McMEANS JUNIOR HIGH CHOIR

STEVE KALKE, DIRECTOR

BOBCAT CHOIR PROGRAM HANDBOOK

2014-2015

21000 WESTHEIMER PARKWAYKATY, TX 77450

CHOIR PHONE: 281.237.8047SCHOOL FAX: 281.644.1660JAMESSKALKE@KATYISD.ORG

Welcome to the McMeans Junior High Choir!!

You are now part of a quality choral program! Membership in this program provides many privileges and opportunities for choir students as well as responsibilities and expectations. This Choir Handbook is for reference throughout the school year. Each choir student will receive a handbook. Please review each section as it contains critical and timely information.

There are important forms at the end of the handbook that require signatures from both parent and student. These forms should be returned to the choir office by the due date specified.

Our Program Objectives are... …to develop individual potential in the use of music as a means of self-expression and communication. ...to learn vocal technique and how to apply its use to a wide variety of repertoire. ...to learn to use the solfege system of sight-reading as well as basic music history relevant to the music prepared for concert....to offer the opportunity to perform as an individual, in small ensembles, and as a full chorus. ...to provide one of the most enjoyable activities of the junior high experience.

Commitment to the Choir Schedule: Choir activities are group events that require the participation of all students. Like spokes on a wheel, each student is important to the group. Rehearsing or performing with missing choir members is comparable to playing the piano with missing keys. For this reason, curricular performances and section rehearsals are graded events and require mandatory attendance from each student (refer to section on Grading System).

Conflicting Activities: According to the current school calendar, there are very few conflicts between choir and other McMeans events. However, calendars can change. When there are two school events scheduled at the same time, the student must notify the Choir Director at least a week prior to the event in writing before the conflicting school activity.

Choir concerts are graded events, and as such, a concert takes first priority over extra-curricular activities. A non-school activity is not a valid excuse for missing a choral program or contest. Students are expected to stay until the end of all choir concerts. Please notify your other coaches and teachers (dance, piano, voice, team sports, etc.) of your choir schedule. If there is a conflict with another school activity, the choir Director will work to resolve the issue with the other teacher/coach. Please read the detailed information on page 5.

Any conflict must be submitted to the Director in writing by a parent as soon as a conflict is evident, at least one full week prior to the event. Communication must include a working phone number and/or email. I am very excited about this coming year. Please save the contact information below and bookmark the following websites. Websites remain updated so that you can answer questions with the click of a mouse.

Finances, Form tracking, Uniforms: www.charmsoffice.com Teacherweb: TBA Choir Wiki: www.mmjhchoir.pbworks.com Steve Kalke: JamesSKalke@katyisd.org ph # 281.237.8047

Please note that I will send forms home via email. To facilitate this, please be sure to provide us with a working email that you check daily.

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CHOIR CLASS STRUCTURE

6 th grade choir

Students in 6th grade are placed in this choir, regardless of experience. All 6th grade students are placed in the same class. This is a training choir for 7th grade choir. No prior knowledge is necessary for this group, and we introduce choral singing step by step, emphasizing the importance of vocal health. This group performs in concerts and contests throughout the year.

Junior Varsity Treble Choir

The Junior Varsity Treble Choir is an advanced performing group composed of 7th grade girls that have successfully participated in 6th

grade choir or beginning 7th & 8th grade girls. This class moves at a moderate pace, and participates in concerts and contest throughout the year. This class is a training choir for the Varsity Treble Choir. This class may perform for invitations received by the choir department.

Tenor-Bass Choir

The Tenor -Bass Choir is an advanced performing group composed of 7th & 8th grade boys. This class is for experienced singers and for beginners. This class focuses on the needs of the changing voice. Tenor-Bass Choir a training choir for high school, and Tenor-Bass Choir, combined with the Varsity Treble Choir, also serves as the public face of the Choir Department. This class participates in pep rallies and the music elementary tour. This class may perform for invitations received by the choir department.

Varsity Treble Choir

The Varsity Treble Choir is advanced performing group composed of 8th grade girls that have successfully participated in 6th and 7th grade choir. This class moves at a fast pace, and participates in concerts and contests throughout the year. This class is a training choir for high school, and, combined with the Tenor-Bass Choir, Varsity Treble Choir also serves as the public face of the Choir Department. This class participates in pep rallies and the music

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elementary tour. This class may perform for invitations received by the choir department.

