Chorus Handbook

Handbook
Contact Information Welcome to the Performing Arts Department!
Mrs. Rebecca Hammac
 [email protected]
(407) 464-3317 ext.5292208
WOLF LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS
 
Welcome to the Wolf Lake Middle School Chorus Department! You have
chosen to be a part of a family of students who share a passion for learning and
performance. The quality of the Wolf Lake Chorus will be the result of the hard
work, passion, and dedication that students, teachers, and parents will give to the
program!
 
After reading the handbook, there are two forms for you to fill out: the
Statement of Understanding, a contract signed by student and parent/ guardian, and the Parent Volunteer Form. These forms are attached to this document. All forms should be returned by Friday, August 26th, 2022. Please keep the calendar available so that you know what is happening in chorus throughout the year!
 
The education of your child is a team effort among student, teacher and
parent. Each part of that team needs to feel the support of the other two in order to
ensure a productive and positive learning environment. I am very interested in
developing a strong core of parent volunteers who will collaborate together and
work hard for all of the students in the Chorus Department. All parents will have
the opportunity to volunteer at some time during the year, as their schedule permits.
 
I am dedicated to making sure each child can achieve their best in one of the
most enjoyable and accessible windows of the arts- MUSIC! This is going to be a
year with many diverse events and memorable activities. By working together we
can make it an outstanding year!
 
Sincerely,
Rebecca Hammac

What to Expect

SOCIALLY

  • A safe and supportive environment
  • A place to grow in your sense of musical identity
  • A culture of traditions, values and shared successes
  • A classroom environment where you are safe to grow in your musical skills Transfer and Flow

ACADEMICALLY

In Chorus your students will be learning a variety of skills that meet the county, state, and national standards for music education. It is important that all students have a basic understanding of music on an academic level.

Students will learn to:

  • sing with confidence as a group member and small groups
  • sing using appropriate, healthy vocal habits
  • read music with independence and confidence
  • demonstrate knowledge of music as a written language by reading and writing music
  • learn about music theory and history
  • perform music in a variety of styles, including classical, 20th century, gospel, pop, and jazz as well as world music
  • perform music in a variety of languages

PERFORMANCES

In addition to being an academic course Choir is also performance based. This year we will attempt to have a concert in the Spring. There will be no Face to face concerts in the Fall Semester. We may attempt a YouTube performance in December. Solo and Ensemble, All-state, and All-county have all been tentatively delayed to the Spring semester. These auditioned events are for students that wish to go above and beyond the standard curriculum.

Uniforms and Chorus Fee

All students are responsible for obtaining their class uniform.
*** SCHOOLPAY.COM ***
Class fees are due by September 1st
 
Treble chorus and The Pack: $50 Yearly Fee
This will provide your student with their Polo for their uniform, class notebook, and music throughout the year. These students are still responsible for providing their own black dress shoes, black dress socks, black dress pants, and black belt.
 
Wolf Chorale : $50 Yearly Fee
This will provide your student with their Polo for their uniform, class notebook, and music throughout the year. These students are still responsible for providing their own black dress shoes, black dress socks, black skirt, and black belt.
 
The Wolves and Wolf Lake Singers : $50 Yearly Fee, This will include renting their full uniform, t-shirt, class notebook, and music throughout the year. These students are still responsible for providing their own black dress shoes, for example, black ballet flats (no heels, closed toe, closed back).
 
Tennis shoes, jeans, and leggings are not appropriate concert attire and will not be allowed during performances.
 
***No student will be denied participation in chorus should cost present a financial hardship. If this is the case, please contact Ms. Hammac. Please note that all information is confidential.

Materials needed for class

Pencil
Highlighter
Headphones in backpack
Chorus binder with pencil pouch and theory book (supplied by chorus department, if lost, student must replace)

How do I earn my grade in Chorus?

Point Scale:
500 = Performances
51-100 = Tests
1-50 = Class work and participation
 
Performances outside of the school day are graded as part of the curriculum.
Please see the Chorus Calendar for events and assignments. Performances are the largest grades of the 9 weeks.

Rehearsal Participation & Contribution

Grades are earned by meeting the Classroom Responsibilities and Expectations. Students can earn points weekly for putting forth their best effort and for contributing to the productivity of the rehearsal. By working together as an ensemble and maintaining an energized focus, we can achieve a high standard of musicianship that will define Wolf Lake’s Choirs.
 
Points can be deducted for each occurrence of the following:
Tardiness Talking when inappropriate Chewing gum
Not singing Not participating Lack of focus
Disrespectful attitude Poor posture Missing music
Causing distractions And other things at the discretion of the director

 

Chorus is a co-curricular performance-based class. Therefore, chorus students are required to attend rehearsals and performances beyond regular school hours. Every effort will be made to advise you of any changes to the announced rehearsal schedule well in advance so that you may plan your time effectively. These extra rehearsals will be kept to a minimum to be respectful of your time.
Reasons why attendance at rehearsals is important:
• The student gains new information.
• A rehearsal is part of an ongoing development of one’s physical and mental conditioning.
• The student sometimes has the opportunity to work with an expert guest conductor.
• Every singer must be present to work on blend, balance, intonation, and precision.
• The group will not have to waste rehearsal time teaching the material from the previous rehearsal.
• The morale of the group is uplifted.
• The culture of the ensemble is built and reinforced.
• The community creates a possibility of flow
• The student missing a rehearsal can fall out of touch with the group’s goals.

