 Members are to refrain from ‘inappropriate’ behavior while waiting to perform or sitting in a

common area at competitions. No vulgar language or inappropriate displays of affection. 10.3 In the event of an overnight road trip, all male students are prohibited from entering female hotel

rooms and all female students are prohibited from entering male hotel rooms. Members who violate this rule will be confined to their hotel room, not allowed to participate in the performance, and may be removed from the group.

10.4 Show choir members are expected to follow group itineraries while on trips or competition excursions.

11 FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES: 11.1 All show choir members are expected to assist with fundraising projects throughout the year. The

money raised will be used to fund additional instructional costs such as choreography, competition entrance fees, and travel expenses.

11.2 Some fundraising projects will be of an individual nature while others will involve the entire group. The guidelines for each fundraiser will be discussed with the student as the fundraiser approaches. Additional information can be found on the director’s webpage. (See 4.6 and 4.7)

11.3 The director will approve all fundraising activities. 12 DISCIPLINARY ACTION: 12.1 Show choir members who act in violation of the rules and regulations of the ensemble will be

subject to disciplinary action. The student will first meet with the director in an attempt to resolve disciplinary issues. Parents will be notified of any issues in the classroom. If the problems persist, the performer will be placed on probation. Members on probation will not be allowed to perform but will be expected to continue with rehearsals in the hope that they can rejoin the group’s performance schedule. If a member continues to disregard rules and regulations while on probation, the member will be removed from the ensemble.

12.2 A show choir member may be suspended from performances for the following reasons: 2 unexcused absences from rehearsals, concerts, or performances; tardiness (3 or more times), non-compliance with rules and regulations of the ensemble, failure to cooperate with the director, failure to cooperate with other members of the ensemble.

12.3 A show choir member may be dismissed from the ensemble for the following: Consistent and excessive disruptive conduct (both in rehearsal and/or performance), use of drugs and/or alcohol (including tobacco products), and ANY action that reflects negatively on the show choir and/or the school.

Show Choir Participant Costs

The cost of participating in show choir is considerable and must be considered before tryouts. The total cost to maintain the current program is $600. Below you will find the breakdown of how that money is allocated. According to current LPS regulations, we can only ask for families to cover $300 for costuming. This amount has been increased from $200 for 2010-11, as District Office has approved a proposal. Parent donations, individual fundraising, or large group fundraising can cover the remainder of the cost. Parents of students who may require financial assistance should contact the director prior to auditioning. Students and families in need of financial assistance should contact the director. All financial assistance information is kept completely confidential. While $600 may seem like a lot of money, keep in mind that students participate in the group almost year round. This works out to be only $50/month or $1.65/day!! Remember, this is NOT the amount we can charge you. Below are the approximate costs involved in a show choir program of our caliber. The level of our competition season will be determined by the amount of money we receive. COSTUMES: Guys/Girls Show Costume Rental/Usage Cost $300.00 COMPETITIONS: Entrance Costs $50.00 Busing Costs $90.00 Hotel Costs $50.00 Competition Apparel (T-Shirt) $10.00 OTHERS: Choreographer/Clinician Costs $75.00 Music and Arrangement Costs $25.00 Grand Total $600.00 PAYMENT SCHEDULE: (You may not receive written reminders regarding these schedule) Payment #1 Costume Rental/Usage – due April 1st $200.00 Payment/Donation #2 Costume Part 2, Choreo., Music – due July 1st $200.00 Donation #3 Entrance, Busing/Hotel, T-Shirt – due September 1st $200.00 Any outstanding balance due no later than November 1st, 2012 will be given to the bookkeeper and added to the fines list. Students that fail to make arrangements with the director will not be allowed to perform on concerts, pep rallies, and/or competitions in which the show choir is involved. Reminder: Per Section 5 – No refunds for students that drop after the start of the school year. Payments can be made at the bookkeepers office between the hours of 8:00 – 3:30 pm Monday thru Friday.