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CLASSROOM GUIDELINES Respect everyone and everything all the time. Follow directions the first time they are given. Think before you speak.

o Is it kind?o Is it important?o Is it relevant?

Play on our team, not against it.o We are a team, and everyone is important on that team. Do your best to

support your team and your teammates. Be Ready and Set so we can GO!

o Have your supplies and be in your assigned seat by the bell so that we can make the most of our time together.

Consequences 1st offense: Verbal Warning, student conference, and entry on discipline long form 2nd offense: Verbal Warning, student conference, parent contact, and entry on

discipline long form 3rd offense: Verbal Warning, student conference, parent contact, teacher detention,

and entry on discipline long form 4th offense: Verbal Warning, student conference, parent contact, entry on discipline

long form and office referral

Students may not chew gum at any time in the choir room or on a choir sponsored event. Gum is a choking hazard, and students will receive immediate detention for having gum in the choir room or in a choir sponsored event.

Continual disruption, inappropriate behavior, defiance of authority, or other disregard for school or choir guidelines and policies could result in a parent conference and removal from field trips, social events, or, in extreme cases, the choir program.

ATTENDANCE & GRADING POLICYChoir is a performance-based class. Students earn grades by performing in rehearsals as well as concerts. Students will earn grades in the following areas.

1. Major Grades - Concerts/Performances/Tests 50%This includes all school performances, written tests, and clinics with a hired clinician.

2. Minor Grades - Weekly Participation 35%This includes attendance in class with all necessary materials.

3. Other Grades - Worksheets and/or singing tests over prepared sight reading 15%This includes sight reading orally in class as well as taped exercises. This also includes weekly written theory assignments.

Grades are based on the following scale.

95-100 Student actively participates in class; has a positive attitude; is prepared for and on time to class every day; attempts all work; actions contribute greatly to rehearsal.

94-90 Student actively participates in class; has a good attitude; is prepared for and on time to class every day; attempts most work; actions contribute positively to rehearsal.

80-89 Student sometimes participates in class; has a fair attitude; is sometimes prepared for class; attempts some work; actions do not contribute to rehearsal.

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79-70 Student rarely participates in class; has a poor attitude; is not prepared for class; does not often attempt work; actions detract from rehearsal.

69 and below Student conduct in question; student progress in question; attitude is poor.

Students with excessive unexcused absences from school may be precluded from participating in choir events. This is evaluated on a case by case basis and consequences are determined by the choir Director and school administrators.

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CHOIR CONCERTSAll students in the choir program are required to attend scheduled concerts as listed on the calendar on page 16. Students are given 3 grades as detailed below.

1.Attendance – Major gradea. Students are expected to be punctual and are required to

remain until the concert’s conclusion. Points are deducted for tardiness and for leaving early. If early dismissal is needed, special permission must be obtained from the Choir Director prior to the day of the concert.

i. To obtain permission, parents must submit the request in writing (email is fine) detailing the reason for the request at least one week prior to the event. Non-School conflicts will NOT be excused.

ii. Students can be excused from a required event after contact between the parent and director has occurred. In the event that an excused absence is approved, an alternate assignment is issued (please see page 3 for instructions).

b. An unexcused absence from a required performance may result in the suspension of that student from any other extra-curricular choir activities for the remainder of the school year. The student’s choir grade will also be affected. The choir Director and principal will be responsible for making this determination.

c. An unexcused absence from a concert is made up with a written assignment, for which a student can receive a maximum of a 70. Failure to complete the assignment will result in a zero.

2.Uniform – Minor grade – students must be in complete uniform. Points are deducted for missing elements of the uniform, and these students may or may not be allowed to perform with the group. Grade is exempted in the event of an absence from a concert.

3.Etiquette – Minor grade – includes appropriate stage deportment and audience etiquette. Points are deducted for misbehaviors and inappropriate deportment or etiquette. Grade is exempted in the event of an absence from a concert.