ABSENCE FROM REHEARSAL: Chorus students will not be excused from rehearsals except in
cases of extreme emergency or illness. Work, appointments, detention, meetings, homework, vacations, etc. will not be valid excuses for missing a rehearsal. A written note from the parent/ guardian is due upon the student’s return from any excused absence due to an emergency. A doctor’s note is due upon the student’s return from any excused absence due to illness. If you anticipate an unavoidable absence from rehearsal, please submit a written request to the director for approval two weeks prior to the absence. Those on athletic teams/clubs should communicate their practice/game/meeting schedule with Ms. Hammac before the season begins to find a workable compromise. I am thrilled to have students involved in many activities at Wolf Lake and believe strongly that you should have the opportunity to participate in all you can! Communication is the key!

Performance, Attendance, and Contribution

Grades are earned by being present, on time, in proper uniform, and participating positively and fully. Points can be deducted for each occurrence of the following: tardiness, not in full chorus uniform, inappropriate behavior, or lack of musical focus. Mark your calendars now for the concerts and MPA dates which are the required performances in chorus. Please do not plan a vacation during school time, missing classes and concerts can have a negative effect on your musician’s grade. If getting a ride to these performances might be a problem, arrange a ride you can count on, or let Ms. Hammac know at least a week in advance so that she can help you find a ride. There are 250 kids in chorus, chances are one lives near you!
 
Reasons why attendance at performances are important:
The student will see the ultimate result of their months of hard work.
The student will create a memorable experience that can last a lifetime.
Each student is vital to the performance. There are NO substitutes.
Although the process of how we get to performance is most important, the performance is a significant assessment for both the student and director.
Missing a performance negatively affects not only the individual, but the entire group.
Performing is incredibly fun!!

Absence from performance:

Performances are a large part of the student’s chorus grade. Any absence which is not brought to the Director’s attention for approval two weeks prior to the performance will be considered unexcused. Unexcused absences from performances result in a zero for that grade. Students who have an excused absence from a performance may make up that part of their grade by completing a project agreed upon by the director. If you anticipate an unavoidable absence from a performance this year, please submit a written request to the director for approval right away. Any excuse given within two weeks of a performance (with the exception of emergencies) will be considered unexcused. In the case of an emergency, parents should call the chorus office at 407-464-3317 ext 5292208.

Quizzes and Assignments
Grade will be an average of the grades for all written and oral quizzes and assignments. Some examples of this might include music theory assignments, sight-singing, music writing prompts, music dictation and composition. The purpose of these activities is to reinforce concepts that have been identified through the choral music.
EXTRA CREDIT! Students can earn extra credit for attending ANY performing arts event on or off our campus. Just bring in the program and briefly tell me about your experience!

Classroom Responsibilities and Expectations
C.A.R.E

Communicate
Call or email if you are going to be absent.
Let Mrs. Hammac know well in advance about any schedule conflicts.
If you would like some extra help, just ask.
Attend all Rehearsals and Performances
Be at all rehearsals and performances on time; be present and ready to sing!
Being absent from a rehearsal or performance affects the entire team. When even one member of a performing ensemble is gone the total musical experience is diminished for all. Attendance at rehearsals is essential. Attendance at all scheduled performances and concerts is mandatory. If you have conflicts because you are incredibly well rounded and involved in multiple school activities, please let me know as soon as you recognize a schedule conflict.
Respect Property and Each Other
Each student deserves a safe environment with a culture of support and trust.
Respect the space and the amazing equipment we have been given.
Candy, food, gum, and drinks are not permitted in the chorus room, practice/ensemble rooms, or Auditorium
Do not fold, tear, or damage music. You are encouraged to create musical markings in your music, however, always use pencil, not ink!
Respect the right of others to learn, and the teacher to teach by not causing an interruption to the rehearsal.
Be positive and willing to help your chorus family members.
Create a culture of safety and empowerment.
We are an Ensemble that must work together to achieve our goals.
Execute Rehearsal Procedures
Be in your seat, prepared and ready to make music when the bell rings.
Have your music folder and a pencil with you at every rehearsal.
Always sit in your correct seat for voicing purposes.
Cell phones should be turned OFF and put away in the chorus room during rehearsal.
Be in the moment and enjoy your music making!
Have a willing attitude, everyone can learn to sing, but it will take time and individual effort. Always come to class ready to be better than the day before and support your classmates in their learning process.

Discipline Plan for those that forget to C.A.R.E.:
• Warning
• Conference with the student and director to develop a plan for solving the problem.
• Phone call/conference with parent or guardian.
• Referral to administrator.