Show Choir Year At-A-Glance

April, 2012 Payment #1 – due April 1st, 2012 June, 2012

UNL Show Choir Camp; 2nd week of June (go if you can! – STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!) July, 2012 Payment #2 – July 1st $200.00 RESONANCE – Vocal and choreography camp, July 24th-28th August, 2012

Performance at LSW Spirit Fest for RESONANCE September, 2012

Tuesday Night Rehearsals for AMBIENCE (3:00 – 5:00 pm) Tuesday Night Rehearsals for RESONANCE (5:00 – 7:00 pm)

Payment #3– September 1st $200.00 AMBIENCE – (watch for dates)

October, 2012 November, 2012 OVERDUE PAYMENTS DUE NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 1ST Concert, November 30th December, 2012 Possible Run-Out Concerts (be ready!) January, 2013 Competitions TBA Concert (be ready!)

Choreographer(s) return for cleaning of show February, 2013

Southwest Showdown (we host our 6th Annual Competition) (February 3rd, 2012) Auditions for next year’s group(s) begin March, 2013

Concerts (be ready!) 2013-14 Groups Announced!

May, 2013 Final performance(s) (watch for dates)

Typical Competition Day

7:00 am Meet at LSW 7:10 am Load Buses 7:30 am Depart 9:00 am Arrive at Westside High School – EVERYONE helps to unload and get

people and equipment into our homerooms. 9:40 am AMBIENCE members are standing in homeroom ready to go! 9:45 am AMBIENCE meet in Homeroom. 9:50 am AMBIENCE transfers to warm-up area 9:55 am AMBIENCE warm-up 10:20 am AMBIENCE to stage 10:25 am AMBIENCE PERFORMANCE!!! 10:50 am AMBIENCE goes to critique room immediately following performance 11:10 am AMBIENCE changes into street clothes. 11:40 am WATCH: Jubilation, Inc. (Benton’s Prep) 12:05 pm EAT LUNCH 12:30 pm RESONANCE ladies should be getting hair done throughout the day so

that all they need to complete is make-up and costumes. WATCH: Swingsations (Carroll, Iowa – Open)

12:55 pm WATCH: West In The Groove (Millard West – Open) 1:20 pm WATCH: Choralation (West Des Moines Valley – Open) 1:45 pm WATCH: The Headliners (Sioux City East – Open) 2:10 pm WATCH: Revolution (Gretna – Open) 2:35 pm WATCH: Celebration Co. (Benton Community – Open) 3:00 pm JUDGE’S BREAK (10 minutes) 3:10 pm WATCH: Rebelaires (Westwood – Open) 3:35 pm WATCH: Free Spirit (Papillion LaVista – Open) 4:00 pm WATCH: Friend de Coup (Mitchell, South Dakota – Open) 4:25 pm RESONANCE should go get changed so they can be ready 4:50 pm WATCH: 14 Karat Gold (Grand Island Northwest – Open) 4:55 pm RESONANCE is standing in our homeroom ready to go! 5:00 pm RESONANCE meets in their homeroom. 5:05 pm RESONANCE transfers to warm-up area 5:10 pm RESONANCE warm-up 5:15 pm WATCH: Lewis Corporation (Lewis Central – Open) 5:35 pm RESONANCE to stage 5:40 pm RESONANCE PERFORMANCE!!! 6:05 pm RESONANCE goes to critique room immediately following performance WATCH: Amazing Technicolor Show Choir (Westside – Exhibition) 6:30 pm EVERYONE go to the Main Gym for announcement of Top Female Group,

Top 2 Prep Groups, and BEST BAND caption award. RESONANCE should go in costume.

7:55 pm FINALS BEGINS!!! (Top 6 Show Choirs Compete Again!!!) 10:30 pm Finals Award Ceremony 11:00 pm EVERYONE loads equipment and gets on the bus. 12:30 pm Arrive and Unload equipment.