Quoted from page 3: Choir concerts are graded event, and as such, a concert takes first priority over extra-curricular activities. A non-school activity is not a valid excuse for missing a choral

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program or contest. Students are expected to stay until the end of all choir concerts. Please notify your other coaches and teachers (dance, piano, voice, team sports, etc.) of your choir schedule. If there is a conflict with another school activity, the Choir Director will work to solve the issue with the other teacher/coach.

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SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS

Pencil: required in class every dayFolder: for music and papers

(provided by Director) – students must keep binders neat and in good working order. If binders deteriorate, new ones can be purchased from the choir office.

Uniform: includes McMeans Spirit shirt;

Detailed information about uniforms follows.

UNIFORMS

The McMeans Choir Spirit Shirt is the official choir shirt and is worn during in-school events and off-campus trips. All McMeans choir students are required to have one; this cost is included in the $50 choir fee. This t-shirt will be worn with blue jeans without holes. Jeans should be full length.

A more formal uniform (described below) is for concerts and contests. A cleaning fee is assessed for all 7th& 8th

grade uniforms. Payment is required for damaged/lost uniforms.

6th Grade Choir MembersStudent will wear the Choir polo shirt with khaki dress pants or a long khaki skirt (below the knees), black, flat, closed toed shoes, and black socks or stockings. Long hair should be pulled up and away from the face. No jewelry is to be worn.

7th and 8th Grade Varsity Boys Choir Student will wear the choir issued vest and bow tie with a white tuxedo shirt– purchased through the choir department, black dress slacks, black dress shoes, and black socks. The vests and bow ties are loaned from the choral department. Students will sign them out and return them at the end of the year.

Varsity and JV Girls Choir Members Girls will wear a choir issued formal dress. Black shoes (flat, close-toed shoes) and black stockings. Long hair is to be pulled up and away from the face. No jewelry is to be worn. Choir dresses are on loan and students will return them at the end of the year.

Failure to return uniforms will result in assessment of a uniform replacement fee.

CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS

During the school year, the choirs will participate in several competitions. These contests serve a number of purposes. They are an evaluation tool, and a reflection of the students’ progress. They also provide feedback on our vocal training by independent professionals, and give the students opportunities to succeed in different environments. These events also promote friendship and team building.

Choirs compete in Solo & Ensemble, District Region Honor Choir Auditions, UIL and Katy 6th Grade Festivals, among other contests.

Students may be required to audition prior to UIL Contest to determine eligibility to participate in the contest beyond academic eligibility.

T.M.E.A. ALL REGION CHOIRAUDITIONS

All 7th & 8th grade students are encouraged to audition for the Texas Music Educators Region 23 Honor Choir. Students learn audition music in class, which might be performed in a school concert. Singing that same music in the audition process will strengthen singers individually and the school choir overall.

It is a great honor to be chosen to sing as a member of the Region 23 Honor Choirs. If you are selected for one of the Region Honor Choirs you will be given additional music and will perform with other students from around the greater Houston area.

Members of the Honor Choir are invited to attend the All-Region weekend complete with pizza party the night before the concert.

PRIVATE LESSONS

The McMeans Choir does not have a private lesson program. If you are interested in private voice lessons for your child, we can provide you with a list of names and phone numbers and some

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thoughts on how to select the right teacher for your child.

*ELIGIBILITY*

According to the KISD Student Handbook, “A student shall be suspended from participation in all extra-curricular activities sponsored or sanctioned by the school district during the six-week period following a grade reporting period in which the student received a grade lower than seventy (70) in any class on their report card. Students who were eligible shall not lose eligibility until 7 calendar days after the end of the grading period.”

Events affected by this state ruling would include:

Any choir contest where ratings are awarded, both individual and group;

Any choir performance associated with an award; Any choir field trips or off campus concerts or

competitions. Any event for which there is an admission fee.

To regain eligibility, ineligible students must wait seven calendar days after a three-week evaluation period, and/or grading period, whichever comes first, in which the student has made a grade of seventy or above in all classes.

**please note that the choir department will not issue refunds for events missed due to eligibility.

For further information you can consult the UIL/TEA Side by Side online:

www.uil.utexas.edu/policy/side_by_side.html

MEDICAL AND TRAVEL FORMS10

The school district requires that each student traveling with the choir have on file Medical and Travel Forms. These forms are included in the packet with this handbook. Both must be returned to the Director with the other required forms immediately.

