Insert Updated Choir Logo
Handbook 2015-2016
Table of Contents
Note from the Directors………….……………………………………………………………….3
Choir Forms Checklist……………....……………………………………………………………4
Choir Calendar……...………....………………………………………………………………..5-8
Our Mission
Our Goal……………………...…………………………………………….……………...8
Benefits of music………....…………………………………………….…………………..9
TEKS website………………………………………………………….…………………...9
Who We Are
Rowlett Choral Ensembles…………...……………………………………….…………..10
Rowlett Choral Staff…………………..…………………………….……………………11
Voice Instructors……………………...……………….………………………………….12
Expectations
Student Expectations………………..……………………………………….……….…..13
Performance and Rehearsal Expectations………….…………………………………..14
Director Expectations………………………………….………………………………15
A Cappella After-School Rehearsals…………………...………...……………………..15
Use of Fine Arts Facilities and Equipment……………………......……………………..16
Choir Communication…………………………………………..……………………....16
Grading Policies and Procedures………………………………....……………………...17
Other Performance Opportunities……………………………………….……………………....18
2015-16 RHS Dress Code and Grooming Policy for clubs, organizations, etc…………………..19
Choir Uniforms…………………………………………………………….……………………..20
Award Jackets……………………………………………………………......……………………20
For Parents
Parent Volunteers………………………………………………...…………………..…21
RHS Choir Booster Club………………………………………...……………………...21
Financial Policy…………………………………………………………….……………………....22
Choir Activity Fees……………………………………………...……………………….22
Depositing Money……………………………………………..………………………...23
Cash/Check Payments………………………………...………………………..23
Credit/Debit Payments………………………………..……………………….24
Fundraising…………………………………………………….………………………..24
Music Enrichment Program (Voice Lessons)………………….………………………..24
Choir Forms
RHS Choral Handbook Acknowledgment Form………………………………………25
Volunteer Program Application Form………………………………………………….26
Garland ISD Volunteer Criminal History Update………………………………….27-29
The GISD Music Enrichment Program Parent Information Sheet……………………..30
Student Registration for Music Enrichment Instruction……………………………......31
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Welcome!
Welcome to the Rowlett HS Choral Department! Being a member of the RHS Choral
Department is an honor and a privilege. We are thrilled that you have chosen to become part
of our choir family and hope that the musical experiences we share will be a source of joy, a
time for personal growth and a chance to develop life-long friendship with others who love to
sing.
This handbook details the many facets of the RHS Choral Department and strives to answer
as many questions as possible. It describes our goals and expectations for the school year. As
musicians and teachers, these expectations are high. Students will benefit from these high
expectations and grow musically through discipline, hard work and optimum performance
opportunities.
After you have taken the time to read through the handbook, please sign and return the
Acknowledgement Form by Friday, Sept. 4th. A grade will be taken based upon
successful completion of this task, the skills of following directions and meeting deadlines are
paramount to success in life and as a Rowlett High School choir member.
We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a fine group of young people
and their families. We are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting all the new faces
as we strive for success this year. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Karen Lewis and Sam Brukhman, Directors
School emails: kmlewis@garlandisd.net srbrukhm@garlandisd.net
Choir office phone: 972-463-1712, ext. 62533
RHS choir on the web:
1. www.garlandisdschools.net/page.cfm?p=2228
2. www.charmsoffice.com

Login: rowletthschoir

Password: student 6-digit ID number
3
Choir Forms - __________________
Student Name/Class Period
Checklist 
MANDATORY FORMS, FEES & TASKS
to be turned into the Choir Office by September
4th
______RHS Choir Handbook Acknowledgement Form (pp. 25)
______Choir Form CHECKLIST (p. 4)
______Choir Activity Fee (check page 22 to see how much you owe)
______Tuxedo Shirt Fee ($17, for first-year male students only)
______ UPDATE all student/parent Data on www.charmsoffice.com; Login –
rowletthschoir, Password: Student’s 6 digit ID number
Optional Forms and Fees
to be turned into the Choir Office by September
4th:
To be a Parent Volunteer (for an overnight event only)
______ Volunteer Program Application Form (pp.26)
______GISD Background Check Form (pp. 28-29)
______Copy of a Valid US ID (Driver’s License, etc.)
To take Voice Lessons
______Music Enrichment Form (Voice Lessons Form) (pp.31)
______Payment for 1st Month’s Voice Lessons ($68)
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OUR GOAL
Through participation in the ensembles offered at Rowlett High School, students are afforded
the opportunity to achieve the following goals of the program:

Attain a healthy sound through the exploration of vocal technique and proper posture.

