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FORMS
eligibility of students A student who receives, at the end of any grading period, a grade below 70 in any academic class (other than an identified advanced class) may not participate in extracurricular activities for at least three school weeks. An ineligible student may practice or rehearse, however. The student gains eligibility when the teachers and principal determine that he or she as: 1) earned a passing grade in all academic classes, AND 2) completed three school weeks of ineligibility. descriptions of Extracurricular choral contests The University Interscholastic League (UIL) at the University of Texas at Austin sponsors two regional choral music contests. 1. Solo and Ensemble Contest - Choral students that volunteer to enter this contest will sing a memorized vocal solo while being accompanied by a pianist. The selected music must be chosen from a Prescribed Music List (PML) published by the UIL and approved by the Director of Choral Activities. There are two classifications of vocal solos...medium difficulty (Class II) and advanced (Class I). 2. Concert and Sight-Reading Contest - All choral students at WHS will compete at this contest. In the concert portion of the contest, each choir will perform three prepared selections for three judges. Afterwards, they will sight-read a selection of music for three additional judges. The Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) sponsors a series of district, region, area, and state auditions. 1. First (All-District Choir) Audition - The top 24 students in each of the eight vocal sections (Soprano I, Soprano II, Alto I, Alto II, Tenor I, Tenor II, Bass I, and Bass II) will be chosen from the East Zone and 24 students from the West Zone. The winners will be announced at the conclusion of the contest. Those 48 students will advance to the next level… 2. Second (All-Region Choir) Audition - The top 48 singers in each section from the last audition will compete. The top 12 students in each section at this contest earn membership into the All-Region Choir. They will receive a patch and will be required to attend the All-Region Clinic and Concert in November. They also qualify to audition for the next level… 3. Third (Pre-Area) Choir Audition - The 12 advancing singers from each section from the previous contest will, for the first time in the audition process, audition twice...once singing the literature and a second time sight-reading a line of music. These winners will be announced at the conclusion of the All-Region Choir Concert. The top 5 students from each section chosen will advance to the last level… 4. Texas All-State Choir Audition - The top 5 singers from each section in Region VII will join the top 5 singers in each section from two other regions of Texas to audition for the Texas All State Choir. From the 15 students in each section, the top 4 will be named to the Texas All State Mixed Choir. The treble singers that finish in places 5-10 will be named to the All State Treble Choir. The tenor-bass singers that finish in places 5-8 will be named to the All State Men’s Choir. The Texas All-State Choirs will perform in San Antonio at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in February.
Letter Jackets and School Letters Students in the WHS Choral Department can earn a WHS letter jacket and/or letter for CHOIR if one or more of the following categories are completed:
Category I - The student has earned membership into the All-Area Choir.
Category II - The student has earned a gold or silver solo medal and/or gold ensemble medal at the UIL Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
Category III - The student is in their fourth consecutive year of choir at WHS.
WHS will arrange for the sizing, ordering, and purchasing of the letters and jackets. It is the financial responsibility of each student for the purchase of any additional personalization to the letter or jacket.
Most Improved Awards These awards are given to students who have demonstrated the most improvement throughout the year.
Outstanding Choir Members These awards are presented to students from each choir who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, cooperation, and character.
Who’s Who in Choir Award This award is given to the student with the highest GPA in Choral Music.
Director’s Award This award is presented to the student who, in the director’s opinion, has the most outstanding natural talent and honorable character in the department.
Attendance Policies
As a member of the WHS Choral Department, you are responsible for attending all rehearsals and performances of your choir. The director will make every effort to schedule rehearsals and performances causing the least amount of conflict with other activities.
All student performances are a mandatory element of the curriculum. If you are in choir only for a fine arts credit, please re-think your choice. Everyone in every choir will perform. Your grade will reflect you participation both during rehearsals and at performances. Every member of a performing ensemble is vital to the ensemble. Never think otherwise!
