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Lake Zurich Middle School North
Chorus Handbook
 

MSN
District 95

Text Box: 2010 - 2011 Chorus Handbook                                                                                                         Class Description Lake Zurich Middle School North Chorus is a co-curricular class that meets every day for thirty minutes.  It is a non-auditioned music performance ensemble whose goal is to develop a student's musicianship and character.  Chorus participates in several musical performances as well as school service projects throughout the year. Being a member of Chorus requires dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude. Class Policies Attendance: It is required that students be present for class, as this thirty minute rehearsal is important to both you and the other members of chorus. Chorus requires a team effort, and all members are vital to the team performance. Skills are taught over time, and their practice impacts the entire group. Concert Attendance: Concert performance is mandatory.  Much like a final exam at the end of the quarter, concerts give the students the opportunity to show what they have learned, and the entire group depends on everyone being present.  Should the rare occasion arise in which a student must miss a performance, notification will be given to the director in writing as far in advance as possible, but not less than 24  hours.  Official excused school absences will also count as notification.  Family emergencies will be excused if notification is given to the director in writing as soon as possible after the missed performance. Any unexcused absence from a performance may negatively affect the student's academic standing in the class.  Homeroom Absences: As important as it is for students to be present for rehearsal, academics are also very important to everyone. Since Chorus replaces a student's homeroom period, we understand that occasionally a student may need to utilize that time to make up missed work, finish a test, or attend a review session. Rehearsal Passes (Red Passes) can be used only once per week, and are not transferable, nor can they be saved and used for a later quarter. There is a maximum of 5 passes available per student per quarter. Passes will not be allowed during the week prior to any performance--no exceptions.. To use a pass, students must turn in a passed signed by the classroom teacher as soon as possible, preferably the day before the missed rehearsal. The director (not the classroom teacher) will approve the absence. Adding/Dropping Chorus: Students wishing to add or drop chorus must do so within the first two weeks of the academic quarter. Any requests to drop after this time are at the discretion of the director. Expectations/Requirements General Expectations: In order to strive for excellence, the LZMSN Chorus program requires that students maintain a positive attitude and work ethic throughout the class.  Students are expected to learn and memorize their part for each song in order for the group to be successful.  Chorus is an ensemble--every student is accountable both personally and to the entire group. Chorus members are expected exhibit respectful behavior at all times, both in and outside of the classroom.  Disrespect toward other students as well as the director will not be tolerated and will result in a lower grade and/or removal from Chorus. Required Classroom Materials: Students must have at least one sharpened pencil with an eraser in their Chorus folder at all times. Required Sectional Rehearsals: Students may expect at least 45 minutes of sectional work each quarter.  This sections will be done after school.  It is an essential part of the chorus curriculum and therefore, it is required.  This learning program will help your child develop the necessary music reading skills to become an independent learner as well as a competent musician.  Work completed by the student will be tracked and recorded as part of their grade.  Sign-up times will be available in the music room.  Students will be able to take the late bus home. Grading  Participation/Class Assignments                            50%  Attendance (Daily and Concert)                              25%  Group Lessons                                                     10%  Sight Singing/Theory                                             15% Use of School Equipment Folders: Students will be given folders to use throughout the school year.. Folders will be left at school at all times unless special permission is given by the director. Students are responsible for keeping their folder in good condition. If the folder is damaged is, a replacement fee of $10.00 will be assessed. Music: Students will be given music to use several times throughout the school year. As with their folder, students are responsible for music that is lost or damaged. Concert Wear/Uniforms Students will be asked to purchase uniforms that will be worn for the three years they are in middle school chorus. This concert attire will create a polished, professional look, and will be worn for all performances. A fundraiser will be held at the beginning of the year to help offset the cost. In addition to the uniforms, students will need black shoes (absolutely no tennis shoes allowed!). Fundraisers A fundraiser will be held at the beginning of the year to offset the cost of the student's chorus uniform. The money raised can also help with parties and fieldtrips.  Other fundraisers may be planned for later in the year, as needed. Participation is not mandatory, but is highly encouraged. Activities Chorus members will have the opportunity take part in field trips or other activities throughout the school year.  Details will be published as soon as they become available. Performance Dates Please mark these dates on your calendar: October 16 District 95 Choral Festival 10:00 AM LZHS December 13 Holiday Chorus Concert 7:00 PM MSN February 12 Solo & Ensemble Contest TBA TBA March 10 Winter Chorus Concert 7:00 PM MSN March 11 Organization Contest TBA TBA May 18 Spring Chorus Concert 7:00 PM MSN Solo & Ensemble Contest This is an optional opportunity for students to perform for and be critiqued by a professional voice judge. Students are required to learn and memorize a song selected by the director and student.  Ratings are earned on the basis of diction, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, and presentation.  Medals are awarded for Division I (Superior) and Division II (Excellent) ratings. Organization Contest Organization Contest is held in March and requires the chorus to learn and memorize three songs to be sung before a panel of judges.  The group is critiqued and earns a rating based on their performance.  This is a required performance. Please return the Handbook Acknowledgement Form below ASAP Handbook Acknowledgement Form   - We have read together and noted the information in the the Chorus Handbook - We have written down all of the performance dates, noting any conflicts - We will check the Chorus Website at least once/week in order to stay informed                                                            Thank You!                                                            Diane Aumann _______________________________                                     _____________________________ Student Name                                                                       Parent Signature I would be able to help with the following:  (circle) Chaperone at concerts Decorate for concerts Provide Refreshments Chair the District Choral Festival Take digital pictures Whatever you need!