CHOIR School Year 2015/2016 Director: Jeanette Adleman ALEXANDER MIDDLE SCHOOL 6TH GRADE ALL-STAR CHOIR Jeanette Adleman, Director adlemanj@pearlandisd.org Office Phone: 832-736-6700 extension? http://pearlandisd.org/webpages/jadleman “Paws”itive thoughts bring “paws”itive actions.” September 1, 2015 Dear Parents, I am so excited to be the new Choir Director at Alexander MS and look forward to a fun-filled year! I want to extend my sincere welcome and congratulations to you, and to your student, who will be a proud member of our All-Star choir this year! As a member of our choir, your student will build his/her musical knowledge and ability and have a creative outlet that will greatly enrich his/her life (see attached page, “What Do Young People Learn While Singing in a Choir?”). Every student is vitally important, and positive attitudes lead to success! Membership in the choir not only involves fun activities and comradery; it also involves teamwork and a firm commitment of time and effort throughout the school year for in-class rehearsals, a few after-school rehearsals, and scheduled concerts at school and within the community. Therefore, I would like for your student to review the information and expectations I have outlined and discuss the intent and seriousness of upholding the accompanying choir contract which you and your student are to sign and return to me ASAP. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION: Choir follows the standards of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). We will learn music and choral fundamentals while preparing for concerts and presentations. As we develop and blend young voices, we will explore music from many different sources and styles. REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES: Performances are the end-result of class work (rehearsals) and fulfill the requirements of the Choir TEKS. Therefore, your student is graded accordingly. In case of illness, emergency or other unforeseen event or circumstance, please send a note to me explaining the absence so that it can be excused and marked correctly in the grade sheet. Attendance is taken at all rehearsals and performances, and students can earn attendance/cooperation points towards the end-of-the-year eligibility for our annual Fun Day at Main Event in May and our possible field trip to the Hobby Center, also in May. GRADES: Grades will be a combination of daily grades and rehearsals/performances based on participation, written exercises, and vocal skills demonstrations. Students are expected to cooperate and conduct themselves in a respectful and responsible manner. Points will be deducted for off-task behavior. Students can earn attendance/cooperation points towards their grades as well as extra-curricular choir activities. L Page 2 ELIGIBILITY: As set forth in the state guidelines, participation in extra-curricular events (i.e., singing at a basketball game or nursing home, Fun Days like Main Event, field trips, etc.) requires a grade of at least 70 in all subjects. If a student receives a grade below 70, he/she will not be eligible to participate in these events until seven days after the next progress report or report card is issued in which all grades are above 70. PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: The basic attire for the Alexander All-Star Choir will be blue jeans, tucked-in choir shirts and tennis shoes. We may occasionally accessorize as appropriate to the season or event. CONCERT ETIQUETTE: When attending a concert or other performance, all members of the Alexander All-Star Choir are expected to model proper concert etiquette, listen attentively, and show appreciation with applause. Also, when performing, members will refrain from talking or any other disruptive behavior. Gum chewing is absolutely not allowed. Grade points will be deducted automatically for any choir member not representing his/her school with the utmost of respect and pride. Which leads to… CODE OF HONOR: Choir members are expected to always maintain a high level of personal integrity, honesty, respectfulness and responsibility. CHOIR FEE: The general fee for middle school is $20, as approved by the school board. This will help pay for music, accompanists, and choir shirts. Cash and checks made out to Alexander Middle School (with Texas Driver’s License number noted on the checks) are accepted. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: 1) Get music and go directly to your assigned seat upon entering the classroom. Listen attentively/Do not talk during morning announcements. 2) Begin vocal warm-ups as soon as class begins, and participate fully throughout the choir period. 3) Take care of water, restroom, or other business before the bell. Students are allowed to bring a water bottle to class. No gum or candy! 4) Be considerate and polite at all times. CONSEQUENCES: 1) Warning 2) Written work/Conduct mark 3) Separation from section 4) Parent contact 5) Loss of privileges, PE 6) Office Referral REWARDS: 1) Paw Awards/Super Singer tickets 2) Prizes/Treats 3) Developing personal musicianship 4) Being a part of an excellent team/choir family 5) Social events and activities 6) Good Grades, personal pride and integrity CHOIR CALENDAR: October 2015 (date TBD) November 2015 (date TBD) Thursday, December 3 Wednesday, December 16 Thursday, December 17 Tuesday, February 2, 2016 Wednesday, April 27, 2016 Thursday, April 28, 2016 Choir Fun Day, after school (Get-to-know-you) Skating Party at Pearwood Skate Center (TBD) Sing holiday songs at Windsong Village, Nursing Home, 4:30-5:00 p.m. Holiday Concert Rehearsal, Alexander MS stage area, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Holiday Concert, Alexander MS, 6:30 p.m., Choir arrival time @ 5:45 p.m. Sing National Anthem at PHS All-Girls Varsity basketball game Spring Concert Rehearsal, Alexander MS stage area, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Spring Concert, Alexander MS, 6:30 p.m., Choir arrival time @ 5:45 p.m. Possible performance opportunities will be communicated in advance as time goes on. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Best Wishes for a “Paws” itively wonderful year! Jeanette Adleman ALEXANDER ALL-STAR CHOIR CONTRACT: (Please return completed contract to Ms. Adleman no later than Sept. 3) Student Name __________________________________________________________________________________ Parent’s Printed Name ___________________________________________________________________________ We, the parent(s) and student, have read, understand, and agree to abide by the policies and procedures of the Alexander All-Star Choir as described in attached letter. Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date ALEXANDER ALL-STAR CHOIR 2015-16 PERMISSION FOR PUBLISHING: Student Name: _________________________________________________________________________________ As the parent/guardian of the above-named child, I give my permission to have my child’s name published in concert programs and photographs to local publications in the interest of recognition for the choir. Parent Signature Date COMMUNICATION: Please list the best phone numbers/times to reach you, and e-mail address, if available. ___________________________________________ Phone Number(s) _______________________________________________ E-mail Address(es) PARENT VOLUNTEERS: Parents are a vital part of the choir’s successful year. If you are willing to assist as a chaperone or parent helper at any events during the year, please sign below. To insure your child’s safety, all parent volunteers must register at the following website: http://www.pearlandisd.org/hr/volunteer.htm Parent Signature THANK YOU! Date WHAT DO YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN WHILE SINGING IN A CHOIR? When they become aware that their voice is heard above the others and they begin to blend their voices, they learn teamwork. When they follow their music director’s hands through a series of meter and dynamic changes, they learn accuracy. When they begin to appreciate, or “grow into” a piece of music, they learn patience. When they refrain from talking and interrupting in rehearsal, they learn respect. When they listen and concentrate during rehearsal, they learn self-discipline. When they sing for a community event, they learn community involvement. When they choose a rehearsal or performance over a special event, they learn commitment. When they bound out of their singing positions to give a “high five” because they finally sang their most difficult piece straight through for the first time, they learn perseverance. When they perform their first solo in front of an audience, they learn risk-tasking and self-confidence. When they perform that difficult piece successfully in concert, they learn genuine pride and self-esteem. Research shows time and again that students have only to gain from involvement in the arts. A well-organized sustained education in music gives your child intellectual and creative skills that last a lifetime. Name: _____________________Period: __1__2__3 Due by Monday, September 14, please… Choir Fee $20.00 Choir Polo, Music, Accompanist, etc. Check or Cash (Exact Change) Must have a driver’s license number on check if paid through the office. Thank you! Jeanette Adleman Due by Monday, September 14, please… Choir Polo Shirt Order Form 2015-2016 Student Name:______________________ Class Period: __1__2__3__4__5__6__7__8 Note: Polo Performance Shirt is covered by the Choir Fee of $20. Please return completed form with payment by September 14. Please select the appropriate size and #: ____ Adult X-Large ____Adult Large ____Adult Medium ____Adult Small ____Child X-Large ____Child Large ____ Medium Parent Signature_________________________ Note: Please select the size that will accommodate your child throughout the year. Thank you. J. Adleman ALEXANDER ALL-STAR CHOIR INFORMATION SHEET 2015 – 2016 Please fill out and return with other forms by Sept. 14 or earlier, if possible. Thank you. Ms. J Name: _______________________________ Nick-name: ________________________________ Birthday / Age: _________________ ______ years old Home Room Teacher: _______________________ Room Number: ______________ Choir Period: ___1___2___3 Experience in previous choirs, singing groups or solo examples: ________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Personal interest outside of Choir: _______________________________________________________ Music talent(s) other than singing: _______________________________________________________ Allergies: __________________________________________________________________________ Dates of activities from home (can include calendars): ________________________________________ ************************************************************************************************************************* Parent(s) Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Parent Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Parent(s) Phone numbers: _______________________________________________________________ Parent(s) Driver’s License: _______________________________________________________________ Parent’s(s)’ ability to volunteer (Trips / Concerts, etc.) ____Yes ____No Special facts about my child that will help me with instruction. If you wish to send this as an e-mail, please feel free to do so (adlemanj@pearlandisd.org). ____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________