F A L L
2 0 1 5 - S P R I N G
2 0 1 6
Trailside Chorus
Kathleen Jagielski, Director
Our Philosophy
Welcome to Chorus at
Trailside Middle School!!
I would like to welcome each and every student back to
school for the 2015-2016 school year. This handbook has
been written to provide you with a detailed description of
the Trailside Chorus program. Parents, please take time
with your child to familiarize yourselves with the
handbook. Once you have reviewed the handbook, please
fill out the band contract stating you understand TMS
Chorus policies and procedures located on the last page.
Save the
By Date!
participating in band, we are confident
that yourDue
child will
gain a long-term
Contracts
6th grade
District Choir
appreciation for Mid-October
the value of music.
9/11
11/3
Please fill out the
Chorus Contract
Form at the end of
this handbook.
10 Students will be
selected to
participate in All
County Chorus!
Auditions are open
to 7th-8th grade
students enrolled in
music at TMS.
The choral program at
TMS will provide students
with a challenging and
rewarding experience in the
area of music performance.
Students will learn valuable
lifetime skills such as
independence, responsibility,
and the ability to work with
others towards a common
goal. During daily classroom
activities, students will be
given new musical concepts to
take home and practice. In
addition, students will review
and study theory concepts and
music history. Students should
develop a regular routine of
practice time. Please
encourage the sounds created
in your home
By participating in
chorus, we are confident that
your child will gain a life-long
appreciation for the value of
music.
CHORUS
2015-2016
Chorus Class Expectations
The Student will:
-Will arrive to class on time, with his/her music and
materials and be seated in assigned chair and seated
before the bell rings.
-Will be an enthusiastic participant!
-Will show respect for classmates, teacher, music, and
all equipment.
-Will put folders and music away at the time the
teacher designates. Remember, the teacher dismisses
the class!
-Will not use his/her voice in an unhealthy manner!
-Understands that if he/she cannot sing due to illness,
dental work, etc…the director requires a note from the
doctor, parent or guardian.
-Understands that gum, food, soda, and candy are not
permitted in any area of the music department.
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CHORUS
2015-2016
Grading Procedures
Summative Assessments
Formative Assessments
Tests/ Quizzes- Periodically students will
Class Participation
be tested on progress, use of techniques,
repertoire, sight-singing and basic music skills.
This assessment may take the form of small
group singing, individual singing and short
written assessments.
Students are expected to come to class on time
with their music, notebook, and a pencil. Class
rehearsals, score reading, sight-reading, small
group singing, daily posture and technique will
be major components of this portion of your
grade.
Performance/After School
Rehearsal Attendance- This portion of
a student’s grade is based on after school
rehearsal, evening concert attendance, and
appropriate concert attire. If there is no concert
during a grading period, refer to student’s
quarterly syllabus for performance unit
expectations.
Care of Music
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Music needs to be kept in the same condition in which
it was received.
Please write in pencil if the director asks you to mark in
your music.
Please bring 2 sharpened pencils with you every day to
class. Notebooks will be kept in the classroom.

Music folders and music are kept in the assigned folder
cabinet with your assigned folder slot. When teacher
asks for you to return your folder at the end of a class
period, please put it in your assigned slot. It keeps them
organized and not ‘wandering off’!

Please treat all equipment with respect.
3
CHORUS
2015-2016
Concert Procedures
Band, Chorus, Guitar, and Orchestra ensembles in the
Loudoun County Public Schools are performing groups,
meaning that performance is one major component of each
of these courses. Rehearsal and concert attendance is
mandatory. Both are graded. Rehearsal and concert dates
are given well in advance and include some after-school
and evening events. In case of illness or emergency,
contact your teacher via e-mail or phone.
If a student consistently fails to follow classroom expectations, including being prepared to perform assigned
music and following classroom rules and procedures, s/he will not be permitted to participate in mandatory
concerts and rehearsals. An alternate, graded assignment will be given. The teacher, which may include
written and/or performance work will determine the alternate assignment.
