West Alexander Middle School Chorus

West Alexander Middle School Chorus
Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to Chorus! We will meet every day for this school year. We will focus on learning the basics of vocal production, music theory, musical styles, movement, and performing.

ACTIVITIES

We are always busy with a variety of activities to participate in during the year. I have included a calendar of events for this school year that includes concert dates and field trips. We are sometimes called to sing at community events during the year so this information will become available to you as needed. Please be aware of performance dates as they are given and make arrangements to be present.

GRADES

Grades will be determined through a combination of activities. These are: Class participation/activities/written work (60%), quizzes/ projects/concerts (30%), and homework (10%).

The class participation grade is a daily grade. The three standards used to grade class participation are:

1. 
   Effort (student has needed materials ready, is paying attention to instruction, doing assignments when asked, singing at appropriate times, etc.)
   
2. 
   Eyes (looking at teacher/board during instruction, music, conductor at appropriate times)
   
3. 
   Posture (sits and stands with appropriate singing posture when singing)
   

Concert Grading Policy - Any student who does not attend/participate in a concert, regardless of reason, (to be fair to all), will be asked to sing the concert repertoire to make up that grade. The student will record themselves singing the concert repertoire on a device given by the teacher. This is not done in front of the class or other students. It will be due 5 days past the concert date. If there is a family emergency and more time is needed, the parent must contact me requesting extra time to make up the concert. Please remember that these performances demonstrate what is learned in class and just like an athletic team, it is more successful when all members are present. Please note: if you are too sick to come to school on the day of the concert, you are too sick to sing that night. We want you to stay home and get well!




MATERIALS

Almost all of the materials needed daily for class are kept in our classroom. Students will be made aware of any other needed materials for class in advance.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

~Be Respectful

~Be Responsible

~Be Positive

~Be Safe

*All school rules and consequences apply in this class and are expected to be followed.

CONSEQUENCES

1. 
   Verbal Warning
   
2. 
   Level Consequences (PBIS School-wide discipline policy)
   

*Extreme disruption will result in automatic office referral.

UNIFORMS

Each student will need a chorus uniform. Our uniform consists of a red chorus polo shirt, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. Returning 7th and 8^th graders may use the same uniform as last year. New 7^th and 8^th grade students and 6^th grade students will need to purchase the chorus polo shirt through the school (order form to follow). Solid black pants, black socks, and black shoes will need to be purchased on your own. Please purchase black pants as soon as possible so you will have them before concert time arrives!

PARENTAL SUPPORT

The arts and exploratory classes are vital to your students’ overall education. Much more is learned within this class than just music. Self-discipline, teamwork, perseverance, the value of hard work, and the pride of a job well done are just a few lessons that students will learn. Of course, I always hope that they will leave with a love for music and that they will continue to be involved with music in some way for the rest of their lives. It is important that you as a parent/guardian take an interest in their musical pursuit and attend concerts that we have during the year. They are wonderful and we can’t wait for you to hear us! 

If you would like to further be involved in your student’s musical experience, there are times throughout the year that parent chaperones are needed for trips and events. Help is also welcome when distributing fundraising items. Chaperone and fundraising help forms will be sent out with the information concerning these activities. I also welcome any parent that would like to come into their student’s class to see what we’re doing to come. We would love to have some guest singers!

I am very excited about this school year! I will work very hard to make it one of the best! I will be sending lots of information home throughout the year so please ask your student frequently about chorus events. You may also check the homework hotline for information and upcoming events (#503) and the chorus link on the school’s website. An even more convenient way to receive reminders about concerts and activities is to sign up for Remind101. This is a one-way text messaging and email system. With Remind101, all personal information remains completely confidential. Teachers will never see your phone number, nor will you ever see theirs. Directions are at the bottom of the page and more information can be found at www.remind101.com. This is a free service but standard text messaging rates will apply. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at school (495-4611) or email me at [e-mail]. You can also find more info on our website www.weebly.wamschorus.com. PARENTS/GUARDIANS, please sign and return the “Chorus Format and Grading Policies Form” so that I know that you are aware of our format for chorus class.

Musically yours,
Danielle Stocks




REMIND101

How to sign up for Mrs. Stocks’ chorus messages:

To receive messages via text, enter the phone number [phone]. Text the appropriate code for your student’s grade level in the message box. Then follow the given prompts.

6^th Grade @ba5cf You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying,

7^th Grade @42ccb “unsubscribe ________ (student’s grade level code).

8th Grade @9e776 For example (6^th) “unsubscribe @ba5cf”

To receive messages via email, send an email to _________(student’s grade level code) @mail.remind.com. For example, @[e-mail]. To unsubscribe, reply with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.

2014-2015 WAMS Chorus Calendar
Aug. 29 WAMS NC Honors Chorus Auditions (7^th /8^th grade only)

3:00-4:00pm WAMS Chorus Room

Sept. 27 Regional NC Honors Chorus Auditions (Hickory, NC)

Time TBA (school representatives only)

Oct. 13 Fall Concert WAMS

6^th Grade – 6:15pm 7^th/8^th Grades – 7:15pm


Dec. 11 Christmas Concert Antioch Baptist Church

6^th Grade – 6:15pm 7^th/8^th Grades – 7:15pm

Jan. (TBA) Spring Fundraiser

Mar. 17 Spring Concert ACHS Auditorium

All Grades 7:00pm

Mar. 24/25 NC Middle School Choral Festival (Hickory, NC)

6^th/7^th/8^th grades (field trip)

*more information will be provided closer to festival date*

April 24-25 NC All-State Music Festival (select students - auditioned)

May 26 End of the Year Concert ACHS Auditorium

All Grades 7:00pm

*Required concerts in bold type*


2014-2015 Chorus Format and Grading Policies Form
I have read and understand the class format and grading policies for the WAMS Chorus for 2014-2015.

Student Name (PRINT): _________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Name(PRINT): ___________________________________

Home Phone: ______________ Work Phone: ________________ Cell: _______________

Parent/Guardian Name(PRINT): ___________________________________

Home Phone: _______________ Work Phone: ________________ Cell: ______________

Parent/Guardian Signature: _______________________________________
VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY PERMISSION

During the year, I videotape the students singing together during class and at concerts. I use these videos as an assessment tool to help students evaluate their singing before and after a concert. I do not focus the videotape on one particular student, but on the class as a whole and only show the video inside my classroom to the students involved.

I also want to showcase student achievements and chorus events. I would like to take photographs of students participating in chorus events throughout the year that may be put in the local paper or on the school/chorus website for the community to see. Please check and sign below if you DO NOT give permission to videotape or photograph your child for publicity purposes.
_____ I DO NOT give permission to videotape my child.

_____ I DO NOT give permission to photograph my child for newspapers/internet publication.

Parent/Guardian Signature ______________________________

*Please complete and return by Friday, August 29, 2014*