Develop strong musicianship skills through the performance of “quality” choral literature, including the
following:
o Sight-reading previously unrehearsed music.
o Singing with line.
o Singing with proper diction and articulation.
o Singing with expression.
o Singing as an ensemble.

Sing in a variety of styles, languages and ensembles

Learn through teamwork, a sense of responsibility, and commitment through a variety of performance
opportunities.

Achieve a better appreciation, understanding, and respect for choral and vocal literature through
performance and experience.
Students are presented with the opportunity to build individual musicianship skills through small
ensembles and solo performance opportunities throughout the school year.
7
BENEFITS OF MUSIC
In The
Arts: An Essential Ingredient in Education, J. Buchen Millet states “research shows that when
arts are included in the student’s curriculum, reading, writing and math scores improve.” Like
all the arts, music has a profound influence on the academic success of a student.
o PERFORMANCE IN A MUSIC ENSEMBLE IS A GROUP EFFORT. Members are required to
shift from an “I/me” reasoning to a “we/us” concept. This means extending oneself beyond the normal
consideration of much of our day to day living. Instead of the logic being, “what’s in it for me?” It becomes
“what’s in it for us?” The values of cooperation, correlation, and completion come in to play each
rehearsal and performance.
o MUSIC BUILDS SELF-WORTH. Although we share many similarities with our athletic counterparts,
music is a place for everyone. Rarely is a person serving as an alternate or a substitute. Everyone in the
ensemble is in the “starting lineup”.
o MUSIC IS ONE OF THE FEW ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES THAT REQUIRE THE STUDENT
TO MASTER SKILLS AND APPLY THEM IN PERFORMANCE. In other words, music involves
multiple forms of learning.
Studies by the College Entrance Examination Board show that:
o
o
o
“New research on intelligence and brain function point in exciting future directions that tie directly to
music, while the continuing use of music as part of the curriculum is clearly associated with both academic
skills and personal characteristics that are highly desirable for school progress and for developing the kind
of well-educated young people we need for the nation’s well being.”
Students (1993) with experience in music performance scored measurably higher in both the verbal
and math sections of the Standardized Achievement Test (22 points above the mean in Verbal and 18
points above the mean in Math).
The correlation between cognitive learning and musical understanding continues to prove they are linked,
and improving one will develop the other. In fact, music is suspected to be the key for unlocking
the scientific mind.
TEXAS ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
Parents and students can refer to the following web address to read the state curriculum for high school choral
music:
http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/chapter117/ch117c.html#117.60
8
ROWLETT CHORAL ENSEMBLES
Students involved in the Rowlett Choir program have the opportunity to participate in a variety
of ensembles:

WOMEN’S CHOIR– Non-auditioned group for all women, grades 9-12. This non-varsity ensemble
places special emphasis on the basics of choral singing, including music literacy, building sight-reading skills,
solfege, and rhythm, as well as introducing the student to literature and performance opportunities. Choir
will strive to participate in UIL Music Contest.

MEN’S CHORUS – Non-auditioned group for all men, grades 9-12. This non-varsity ensemble places
special emphasis on the basics of choral singing, including music literacy, building sight-reading skills,
solfege, and rhythm, as well as introducing the student to literature and performance opportunities. Choir
will strive to participate in UIL Music Contest.

CHORALE – Auditioned Women’s group. Membership is open to all students in grades 9-12 through
an audition in the spring of the previous year, or through the approval of the Director of Choirs. This
group explores and performs SSA music and advanced repertoire in all styles and time periods. There is
also a continued emphasis on sight-reading, solfege, and rhythm skills. Chorale will participate in UIL
music contests.

A CAPPELLA CHOIR – This is the varsity choral ensemble at Rowlett High School. Membership is
open to all students in grades 9-12 through an audition in the spring of the previous year, or through the
approval of the Director of Choirs. This group explores and performs four-part music and advanced
repertoire in all styles and time periods. There is also a continued emphasis on sight-reading, solfege, and
rhythm skills. This ensemble participates in all UIL music contests.

