student/parent handbook · stephanie zamora choir director _____ dr. uzziel guzman accompanist ......

Charger Choir Handbook, 2018-2019 Veterans Memorial Early College High School

4550 US-281, Brownsville, TX 78520

Travis Baldwin, Choir Director Stephanie Zamora, Choir Director

Phone: (956) 574-5660 Phone: (956) 574-5667

Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind,

flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

Student/Parent Handbook

mailto:[email protected]

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Veterans Memorial Choirs

Student/Parent Handbook

Preface

This choir handbook has been written for the Charger Choir members and their parents to provide

information regarding the activities of the choir program at Veterans Memorial ECHS. All choir

members and parents are required to read the entire handbook carefully at the beginning of the

school year to avoid conflicts with the policies and rules stated herein.

Students and parents must sign the enclosed form signifying that they have read, understood, and

will abide by all policies stated. Upon receiving this handbook, students are required to return the

signed forms accompanying the handbook in four school days.

__________________________________________

Travis Baldwin

Choir Director

__________________________________________

Stephanie Zamora

Choir Director

__________________________________________

Dr. Uzziel Guzman

Accompanist

__________________________________________

Hilda Soto

Veterans Memorial ECHS Assistant Principal

___________________________________________

Dr. Linda Gallegos

Veterans Memorial ECHS Principal

Dr. Esperanza Zendejas

Superintendent of Schools

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BISD does not discriminate on basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or provision of services, programs or activities.

Table of Contents

Preface 4

Grading Policy 4

Attendance 4

Groups 5

Officers 5

Expectations 7

Extra-Curricular Activities 7

Academic Eligibility 7

Classroom Guidelines 8

Uniforms 8

Letterman Jackets 9

Fundraising 9

Field Trip Participation 9

Social Media 10

Remind 101/Charms 10

Calendar of Events 11-12

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We are so excited that you have chosen to become a member of the Charger Choir family. This program has a

long tradition of success and we are happy that you want to be a part of that. Success is only achieved with hard

work and dedication. Keep reading for some guidelines that have proven time and again to create success!

Grading Policy

All grades will be considered carefully. Students will earn daily/weekly grades, performance grades, quiz and

test grades. Students will have the same number of days to make up any homework, quizzes/tests, or rehearsal

time missed as they were absent. Make-up work will be done individually before school, during lunch, or after

school. The student will be responsible for asking for a retest for any failing grades. No retests shall be given for

any student that receives a “0” for cheating.

Daily/Weekly grades (40% of average) consist of participation and preparation. Participation grades may

include such things as daily class participation, lessons and/or sectionals, and homework (written work, solfege

syllables, etc). Preparation grades are based on the student having the proper materials for class, such as music,

folder, and a pencil.

Performance/Test grades (60% of average) are earned for all performances. They are the extension of the

classroom work. Students must sign in for credit. A student will earn a grade of 100 for being on time, dressed

in the appropriate concert uniform, and performing to the best of their ability. A student will lose points for

being tardy or having poor concert etiquette. Absences will earn the grade of a zero. Excused absences and

tardiness will be given leniency at the discretion of the directors. All excused absences will require a written

report in lieu of the performance to earn a make-up grade. Concerts are considered to be a privilege, not a right.

If students are not abiding within behavior guidelines, the directors have the option to uninvite them from the

concert.

Alternative Assignments will be assigned if a student does not attend the choir concert. The assignment may be

written or sung. Students who miss performances will be required to sing individually for their grade.

Quizzes and tests may be either written or sung.

The following chart includes, but is not limited to, all musical elements that may be taught in choir:

Balance & Blend Counting methods Secular & Sacred Music Sight-singing

Pitch and rhythm Major scales Foreign Languages Solo & Ensemble Singing

Accidentals Minor scales Intervals Aural Skills

Key signature Circle of 5ths Chord Structure Four-part singing

Time signature Chords Music theory Two-part singing

Solfege & Hand Signs Form Intonation Three-part singing

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Attendance

Any student with less than 90% attendance of the required number of days that a class is offered in a marking period shall be subject to loss of credit in the course(s) where excessive absences have been recorded. A grade/or credit may be reinstated if the student is approved for such by an attendance committee composed of a teacher, a counselor, and an administrator.

Performing Groups

Freshman Treble Choir - a non-auditioned treble ensemble of freshmen women. This group will compete in UIL

and all students are encouraged to participate in other competitions.