Types of Excused Absences There are two excused absences from an after-school rehearsal or performance. Personal Illness – In the event of illness, you must call the choir office – 817-598-2878 – and leave a message with the director or voice mail. You may also send an email message. You must notify the director even if you miss school that day…many times students miss class for reasons other than illness. Failure to communicate will result in a lowered grade. Family Emergency – In the event of a family emergency, if possible, please notify a director as soon as possible. If at all possible, Prior notification by parents is required for all absences from after school rehearsals and all concerts. Upon returning to school after an excused absence, each student must present to the choral director a note, signed by a parent, stating the reason for your absence.
Employment schedule conflicts are NEVER considered an excused absence from a rehearsal or performance. You will be provided with advance notice for all rehearsal and concerts in order to give you time to coordinate your work schedule.
Class Attendance Unlike individual activities such as an academic class, it is impossible to makeup activities that occur in a group choral rehearsal. Unexcused absences from these rehearsals will have a negative impact on the student’s grade.
Additional Rehearsals and Activities Students will be given advanced notice of all additional rehearsals and activities outside of the regular class period. These rehearsal and activities are course requirements and are vital to the success of the choral program. Unexcused absences from the rehearsals and activities will be treated in the same manner, as an unexcused absence from class and the absence will have a negative impact on the student’s grade.
In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the sponsors of the activities. The sponsors, along with appropriate administrators, will determine the student’s obligation.
Concert Attendance All concerts and performances are MANDATORY. Concerts are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. Choir concerts are designated as an extension of the classroom and are therefore considered co-curricular. All choir members are expected to be present for the entire time of each required concert. An unexcused absence from a concert will have a negative impact on the student’s grade. Prior notification of any conflict with a required concert or rehearsal is required. More than ONE absence from a scheduled performance may result in the student’s dismissal from the choral department.
An absence will NOT be excused if the parent has not communicated with the director PRIOR to the event.
Concert Etiquette Audience etiquette or manners are based upon respect for the performers and for other listeners in the audience. They are nothing more than expressions of common courtesy. All audience members are encouraged to follow some well established standards for formal concert behavior such as: Ø Refrain from talking during the performance. Ø Remain seated for the entire concert if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary to do so, move only between selections and exit at the nearest door. Ø Wait to re-enter the auditorium until the performing group is finished. Ø Avoid calling out individual choir member’s names. Ø Applause is welcomed, but whistling, cheering, and calling out individual performers names is considered inappropriate for a formal concert. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the conductor lowers his or her hands to indicate the completion of the selection or work to applaud the performance. Ø Please eliminate disruptions by turning off all electronic devices (such as pagers and cell phones) and removing small children who are crying, making loud noises, or speaking loudly. Ø Students are not permitted to leave until the end of the concert and are expected to observe all performing groups. This is part of the educational process.
Classroom rules Be in your seat with your music, folder, and pencil when the bell rings. Respect the rights of others in this room…including the teacher!
student Expectations Pass all of your classes every 6 weeks Received NO disciplinary referrals from other teachers Be at EVERY rehearsal…during and after-school Have excellent attendance. Be at every performance.
Consequences (Classroom Rules) If a student fails to follow one or more classroom rules, the director is assuming they have temporarily forgotten what the rules are. The director is more that willing to remind the students of what they have forgotten. After several reminders, however, it becomes apparent to the director that a student’s ‘I forgot…’ is really an ‘I don’t care’. Repeated reminders will be viewed as an ‘I don’t care’ and will result a visit to the vice principal, temporary removal from the room, parent conferences, disciplinary referrals, and permanent removal from the choral department at the discretion of the director.
Consequences (Student Expectations) A choral student, who is sent to AC (Alternative Classroom) excessively (three referrals in one semester) and/or is suspended from school, will be removed from the choral department.
Every member of the Varsity A Cappella Choir is expected to pass every class, each six weeks. If a student does not accomplish this two out of the three six weeks during the first semester, he or she will not be permitted to take Varsity A Cappella Choir during the second semester.