R.S.V.P. – This ensemble is a mixed madrigal/vocal jazz/pop ensemble. Members are required to
audition in the previous spring. Students in this ensemble display the highest levels of musicianship in sightreading, improvisation, and showmanship. R.S.V.P. will perform for many events outside of school, and will
serve as Rowlett High School’s premier vocal ambassador within the community.
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ROWLETT CHORAL STAFF
KAREN MABRY LEWIS is the Director of Choirs at Rowlett High School. A Kentucky
native, she attended Belmont University, Nashville, TN, where she completed a Bachelors of Music
Education - Voice Concentration and a Masters of Music in both Music Education and Vocal
Performance from Southern Methodist University, Dallas.
Mrs. Lewis's teaching experience of 29 years encompasses the Garland schools of Webb Middle School,
North Garland High School, Schrade Middle School, and the Richardson ISD - Lake Highlands Freshman
Center, where her choirs are known for numerous awards at both U.I.L. and various national festivals.
Still an active solo vocalist, clinician, and adjudicator, she is a member of Texas Music Educators
Association in which she currently serves as Region III Secretary, American Choral Directors
Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Pi Kappa Lambda.
Mrs. Lewis resides in Sachse with her husband, Brad.
SAMUEL BRUKHMAN is the Assistant Director of Choirs at Rowlett High School.
A New
Jersey native, he attended Westminster Choir College, Princeton, NJ where he recently completed a
Bachelor’s of Music Education degree – Voice Concentration and Choral Conducting. A frequent
participant in conducting master classes, he has had the opportunity to study with Gary Graden, Charles
Bruffy, In-Gi Min, Simon Halsey, James Jordan, and Amanda Quist. In addition, Mr. Brukhman was
selected as a 2015 semi-finalist in the National ACDA Conducting Competition held in Salt Lake City,
2015.
In 2012, he founded the Vox Mousai Women’s Choir, a collegiate women’s choir focused on the
exploration and performance of women’s repertoire, Within 3 years of it’s founding at Westminster
Choir College, the choir grew from 12 to 45 members and collaborated with such artists as the
Princeton Girl Choir, Paul Mealor, Mitos Andaya, and Ola Gjello.
He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association,
Texas Choral Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha.
MUSIC ENRICHMENT TEACHERS – To be announced on Campus. Recommendations also
will be given by directors upon request.
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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
The Choirs at Rowlett High School are known not only for their excellence in the concert
setting but also for the exceptional quality of the choir students in other aspects of their
academic and extra-curricular pursuits. High standards result in students who achieve success.
Choir students should be prepared to meet and even exceed the following expectations:

ATTITUDE: Come to each rehearsal with a positive attitude about working hard. You
are expected to arrive in class on time wanting to sing and eager to tackle the task at
hand . . . MAKING MUSIC. Remember, “There is no I in TEAM”, and we are a
TEAM!
Choir students are expected to represent RHS choirs in a positive, mature manner—being the
biggest advocate for choral music, your directors, and your performances.

DEADLINES: Turn in ALL items on time. Develop this life skill by keeping yourself informed
of all dates, concerts, trips, and events. Resolve conflicts before they arise and communicate
with the director ASAP.

TARDIES: Be on time, prepared and seated in the choir hall prior to the tardy bell. Hall
sweep is the consequence of your failure to arrive promptly. Place all book bags in the assigned
area.

USE OF CLASS TIME: Use the restroom prior to rehearsals. No cell phones allowed as
per RHS policy.

CHOIR FOLDERS: Your choir folder and the music you are given serve as the textbook for
choir. Students are responsible for paying the replacement cost for any music that is lost or
damaged.

PENCILS: You are required to keep a sharp pencil in your folder at all times.

TIDINESS: Choir students are responsible for putting folders away at the end of rehearsal. A
25 cent “pick-up fee” will be assessed to any student who does not put their folder away
properly in its’ assigned slot. The money collected for “pick-up fees” will be used to purchase
Kleenex for the choral department. If 25 cents is not available, a student will be given their
choir folder after arranging 15 minutes of after-school music library duty.

BEHAVIOR: Choir students are expected to follow all rules of personal conduct as set
forth by Rowlett High School and the GISD school board. Consistent failure to meet behavioral
expectations will result in removal from the program, Cell phones are to be put away during
class time, unless the director asks students to utilize this technology for a purpose of the class.
Choir department students are expected to be DRUG FREE and GOOD EXAMPLES OUTSIDE
OF SCHOOL: no smoking or drinking on personal time. Students who make poor life-choices
jeopardize their participation in RHS choir ensembles.
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PERFORMANCE & REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

STAY INFORMED: It is your responsibility to keep informed of all dates for extra
rehearsals and performances. The choir directors have made every effort to keep extra
rehearsals to a minimum and to schedule performances around the major dates on the Rowlett
High School calendar for the year. The choir calendar is part of this handbook, is available in the
choir room and can be viewed on-line at www.charmsoffice.com (login is rowletthschoir;
password is your 6-digit student ID).

PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE: ALL STUDENT PERFORMANCES ARE A
MANDATORY ELEMENT OF THE CHOIR CURRICULUM. Every choir student will
perform. Your grade will reflect your participation both during rehearsals and at performances.
Every member of a performing ensemble is vital to the ensemble as a whole. Never think
otherwise. Failure to meet performance criteria could result in removal from the choral
department.
Choral students will also be graded on their performance behavior. The following expectations
are required for all performances:

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Be seated or standing in place for the concert at the stated time.

Always act in a professional manner. If you must question something you are about to do, then
do not do it.
Wear the correct uniform that is required for the performance.
Promptly check out and return uniforms/uniform parts within the required time periods.
Watch the director at all times.
DO NOT TALK ON STAGE.
DO NOT DRAW ATTENTION TO YOURSELF.
No gum or cell phones.
Move between the stage and seating areas in quiet, single file lines based on riser position and
row. MOVE WITH PURPOSE.

REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE: Rehearsals held outside of class time are also a mandatory
part of the curriculum. Failure to attend these rehearsals not only jeopardizes your grade but
our chance to achieve success as a choir.

COMMUNICATE CONFLICTS: Conflicts with the posted choir calendar must be
communicated by a written note from your parent or guardian to your director 24 hours
before the performance or rehearsal.

ABSENCES: A student’s absence from a required choir activity may be considered excused
on a case-by-case basis provided that the student initiates communication with the appropriate
director. A Remediation Project will be assigned by the director in the event of an absence.
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DIRECTOR EXPECTATIONS
The Choral Directors at Rowlett High School will commit to the following:

Announce calendar dates for choir activities at least one month in advance.

Provide an environment that allows students to enhance music skills in sight-reading
performance, and appreciation of choral music through scholarly study.

Make arrangements and plan stimulating rehearsal and performance experiences.

Post grades weekly, using the GISD online grade book.

Arrange fundraising activities to assist students with choir financial obligations.

Make every effort to build qualities of self-discipline, appreciation, confidence, and
responsibility in each student.

Approach every class period with a positive and nurturing attitude.
A CAPPELLA AFTER-SCHOOL REHEARSALS
Students participating in A Cappella choir will be required to attend after-school rehearsals.
These are outlined in the choir calendar and will be on either Mondays for Semester 1, while in
Semester 2, women will rehearse on Mondays, and men will rehearse on Tuesdays.
These rehearsals are not optional, and are critical this year even more, due to our switching to
the A/B Class Schedule. Students are responsible for giving 24 hour advance written notice to
the director if a rehearsal must be missed.
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USE OF FINE ARTS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
CARE OF CHOIR ROOM: We need to make the care and maintenance of our choir room,
its’ auxiliary rooms and the auditorium a daily priority. Please remember, the only drink
allowed in the choir rehearsal is water. There is also to be no food or gum.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES These are only used for rehearsal purposes or for specific listening
work once the director’s permission has been attained. It is the responsibility of the students
to make sure that the equipment used is returned to the proper location. Cell phone calling,
texting, using Twitter, or Facebook is not permitted within the Classroom setting.
PIANOS: NO STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO PLAY ANY OF THE CHOIR PIANOS
without obtaining prior director permission.
CHOIR OFFICE: Please be respectful of this space and ask permission & knock before
entering.
PHONE: If the choir office phone is not in use and is not an inconvenience, you may use the
phone with director’s permission.
CHOIR COMMUNICATION
A successful choir program is built upon a solid foundation of timely, accurate communication
between students, their families and the choir directors. To communicate effectively, we need
to have the most accurate and up-to-date contact information for each student. Please
take a moment to check your information in our choir database website sponsored
by Charms:
Web Address: www.charmsoffice.com
Login: Rowletthschoir
Password: student’s 6 digit ID number
From this website you can check the choir calendar, send an email to a director and update
your own personal information.
We will also post grades, concerts and extra rehearsals on the district’s new SKYWARD
parent/student viewer.
Thank you for helping us stay in touch.
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GRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
High grading standards will be maintained in all choir classes. There will be some written work in the form of
exams and daily assignments. Additionally, there will be sight-singing exams/singing tests, after-school rehearsals
and concert attendance grades and daily overall skill demonstration grades. Since choir is a performance-based
class, great importance is placed on the efforts and team work necessary to produce a quality choral experience.
Remember: TODAY’S PREPARATION DETERMINES TOMORROW’S ACHIEVEMENT. In choir, we
want everyone to feel a part of the team and share in the rewarding feeling that comes from practicing and
performing well together.
ELIGIBILITY: Each student is expected to pass all classes in order to participate in all extracurricular choir activities such as All-Region auditions, Solo and Ensemble contest, dinner show
acts, school musical, UIL contest, pop show, madrigal festival, and our many outings and field
trips in the community. Students who fail to pass their classes for the six weeks will still
participate in regular choir concerts.
GRADING PROCEDURE: Grades in the RHS Choral Department will be averaged
according to the following formula:

