BBJH
CHOIR
Handbook
Director: Bonnie Hehli
bhehli@magnoliaisd.org
2nd Period Conference
7:58 – 8:55
Phone # (281)356-6088
Ext. 4151
Welcome
Congratulations! You have been chosen to be a member of the history
making Bear Branch Junior High Choir program! You will be learning to read
music, to sing with confidence, and to perform like the, “pros”, through many
varied performance opportunities.
The atmosphere in the choir room embraces respect for each other, support for
our fellow choir members, and the desire to inspire each other by reaching new
personal goals every day. You are now a part of a unique, caring,
sisterhood/brotherhood in the arts! We pledge to do everything in our power to
create an environment of success.
Grading Procedures
Daily Requirements 40%
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Quality of participation during rehearsals
Having required materials: folder, pencil, practice CD’s (when necessary)
Music theory work
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Written tests: test over theory work learned in class
Singing tests: in groups & individual - over memorized music or solfege
Concerts: general concerts will count as a normal test grade, and
designated concerts will count as midterms and final exams.
Tests 60%
Concerts/Performances
This class is a performance based group and membership implies that you will be
there to perform as rehearsed. We all count on each other to give the same
performance on stage as in the classroom and everyone plays a vital role in each
other’s success.
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Non-required performances: students are expected to participate in all
performances, yet non required performances may be excused if conflicts
are submitted in writing prior to the event so that we can make
adjustments. Deadlines for conflict requests need to be written and given
to the director at least 1 week prior to a concert/performance.
Required performances: Each semester, some performances and
rehearsals will be designated mandatory concerts, therefore attendance is
required and excused absences are almost never given except under
extenuating circumstances at the director’s discretion. All dates of
required performances will be given in advance and all conflicts must be
resolved by the student.
Doctor/Dentist appointments are not valid excuses as you will be
given choir dates in advance.
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Transportation from choir activities must be arranged in advance
as activity busses are no longer available through MISD.
Concert attendance grades:
Excused absence: It is not possible to make-up the experience a
student has
during a performance, so a written assignment maybe
required (such as a Research Paper) in order to take the place of a
Concert grade.
End-of-the-Year Trip To Splashtown
The end of the year trip is a reward for the students’ participation and hard work
in choral competitions and events. Grades, fundraising and participation will
determine eligibility. A point system will be distributed to students so they can
see what they must accomplish to qualify for the trip. In addition, students may
not participate if they have been sent to ISS during the last 9 weeks of school.
Extracurricular Standards of Behavior
With the approval of the principal and Superintendent, sponsors and coaches of
extracurricular activities 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.
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.
Standards of behavior for an extracurricular activity are independent of the
Student Code of Conduct. Violations 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 activities or may
be excluded from school honors for violation of extracurricular standards of
behavior for an activity or for violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
Class Descriptions and Requirements
Chamber Choir:
This class is for beginning girl singers (mainly 7th graders) who desire to improve
their singing abilities, sight-singing skills, and overall musicianship. Members are
have the opportunity to prepare for solo/ensemble contest, Region Choir
auditions. Students are expected to maintain eligibility for UIL group
competitions. Students receive training in sight-singing, harmonization, and
stage performance.
Concert Choir:
Members are required to prepare for solo/ensemble contest, Region Choir
Auditions, and maintain eligibility for UIL group competitions in the spring.
Students receive training in sight-singing, harmonization, and stage performance.
In addition, Concert Choir allows the more advanced singer an opportunity to
participate in a highly competitive performing ensemble in preparation for high
school. Singers must have superior sight-reading abilities and will perform more
challenging music. Concert choir will be our main touring choir, but all choirs will
have many performance venues.
Men’s Choir:
This ensemble is designed for male voices at all levels and is designated for
changing voices. It offers a welcome environment for developing pitch, sightsinging, and harmonization. Members are required to prepare for solo/ensemble
contest, Region Choir Auditions, and maintain eligibility for UIL group
competitions in the spring. Students receive training in sight-singing,
harmonization, and stage performance.
