2012-2013 HERNANDO MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR HANDBOOK Brenda Solano, Director 915-937-9879 bsolan01@sisd.net He who sings scares away his troubles. ~Cervantes Music is the universal language of mankind. ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Welcome to the Cavalier Choir! Ms. Solano, Choir Director Dear Parents: I am super excited to be at Hernando Middle School. Throughout the year we will be having different kinds of activities. We will have competitions, concerts and fundraisers. I will notify you of these events at least one month before they take place. I hope you will become part of our organization and help us out throughout the year. I can always use a couple extra hands on concert and contest days. I am looking forward to working with you and your son/daughter to make this the best musical year possible. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call or email. You may reach me at 915-937-9879 or send me an email at bsolan01@sisd.net. Sincerely, Ms. Solano Parents: I know budgets are tight this time of year. So, I have kept my list short. 1. 2. 3. 4. 1 Black 1 inch 3 ring binder - $1 at DollarTree or 97¢ at Wal-Mart 1 Pencil with Eraser – it must remain inside of the binder! 1 Set of Dividers - $1 at DollarTree or $2 at Wal-Mart Headphones/Earphones - $1 at DollarTree or $3 at Wal-Mart…Please DO NOT bring expensive headphones to class. The headphones/earphones will remain in the classroom. 5. Loose Paper – it does not have to be an entire pack. Procedure 1. 2. 3. 4. Enter room and set your backpack down on the counter. Take out your binder (with pencil) and go to your assigned place. Rehearsal beings before warm-ups are started. Students will be dismissed when instructed by the teacher. Rules 1. 2. 3. 4. Be sitting in assigned seat with your folder, notebook, and pencil before the bell rings. Treat others the way you want to be treated! Follow directions! NO chewing gum! Rewards 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Verbal Praise Positive “notes” Positive Parent Call End of the semester pizza party! Having an awesome choir!!! Consequences First offence = Warning (verbal or writen) Second Offence = Warning + Detention Third Offence = Warning + Detention + Parent Call (courtesy of student) Fourth Offence = Referral + Parent Call (from both of us) 1. Daily Grades 60% 2. Concerts/Performances 30% 3. Tests, Quizzes 10% Daily Grades are made through written work and rehearsal technique. Written Work: will include all written assignments such as theory worksheets, music history, or text learning work. Tests: will include written, singing and sight-reading tests. Rehearsal Technique: Overall, the rehearsal technique shall reflect the percentage of rehearsal time that the student demonstrates the following attributes: Formal Uniform: (For Concerts) GIRLS: Black top - with sleeves, no spaghetti straps Black pants! Black Shoes - no tennis shoes BOYS: White button down dress shirt and any color tie Black slacks - no blue jeans Black shoes - no tennis shoes Informal Uniform: Choir T-Shirt and jeans. Please SIGN AND RETURN to Ms. Solano This certifies that I have read and understand the information in this handbook regarding choir grading policy, classroom rules, concert attendance policy, concert dates, and performance attire. __________________ Parent name (print) _________________ Student Name (Print) __________________ Parent Signature __________________ Student Signature Work Phone # ____________________ Home Phone # ____________________ Cell Phone # ___________________ _________ Choir class