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WELCOME TO CHOIR!
JCMS Choir Handbook
Benefits of Choir Participation
Team building skills, listening and following skills, creativity , and discipline
The ability to focus and concentrate
Skills of expression, persistence, and problem solving
Responsiveness to others, and the ability to understand the needs of the whole group, vs. just the self
Positive social skills, skills in conflict resolution, and the ability to express emotion
Courtesy to and tolerance of others and their musical opinions
All these skills and attrib-utes are not only beneficial to the individual, but to others, and to society as a whole.
Provided by the Chorus Impact Study and the Music Educators National Conference
Hello singers and parents,
My name is Mrs. Crystal Holzer and I am looking forward to a great year at Junction City Middle School. Parents, I want to thank you for your support, and particularly for encouraging your child in his/her study of music. The strength of support for music from the Junction City community is renowned! And I’m proud to be able to continue my career here. Students, I want to thank you for your desire to pursue vocal music. I hope you find it as ful-filling as I have.
The purpose of this handbook is to inform choir parents and
students of the procedures and policies of the JCMS choir
program. I appreciate you taking time to read this
information and returning the page at the back of the
handbook by ___________________________________. Students who do not return this form will still be required to
the policies and procedures stated in the handbook.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. I am looking forward to an exciting, fun, busy
and successful school year!
Sincerely,
Crystal Holzer
Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.
-Plato
PAGE 2
Supplies
Contact Information
JC MS C HO IR HAN D B OO K
The JCMS choir program is not only a place for students to be involved, but also for you as
parents. Most choir programs do not function well without the assistance of parental
involvement. Please see the volunteer form to check off the capacities in which you might be
able to serve. Every little bit helps.
There are several ways to keep our communication lines open during the school year:
Through this handbook
My choir web site and the school’s web site
Letters and other information sent home
Phone calls
Notes written in your child’s student planner
Please feel free to e-mail or call at any time with questions.
We are looking forward to a fun and productive year!
My email is: [email protected]
JCMS Website: http://www.jcms.usd475.org
My office number: 717-4431
Pencil, paper:
Students will provide their own (sharpened) pencil and (lined) paper, kept
in their folder at all times. Pens (including erasable pens) are NOT
allowed. Students will frequently write notes, journals, concert
evaluations, and complete assignments, quizzes and tests.
Sheet music:
Students are allowed to check out copies of sheet music to practice with
at home. They are responsible for any borrowed sheet music until it is
checked back in. All sheet music must be returned in good
condition with all pencil markings erased. Replacement fee for each
JC MS C HO IR HAN D B OO K
PAGE 3
Rehearsal and Concert Attendance:
Choir Uniforms
Choir Girls: (Possible alternative outfit determined in class.) Black dress pants or skirts
(must be ATLEAST past finger tips at arms length!), black dress shoes with little or no
heel, and white dressy top (short or long sleeve, no tank tops).
Choir Boys: White dressy button-up shirt with long sleeves, black dress pants, black
dress socks, black dress shoes, and a black neck tie.
Absolutely Not Allowed: Perfumes, colognes, or aftershaves (may cause allergic reaction,
coughing, difficulty breathing, especially in close proximity on stage); large flashy jewel-
ry, big hair décor, white gym socks, tennis shoes, strappy shoes.
We understand that during these tough economic times, it may not be possible for you
to provide these items for your child. If this is the case, please contact Mrs. Holzer as
soon as possible. No student will be denied the opportunity to
perform with our choir!!!
Concerts are a demonstration of the work accomplished in class.
Participation in concerts is considered a major part of the student’s grade.
Grades may be lowered as a result of tardiness to a concert,
lack of participation during the event, performing out of uniform, or missing
a concert.
If a conflict of dates arises, it is extremely important
that a parent/guardian notify the director. The student will be excused from a
performance in the event of a family emergency, illness,
or a sudden death in the family.
In the event that a student must miss a concert, the student will then be assessed and graded by
singing through concert material for Mrs. Holzer outside of choir period.
The student will also be required to watch the choir’s performance
and write a one page evaluation.
If a student neglects to complete the assignment, he/she will not receive credit for the
Be in your seat with only required
materials before the tardy bell
rings.
Actively participate with a posi-
tive attitude to have productive
rehearsals.
No food, gum, candy or soft
drinks are allowed. (Bottled water
is acceptable and encouraged.)
Show respect to all people and
property in the classroom.
The piano and other electronic
equipment are not to be touched
unless the director or another adult
gives permission.
As with all learning, some students may need
more assistance with self-control than others.
For some, a simple reminder may be all that is
required to get back on track. For others, more
extreme intervention may be required.
Ultimately, we are looking for the student to
learn to make good choices that will have
positive results for them throughout their lives. I
will assist them as much or as little as
necessary to ensure their personal success in
our choir.
Some of the common methods I employ to as-
sist students
with behaviors include:
Clear and high expectations with lots of
positive reinforcement
Verbal warning or “the look”
Quick conference after class
Extended problem solving conference be-
fore or after school (5-10 minutes)
The Island Sheet
Contact parent for ideas or help: phone,
email, note home.
Contract with student which may involve
parents and/or other teachers, counselors
or others that may be useful in helping.
Conference
Time Out Room
Citizenship, Behavior, Discipline, and Expectations
Sixty percent of a grade shall be based on formative activities such as class
work, daily class participation and skill demonstration. Forty percent of a grade
shall be based on summative activities such as major projects and concerts.
Formative activities (60%):
-reading and Ear-Training Assessments (10%)
-Evaluation (10%)
Summative activities (40%)
Please review our school’s grading policy regarding missing and late
assignments.
** Note: This grade is not determined by inherent musical ability, but rather by the
effort put forth in class to develop their skills and become a better
musician.
Modifications: Projects and coursework will be modified as appropriate to meet the
needs of students at various levels of cognitive and physical ability.
Grading
Volunteer Checklist (check those in which you may be interested)
A successful choral program depends on, among other things, strong parent support. Here
are ways to contribute:
Attending concerts is fundamental, and cannot be understated. When parents make the
concerts a priority to attend, the students learn that what they have to offer – their
talents, gifts and hard work – is of a fundamental value to others, their school and their
community.
Accompaniment: Participating in performances by accompanying on piano, guitar, drum,
flute, etc. (Which instrument/s are you comfortable in accompanying?
(_______________________________________________________________)
Choir Hosts: Help supervise and sit with choirs before and during concerts and festivals.
Chaperone: Be a chaperone on one or more of various field trips/festivals, including on bus
rides.
Concert Production: Help set up or take down equipment and/or decorations before
and/or after concerts.
Interpretation: Help with our musical interpretation by sharing your expertise in
languages such as French, Italian, German, Hebrew, etc.
(Which language/s?________________________________________)
Be a guest speaker about some aspect of music and/or singing
Other: ____________________________________________________________________
Agreement Form
My child ______________________________ and I
have read through and understand the contents of the handbook.
___________________________________________________ ___________________