Wylie ISD

McMillan Junior High School Choral Department

MJH Choir Handbook 2017-2018

Kärin Smith, Director

Karin.smith@wylieisd.net

August 21, 2017 Dear Choir Students and Parents,

I am so excited about the 2017-18 school year and being a part of the Wylie Family! I anticipate a fun year full of learning and I look forward to working with you as we make our choir program the best it can be!

This handbook is designed to introduce you to the McMillan choral tradition

of excellence and to provide you with important information regarding grading policies, eligibility, uniform fees, fundraising, field trips, and the choir calendar. Further notification will be sent home with the students in order to communicate any additions or changes as the year advances. Please read this handbook, and sign the appropriate pages. Completed and signed forms should be returned no later than Friday, September 1st.

In addition to supporting your child from the audience at our choir

performances, parents are invited to volunteer to help set up for concerts, chaperone choir field trips, and assist in fundraising efforts. Letters regarding details for opportunities to help will be sent home with your student at a later date. However, if you feel you might be interested in supporting our program in any of these ways, please fill out the criminal background check that can be on found on the Wylie ISD website. This must be done in order for me to begin asking for volunteers on any of our off campus events. I encourage you to do this early in the year. I will retrieve a list from our school secretary of parents who are on the Volunteer list and contact you when your help is needed.

Thank you in advance for your support of our program. I’m so excited to

have the opportunity to work with your students. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any of your questions or concerns throughout the year! Sincerely, Karin Smith Karin.smith@wylieisd.net

Mission Statement

The McMillan Choral Department has established a celebrated tradition of musical excellence based on high musical standards. As we continue on this path, the

Choral Department will provide opportunities for each student to develop artistic expression, individual responsibility, personal integrity, and a sense of community

through the teaching of lifelong music skills. Students will have the opportunity to improve individual vocal technique, music theory, and sight-reading skills. Choir students will also learn challenging choral literature in a variety of musical styles.

Classroom Expectations

1. Be punctual and prepared with ALL materials.

2. Follow teacher directions the first time they are given

3. All choir students are expected to PARTICIPATE. Try your best!

4. Be a positive addition to our classroom, bad behavior takes away from our time to sing and prepare.

5. Follow all district and campus rules and regulations.

6. Cell Phones will be left in backpacks during Choir class period.

Consequences

1. Verbal Reminder,

2. Verbal Reminder, parent contact, skyward warning.

3. Parent Contact, Parent Contact, skyward referral and possible Thursday Night School or ISS

4. Immediate Office Referral, grade deduction, Thursday night School/ISS

*these consequences are for minor infractions. Major issues will be sent to the office immediately.

Classroom Procedures

1. Upon entering classroom, leave all personal belongings in designated areas.

2. Be in assigned seat with folder and pencil before class begins.

3. Proper singing position is required throughout all practices and performances.

4. Raise hand for permission to speak or leave your seat-I will be in compliance with the MJH hall policy which allows students to leave 10 times total per semester and only if they have their agendas with them.

5. Gum, candy, food, drinks, (water is an exception) and cell phones can interfere with singing; therefore, these items have no place on the risers in the choir room.

6. When dismissed by director, return choir materials to assigned folder slot.

The Big 3

1. We will always stand and use hand signs (at the correct levels) when we are sight reading

2. When we are sitting down during rehearsal we will have good posture 3. We will use tall vowels and sing in a proper choral style

CHOIR SUPPLIES

In order for successful rehearsals to take place, all students must be prepared for class each and every day. Failure to bring required materials will result in a grade reduction. All students should acquire the following materials for the school year:

♪ Pencils (sharpened preferred - to be used by all students)

♪ 1 Pack of Highlighters

♪1 Box of Kleenex

Other materials (worksheets, homework assignments, etc.) will also need to be brought to class on their due dates or when instructed by the director(s)

FEES AND EXPENSES

Most costs of participating in choir are covered by the MJH Choral Department’s budget; however, participation in choir does require some financial commitment.

To help offset these costs, a $35 choir fee is due by September 8. It will cover the cost of the 2017-18 choir shirt, uniform care, choir folders, music, facilities, accompanist fees and general supplies purchased in bulk and used throughout the school year.

Other costs associated with the MJH Choirs are optional and are dependent on the student’s participation in OPTIONAL events.

Uniforms

As a choir, our goal is to look as professional as possible for each and every performance. We aim to represent the McMillan Choir and McMillan Junior High in a very positive and impressive manner - to include our physical appearances. As our students continue to excel in their musical performances, it is important that their attire reflect the level of proficiency they have achieved.

Choir concerts, competitions, and other performances are formal events that require our students to look and act the part. For this reason, all Wylie Junior High Choirs wear formal concert attire. We provide black choir dresses for the girls at a yearly rental fee of $10. Students will need to provide the following:

Guys

§ Solid Black Dress Pants – must fit appropriately and conform to WISD dress code … absolutely no jeans, shorts, or sagging pants

§ Solid Black Belt – shirts will be tucked in for performances

§ Solid White Long-sleeved Button Down Dress Shirt

§ Solid Black Socks and Solid Black Shoes - shoes need to be closed-toe ... no flip-flops, sandals, tennis shoes, or house shoes

Girls

§ Solid Black Dress Shoes – shoes need to be closed-toe … no flip-flops, sandals, tennis shoes, house shoes, or anything with really high heels (Please wear shoes that are comfortable for standing, but are presentable.)

