INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Magnolia High School Choral Department. I am very
excited about your child’s participation in this program. The choral
program is structured so it will provide each student with the opportunity
and guidance to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of music.
Our program is designed to provide each student with the tools to help
develop a positive self image, a greater sense of confidence and an
out-let for their musical expression. It is my hope that, as you participate in
choir, your choice will be worth your time and effort through out the year.
I look forward to working with you and your student to provide the best musical
education and experiences for them.
THE GOALS FOR THE MAGNOLIA CHORAL
PROGRAM
To increase musical knowledge and appreciation
To develop healthy vocal habits
To develop self-confidence
To provide new musical experiences for ourselves and audiences
To increase the enjoyment of various musical experiences
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
RESPECT: Regardless of who is rehearsing the choir, each student is
expected to be respectful of the director and those around him/her that
are working.
CONTRIBUTION: Working as a group to develop proper vocal skills,
positive participation and present an eagerness and willingness to learn.
LEADERSHIP: Set a good example of positive self-discipline within the
rehearsal and performance environment.
Eligibility: Students will strive to maintain academic eligibility throughout
the year so they may participate in all choral programs and competitions.
PROGRAM ENSEMBLES
JV Women’s Choir: This choir comprised mostly of freshmen, sophomore, junior
and senior women with developing vocal & sight-reading skills.
MEN’S CHOIR: This choir is comprised of freshman, sophomore, junior, and
senior men with developing vocal & sight-reading skills
VARSITY MIXED: The advanced mixed choir made up of experienced
sophomores, juniors and seniors.
CHORALE: The advanced mixed choir made up of sophomores, juniors
and seniors with advanced sight-reading and vocal abilities.
PIANO CLASS: A piano class for students interested in majoring in music
in college. The class covers basic theory in conjunction with piano
instruction. This class is offered to sophomores, juniors, and seniors only. (not offered
2014-2015).
AP MUSIC THEORY: This class is for students who are interested in majoring
in music in college. No prior musical knowledge is required but strongly advised. Juniors
and seniors only.
GRADING
Grading is based on attendance, preparedness for class, cooperation and
performance at all concerts and contests. Students are never graded on
the personal quality of their voices but rather on how they use them in
class and their continued improvement.
60% is summative: including concerts and tests
40% is formative: including participation, written assignments and daily grades
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
Participation in all concerts and contests is a requirement for the MHS
choir members and is a factor in the grading policy. Mandatory concerts
include: Fall Concert, Holiday Concert, Pre-UIL Concert, all UIL Contests (if
eligible), and Spring Concert. Please make a note of all scheduled
performance and rehearsals listed on the choir website (under Magnolia
High School Fine Arts) or on our Charms Office assistant website: www.
charmsoffice.com. All performances and rehearsals are listed on both
sites and will be the parents and students responsibility to check it on a
monthly basis. All conflicts for performances need to be e-mailed to
to me by the parent 2 weeks prior to the event.
Consideration will be given for extenuating circumstances.
It is the policy of Magnolia High School that a student who is involved in 2 school
activities that are performing at the same time may not be penalized by
either of the directors (choir, band, athletics, drama, etc.) regardless of
which activity the student chooses to participate in at that time. The
choral department will always work for a viable solution that is in the best
interest of the student. Excessive absenteeism from school, rehearsals,
and concerts – as per the MISD attendance policy – will result in the
student removal from choir. ** BECAUSE THE PERFORMANCE CALENDAR IS
ALREADY POSTED AND ATTACHED, ALONG WITH CERTAIN MANDATORY
REHEARSALS, WORK IS NOT AN EXCUSED ABSENCE UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCE!** Students will be given 2 weeks notice for any additional
concerts/rehearsals.
ELIGIBILITY
The MHS Choral Department activities are governed by the policies of the
MISD School Board, Texas Education Agency, University interscholastic
League, Texas Music Educator’s Association, American Choral Directors
Association and Magnolia High School. Students must attend school the
day of a concert or choir activity. TEA’s “no pass/no play” rules govern all
“extracurricular” activities such as UIL contest, TMEA All-State Choir
auditions/concerts, certain choir trips and other selected events. Students
must earn a minimum grade of “70” in level classes and a minimum of
“60” in AP & Pre-AP classes every 9 weeks grading period in all classes to
maintain eligibility status. THIS IS NOT OUR RULE. IT IS A RULING BY TEA! We
cannot make exceptions for your child to participate regardless of the
event.
UNIFORMS
Each choir will perform in uniforms which are provided by the school.
Girls need to purchase black character shoes with a heel no higher than 1”. It is
suggested that you look online under “dance apparel”. There are many companies that
sell character shoes at very reasonable prices.
Hair needs to be worn neatly away from the face in a specific style that is discussed in
class and no jewelry other than small gold-stud earrings can be worn with the uniform.
NO PIERCINGS ALLOWED EXCEPT FOR EARS. ALL NON-UNIFORM
JEWELRY MUST BE APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR.
