2014 - 2015
WBMS Choir on Fire Handbook
featuring the Firettes Dance Team
Music has the ability to touch our hearts, to calm or excite us, to involve us,
to heal us, and inspire. It allows us to relax or participate, to reach out
and look with in. Music teaches us teamwork. It reinforces basic skills. It
is both a social and an individual activity. Music has been a part of life for
all recorded time. It is a part of our history and culture.
Dear Chorus Parents and Students,
Welcome to WBMS Choir on Fire Chorus Program! A
successful chorus program is dependent on positive active
participation by both the students and their parents. It is
with great enthusiasm that I look forward to working with
you this year. This handbook is designed to help you
understand the expectations for all chorus students at
WBMS. If you have any questions of any kind, feel free to
call, write, or e-mail me. I will return most calls at the end of
the school day, but please allow me a “return call window” of
24 hours. Rarely does a situation arise for which there is no
workable solution. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Yours in Harmony,
Gina LaVere
Chorus Director
Woodlawn Beach Middle School
lavereg@mail.santarosa.k12.fl.us
934-4010 ext. 202
850-420-3745 (cell number)
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
1) BE READY FOR CLASS WHEN THE BELL RINGS
A) Be in your assigned seat with music folder, pencil, and water bottle before your bell
rings.
B) Fill water bottle before class. If the bottle requires filling, it must be filled at the
water fountain directly outside the chorus room.
2) BE PREPARED FOR CLASS
A) Bring chorus folder with pencils, paper, and water bottle every day.
B) Utilize the restrooms before or after class for personal grooming.
3) RESPECT OTHERS
A) Keep inappropriate comments to yourself.
B) DO NOT touch classroom equipment without teacher permission (this includes the
PIANOS).
C) Students must remain quiet and attentive even when they are not singing. Much
rehearsal time is saved when students observe other sections.
4) STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE
TRY YOUR BEST AND YOU WILL ALWAYS END UP A WINNER!!
Remember………. Shoot for the Stars and Land on the Moon!!!!!!
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The behavioral journal is used for disciplinary behavior. There are four steps in the
journal.
1) Warning
2) Consequence with parent signature
3) Parent contact
4) Disciplinary referral
Note: A conference will be scheduled at this point and a contract will be made
regarding acceptable behavior in the chorus program.
GRADING POLICY
Grades will be based on knowledge of concepts, demonstration of skills and participation in
chorus activities,
including required performances and rehearsals. Because the chorus is a performing
organization and a class, it is
essential that every student and parent understand that attendance and participation in
required performances
and rehearsals are a part of the grade. Excused absences are determined using the same
criteria as a school
absence. Unexcused absences for rehearsals are recorded as a zero. Any absence of a
required performance
must be replaced by one of the curriculum based assignments at the back of the handbook.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Being aware that conflicts will occur in the scheduling of practices, rehearsals, games,
performances and field trips the following guidelines will be used:
1) The Spring and Winter Concert and District Music Performance
Assessment are the only required performances for the year.
2) A performance or a game takes precedent over a practice or rehearsal
(except final rehearsals)
3)
The student is responsible for notifying Mrs. LaVere of the conflict no less than 24
hours in advance if possible.
There are five categories in which the concepts are graded in:
CLASSWORK 20%
HOMEWORK 5%
QUIZZES 35%
TESTS 40%
(performance based)
♫ PARTICIPATION - singing folder checks, pencil check, participation in daily rehearsals
and activities.
♫SINIGING QUIZZES AND CHECKS - In-class singing quizzes will be administered at least
every two weeks. These quizzes are done in a small group setting (3-6 students)
grading is based on their level of improvement.
♫ REGULAR QUIZZES - These are written quizzes based on music theory in which the
students are given notes and instruction in class.
♫ PERFORMANCES - There are three required performances; the Spring and Winter
concerts and District Performance Assessment. These are counted as tests.