WEEKLY PARTICIPATION GRADE: 40%
This grade is determined by the student’s level of engagement during class, including on-task
behavior, posture, maintaining necessary materials and singing participation.

CONCERT AND EXTRA REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE: 30%
This grade is based on successful attendance and behavior at all concerts and extra
rehearsals. It is very difficult to make a passing grade in choir with poor attendance.

ASSIGNMENTS, QUIZZES AND TESTS: 30%
This grading category includes oral sight-singing exams, written theory quizzes and other
types of written work, including the ability to meet all deadlines and turn in required
paperwork.
15
OTHER PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
The following opportunities will be offered to all RHS choral students:
PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS - Voice lessons are offered as a supplement to
classroom instruction on the RHS Campus. These lessons are designed to utilize
characteristic vocal literature rather than providing a venue for rehearsing music that
the student will be performing with the entire group. Participation in these lessons is
optional, although all choir members are encouraged to take advantage of the
opportunity to further develop their vocal skills. Lessons are generally taught within the
scope of the school day; students and teachers work together to optimize the lesson
schedule. The cost is $17 per lesson, payable to the individual teacher in advance on a
monthly basis ($68/mon.) Lesson information will be distributed in classes by our RHS
voice instructor, Ms. Sara Gartland.
UIL SOLO & ENSEMBLE CONTEST, February 20th – All students participating
in private voice lessons are required to participate in this event. Students will prepare
and memorize a solo off of the UIL Prescribed Music List to be performed for a judge.
The judge will give the student a rating of I-V, with I being the highest score. All
participating students will pay their own entry and accompanist fee ($35) prior to
Winter Break in December.
ALL-REGION CHOIR/ALL-STATE CHOIR – Auditions are through the fall for
the TMEA Region 3 Choir. Any RHS student wishing to participate must individually
learn the required music selections and prepare for a mock audition in front of the
directors to certify their readiness to proceed in the all-region process. Qualifying
students will then compete in an official series of blind auditions before a panel of
judges. From these auditions, students with the best scores continue to participate in
the Region 3 Choir and may have the opportunity to audition for the Texas All-State
Choir. Audition fee is $16. If music is needed, there will be an additional fee of $12.
ANNUAL SPRING DINNER SHOW – The RHS Booster Club sponsors the Spring
Dinner Show each May. All choirs will participate in the group numbers for this
production, and auditions will be held for solos.
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2015-16 ROWLETT HIGH SCHOOL DRESS CODE
and GROOMING POLICY for clubs, organizations, teams, student
groups, extracurricular programs, etc.
The staff of Rowlett High School supports all students in their participation in organizations
outside the classroom. Because participation in such activities is a privilege, certain higher
standards are in place. Students not only represent themselves and their school when
participating, they are respected by the student body and community for their dedication to
their endeavors. The following in no way represents the complete guidelines for any
organization. This document only details dress and grooming policies. Students and parents
should contact their coach or sponsor for more details and/or clarifications.
All students while representing Rowlett High School in any way outside of their regular class
schedule will adhere to the following:
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Students will only wear shorts (both boys and girls) if it is part of their official uniform
or dress as designated by their sponsor or deemed necessary during certain activities by
coach or sponsor with prior written approval by building principal.
Male students will be clean shaven and will not wear any style of earrings.
No insignias or designs will be allowed in hair.
No full mohawks will be allowed.
All policies listed in the Garland Independent School District’s Student Handbook not
pertaining to issues listed above will be followed.
Examples where above policies will be in effect are listed below. Other activities may be
deemed necessary for this policy by coach, sponsor or school administration.
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Participation in contests
Performances
Travel
Restaurant
Photography or video taking place
Display of photography or video