Advanced Women’s Choir - a non-auditioned treble ensemble of 10th-12th grade women. This group will compete

in UIL and all students are encouraged to participate in other competitions.

Freshmen Men’s Choir - a non-auditioned treble ensemble of freshmen men. This group will compete in UIL and

all students are encouraged to participate in other competitions.

Advanced Men’s Choir- a non-auditioned choir for tenor and bass voices for 10th-12th grade men. This group

will compete in UIL and all students are encouraged to participate in other competitions.

Chorale - an auditioned group of mixed voices. Students must audition for membership in the choir. Students

may also be placed at the director’s discretion. Students in this ensemble must be academically eligible for the

entirety of the year or the student may be removed from the group. Choir camps at the beginning and end of

the year are mandatory. The women and men from this ensemble will split in the Spring Semester to form Varsity

Men’s and Varsity Women’s Ensembles for UIL. These groups will practice after school.

Soundsation - an auditioned group that sings a variety of pop, jazz, and patriotic music. Students must audition

for a spot in the group and must have choir twice as their elective. Students in this choir will be responsible for

singing at all home football games, award ceremonies, and other community events.

Placement for all choirs is based upon the above listed procedures and requirements and student auditions.

Choir Officers

The Veterans Memorial ECHS Choir Council will consist of elected/appointed officers and representatives.

Offices:

President/VP – promotes choir activities, works with directors to coordinate choir activities, sets good examples

for all choir members, and promotes high morale in the choir program. President must be an upper classmen

with two/one years of choir experience at VMECHS.

Secretary- helps with attendance, travel binders, organizational responsibilities.

Historian- responsible for attending all choir events and taking pictures (not selfies) and submitting them for the

school website and yearbook and creating an end-of-the-year slideshow.

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Librarian/Uniform Manager – this student(s) will be required to stay after school on occasion and help with the

organization and maintenance of the choral library/uniform storage.

Fundraising Coordinator- this student will be responsible for helping out at all fundraisers and with selling after

school.

Section Leaders – will assist with in class activities, after school activities, and will be leaders in their individual

choir. These students are expected to participate in all extra-curricular choir activities and will serve as an

advisory committee to the President.

Interested members must submit a music resume and one page essay stating their qualifications and goals

for the position. Officers will be appointed and removed at the discretion of the Choir Directors.

Rehearsals and Lessons

Class Activities

Students will participate in daily class instruction, including vocal technique, music reading, and music

rehearsal. Vocal technique is designed to improve tone production, intonation, range, and vocal skill. Music

reading includes sight singing skills as well as understanding music theory and notation. Students will have

opportunities to receive individual and/or small group instruction from a choir director. These sessions will

focus on the student’s individual technique, solo and ensemble music, All-State music, as well as concert music.

Lessons and/or sectionals will occur once each week. Students are encouraged to sign up for additional lesson

times. See director to schedule an appointment.

Rehearsal Expectations

Be in place with choir folder and pencil by the tardy bell.

Refrain from talking or communicating with other students while director is communicating or rehearsing.

Show respect both verbally and non-verbally to other students as well as directors.

After School Rehearsal Expectations

All required rehearsals outside of regular class time will be scheduled well in advance to allow everyone to

attend. Only those students who have cleared an absence at least one week in advance and bring a parent note

will be excused from the rehearsal. Students who miss rehearsal will be required to schedule a lesson with their

director to make up what was missed during rehearsal. Legitimate emergencies will be given leniency.

Rehearsal/Performance Attendance

Choir is a performing organization. There are many potential conflicts with rehearsals and performances. The

only way to ensure musical excellence is by adhering to a strict attendance policy. When a choir member is

absent, the entire group suffers. The only absences considered excused are illness or UIL competition in another

organization. Doctor appointments, work schedules, etc. must be worked out well in advance. When some

special circumstances arise, talk to your director immediately to figure out a solution. All absences must be

verified in writing by a parent or guardian. In a large organization, it is critical that the director be notified about

conflicts well in advance.

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Choir Expectations

Concert dates are posted in the choir room as well as listed in this handbook. Other performances may be added.

We will notify students and parents in writing as soon as possible.

Wear the assigned uniform for that performance.

Be at the designated place at the correct time, or earlier.

No absence is excused without advance written notification from parents. If a student is absent, a

written alternative assignment will be issued to that student.

Unexcused absences result in a zero for that performance.

Choir Extra-Curricular Activities

The following competition opportunities are available for choir members to challenge their musical growth:

Individual practice, lessons, and/or group rehearsals outside of regular class time will be required.