We take these forms with us on all choir trips.

TRAVEL

All normal travel is handled by Katy ISD transportation. Special Charter may handle special trips. All forms MUST be on file before any student may travel with the choir.

(These forms may all be found at the back of the handbook and on our teacherweb)

The Choir travels for various events, including, but not limited to: Solo & Ensemble Contest, Elementary School Recruitment Day tour, Pre-UIL, UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, Region Choir Auditions, and Region Choir Clinic/Concert, and Katy Choral Festival.

A detailed schedule will be published prior to each event.

All school rules and regulations apply to all field trips. We will strictly adhere to all discipline procedures on all school sponsored trips.

Please also note: The Choir Director may not, under any circumstances, drive your child home.

In the interest of your child’s safety, if a child is not picked up within 15 minutes of the scheduled and published time we will contact the Katy ISD Police or whoever has jurisdiction.

CHOIR CODE OF CONDUCT

The success of all choir classes is determined by individual and group efforts. The discipline required to achieve this success must be of the highest standard. Proper student behavior is expected at all times. One student’s poor conduct affects the entire class, and it will not be tolerated.

Continual disruption, inappropriate behavior, defiance of authority, or other disregard for school or choir guidelines and policies by a McMeans Choir member during rehearsals, choir functions, or trips may result in the suspension of that individual from extra-curricular choir activities for the remainder of the school year, and possible dismissal from the choir program. The Director reserves the right to make these decisions.

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WEB PAGE INFORMATIONThe Choir department uses several different online avenues to communicate ongoing

information.

Please check these websites before contacting the Director.

Why would I use Charms?

To see your child’s financial account and determine whether or not he/she has made certain payments

To see if your child has turned in required forms

To access any recordings that will be required to complete any homework assignments To see a calendar of events

To check on uniform status

How do I access Charms?

Go to: www.charmsoffice.com Locate the PARENT/STUDENT LOGIN

section of the web page Login to the site with: mcmeansjhc

o On this page, parents may link to the choir teacherweb, email teachers, and view the public calendar

Enter your student’s password. This is your child’s student ID the first time that you login.

ON FIRST LOGIN: Select the Student Information button and fill in all pertinent

information.

Why would I need to see my school email?

All emails (which include all the permission slips) that are sent to the parents are also sent to the students.

How do I access my school email?• Go to www.email.katyisd.org• Enter your school ID and your password (the same as your log in at school) Your student email is yourstudentID@students.katyisd.org (for example: Q1111111@students.katyisd.org

Why would I use the Teacherweb?

• To download forms• To download informational letters sent home prior to events• To see a calendar of events• To find contact information for the Director• To find important internet links for ordering miscellaneous things throughout the year• To see photos, etc. From Choir events• To find useful links

How do I navigate to the Teacherweb?

• Go to: www.katyisd.org• Locate and select the CAMPUSES link (to the left hand-side of the page)• Locate and select JUNIOR HIGH CAMPUSES• Locate and select MCMEANS JUNIOR HIGH• Locate and select TEACHERWEB• Locate and select FINE ARTS• Locate and select CHOIR

Why would I use the Choir Wiki?

To see Choir Announcements To download forms To download informational letters sent home

prior to events To find contact information for the Director

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To find important internet links for ordering miscellaneous things throughout the year

To see photos, etc. From Choir eventTo find useful links

How do I navigate to the Choir Wiki?

Go to: www.mmjhchoir.pbworks.com

On the right hand side of the page select “Request Access”

Type in the email address which you would like the choir to use to contact you regularly.

If your email doesn’t indicate your name, please type your first and last name (and which student is yours) in the “message” section.

Your request will then be approved by a wiki administrator. You will receive notification when this is complete.

CHOIR PATRON PROGRAMThe McMeans Choir is only as strong as the support that bolsters it. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to support the McMeans Junior High School Choir Program.