All Students must arrive on time for all concerts or they may be not be
allowed to participate in the next performance. Impeccable behavior is
expected when representing our school in the community.
Competition Fees
As our student numbers increase and our budget decreases each year, it is
necessary to ask for each choir student to pay a competition fee. This fee will
help pay for our accompanists, Solo & Ensemble Competition, Region Auditions
and Concert. This $25 fee will help towards these events
Uniforms
Throughout the year we will have various types of performances which will
require uniforms. The uniforms will consist of an informal outfit purchased by
the student and a formal outfit provided by the school. Students will be required
to order the informal embroidered Polo Shirt at a cost of $25.00. Your student
may already have this shirt from BBJH 6TH Grade Choir. It is the same as last
year and we will use the same shirts next year, so you will only have to purchase
it once.
Informal Uniform (Men/Women):
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BBJH embroidered Polo
Blue jeans (in accordance with MISD dress code)
Tennis shoes or flats only (NO FLIP FLOPS)
No jewelry
Hair must be pulled off the face
Ladies Formal Uniform:
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Assigned choir dress
Black dress shoe (close toe, no higher than 1” heel)
No jewelry of any kind
Hair must be pulled off the face; no bows
No perfume or scented products (hair gel, lip gloss, etc.)
Deodorant must be worn
Men’s Formal Uniform:
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Assigned tuxedos with cummerbunds and bow ties
Black dress shoes and black socks (NO TENNIS SHOES)
Hair must be combed neatly out of face
Hair length must be in compliance with MISD dress code
No jewelry or watches
No cologne or scented products
Deodorant must be worn
All assigned dresses and tuxedos should be kept in good condition and be returned
in a timely manner when they are requested. Uniforms will be carefully accounted
for and missing items must be paid for or grades will be withheld. Many schools
require a rental fee or ask that dresses/tuxes be purchased individually. We are
very lucky to be able to provide them for the students, and appreciate your help in
taking care of them.
Choir Calendar
2013-2014
The summer is over and it’s time to gear up for this year’s choir activities. Concerts,
competitions, and performances are just around the corner, so please mark your calendars
to avoid conflicts that will affect your child’s grades and success in choir. Mandatory
concerts count as midterm or final exams which count as 60% of students’ grades.
Please avoid rehearsal dates or concert dates for things such as doctor or orthodontist
appointments, etc. We ask for very few after school rehearsals, and receiving this
calendar is confirmation that you are aware of these dates and that you will make sure
that your child is present.
Fall Semester
Monday, Aug 25
First Day of School
Monday, September 29th, 2:35-7pm
Parent planning meeting for “Cozy Autumn
Evening”
Anytime from 2:35-7pm-- BBJH Choir
Room
Thursday, October 9th, 2:45-3:45pm
After-school rehearsal for Men’s Choir &
Chamber Choir
Monday, October 13, 6:15pm
Fall Concert – informal uniforms – 7:00pm
@ MHS Auditorium (test grade)
Tuesday, November 4th 7:00pm
“Cozy Autumn Evening” concert/fundraiser
in preparation for Solo/Ensemble
Saturday, November 8th, time TBA
UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest @ Montgomery
Thursday, December 4th, 2:45 – 3:45pm
After-school rehearsal for Men’s Choir &
Chamber Choir
Tuesday, December 9th, 6:00pm
Holiday Concert @ BBJH - 7:00pm (final
exam) Formal Uniforms
Spring Semester
Monday, January 19, 2:45 – 6:00pm
Girls Region Clinic @ BBJH
Tuesday, January 20, 2:45 – 6:00pm
Boys Region Clinic @ BBJH
Friday, January 23, 2:30-10pm
7th Gr. Girls Region Audition Bammel MS
Saturday, January 24, 8:00am – 4:00pm
Region Auditions at Bammel MS
Friday, February 6, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Region rehearsal & dance/party @
McCullough JH
Saturday, February 7, 9:00am- 6:00pm
Region Clinic & Concert @ Spring Baptist
Church
Thursday, February 26, 2:45-3:45pm
After-school rehearsal for Men’s Choir &
Chamber Choir
Thursday, February 26th 6:30-7:30 PM
Concert Girls Sing at BB6 concert
March 2nd 6:15 PM-8:30 PM
Pre UIL Concert @ MHS Auditorium –
Formal uniforms -7:00pm (test grade)
March 5 & 6 & 12 time TBA***
UIL Concert/Sight-Reading Contest
Saturday May TBA, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Water Park Trip
Wednesday, May 21 - 2:45 – 4:00***
Pop Show Rehearsal
Thursday, May 26th, 6:20***
Pop Show @ BBJH - 7:00pm (final exam)
Remember that grades are based on concert attendance. Also, points are awarded
toward our end-of-the-year trip to Splashtown for each major event in which the
student participates.