Choir supply and rental fees are due no later than Friday, September 8th. The total fee for the girls is $45 and can be made together with one check. The guys will pay for the $35 supply fee only.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions Payments can be made in cash or check payable to the McMillan Choir.

I realize that this fee is different from what it has been in the past. We are trying to be in compliance with the other junior highs in our district who charge this same fee.

Ladies who already have a dress from the previous year will only be charged the $35 supply fee.

STATE & NATIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION STANDARDS While at McMillan Junior High, choir members learn a wide range of quality choral repertoire ranging from classical and jazz to spirituals and multicultural music, spanning from the Medieval to Contemporary periods. MJH choral rehearsals are centered on the six standards listed in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 1. Perception – the student describes and analyzes musical sound and demonstrates musical artistry. 2. Creative expression/performance – the student sings, individually and in groups, performing a varied repertoire of music. 3. Creative expression/performance – the student reads and writes music notation. 4. Creative expression/performance – the student creates and arranges music within specified guidelines. 5. Historical/cultural heritage – the student relates music to history, to society, and culture. 6. Response/evaluation – the student responds to and evaluates music and musical performance. In addition to learning strong choral repertoire, MJH choral rehearsals also address the national standards of music education, as determined by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC): 1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. 5. Reading and notating music. 6. Listening to, analyzing, and notating music. 7. Evaluating music and music performances. 8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture

Grading Policy

Grades will be determined by the following:

§ Daily participation/Skills Demonstration (minor grade) § Performances/Concerts (TWO MAJOR GRADES)

o Concert Performance Grade

o Concert Participation Grade § Written/Oral assignments (minor grade) § Performance tests (major grade) § After-school rehearsals (minor grade)

***Please note: After-school rehearsals are mandatory (for a grade) and will be kept to a minimum! They are only scheduled when absolutely necessary to prepare for an upcoming concert. These rehearsals are the only opportunity to allow the choirs to practice as one whole group rather than separate choir classes during the school day. It is extremely important that all students that have been called for the rehearsal make every effort to be in attendance. Please be flexible! These rehearsals will be announced well in advance.

Performances

Choir is a performance-based musical opportunity. PERFORMANCE IS A

REQUIREMENT for all MJH Choir members and is a factor in the grading policy (see above). Students are expected to perform as well as, REMAIN for the entire concert. A grade for performing as well as participation as an audience member will be given for each concert. Attendance at each performance is necessary for students to obtain the full benefits of the program, students must be responsible for all correspondence regarding any after-school rehearsals or changes to the schedule. Should any performance dates/times change, a note will be sent home with each student well in advance. Each concert will count as 2 major grades. Concert Performance and Concert Participation

Concerts - Attendance at any choral concert is required. Missing a concert will lower the student’s grade drastically. Absences will only be excused in special situations, such as a medical/family emergency, religious holiday, or death in the family. Written documentation should be provided to the director(s) as soon as a problem arises and must occur prior to the event to be given a concert makeup opportunity. Note: Non-school-sponsored events do not constitute an excused absence for any required choral event and will not be allowed a makeup.

Eligibility

Choir activities are governed by the policies of the WISD Board of Trustees, Texas Education Agency, University Interscholastic League, Texas Music Educators Association, and McMillan Junior High School. The “No Pass/No Play” rule applies to ALL extra-curricular activities such as UIL contest, TMEA All-Region auditions/concerts, choir trips, competitions, and selected “admission” events.

To maintain eligibility status, students must earn a 70 OR ABOVE in ALL CLASSES

***Be present at school on the day of the activity/performance

Fundraising

The McMillan Choir Department sponsors a fundraiser each year. Profits go toward

student events, field trips, music, various activity expenses, and non-budget department needs. Thank you in advance for supporting the students throughout the fundraising process and encouraging them to do their best to raise money for our program! We depend on the funds that students raise each year to help make our choir program the best it can be! In lieu of fundraising, donations are always welcome.

§ Brochure Fundraiser in the Fall § Spring Fundraiser TBA

Choir Trips McMillan Choir students have the opportunity to take part in several fun and educating trips this year!! There are several things planned for McMillan Choir students and as information comes available, information will be sent home in a timely manner. Please note that while most trips are paid for by budget (UIL and school related events), other trips will be funded by the student or by fundraising. Please make every effort to help support the McMillan Choir program and your choir student by taking advantage of the Fundraising opportunity later in the fall. The following are trips that are currently being planned for the 2017-2018 year:

• UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest • Community Events (Holiday, Wylie Arts) • Choir Festival/Fun Trip in the Spring

Projected Calendar

SEPTEMBER 1st All handbook forms signed by parents due TODAY.