Use and Care of the choral suite Choral Rehearsal Hall We are very fortunate to have one of the best choral facilities in the nation. In order for it to remain that way, WE are all Responsible. Most of the rules concerning this room are designed to insure that this facility’s future is maintained. Please observe the following:
Consumption of food, snacks, or candies is NOT allowed in the Choral Suite… Except with director’s PRIOR permission ONLY!!!! No drinks are allowed in the Choral Suite…exception…water. No gum is allowed in the Choral Suite. NO exception!!!! (Anyone caught chewing gum in class will be assigned to Choir Detention after school and clean any used gum located in the classroom.)
Ensemble/Sectional Rehearsal Hall Permission to use this room must be granted by the director.
Choir Office and Lounge The office and lounge area is my home away from home. If I am in the office or lounge, please knock before entering. If you do not receive an invitation to enter, please do not continue to knock! If you do not get an invitation to enter the office or lounge area, do not go inside…please go away instead.
Lounge Furniture Please treat this furniture as if it belongs in your room in your house. Do not horse play around this furniture. It does not belong to you and is on loan from other people. Please take care of it!
Uniform Storage Room Uniforms and auxiliary parts of the uniform will be brought out to each student as needed. Students are not allowed in the uniform storage room. Please do not go in this room for any reason.
Choral Music Library The choral music library is storage for all choral, solo, and ensemble literature. Please ask permission before using this room.
Practice Rooms The practice rooms are available for solo or small ensemble practice with permission from the director.
Stereo Equipment Students who follow these guidelines can use the stereo. You must use it for rehearsal purposes or for specific listening work with the permission of the director. Groups of students are encouraged to rehearse All-State music in the choir room with the stereo.
Pianos The digital pianos in the practice rooms are available for students to use with permission. The polished black studio piano in the rehearsal hall is not for student practice.
Telephone You may only use the telephone in the director’s office after you have secured permission from the director.
Bulletin Boards You may post messages and notices on the EAST front bulletin board (closest to the double doors) of the classroom AFTER you have secured the permission of the director.
Use and Care of the Durant auditorium One of the finest high school auditoriums in the nation is on our campus. It is our goal to keep it world class for years to come. The use of the auditorium is limited to dress rehearsals and performances ONLY. The balcony, sound room, side rooms, storage rooms, and catwalk is off limits to EVERYONE. No students are allowed in the Durant without a teacher or administrator present. Please help us maintain this wonderful concert theater by reporting any misuse to a teacher or administrator.
Ladies At the beginning of the year, parent helpers will take your measurements and we will order your formal concert dress. These dresses will be issued to you prior to our Fall Concert. You will turn them in after the Spring Concert.
You will need to provide BLACK DRESS SHOES (low heels), possibly a full-length slip, and nude hose.
Gentlemen At the beginning of the year, you will be fitted with tux pants and jacket, a winged-tip tux shirt, cummerbund, bow tie, studs, and cuff links.
You will need to provide BLACK DRESS SHOES (NO variations) and BLACK SOCKS. You also will need a white t-shirt under your tux shirt (with NO lettering on the t-shirt).
General Information The idea of a uniform is that we appear as a unified group to those who see us. Therefore, the addition of LARGE JEWELRY will not be acceptable. Ladies may wear small studs in their ears, but no dangling earrings, necklaces, or bracelets. As per school dress code, gentlemen will not wear earrings.
When we have a performance, you are expected to be in full uniform from the time you arrive to the time you leave the performance site. Gentlemen, this means FULL UNIFORM…NO unbuttoned shirts, loose cummerbunds, or bow ties removed! We want to take pride in our organization and our appearance is one way to show a classy attitude.
Cleaning Students are responsible for returning their uniform in good condition. The uniforms are to be dry cleaned from a professional dry cleaner and returned in a bag with the cleaning receipt attached to the bag.
Fines In the event of a loss or damaged uniform, each student will be responsible for replacing the missing or damaged part as listed in the table below.
Each student’s six weeks grade will be averaged as follows:
I. Participation Grade 50% (or 70%*) Participation is the key to our success. Each week a student may earn a participation grade of a total of 100 points. Therefore, in a six-week grading period, there will be the possibility of each student earning the total of 6 participation grades totally 100 points each. The average daily class participation grade will be around 20 points.
