St. Francis School District

 

2011-2012

 

Intermediate Choir Student Handbook

 

Mrs. Lewis, Director

 

 

 

St. Francis Music Department Mission Statement

 

The mission of the St. Francis Music Department is to provide a curriculum, rehearsal atmosphere and performance schedule that will broaden and enhance the music knowledge and performance ability of its students while fostering key aspects of human development including: teamwork, patience, time management, character, dedication, self-esteem, critical thinking, leadership, cooperation and responsibility. 

 

Practice and Performance Policy

 

By being a member of the St. Francis Music Department you have accepted an obligation not only to yourself, but to the entire organization.  Because it is our desire to achieve the finest possible results, attendance at all rehearsals and performances by every choir member is mandatory.  It would be unrealistic, however, to assume that absences due to illness, death in the family, and other valid reasons do not occur. With this thought in mind, the following policy has been instituted to explain and define the absence policy of the music department.  Any student who becomes a member of the St. Francis Music Department recognizes his/her responsibility to fellow students of the organization and wishes to contribute his/her best effort at all times.

 

A performance, when planned, organized and evaluated as a culminating activity in a learning experience becomes a legitimate part of the music curriculum.  The performance for band/choir is like an exam in a class, such as English, and will be treated as such.  Failure to participate in a performance without being excused will severely affect the student’s final grade for that grading period, just as a failure to take an exam in the English class would affect the grade for that course. The student must give the teacher a note PRIOR to the performance, or the absence will not be excused. If the student is absent the day of the performance, they are excused from the performance.

 

Changing of Procedures Clause

 

This handbook is subject to change.  Procedures may be added to or deleted throughout the school year.  Read this handbook carefully.  If procedure changes do occur, students will be given plenty of time to adjust to any new changes.

 

Evaluation and Grading Policy

 

Grades will be based on …

• Written Assignments/Tests: Periodic written assignments and tests will be given during class.  Assessments and assignments will be related to topics discussed during class.  Points will be determined based on assignment.

 

• Attendance and Participation: Each rehearsal is worth 5 points (20% of grade).  Concerts are mandatory (100 points/40% of grade)! Students must have the required materials for each class period.  This includes music, pencil, and various materials for individual instruments.  Not being prepared for class will cause the student to lose daily participation points.  Detentions may be given for behavior issues.

 

Grading Scale:

A+ (100-99%)                                    C+  (84-83%)             F   (69% below)

A   (98-96%)                         C   (82-80%)

A-  (95-93%)                         C-  (79-77%)

B+  (92-91%)                          D+  (76-75%)

B    (90-88%)                                    D   (74-72%)

B-  (87-85%)                         D-    (71-70%)

 

Use and Care of Music

 

1.  Do not fold, tear, or otherwise mutilate music.

 

2.  Use only pencil when marking music (so that you may erase it if it is wrong or you do not need it written anymore).  Be neat when marking music and make only those marks that are absolutely necessary.  You may highlight your part, if you find that it helps you follow your music. Do not use erasable pen.

 

3.  Students will be held financially responsible for music that is not cared for properly. 

 

General Classroom Rules

 

1.  NO GUM, DRINK, OR FOOD is permitted at anytime.  Leave them in the cafeteria.  Anything other than water is not good for your vocal chords.

 

2.  You are responsible for the cleanliness of your area.  Do not leave anything other than your music in the room.  DO NOT leave books or lunches in the room!

 

3.  Stay away from other people’s instruments, music, and belongings.  Do not use their instruments under any condition.  Show respect for other people’s items.

 

4.  Vandalism (this includes writing on music stands) will not be tolerated.

 

5.  You are not to be in the instrument storage area or in the practice room/office area. Please stay out of these area unless you have permission to get something. Do not go in any cabinets or touch any other instruments in the room without permission from the director.

 

6.  Please ask before using the phone.  Then use it only for necessary calls.

 

Choir Student Code of Conduct

 

             The Deer Creek Choir program is a visible organization in both the school and community.  We want every ensemble or group in the Deer Creek Choir program to be known for its fine performance, discipline, and attitude.  As part of the Deer Creek Choir program your actions, both in and out of concert dress, are a direct reflection upon the choir, school, and community.  Conduct yourself with dignity and pride at all times.  The rules set forth in the school handbook are in full effect throughout any performance or rehearsal. 