Solo & Ensemble Contest – Students learn solo literature to improve vocal technique. Directors will determine

ensemble placement based on student interest and abilities. Students must be eligible to compete.

UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest – Academically eligible choir members compete to represent Veterans

Memorial High School in this UIL choir competition. Mandatory for ALL choir members.

District Treble – Female students who do not wish to do All-State or did not make it past the first round of

auditions may compete for a spot in this honor choir. Students will learn challenging, fun treble music and will

audition for a spot. This is very similar to Middle School All-Region, but with more difficult music.

All-State Choir Auditions – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. This is one of the highest honors a choir student in the

state of Texas can earn. It can also lead to College SCHOLARSHIPS! Interested students should attend camps

during summer to begin learning the music. Music and practice CDs as well as lessons will be available from

the director. There are multiple rounds of auditions (District, Region, Pre-Area, Area) in order to earn a spot in

the prestigious All-State Choir. You must be academically eligible and musically prepared in order to audition.

Academic Eligibility

According to state law, students must be academically eligible to participate in certain activities that are

considered extra-curricular (Solo & Ensemble, UIL, or All-State). Failing grades in any class will cause a student

to be unable to participate in many of our activities. Students are expected to make every effort to pass all of

their classes and to participate fully in the choral program.

Concerts are considered an extension of classroom learning (co-curricular). Academic eligibility does not affect

a student’s ability to perform in a choir concert.

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Choir Guidelines and Policies

Class Guidelines

Be on time- You must be on risers with pencil and music ready to work before the tardy bell rings.

Follow directions the first time they are given.

Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Be respectful.-No harassment, put-downs, or foul or abusive language will be tolerated.

No gum, food, or drinks

Tardiness is unacceptable and does not allow the class to perform to its fullest potential. The following is the

procedure for being tardy:

*2nd Tardy=Phone Call Home

**3rd Tardy=Parent-Teacher Conference Request

If parent(s) does not attend the requested conference, student will receive an automatic referral to the office.

Consequences for misbehavior in choir class

1st Infraction—1st Warning

2nd Infraction—2nd Warning and Parent/Guardian contact

3rd Infraction— Parent/Guardian contact; Parent, Counselor and Teacher Conference

4th Infraction—Parent/Guardian Classroom Observation and Conference

5th Infraction—Office Referral

*Extreme circumstances may require a different procedure in accordance with district and campus discipline

management plans.

Uniforms

Formal Attire: Ladies wear a formal dress (provided), black hose, and black flats. Gentlemen wear black tuxedo

pants and coat (provided), white tuxedo shirt (provided), black vest and tie (provided), black socks, and black

dress shoes.

All uniforms must be hemmed to fit the student’s height before the first concert. Do not cut the material.

Please be aware that you are responsible for any necessary replacement should the uniform be lost, stolen, or

damaged.

Wear deodorant, but don’t wear perfume, cologne, or scented hairspray.

Hair out of face, Ladies – half up/half down.

An informal uniform for relaxed performances will consist of the Choir Spirit Shirt and Jeans. Spirit shirts can

be purchased for $15.

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Letterman Jackets

A Letterman is optional dependent upon the financial condition of the awarding organization. In order to

qualify, the following criteria must be met:

1. Student must have participated in choir for all semesters that they are enrolled in High School.

2. A student must have participated in ALL scheduled performances, rehearsals, and music activities

commensurate with the level of assignment

3. Student must be passing Choir with a current minimum grade average of 90.

4. Student must have maintained and continue to maintain conduct which is a credit to the organization,

school, and community, and exhibited a positive attitude towards all Veterans Choir members and staff.

5. Student must be clear of all financial obligations to Veterans Choir.

6. Withdrawal or dismissal from choir or school will forfeit the award.

7. The award of a Letterman is the property of the Charger Choir and will be considered “ON LOAN” until

the completion of all the requirements and graduation of the student.

Fundraising

The Charger Choirs participate in fundraisers during the school year. These fundraisers are necessary in order

to provide instructional and fun activities as well as supplement our choir budget. All students are required to

participate. It is hoped that each student will carry their share of the load. Students and their parents will be

held accountable for all items and money due – any outstanding balance that may occur will be your

responsibility. Procedures for turning in money will be explained for each project.