The daily participation grade will be determined by the student’s level of participation during class (on-task behavior, posture, singing, etc.).
Common deductions from the daily participation grade are: No pencil –10 points No music – 15 points Incorrect Posture – 10 points Time out – 15 points Office referral – all points Unexcused Absence – all points
II. Concert and Rehearsal Attendance 30% * Participation in rehearsals and performances outside the normal school hours is a necessary part of the choral curriculum. Please refer to the information in this handbook concerning excused absences for rehearsal and concerts. A total of 100 points for each concert and extra rehearsal will be awarded. An unexcused absence will result in no points earned for this category.
III. Assignments and Tests 20% (or 30%*) Assignments will be completed and test administered to monitor the progress in the subject. Special emphasis will be placed on monitoring individual sight-reading skills through audio taped testing in the ensemble hall.
* In the case of a six-week which does not include any concerts, performances, or extra rehearsals, the six-week grade will be averaged with this formula:
Daily Participation Average 70% + Assignments and Tests Average 30% = Six-Week Average
Choir officers are elected by their fellow classmates on the basis of leadership, service, and participation in the choir. These students are expected to exhibit outstanding behavior, excellent leadership, and a positive attitude at all times. In choosing your officers, remember that popularity is not the most important criteria! Your student leaders should above all exhibit a desire to serve the needs of your choir.
President 1. Presides over officer meetings. (A Cappella Choir President) 2. Initiates and guides officer activities. (A Cappella Choir President) 3. Supervises and delegates activities of other officers. 4. Serves as liaison between choir and other school organizations and activities. 5. Represents his/her choir in all school functions as the leader of that choir. 6. Serves as the ‘right hand’ to the director. 7. Is in charge of all plans for the choir banquet.
Anyone running for the office of A Cappella President should expect to be responsible for the entire department directly under the director in terms of leadership and responsibility. This person should be prepared to set up for all choir functions including concerts and be the last to leave with the director.
Vice President 1. Assists the President in ALL activities listed above 2. Presides over President’s responsibilities in case of their absence. 3. Plans with other officers any social activities for the choir
Secretary 1. Assists the director with clerical duties in the classroom as well as before and after school. 2. Assists the director with roll check during choir functions. 3. Keeps up with list and other items responsible for the organizing of the choir.
Librarian/Historian 1. Assists the director with all library functions 2. Keeps records of music and recordings that are checked out or returned 3. Librarians are responsible for the condition of the library at all times 4. Assists the secretary as needed 5. Responsible for taking pictures at all choir activities throughout the year including concerts, parties, fundraising activities, meetings, and trips. 6. Prepares a musical slide presentation for the choir banquet in which all choirs are equally represented.
Being an officer is a privilege, not a right. Therefore, the director reserves the right to remove anyone from office for inappropriate behavior or ATTITUDE THAT is unbecoming to the choral program.
The WHS Choral Department Individual Enrichment Program is designed to help each student achieve his/her best in the area of voice by realizing his/her unique musical abilities, establishing good healthy singing habits, and building a firm musical background. Private voice lessons will be taught by qualified specialists screened by the Director of Choral Activities. Lessons will given during the school day (on a space available basis) and before or after school. These individual lessons can help choral students achieve your personal singing goals of All-District Choir, All-Region Choir, UIL Regional and State Solo Contest, scholarship auditions, etc.
Student’s Responsibility
Parent’s Responsibility
Each 25 minute lesson will cost $16.00.Payment for the first month's lessons is due at the first lesson of the month. An invoice will be sent home either by mail or with the student at the last lesson of the month. Payment should be mailed directly to the private voice teacher or sent with the student by the first lesson of the next month.
Registration Information Registration forms can be obtained in the Choral Music Office. Lessons are scheduled on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so get your completed registration forms turned in as soon as possible.
Throughout the year your help is needed in the following areas. Please let me know if you can assist with any of the following tasks.
Parent name: ___________________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________Work phone: _________________
email: ___________________________________________________________
Parent of (student’s name): ________________________________________
If you need a sponsor to go on a local trip, give me a call!
If you need a sponsor to go on an out-of-town trip, give me a call!