           The following list is a set of consequences outlined to meet any discipline problems which may occur.  Depending on the severity of the infraction, any order or combination of consequences may apply.  Consistent infractions will result in additional consequences including school given punishments.

Possible Choir Consequences (in no particular order)

• Detention/mandatory service time
• Disciplinary isolation from group

• Verbal/Written warning
• Removal from rehearsal/performance
• Loss of points deducted from Daily Participation
• Conference with student(s) and parents/guardians

 

 

CONCERT ATTIRE – BUY NOW!!!

Ladies: Dress will be a long black or knee-length skirt or black dress pants, a long or short sleeved white dress shirt or blouse and nice looking, comfortable black shoes with black socks or neutral colored hose.  NO T-shirts with lettering/numbering, flip flops and tennis shoes.  Large jewelry and perfume are inappropriate for stage performance.

Men:  The dress will be black dress pants, a white button-down dress shirt, black socks and black dress shoes.  NO T-shirts with lettering/numbering, flip flops and tennis shoes.  Large jewelry and cologne are inappropriate for stage performances.

 **If purchase of apparel is an issue, please contact the director to discuss possible solutions BEFORE THE CONCERT. Director will tell you the appropriate dress for each concert.
 

Mandatory (Student must be there) Performance Dates

December 14 – Grades 4, 5, and 6 General Music Concerts (Times 9:00a.m.)

December 14 – Deer Creek Band and Choir Concert @ Deer Creek Gym (7:00pm)

March 3 – Solo and Ensemble ($3-$8 to participate; Times To Be Announced)

May 10 – Fine Arts Night @ Deer Creek (Performances from 5:30-7:00pm)

May 31 – Deer Creek Band and Choir Concert @ Deer Creek Gym (7:00pm)

 

JOIN MUSIC BOOSTERS!!! – WE NEED YOUR HELP!

What is the “Music Boosters” organization?

• This is a great way for parents to get involved in our music program. Music Boosters will help with the fundraising, chaperoning field trips, and many more activities.

Why is it so important?

• Music Boosters is an integral part of our program. Without the wonderful parents who volunteer their time and energy, the student experience would be diminished greatly.

What do we stand for?

• Helping our students achieve their goals
• Helping provide valuable opportunities for learning
• Giving support to our music program with care and effort.

WE NEED YOU!!!  Please contact one of the teachers below or leave your information on the next sheet:

Kathy Doty (Elementary General Music) 486-6339, kdoty@sfsd.k12.wi.us   

Beth Lewis (Middle School Music) 482-8478, elewis@sfsd.k12.wi.us

Paul Oestreich (High School Music) 747-3677, poestre@sfsd.k12.wi.us

 

 

 

 

St. Francis Choir Handbook Acknowledgment Form

 

Please read the band handbook thoroughly and return this form

before Friday,September 16,2011.   

Students will receive 10 points for turning this in on time. 

 

MY SIGNATURE BELOW INDICATES THAT I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL MATERIALS AND EXPECTATIONS CONTAINED IN THIS HANDBOOK.  I AGREE TO DO MY PART TO MAKE THE DEER CREEK CHOIR SUCCESSFUL, BY FOLLOWING THE SCHOOL AND CHOIR HANDBOOK GUIDELINES, SETTING FORTH MY BEST EFFORT, AND BY SHOWING RESPECT TO ALL PERSONS AND EQUIPMENT AFFILIATED WITH THE CHOIR.  I REALIZE WHEN I FALL SHORT OF THIS GOAL, I WILL BE PENALIZED IN THE MANNERS STATED IN THIS HANDBOOK, AND THE DEER CREEK STUDENT HANDBOOK.

 

 

Student Signature________________________________Date____________

 

Parent/Guardian Signature__________________________Date____________

 

 

Please check one of the following boxes:

 

• Yes, I would like to be a part of the Music Boosters organization. Please contact me.  Name                                            Phone                                       
  
  Email                                                      

 

• I am not interested in volunteering at this time.