4th Labor Day Holiday 7th Rehearsal for Future Raider Night @ Burnett from 4:30-5:15 -this is for 8th graders going to Wylie East next year 8th Future Raider Night 5:30-7:00 (optional to stay at game)

8th Choir Supply and Uniform Fees due TODAY. 28th Rehearsal for Future Pirate Night -this is for 8th graders going to Wylie next year 29th Future Pirate Night 5:30-7 (optional to stay at game) OCTOBER

3rd Wylie HS Fall Concert 7:00 pm FBC 9th WISD Fair Day

16th FALL CONCERT 6:00 pm McMillan Junior High Gym > Students arrive at 5:00 pm.

20th 1st Nine Weeks ends TBA Fundraiser

NOVEMBER

TBA Fundraising money due 9th **Wylie ISD Middle School Solo & Ensemble Festival Burnett Junior High Times TBA 20st -24th Thanksgiving Holidays DECEMBER

1st WINTER CONCERT 7:00 pm Wylie East High School >Students arrive at 6:00 pm. 15th Holiday Fine Arts Extravaganza, MJH Gym 9:30 am 20th Early Release/2nd 9 weeks Ends

TBA Holiday Singing in the Community JANUARY 2016 4th Welcome Back! 15th Martin Luther King Holiday/Student Holiday 30th WISD Junior High All Region Choir Camp McMillan JH 4:00-7:30 pm TBA After-School Rehearsals for UIL FEBRUARY TBA After-school rehearsals for “Celebrate the Arts” and UIL 22nd “Celebrate the Arts- Wylie East High School Auditorium >Time TBA 19th Presidents Day Holiday MARCH

6th-8th **UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Competition >Times TBA 9th End of 3rd 9 Weeks

12th-16th Spring Break 30th Easter Break

APRIL 2nd Easter Break

7th **Region 25 MS Honor Choir Auditions, Faubion MS Times TBA 20st **Region 25 MS Honor Choir Rehearsal and Mixer 5:00-7:00 Evans MS 21st **Region 25 MS Honor Choir Clinic and Concert 8:30 am – 6:00 pm Concert is at 5:00 McKinney North High School TBA Spring Festival/Choir Fun Trip MAY

4th-5th WHS “Tempo” Show 7:000 WHS Auditorium 10th Spring Concert, Wylie High School 7:00 pm Stuents arrive at 6:00 pm

14th-17th STAAR Week 24th Last Day of School Early Release ** Students must be eligible to participate. Bolded events are required concerts of ALL Choir students.

Dates are subject to change. Please check McMillan JH Choir social media frequently. Emails will be sent with any changes to the calendar. Calendar subject to change. Ample notice will be given in the event of ANY changes.

Checklist of items to return by

Friday September 8, 2017

__ Membership Agreement

__ Photograph Consent

__ Field Trip Permission Form

___Drug Testing Consent Form

___Supply and Rental Fees (cash or check payable to MJH Choir)

Don’t forget to bring your highlighter and pocket

Folder by Friday, September 2nd

McMillan Choir

Membership Agreement

I have read the MJH Choral Handbook and understand the information included. I agree to the performance requirements, grading system, uniform criteria, class materials, fundraising responsibilities, and classroom expectations presented in this handbook.

Student Name ~ Please Print

Student Signature Date

Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Photograph Consent

Throughout the year, we do our very best to capture the incredible times we have as a choir on film! Pictures of the choir may be posted in the choir room, around McMillan Junior High, on slide shows during a concert, and/or on social media.

If you are comfortable with your child being featured in pictures throughout the year, please place your signature on the FIRST consent statement. If you are NOT comfortable with your child being featured in pictures, please place your signature on the SECOND consent statement.

I, , give consent to allow photographs that may include my child to be posted around the choir room, around McMillan Junior High, on concert slide shows, and/or on the McMillan Choir website.

I, , DO NOT give consent to allow photographs that may include my child to be posted around the choir room, around McMillan Junior High, on concert slide shows, and/or on the McMillan Choir website.

McMillan Junior High School Acknowledgement of Responsibility and Permission for

Student Participation in School-Sponsored Trips

I, (parent/guardian name printed) , agree to allow my child, (child’s name printed) , to travel with a group or individual associated with the District on the trip(s) indicated below. I understand that while student safety is a high priority for the District, under state law, the school is not responsible for medical costs associated with a student injury.

I expressly waive all claims for medical expenses, loss of service, or other claims; and I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the District, its Trustees, employees, and agents from all claims made against it or them on behalf of my child.

I agree to indemnify and hold harmless the District, its Trustees, employees, and agents from all claims made by third parties against it or them, which result from my child’s actions on the trip.

I understand that the District, its Trustees, employees, and agents are not waiving any sovereign or governmental immunity, which it or they have under Texas law.

I have read and understood this release and sign it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance. This release applies to the trip(s) to be taken by:

( McMillan Choir to (place/s) _All Choir Trips_____________________

on (date) ___2017-2018 .

Parent or Guardian Signature Date