Return this Page Friday, Aug. 29th 2014
Student Pledge
I, _________________, agree to perform to the best
of my ability and to work with the directors in making
this program the best musical organization that our
combined musical efforts can produce. I will attend
and be on time for all rehearsals and concerts. I will
respect my directors and my fellow choir members
and keep rehearsal areas clean, treat my choir
materials with care, and be prepared with all choir
materials during rehearsals.
Signature: ________________________ Date: ______
Choir:
________________________
Please sign and return this page by 9/20/13
I _______________________, have read the Choir
Parent’s Name
Handbook with my child, _____________________
Student’s Name
and agree to abide by its policies.
Student Signature:
______________________________
Parent Signature:
_______________________________
Date:
________________________________________
Return this Page Friday, Aug. 29th 2014
Student Information
Name:___________________________________________
Phone: ____________________Cell: __________________
Address: _________________________________________
Street
City
Zip
Student E-mail:____________________________________
Student Cell Phone:________________________________
Father’s Name: ____________________________________
Father’s E-mail:____________________________________
Father’s Cell Phone #:______________________________
Mother’s Name:___________________________________
Mother’s E-mail:___________________________________
Mother’s Cell Phone#:______________________________
Other activities that you participate in:
Return this Page Friday, Aug. 29th 2014
Parent Volunteer Information
Name(s):
____________________________________
__________________________________________
Phone: _________________ Cell: _______________
Interested in volunteering for (Check one or both):
Fall ________
Spring _________
Activities:
_____ Launder Dresses
_____ Fit students with uniforms
_____ Help with concerts
_____ Hem dresses/pants
_____Help assemble Region folders
_____Help chaperone traveling events
Return this Page Friday, Aug. 29th 2014
Return this Page Friday, Aug. 29th 2014
Polo Shirt Order Form
Name: _________________________ Choir: ___________________
Parent’s Name: ________________ Phone: __________________
Parent e-mail : ____________________________________________
Polos are royal blue with white embroidery and are of very high
quality. They are the same shirts that are used at Bear Branch
6th Grade Choir. The students will be using the same polo each
year, so it proves to be very cost effective. Please consider
ordering more than one if your child may misplace it or grow
out of it. If shirts are lost or need to be re-ordered, they will
cost more due to ordering a smaller amount.
Polo Shirts: (write in number of shirts needed next to the size)
Youth ______ M ______L
Ladies _____S _____M _____L _____XL _____XXL
Mens _____S _____M _____L _____XL _____XXL
Cost: $25.00 each
Cash payments will be accepted if received in a sealed
envelope attached to this order form and exact amount is
greatly appreciated. Please make check payable to Bear
Branch Junior High.
Check # ________ Cash________ Total Amount due: _______
All orders must be received by September 21, so that we may
get the shirts as soon as possible. You may have to pay a
higher amount if money is received after this date.