Appropriate Concert Attire is Required
6th and 7th Grade Chorus
-Red TMS Polo Shirt
-Black dress pants/ Black floor-length skirt
-Black socks/hose
-Solid black dress shoes
8th Grade Women
-White dress shirt
-Black dress pants/Black floor-length skirt
-Black dress socks/hose
-Solid black dress shoes
8th Grade Men
-White dress shirt
-Black dress pants/black belt
-Red Tie
-Black dress socks
-Solid black dress shoes
4
CHORUS
2015-2016
Helping Your Child Succeed in Chorus!!
Parental involvement and guidance are critical to a child’s education, especially with
beginning band. There are many things that parents can do to help ensure success with your
chorus student.
How You Can Help Your Child Learn:
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Provide a welcoming environment,
music stand, and proper chair for
your child to practice.
Remain nearby during practice
times to encourage and support.
Praise your child’s efforts and
achievements regularly.
Singing in front of others can be
difficult. Encourage your child to
sing for family and friends.
Try to provide tutoring by an
accomplished musician.
Attend concerts and recitals with
your child, encouraging them to
experience a wide variety of music.
Engage your child in conversations
about music.
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5
Encourage your child to use their
voices in a healthy way.
Encourage your child to listen to,
sing, and play many types of
music, not just study material.
Help your child build a personal
home library of recordings and
sheet music.
Encourage your child to make at
least a two-year commitment to
chorus.
Show constant interest in your
child’s progress and chorus
activities.
Show support by attending band
functions and concerts.
Check the TMS Choral
Department calendar frequently!
Talk with the choral director on a
regular basis about your child’s
progress.
TMS CHORUS
2015-16 Calendar
Please check this page frequently as dates, times, and events are subject to
change!!
October 21/22- All County Chorus Rehearsal 3:30-4:30 (6th graders only)
October 28- All County Chorus Rehearsal 3:30 – 4:30 (6th graders only)
November 3-All District Chorus Auditions (7th and 8th graders only)
November 4- All County Chorus Rehearsal 3:30 – 4:30 (6th graders only)
6- All County Chorus Rehearsal – All Day, Stone Hill Middle (6th graders only)
7-All County Chorus Rehearsal and Concert – Morning, SHMS (6th grade)
December 2/3-7th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30 – 4:30
December 7 – 8th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30 – 4:30*
December 8 – 7th Grade Chorus Concert @ 7pm, 8th Grade Chorus Concert @ 8pm
December 14 – Winter Concert Performance for 5th grade students (8th Grade Chorus only)
December 15 – Winter Concert Performance for TMS
January 6/7 – 6th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30-4:30*
January 9 – a cappella workshop
January 13 – 6th Grade Chorus Concert @ 7pm
February 19/20 – All District Choral Festival, All Day, River Bend (7th and 8th graders only)
March 16/17 – Loudoun County Choral Assessment, date/time TBD (8th graders only)
March 29 – Stone Bridge Cluster Concert
May 4/5-6th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30-4:30pm
10-6th Grade Chorus Concert @ 7pm
18-7th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30-4:30
23-8th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30-4:30*
25-7th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30-4:30
26-8th Grade Chorus Rehearsal 3:30 – 4:30
31 – 7th Grade Chorus Concert @ 7pm, 8th Grade Chorus Concert @ 8 pm
H
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y-EVK09pRXPrB2mVZEpaa9kigoQyExRdG7NTrailside
Middle School
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Jagielski, Choral Director
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Email- Kathleen.Jagielski@lcps.org
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y-EVK0920325
Claiborne Parkway Ashburn, VA 20147
571.252.2280
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*Activity buses are not provided these days. Please plan
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accordingly!
Hhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Y-EVK09pRXPrB2mVZEpaa9kigoQyExRdG7N-KTW5zU/edit ERE for Band
2014-15