♫ MUSIC THEORY - This includes work in theory binders, tests, worksheets and
composition projects
2014-2015 CHORUS SUPPLY LIST
UNIFORMS
Girls- Long black dress purchased through Chorus Department $54
Boys- Black dress pants and white tux shirt rented through the Chorus Department $25
No student will be denied participation in chorus should the cost of a uniform present a
financial hardship for you. If this is the case, please contact Mrs. LaVere. All information
will be kept confidential.
PERFORMANCE GROOMING
Hair - All hair must be away from face
Jewelry- No jewelry should be worn on girls or boys during a chorus performance. Small
stud earrings will be allowed for those students with pierced ears.
Shoes- No sneakers, slides, sandals, or strappy shoes.
Only closed toed black dress shoes are acceptable.
Please contact Mrs. LaVere for rental shoes.
CHORUS T-SHIRTS $20
This is a required part of our uniform for Intermediate and Advanced chorus. It is optional
for all other classes.
CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
♫ PAPER
♫ PENCILS
♫ FOLDER (for notes/worksheets)
♫ STAFF PAPER (optional)
♫ WATER BOTTLE
2 BLANK CDS
INDEX CARDS (to make theory flash cards)
EXTRA MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES
These performances and events are extra opportunities for select chorus members (extra
expenses are required for some of these activities).
♫ All-County (6-8 grade audition)
♫ Disney chorus trip (Advanced and Intermediate chorus members only.
These students must have no ISS, OSS, bus suspension, or two
referrals in one semester. Grades in chorus must be an A/B and no D,
F or course recovery in core classes)
♫ Chorus President (select students who have been in chorus for 3 years)
Students running for office must have a 2.0 GPA with no
referrals. A speech is also required.
♫ Chorus Vice President (select students who have been in chorus for 2 years)
Students running for office must have a 2.0 GPA with
No referrals. A speech is also required.
♫ Out-reach Concerts:
These performances are for the community and any student in
Intermediate or Advanced may participate.
♫ Musical: Hairspray for 2014-2015
Advanced Chorus only * This does not occur every year.
♫ Madrigal:
Advanced members only. Renaissance Dinner as a fundraiser for the fine arts
department. Occurs every-other year.
FUNDRAISING
The WBMS Choir on Fire has grown quickly over the past thirteen years and our cost to
run the program has grown as well. Fundraising is essential to help keep our costs low.
These fundraisers pay for rental uniforms, bus transportation, competition fees, extra
music, chorus materials and much more. Your participation and the success of our
fundraisers keep the cost of chorus very low.
We offer two fall fundraisers:
1. Soliciting friends, family and businesses for sponsorships and ads in our WBMS Choir on
Fire Program Book (overview letter and form located at back of the handbook)
2. Selling of Classic Cookie dough (yum!)
Our three spring fundraisers are:
1. Valentine Grams (sold in the school)
2. Annual WBMS Talent Show. We only ask parents to help chaperone and
bring items to use for door prizes during the talent show.
3. Yankee Candle Fundraiser
HELPFUL HINTS FOR VOCALISTS
1) Always warm up before singing (a vocal warm up is like stretching before exercise)
2) Drink lots of water. About 64 oz. a day to be exact.
3) Eat 30 minutes before you sing at a performance. Eating and singing right after can
cause many singing problems (i.e. water in a gas tank).
4) Stay healthy!!! Your body is your instrument and it can’t be taken into the shop to
replace. Eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
5) No screaming, yelling, or unnatural sounds. These sounds cause damage to your
vocal chords.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR PARENTS
1) Have a set time and space for your musician to practice.
2) Encourage your child with positive words and actions. This makes a big difference
in their progress.
3) Here are a few web sites to check out with your budding musician!!
www.musictheory.net
(this website has lessons and theory trainers which we will be using in class)
www.menc.org
(great site for music advocacy)
www.jwpepper.com
(purchase music online for your budding vocalist)
www.musictechteacher.net
(music theory games)
www.fva.net
(Florida Vocal Association. This is the website with information on District MPA, Solo and
Ensemble, and All State Choirs)
CHORUS HANDBOOK CONTRACT
Students are required to submit this sheet to Mrs. LaVere by Monday, 25th
By checking each item and signing this form, you agree that you:
____ have read the Chorus Handbook and understand the information it
contains.