Supporting the MMJH Choir is investing the future success of our students. In eleven years, the choir program has received numerous UIL awards. MMJH Choir boasts successes at Katy Choral Festival and Blinn Choral Festival, also. The McMeans Junior High Choir Alumni continue their vocal and choral training at the Taylor High School, and maintain the record of excellence that began at McMeans. The McMeans Junior High School Choir program is committed to providing a quality music education.

Patrons at the Gold level and higher receive advertising space in our Concert Program. Our choirs perform four formal concerts a year for audiences of up to 500 at McMeans Junior High and up to 900 at the Performing Arts Centers of Taylor High School. We would love for your ad (we welcome coupons) to appear in our program.

How are contributions used?

Providing professional musicians for our choirs to perform with including accompanists and other musicians.

Purchasing the highest quality music available. Providing scholarships for those students that wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in contests and

competitions. Choreography which heightens the performance experience. Publicity which allows our students to be seen in the community. Additional Choral Festivals and competitions.

YOUR Patron donation creates these opportunities for the students.

Help our students learn, grow, stretch their boundaries, all while having fun! Help our students stay busy and focused, preparing them for high school, university study, and life

commitments.o Choir students are provided with the opportunity to compete and showcase their talent at the

Region 23 Honor Choir auditions and Clinic & Concert.o Choir students have the opportunity to perform Solos for judges and receive awards.o Choir students have up to 12 opportunities for performances throughout the year.

Your tax deductible contribution provides quality educational experiences for students. Patrons at the Silver level and higher are provided with reserved seating for all major performances. Patrons at the Gold level and higher will be provided with premium seating for all performances.

Thank you for your support of the McMeans Junior High School Choir Program. Your generosity provides opportunities for students that they would otherwise not have!

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Note: Community businesses are eager to donate to local organizations! Contact your favorite gym, restaurant, entrepreneur, dance studio, etc. to see if they are interested in making a donation!!

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McMeans Choir FeesBelow is a breakdown and explanation of the choir’s required fees.

REQUIRED OF ALL STUDENTS UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

Supplies: $50.00 – Due on or before September 5, 2012

Cost includes: Choir Spirit Shirt, necessary rehearsal CDs, accompanist cost for concerts and rehearsals, required fees and all required activities, in-class socials/parties, sheet music.

Choir Polo Shirt: $25.00

Same design as the last two years. You do not have to purchase this if you already own one. This is the uniform shirt for 6th grade.

Choir Spirit Shirt: Included in Supplies Fee

This shirt will be new every year. It will be worn as our travel shirt, and every student must have one. Students will only receive their spirit shirts once their Supplies fee has been paid in full.

7th & 8th Grade Uniform Fee: $15.00

This cost includes --

Boys: tuxedo shirt and dry cleaning of the vests and bow-ties

Girls: the fee includes professional hemming and dry cleaning of the dresses for girls.

OPTIONAL ITEMS AVAILABLE:

Choir Hoodies - ($20)Another opportunity for students to show their bobcat pride. We will have a new design every 3 years. THIS is COMPLETELY OPTIONAL.

McMeans Choir Car Decal & McMeans Choir Yard Sign: Show your choir pride, and purchase a yard sign through the PTA.

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CHOIR SHIRT ORDERS:

This year, we are going even GREENER, and we are doing all shirt orders online. Please visit our choir wiki to find the link, or you can go directly to the link below

to access the order form for shirts.https://docs.google.com/a/katyisd.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dE81VUxJNHQ5WHc1Q1Nvc2lOUEJhUGc6MQ

Once you have placed your order online, please send in the payment stub from the end of the handbook and

return it with your payment.

Shirt Information:

Spirit Shirt -- Cost for this shirt is covered in the $50 Choir Fee. All students are required to have a spirit shirt. It will be worn at extra-curricular choir activities such as parties and trips for easy identification and to show choir spirit.

You may pay the $50 choir fee by check (payable to McMeans Junior High) or with cash. This fee is due with your shirt order.

Polo Shirt ($25) -- Worn thoughout the year for contests and auditions.6th grade choirs wear the polo shirt as part of their dress uniform.

