2012-2013 Choir Handbook Policies
Classroom Participation Policy
Students are given 5 points each day for attending and participating in class.
Students who are absent receive a zero for the day because they did not attend or participate in rehearsal.
Students may make up points for absences that are excused.
Directions for makeup work are available below- Please see Miss Willard with questions.
Class Makeup Assignment
ALL music must be present at EVERY rehearsal. Do not remove any individual piece from the folder to take home because it can be easily lost. The entire folder should be taken home so as to protect the music. When marking your music, use only PENCIL. A pencil should be kept in your folder at all times. Any student who fails to bring music and pencil to class will receive a zero participation grade for the day.
Points will be taken away if a student fails to show the following:
· Being on time and prepared for class with pencil, music, etc.
· Being an enthusiastic and contributing member of the ensemble.
· Demonstrating proper vocal technique as learned in class
· Talking only when it is appropriate and helpful.
· A willingness to cooperate in every way your talent permits.
+++++++++++++++
Concert Attendance Policy
As stated in the Choir Handbook, “prior excused absences from a rehearsal or performance that have been approved by the director will not affect your grade if arrangements are made with the director to make up the time missed”. All of the above performances are mandatory and will seriously affect student grades without an excused absence and completion of a make-up assignment.
A concert is a TEST in which a student must demonstrate what has been learned in class. Whether excused or unexcused a missed concert results in a two-letter grade reduction on the student's final grade because the student failed to take the test. If an absence qualifies as 'excused' (see below for details) a student has the ability to make up the points for a missed concert. Students may NOT make up points for an 'unexcused' absence.
If you are having problems with a particular concert date PLEASE see Miss Willard several days PRIOR to the concert so that we can come up with a solution to your situation.
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Pre-Approved Absence: Notice of a concert absence and conflict should be submitted in writing for approval to Miss Willard no later than one week prior to the concert. Failure to follow this will automatically cause an absence to be marked as unexcused.
Illness or Emergency Absence: If an emergency arises the day of the concert, a parent must call (269) 637-0530 and leave a message explaining the absence no later than 1 hour prior to the performance. If a student is well enough to attend school it is expected that they are well enough to attend the concert. If a student has a fever or is throwing up they should NOT attend the concert and a call should be made to Miss Willard's voicemail as described above. A Doctor's note is required.
A cold or sore throat is not reason to miss a concert.
Emergency Absences: If due to the nature of the emergency your parent is unable to call Miss Willard's voicemail prior to the concert, a written note explaining the reason for the absence with a parents signature should be turned into Miss Willard within 2 days of the concert. Emergency situations are exceptions and are considered at the discretion of the director. A note is required within 2 days of the missed concert as described above.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
Any missed performance that was not excused by the director in advance.
Conflicts due to work, homework, appointments, minor illnesses, family vacations, transportation issues, wardrobe malfunctions, etc.
are not excused. An absence from school on the day of the concert does not automatically excuse you from the evening performance.
Advanced notice must be given prior to the event!
Only EXCUSED absences can be made up.
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain a “concert makeup” worksheet.
Concert makeup worksheets are available at the link below and in the choir room.
Concert Make-Up Assignment
Make up work must be turned in by the last day of the marking period to receive credit
Extra credit does not apply to a missed concert.
Unexcused Absences and/or a failure to complete a make-up assignment for excused concert absences will result in a two-letter grade reduction on the student's marking period grade.
+++++++++++++++
Concert Attire
Please address this now as it is often difficult to find things at the last minute.
6th grade choir students
ALL: Students are expected to wear close-toed dress shoes along with any article of clothing that is black, white, or grey and complies with the school dress code. Jeans are not allowed. Examples include: dress, skirt, dress pants, polo shirt, button up shirt, suit, etc.
7th and 8th grade choir students
GIRLS: will be provided with a long purple dress that students will be required to wear to each concert. Students must supply their own black DRESS shoes and black nylons or knee-highs
BOYS: will be provided with a white, long sleeve, button down men’s dress shirt with collar, purple bowtie, purple vest, and black dress pants. Students must supply their own black DRESS shoes with black socks. Dress shirts are expected to be tucked in.