Awards banquets
Any time wearing article of clothing depicting participation in organization or
extracurricular activity.
All final decisions will rest with the building principal.
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UNIFORMS
Choir uniforms will be issued to each student in September and will be turned in at the end of
the school year. Girls will receive a choir dress and guys will receive a pair of tux pants and a
tux jacket. All choir members are expected to be in full uniform from the time that you arrive
for a performance until the time you leave the performance site (men, this means that we
expect you to keep your shirt tucked in, your tie and cummerbund in place). Take pride in our
organization by dressing the part.
LADIES: Please wear BLACK, CLOSE-TOED, DRESS SHOES (low heels preferred), with
your choir dress. The only acceptable jewelry is small, discreet earrings; no large earrings and
no bracelets, watches or necklaces of any kind (remember that we are going for a “uniform”
look).
MEN: You will need to provide BLACK DRESS SHOES (no variations please), and BLACK
SOCKS. You will also need to purchase a $17 - TUX SHIRT WITH A WING-TIP COLLAR.
(A representative from AL’s Formal Wear will measure for shirts during the choir class period
on Friday, Sept. 5.
REPLACING LOST OR DAMAGED UNIFORM: In case of uniform loss or damage,
please refer to the replacement costs listed below.
Ladies formal dress: $90.00 Tux pants: $50.00 Tux jacket: $100.00 Bowtie/Cummerbund:
$15
DO NOT MAKE ANY PERMANENT ALTERATIONS TO YOUR UNIFORM
UNLESS APPROVAL IS OBTAINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE CHOIR.
AWARD JACKETS
In the spring of 2008, the GISD Fine Arts Department implemented a program that allows a
student involved in a choir the ability to accumulate points towards an award jacket. Once a
student accumulates the needed 90 points, they will be given a date for the next available fitting,
and GISD will pay for the jacket. However, it is up to the student and their family to pay for all
lettering, patches, and alterations to be made for the jacket. While every effort is made to stay
up-to-date using CHARMS on each student’s points, it is ultimately up to the student to keep
track of these points by using the “GISD Application for High School Choir Award Jacket.” This
form is located on CHARMS or from a choir director.
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PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Parent volunteers are always welcomed! If you are interested in chaperoning, working with
uniforms, serving at dinner shows, or generally helping out, we appreciate it!
In order to volunteer for any overnight events, please fill out the GISD Volunteer
Application Form and Background Check Form found at the back of this handbook
(pages 28 and 29). These forms, plus a copy of a valid US ID (Driver’s License, Passport) are
due to the choir office by September 4th! If you wish to volunteer for events that are
NOT overnight evently only, simply return the GISD Volunteer Application to the Choir
Office.
RHS CHOIR BOOSTER CLUB
All choir parents are encouraged to take an active role in their student’s choir experience by
joining the RHS Choir Booster Club! The Booster Club exists to further the development and
promote the activities of the RHS choirs. Members provide support for all of the RHS choirs in
many different capacities throughout the year. If you are interested in joining the RHS Choir
Booster Club, membership forms are available on the Charms website, as well as in
the choir office.
Booster Club meetings will be held in the Choir Room:
Sept. 8, 6:45-7:45pm
Oct. 13, 6:45-7:45pm
Nov. 5, 6:45-7:45pm
Dec. 1, 6:45-7:45pm
Jan. 12, 6:45-7:45pm
Feb. 16, 6:45-7:45pm
Mar. 15, 6:45-7:45pm.
Apr. 12, 6:45-7:45pm
May 10, 6:45-7:45pm
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FINANCIAL POLICY
NO STUDENT WILL BE DENIED PARTICIPATION IN THE RHS CHORAL
PROGRAM. Please speak with Mrs. Lewis so that arrangements can be made for
consideration of needed assistance.
Families have the option of post-dating checks in order to pay for their choir fees in the fall. All
Choir Activity fees must be paid by Friday, Sept. 4th, 2015. (In the case of financial
hardship, a payment plan can be arranged with the Director of Choirs, and/or fundraising will
be strongly encouraged.
CHOIR ACTIVITY FEES
All choir students pay a Choir Activity Fee by Friday, Sept. 4th as outlined below:
Women’s Choir A and B: $40
Men’s Chorus $40
Chorale: $40
A Cappella Choir: $75
which includes:
Uniform Rental fee
Uniform Cleaning fee
Choir T-shirt
Field Trip buses
Music Binder
NOTE: The R.S.V.P. ensemble will incur additional costs for uniforms and trips.
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DEPOSITING MONEY