Boys will need to have black dress shoes, black socks and a white sleeved cotton t-shirt
to be worn under the tux shirt. No jewelry is allowed. Uniforms will not be
checked out. Students will change into and out of their uniforms on
performance days. Jewelry is provided for the ladies. Girls may wear
gold-stud earrings. No drop earrings, ear clips, nose rings or diamonds, lip
rings, watches, plastic/woven bracelets and necklaces or other facial
jewelry is accepted. Boys may wear watches but no plastic/woven
bracelets or facial jewelry (lip or eyebrow) is allowed. Students will be
expected to take these items out of their face regardless of when the
piercing took place. They are against school policy. Failure to do so will
result in the student being asked to leave the performance and a
discipline form will be filled out and turned in. NO EXCEPTIONS!
Students will need to purchase a choir polo shirt to be worn for non-formal
performance opportunities along with khaki pants. Every student will need
to purchase khaki’s and can get them at Target or Walmart. They need
not be expensive.
** Please note that uniforms that are not returned at the end of the year
will be assessed a replacement fee and a hold will be place on their
report card or diploma until the fee is settled.
CHARMS
The MHS Choral Department uses the music program “charms” to keep
track of all concert/ rehearsal events, letter jacket points, activities, trip
finances, etc. Every student/parent with computer access is expected to
set up an account with Charms. It is free for all parents and students.
SETTING UP YOUR ACCOUNT:
1. Go to www. Charmsmusic.com
2. Go to the “Parent/Student login. Our school code is:
MagnoliaHSChoir
3. Enter your child’s ID number.
The parent can also change the personal ID login to a secured password.
You can only view your child’s information. Every child needs an e-mail
along with a parent e-mail.
LETTER JACKET REQUIREMENTS
Students qualify for jackets in one of the following ways:
1. The student auditions for and is chosen for the TMEA Region
Mixed Choir.
2. The student participates in all mandatory concerts/contests
(including UIL) for two consecutive years without an absence.
3. The student earns a series of points through participation in
concerts and competitions.
Students can check their letter jacket standing on the Charms website at
any time. Students will be responsible for keeping up with what they
participate in.
E-MAIL & TEST MESSAGING
E-mail is the preferred method of contacting parents and students. I will
also be sending reminder texts. If you or your child does not have an email
account or cell phone that accepts text messages, please note that
on the information page so another form of communication may be
established.
BUDGET & FEES
Incoming students will pay a $75 fee which covers: polo, choir t-shirt, piano
accompanist at solo & ensemble and extra food not covered by our districts’ food
allotment.
Returning students will pay $50. That covers: choir t-shirt, accompanist fees and extra
food not covered by our districts’ food allotment.
*If there is a financial need and you or your student is not able to pay this fee,
please let me know in writing and we will do our best to accommodate the need.
This information will remain confidential.
TMEA All-STATE AUDITIONS
Every year, the MHS Choir program sponsors students who choose to participate in the
TMEA All-State Audition Process. This consists of 4 rounds of auditions – 3 local and
the final audition in Waco. Students are not required to audition but are strongly
encouraged. The department pays for all entry fees, food, accommodations and
transportation for each student including those who advance to the area audition
and/or the All-State Choir Concert at the TMEA Convention in San Antonio in February.
Parents of auditioning students are expected to be available to chaperone for the local
auditions and area audition (if needed).
. **PLEASE NOTE if your child participates in TMEA All-State Choir Auditions and is
chosen for Region 9 Mixed or Treble Choir, they are expected to participate.
Otherwise, if the student does not fulfill their obligation, there will be a $50
reimbursement fee payable to MHS Choir.
Due to the change in the Region 9 Audition Process, it is imperative that students fulfill
their obligation. You are chosen over many auditionees and are expected to
represent our school and program in a positive, supportive manor.
CHOIR FORMS
You will find the forms attachment on the website or on-line in
“Charmsmusic”. Every form must be filled out and returned forms and fees
by Friday, August 29,2014. Please keep the handbook for your
reference. As soon as the choir contract is returned, a copy will be made
and given to the student to be kept in their folder for reference.
MISD Extracurricular Standards
With the approval of the principal and superintendent, sponsors and
coaches or extracurricular activities may develop and enforce standards
of behavior that are higher than the MISD District-developed Student
Code of Conduct and may condition membership of participation in the
activity on adherence to those standards. Extracurricular standards of
behavior may take into consideration conduct that occurs at any time,
on or off school property. Extracurricular behavioral standards shall not
have the effect of discriminating on the basis of gender, race, color,
disability, religion, ethnicity, or national origin.
Students shall be informed of any extracurricular behavior standards at
the beginning of each school year or when the students first begin
participation in the activity. Students and their parents shall sign and
return to the sponsor or coach a statement that they have read the
extracurricular behavior standards and consent to them as a condition of
participation in the activity.
Standards of the behavior for an extracurricular activity are independent
of the MISD Student Code of Conduct. Violation of these standards of
behavior that are also violations of the Student Code of Conduct may
result in independent disciplinary actions.
A student may be removed from participation in extracurricular activites
or may be excluded from school honors for violation of extracurricular
standards of behavior for an activity or for violation of the MISD Student
Code of Conduct.
I am looking forward to another successful year at MHS. I am
excited about your child and the wonderful opportunities that are
planned for them this year.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Franz-Melady, Director
281-356-3572x7951