You are also welcome to purchase extra shirts for other family members:

Spirit shirts are $10 each (add $3 per shirt for XXL or XXXL)

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Polo shirts are $25 each (add $3 per shirt for XXL or XXXL)

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McMeans Choir ActivitiesBelow is a breakdown and explanation of the choir events throughout the year. These events are

OPTIONAL.Please read this page carefully before signing up for events, as we are unable to offer refunds for students who cannot attend events due to ineligibility or family conflict. Unless otherwise noted,

transportation will not be provided for optional events.

6th grade: 7th & 8th grade:Fine Arts Swim Party

Fee: $6Date: Friday, September 5, 2015 4-6 PM**Fee Includes: Swimming, Pizza, and a drink

Fine Arts Swim Party

Fee: $6Date: Friday, September 5, 2015 4-6 PM**Fee Includes: Swimming, Pizza, and a drinkRegion Honor Choir Audtions: (∑)

Fee: $25.00Date: Saturday, October 11, 2014Fee includes: entry fee and musicRegion Honor Choir Weekend (if selected): (∑)

Fee: Covered by choir departmentDate: November 7th and 8th, 2014

Girls’ Night Out

Fee: $10.00Date: Friday, January 30, 2015

Girls’ Night Out

Fee: $10.00Date: Friday, January 30, 2015

Boys’ Night Out

Fee: $10.00Date: Friday, January 9th, 2015

Boys’ Night Out

Fee: $10.00Date: Friday, January 9th, 2015

Solo & Ensemble: (∑)

Solo Fee: $40.00Date: Saturday, March 21st, 2015**Fees include entry fees and accompanist fees

Solo & Ensemble: (∑)

Solo Fee: $40.00Date: Saturday, March 21st, 2015**Fees include entry fees and accompanist feesRockets Basketball Game(∑)Fee: $45.00Dates: TBA – probably February or MarchFee includes transportation TO the game, meal and student game ticket.***Please note that transportation is only provided TO the game. After students perform the National Anthem, they are released to parents (or approved adult) for the game. Parents will be able to purchase tickets at a later date from the choir Director. Transportation home WILL NOT be provided.

Astros Baseball Game(∑)Fee: $45.00Dates: TBA – probably mid-AprilFee includes transportation TO the game, meal and student game ticket.***Please note that transportation is only provided TO the game. After students perform the National Anthem, they are released to parents (or approved adult) for the game. Parents will be able to purchase tickets at a later date from the choir Director. Transportation home WILL NOT be provided.

Astros Baseball Game(∑)Fee: $45.00Dates: TBA – probably mid-AprilFee includes transportation TO the game, meal and student game ticket.***Please note that transportation is only provided TO the game. After students perform the National Anthem, they are released to parents (or approved adult) for the game. Parents will be able to purchase tickets at a later date from the choir Director. Transportation home WILL NOT be provided.

iTZ Music Fesitval (∑)Place: iTZ Family Fun CenterDate: May 7th, 2015.Fee: $25.00. Includes transportation, meal and fun center admissions. In order to be eligible to attend the Spring Trip students must attend all required performances throughout the year.

Spring Choir Trip: (∑)Place: Galveston – Schiltterbahn Water ParkDate: Saturday, May 2nd, 2015**Fee includes transportation, 2 meals, and park admissions.*In order to be eligible to attend the Spring Trip students must attend all required performances throughout the year – including UIL Concert & Sight Reading.

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End of Year Choir Party & Dance

Fee:$20.00Date: Friday, May 15th, 2015 6:30-9:30 PM**Fee includes admission and dinner

End of Year Choir Party & Dance

Fee:$20.00Date: Friday, May 15th, 2015 6:30-9:30 PM**Fee includes admission and dinner

∑ -DENOTES AN EVENT FOR WHICH ELIGIBILITY IS REQUIRED

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Volunteer OpportunitiesMission Statement:

The Volunteers of the MMJH Choir department work as a team of parents to help support the director(s) and students of the McMeans Junior High Choir through activities, fundraising and other opportunities as needed by the choir.

Parent support and participation are the lifeblood of our successful choir program at McMeans Junior High School. To facilitate choir activities we need volunteers to make it happen. Working on the team is a great way to get involved and share your special talents with the choir (or discover a talent you didn’t know you had!)