____ have examined the calendar of events for conflicts.
____ understand that an unexcused absence from an after-school performance
or rehearsal will earn zero points.
Student’s Name (print please): ____________________________
Parent’s Name (sign please):______________________________
I give permission for my child’s picture to appear in the newspaper:
yes___ no____
I give permission for my child’s picture to appear on the school website:
yes___ no___
CONTACT AND FIELD TRIP EMERGENCY
INFORMATION
Group: Woodlawn Beach Middle School Chorus
Teacher: Gina LaVere
Student: _______________________________
Home Phone: _______________
Cell Phones: ________________
Student Address: _______________________________________________________
Parent e-mail Address: ______________________
(we have an e-mail newsletter with chorus news & reminders)
Parent/Guardian: ______________________________
Daytime Phone: _______________
Evening Phone: _______________
Other Parent/Guardian: _______________________________
Daytime Phone: ______________
Evening Phone: ______________
Emergency Phone number for parent/guardian if other than above:
_______________________
Comments regarding special health problems or severe allergies of student:
ALL CHORUS STUDENTS MUST HAVE A PERFORMANCE UNIFORM
Rental Days for Boys: Tuesday, August 26th / 1:30-3:30pm
Rental Day for Girls: Thursday, August 28th / 1:30-3:30pm
(please bring this form with you to the rental day)
BOYS: All boys have a $25 rental fee. Boys are only allowed to rent because they often
change uniform sizes during the same school year. If you have been chosen to sing
with the advanced girls then, a chorus t-shirt must be purchased for performances in
the community.
GIRLS: Girls have the option to rent or buy. Returning girls and new girls in the 8th grade
are given the opportunity first to try on rentals for two reasons: because they either
rented last year and/or also it is their first and last chance to be in chorus.
th
th
The 7 grade girls will try on rentals second, followed by the 6 grade girls. There are only
a limited number of rentals available. The fee will be $25 for rentals. This price
charge offsets the chorus department costs for the dresses and dry cleaning at the end
of the year.
T-SHIRTS ARE OPTIONAL FOR EVERYONE EXCEPT FOR THE ADVANCED AND
INTERMEDIATE GROUPS: $20 (these two groups do outreach concerts in the
community and the chorus t-shirt is the uniform used for those performances)
PLEASE FILL OUT THE ORDER FORM BELOW AND ATTACH CASH OR CHECK (CHECKS
MADE PAYABLE TO WBMS CHORUS).
T-shirt and new uniform orders must be turned no later than TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER
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16 . If more time is needed or there is a financial issue please send a note to
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Mrs. LaVere on the September 16 deadline.
NAME: _________________________________________________
I OWN MY DRESS _______
GIRLS RENTALS: $25. PLEASE CHECK IF RENTING _______
GIRLS BUY: $54. PLEASE CHECK IF BUYING _______
BOYS RENTAL: $25. PLEASE CHECK IF RENTING_________
T-SHIRTS: $20. PLEASE CHECK IF BUYING A T-SHIRT__________
T-SHIRT SIZE_________
(adult sizes only S,M,L,XL)
2014-2015 Chorus Calendar of Events
First Semester
August
Monday, 18th 1st Day of School
Friday, 22nd Parent Potluck dinner and
chorus meeting/6:00pm/WBMS Cafeteria
Tuesday, 26th Rental day for boys /1:303:30pm/WBMS Chorus Room
Thursday, 28th Rental day for girls /1:303:30pm/WBMS Chorus Room
Friday, 29th Dance Team Auditions/1:304:30pm/WBMS Cafeteria
September
Tuesday, 2nd-5th Auditions for Disney
Singers/in class
Tuesday, 9th 6th Grade Open House
Tuesday, 16th All County Honor Choir
Auditions at Woodlawn MS starting at
4:30pm
Tuesday, 30th Chorus Welcome Workshop
/1:20-3:30pm/WBMS Cafeteria
October
Chorus group pictures TBA
Tuesday, 7th All County Honor choir
rehearsal/Avalon MS/3:30-5pm (dinner and
bus transportation provided there and back.