Every family has the option of paying cash, credit/debit (via our Paypal account), check or
money order for any expenses that are due to the Rowlett High School Choral Program. ALL
CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE PAYABLE TO ROWLETT HIGH SCHOOL
CHOIRS.
CASH/CHECK PAYMENTS
Each check should contain the following in the memo line: Student’s Full Name and Student’s ID
number.
John Smith or Mary Smith
4700 Kirby Rd.
Rowlett, TX 75088
Pay to the order of:__Rowlett
1001
EXAMPLE
High School Choirs
$50.00
Fifty dollars and no/00------------------------------------------------------------ Dollars
American Nat’l Bank
5320 Lakeview Parkway
Rowlett, TX 75088
Memo:
Mary Smith
Choir student’s Name
Choir Student’s ID
All payments should be placed in a sealed envelope with the student’s name, ID, and
purpose (i.e. Choir fees, Trip payment, Fundraising money, etc.) on it and then placed in the
safe located outside the choir director’s office. These envelopes are available in the office next
to the safe.
DO NOT GIVE THE MONEY TO YOUR DIRECTOR AND DO NOT PLACE
LOOSE MONEY IN THE SAFE WITHOUT YOUR NAME OR THE PURPOSE ON
AN ENVELOPE.
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CREDIT/DEBIT PAYMENTS
RHS Choir members are now able to make choir related payments online via the RHS
Choir Paypal account. Here is how you can make a payment via Paypal.
1. Log in to www.charmsoffice.com (please reference the “How to log in to
Charms” Handout)
2. Once you have entered your student’s personal area, find and click on the green
“Finances” button.
3. Under “Student Fixed Payment Detail”, locate the fee(s) you would like to pay
with your credit/debit card and slide the “Paid by” button next to the charge to
the left (it should turn blue).
4. Click the “Pay Fixed Payments” button.
5. You will see a summary of your payment. Hit the green “Start Payment” button.
6. You will then be taken to our Paypal account website where you can pay you fee
as you normally would on Paypal.
THERE WILL BE A 3% PAYPAL PROCESSING FEE FOR CREDIT/DEBIT
TRANSACTIONS.
FUNDRAISING
Students are encouraged to participate in the fundraising efforts of the choir department and
the parent booster club organization throughout the year. The choir department’s philosophy
is that fundraising should be kept to a minimum, but that when we do a fundraiser, we strive for
maximum involvement and return on our effort. Fundraising is also an excllent means to help
pay for choir fees, extra uniform pieces, and events, should these extra costs be a hindrance.
GISD MUSIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Voice lessons are offered as a supplement to classroom instruction. These lessons are designed
to utilize characteristic vocal literature rather than providing a venue for rehearsing music that
the student will be performing with the entire group. Participation in these lessons is optional,
although all choir members are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to further
develop their vocal skills. Lessons are generally taught within the scope of the school day;
students and teachers work together to optimize the lesson schedule. The cost is $17 per
lesson, payable to the individual teacher in advance on a monthly basis ($68/mon.) Lesson
information will be distributed in classes.
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RHS Choir Handbook Acknowledgement Form
Please sign and return by Friday, September 4th, 2015
Sponsors and coaches of extracurricular activities, including athletics, choir and marching band
may develop and enforce standards of behavior that are higher than the District-developed
student code of conduct and may condition membership or participation in the activity on
adherence to those standards of behavior. They may also take into consideration conduct that
occurs at any time, on or off school property. No provision of an extracurricular behavioral
standard shall have the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex, race, disability, religion or
ethnicity.
Please check next to the appropriate statement.
___I have read the 2015-16 Choir Handbook and understand the rules, guidelines and fees
concerning my participation as a singer in the Rowlett High School Choral Department and am
willing to comply with any and all requirements.
PRINT student name below:
___________________________________________________
_________________________________________
Student Signature
___________
Date
PRINT parent/legal guardian name below:
_____________________________________________________
_________________________________________
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature
____________
Date
________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address
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