Choir Field Trip Participation Requirements

The Charger Choir is planning an optional choir trip. Students who wish to participate in this trip and all other

field trips will be required to meet these requirements:

Act appropriately in ALL classes

(Your behavior is a reflection of the Veterans Memorial High School Choir Program)

Raise or pay the necessary funds to cover the cost of their trip

Turn in and account for all fundraising money

Perform in all choir concerts throughout the school year

Earn a passing grade in choir for all grading periods

The trip will be funded through student/parent payment. The trip is completely optional. All payments

received for the trip are nonrefundable. The payments are used to secure the charter bus and trip tickets for

all involved. Money received cannot be returned for any reason. To reserve a spot for the trip, students must

be in the first 48 students to turn in a payment on the date set by the choir department. More information about

trip specifics and the payment process will be sent out in letter form.

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Social Media

Use of social media will strictly adhere to the BISD policy on social media. There will be times when social

media (Charms, Remind 101, etc.) will be the most efficient means of communicating with student ensembles.

This will never be done as an invasion of anyone’s privacy. Social media may also be used as a means to promote

events such as concerts, fundraisers, auditions, audition results, and achievements.

Students are expected to be respectful of BISD and all students on social media. Harassment and cyberbullying

will NOT be tolerated and will result in extreme administrative consequences.

Due to copyright law, concerts may be recorded for personal use, but cannot be posted online (i.e. YouTube)

For more information, please refer to the district policy on social media.

Remind 101/Charms

Remind is a free, safe communication tool to help educators connect with students and parents. Once students

and parents have signed up, the teacher is able to send text messages and emails as reminders for homework,

concerts, and fundraising deadlines.

Charms is an office assistant program that has similar qualities as Remind. We will utilize it to send emails,

texts, keep up with fundraising, and share files, and have students submit assessments.

Sight Reading Factory is a website that will be used to assess students individually on their sight reading ability

and progress. Students will have accounts provided for them.

The programs are completely safe for both teachers and students.

All choirs will be expected to sign up for Remind, Charms, and Sight Reading Factory.

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2018-2019 Veterans Memorial Early College High School Choir

Calendar of Events

July 30-Aug 3 Choir Camp Rivera HS, 12-4

August 23 Booster Club Meeting Choir Room, 6 PM

August 28 Pollo Loco Spirit Night Alton Gloor, 5-8

August 31 Choir Spirit Shirt Money Due Choir Room

September 3-Oct 3 Deanan Popcorn Fundraiser Choir Room

September 29 District Auditions Rivera HS, 8 AM

October 5 Girls’ Night Veterans, 5-7

October 16/23 Stillman MS Fall Concert CAB Auditorium, 6/7:30

October 14 District Treble Auditions Veterans MS Donna, 8AM

October 16 Fall Concert 6:00 P.M. Veterans Auditorium

October 19-20 All-City Clinic/Concert Lopez High School

October 27 District Treble Auditions Cano Freshman Academy

October 30 Cane’s Spirit Night Fundraiser Cane’s on Morrison

November 3 Region/Pre Area Audition Veterans Memorial ECHS

November 8-9 District Region/Treble Concert Harlingen PAC

November 13 Luby’s Night Luby’s in the Mall

November 30 Soundsation Zoo Nights & Lights Gladys Porter Zoo

November 26-Dec 7 Poinsettia Fundraiser Veterans Memorial

December 13 Christmas Concert 6:00 P.M. Veterans Auditorium

December 10/17 Stillman MS Winter Concert CAB Auditorium, 6/7:30

December 19 Soundsation Caroling Field Trip Brownsville

December 28 Pre-Area Clinic Harlingen HS, 9 AM

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January 12 Area Auditions TBA

January 18 Guys’ Night Stillman MS, 5-7

February 2 UIL Solo & Ensemble Hanna HS

February 13-16 TMEA San Antonio, TX

February 26 BISD Choral Evaluation Lopez ECHS

March 20-22 UIL Concert and Sight Reading Harlingen PAC

March 28 Chickfila Spirit Night Morrison, 5-7

April 23-24 Chicken Plate Fundraiser A&V Lopez, 5-7

May 13 Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal Veterans, 4-7

May 14/21 Stillman MS Spring Concert CAB Auditorium, 6/7:30

May 15 Spring Concert 6:00 P.M. Veterans Auditorium

May 17 Spring Banquet TBA

June 6 VMECHS Graduation Sam’s Stadium, 7:30 PM

June 3-7 All-State Choir Camp Veterans Choir Room

**Calendar of events is subject to change.

Additional choir dates and events may be added as necessary.

Events listed in BOLD are required for a major test grade.

student/parent handbook · stephanie zamora choir director _____ dr. uzziel guzman accompanist ......

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