Students stay afterschool.)
Tuesday, 14th Mandatory Chorus
rehearsal/1:30-4pm in the cafeteria (we will
put all the students in concert order. All six
classes sing together)
Thursday, 23rd All County Honor choir
rehearsal/Avalon MS /3:30-5pm (dinner and
bus transportation provided there and back.
Students stay afterschool.)
November
Veteran’s Day Concert with WNIS/TBA
(advanced only)
Monday, 3rd All County Honor choir
rehearsal/Avalon MS 3:30-5pm (dinner and
bus transportation provided there and back.
Students stay afterschool.)
Tuesday, 4th All County Honor Choir
rehearsal and performance (all day rehearsal
and performance at 7pm at First Baptist
Church, Milton)
December
Wednesday, 3rd Mandatory Final
rehearsal/St. Sylvester Parish Center/1:204:30pm (bus transportation to the church
only. Student pick-up at the church)
Thursday, 4th Mandatory Winter Concert/St.
Sylvester Parish Center. Students arrive at
5:30pm concert begins at 6:30pm (will last
about an hour)
Saturday, 13th Big Band Concert with
Symphonic Band (advanced chorus students
only) Arrive at WBMS chorus room at
5:30pm, concert begins at 6:30pm (will last
about an hour)
2014-2015 Chorus Calendar of Events
Second Semester
January
Wednesday, 14th-17th FMEA Conference
Tuesday, 3rd District MPA Women’s Chorus
rehearsal (7th/8th grade intermediate and
advanced girls) 1:30-3:30pm in chorus room
February
Wednesday, 4th District MPA Men’s Chorus
rehearsal 1:30-3:30pm in the chorus room
Monday, 27th-Wednesday, 29th Talent Show
rehearsals 1:30-4:30pm in WBMS cafeteria
Thursday, 5th District MPA Treble Chorus
rehearsal (7th/8th grade beginner and 6th grade
beginner girls) 1:30-3:30pm in chorus room
Thursday, 30th Talent Show Parent Performance
students arrive at 5:30pm performance at 6:30pm
in the WBMS cafeteria
March
May
Benefit Concert TBA
Friday, 1st Talent Show Student Performance
1:30-4:30pm in the WBMS cafeteria
Wednesday, 4th District MPA Women’s Chorus
final rehearsal (7th/8th grade intermediate and
advanced girls) 1:30-3:30pm in chorus room
Thursday, 5th District MPA Men’s Chorus final
rehearsal 1:30-3:30pm in the chorus room
6th
Friday,
District MPA Treble Chorus final
rehearsal (7th/8th grade beginner and 6th grade
beginner girls) 1:30-3:30pm in chorus room
Monday, 9th and Tuesday, 10th District MPA
Performance at First Baptist Church Niceville.
Monday, 16th-Friday, 20th Spring Break
April
Saturday, 11th Navarre Youth Chorale and HNPS
Spring Concert (advanced chorus as special
performers) arrive at HNPS 5:45pm Perform at
6:30pm
Tuesday, 21st Mandatory Chorus rehearsal 1:303:30pm in the cafeteria
Friday, 24th Talent Show Auditions/ WBMS
cafeteria 1:30-5pm
Wednesday, 6th Mandatory final rehearsal/St.
Sylvester Parish Center/1:20-4:30pm (bus
transportation to the church only. Student pickup at the church)
Thursday, 7th Mandatory Spring Concert/St.
Sylvester Parish Center. Students arrive at 5:30pm
concert begins at 6:30pm (will last about an hour)
Friday, 8th End of the Year Chorus Party 1:303:30pm/ WBMS cafeteria
Friday, 15th -17th Chorus Disney Trip
Tuesday, 19th/21st Chorus Sign-up Days/ 3pm6pm/ Chorus Room
May 21st Hairspray the Musical (advanced chorus)