If you need assistance with uniforms, give me a call!
If you need assistance organizing or managing a fund-raiser, give me a call!
i, ____________________________________________, have read the expectations, grading, and attendance policies for being a member of the WHS Choral Department as outlined by the Choir Handbook. I understand what is expected of me as a member of the Weatherford High School Choral Department and agree to maintain the tradition of high musical standards. I understand that failure to follow the rules and guidelines will affect my grade and could possible result in dismissal from the organization.
Student’s Signature Date
I have read all of the rules and regulations, grading and attendance guidelines for the WHS Choral Department. I understand what is expected of my son/daughter and will help him/her follow the guidelines as outlined by this handbook and the director of choral activities. I understand that successful organizations require teamwork between schools (teachers), students, and parents.
Parent’s Signature Date
Information provided will be used for the protection, safety, and care of the student in case of a medical emergency during functions away from campus or before/after school hours when the school nurse is not available. PLEASE PRINT STUDENT’S NAME ____________________________________________________________ HOME PHONE ______________________________________ CELL PHONE _________________________
HOME ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________ Number Street City Zip PARENT/GUARDIAN’S NAME ___________________________ PARENT’S CELL PHONE_______________ IN CASE OF EMERGENCY PLEASE CALL (Please list names, home, work, cell phone, or beeper numbers) 1. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Name Contact Numbers
2. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Name Contact Numbers
3. ________________________________________________________________________________________ Name Contact Numbers
EMERGENCY INFORMATION (The following information could be pertinent to the medical care in case of emergency.) ANY KNOWN HISTORY OF: ____Allergic reaction to medications: _______________________________________________________ ____Diabetes ____Seizures ____Migraines ____Heart Condition ____ Asthma ____ Lung Problems ____Bleeding problem/disorder ____Dialysis ____Transplant: _________________ ____Prosthetic device: ____________________ Disability: ____________________ ____Other long-term illnesses, current treatment, or surgical history that might be important information in an emergency: Describe: ______________________________________________ ____Food Allergies: ________________________________________ ____Other Allergies: ________________________________________ ____Dietary restrictions: _____________________________________
WEARS: ____ Medical Alert Tag ____ Contact Lenses ____ Orthodontic Appliance
MEDICATIONS: Regularly taken at home: ______________________________________________________________________________ Taken as needed: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Signing and returning this form authorizes contacting the person listed and obtaining emergency treatment for your child if unable to contact you. Emergency care cannot be provided without parent/guardian’s permission. Any expenses will be the parent/guardian’s responsibility. Signature of Parent or Guardian: ___________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
Name: _______________________________________ Grade: Fresh Soph Jr Sr
Your Home Phone: ____________________ Your Cell Phone: _________________
Parents Home Phone (if different from yours): ______________________________
Parents Cell Phone: __________________________
Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________
City: ________________________________ Zip: __________________________
Birthday: ____________________________ Current age: ___________________
Hobbies: ___________________________________________________________
Favorite Movie: _____________________________________________________
Favorite Sport: ______________________ Favorite Food: ____________________
When do you plan to graduate from WHS: ________________________________
What are you planning to do after graduation: _____________________________
As a singer, what are your music goals this year? (Be specific, please)
Tell me something about yourself (personality, family, church, weird habits, etc.) that you think I need to know in order for me to help you to learn better or know you better?
Weatherford ISD maintains and requires that before student work (artwork or written work) or photos of a student can be published in any format, permission must be granted from the student and the student’s parent or guardian.
STUDENT RELEASE
Name Grade
School
I give permission for my work (artwork or written work) and photos of myself to be published in newspapers, magazines, and/or on the Internet.
Student’s signature Date
PARENT OR GUARDIAN RELEASEI give permission for my child’s work and photos of my child to be published. I hereby release WISD, its operators, and any institutions with which they are affiliated from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from the publishing of my child’s work or photos in newspapers, magazines, and/or on the Internet. Both boxes below MUST be checked to allow your child's and/or their work to be published.
Signature of parent or guardian
Home address
Date Home phone number _____
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