You can find the link on the choir wiki page, or you can input the link below directly into your browser. Thank you for your time and support of the McMeans Choir.

https://docs.google.com/a/katyisd.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFZrZUEyV014X19ndVB4RXZ6ZWpzV2c6MQ

If you have any questions, or would like to see a more detailed job description, please contact the choir office.

FINAL THOUGHTSI believe that choir is a seven year process that teaches discipline, responsibility, individual achievement, team spirit, and an appreciation for music that will continue throughout junior high, high school, and into adult life.

I believe that open communication between students, parents, and Director is critical in achieving our common goal of student success. If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I look forward to working with your child this year. Thank you for your support in your child’s musical endeavors.

Steve KalkeJamesSKalke@katyisd.org 281.237.8047

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McMeans Junior High Choir Activity Calendar 2014-2015

DATE ACTIVITY TIME LOCATION PARTICIPANTSAugust

28th Fine Arts Parent Mtg 6pm MMJH Choir Room Choir ParentsSeptembe

r

3rd All Handbook forms and Fees are DUE In Class MMJH Choir Room All Choirs

5th Fine Arts Swim Social 4 to 6 THS Natatorium All Choirs5th Tux Shirt/Dress Fitting In Class Choir Room 7th & 8th Choirs

17 Town Hall Pep Rally 5:30 MMJH Gym Varsity Choir & Tenor/Bass Choir

October2nd Fall Concert * 7pm MMJH Café All Choirs

11thAll-Region Choir

Auditions (∑) All Day Holub MS, Alief ISD 7th & 8th Grade

November7th TMEA Region Choir Clinic

(∑) 5-8:30 Cardiff JH Region Choir Members

8thTMEA Region Choir Clinc/Concert (∑) All Day ? Region Choir Members

11th Veteran's Day Program In School MMJH Varsity Choir & Tenor/Bass Choir

24th Fine Arts Elementary Concert

School Day

THS PAC Varsity Choir & Tenor/Bass Choir

December11th Winter Concert * 7pm THS PAC All Choirs12th Choir Pictures All Day Choir Room All Choirs

January9th Boys' Night Out 6-8pm Choir Room All Boys

30th Girls Night Out 6-8pm Choir Room All GirlsFebruary

25th Spring Concert * 7pm THS PAC All ChoirsMarch

3,4,5 UIL Concert/Sight Reading *' (∑) All Day ? 7th & 8th Grade

21st Solo and Ensemble (∑) All Day BDJH All Choirs23rd Katy Choral Festival (∑) All Day St. Peter's UMC 6th Grade ChoirsApril

29th 30th Pop Show Auditions 2:30-3:10 Choir Room All ChoirsMay

2nd Schiltterbahn Water Park (∑) All Day Galveston Schlitterbahn 7th & 8th Grade

7th iTZ Festival (∑) All Day iTZ 6 Grade Choirs

15thPop Show/End of Year

Party 6:30-9:30 MMJH Café All Choirs

TBA Rockets Game TBA Toyota Center Varstiy Choirs* Denotes a mandatory and graded event

(please refer to the section on attendance and grading on page 4

Failure to perform at UIL will make a student ineligible for the Spring Trip∑ -DENOTES AN EVENT FOR WHICH ELIGIBILITY IS REQUIRED

McMeans Junior High School Choir

Patron Program Information

PATRON NAME - as it will appear in program: (Please print legibly)

CONTACT INFORMATIONContact Name Street Address City/State Zip Code

Telephone Fax E-Mail Address

LEVEL OF CONTRIBUTION: (Circle One)

Platinum Diamond Gold Silver Copper Patron $500+ $250 $150 $100 $50 $25

Total Contribution: $ ______________

Will your company be matching your donation? (Circle One) Yes No Please complete MMJH Choir Matching Fund form which can be obtained from the MMJH Choir office

Is Your Company’s Matching Fund Paperwork attached (Circle one) Yes No

Please do not issue a plaque or certificate for my donation. I would like for it to be a further contribution to the choir.

Amount Enclosed: $________ Check No: __________

(Please do not enclose cash- Make checks to: McMeans Junior High Choir. Please ensure that this is a separate check from any other fees.)

All donations must be submitted to the choir office.

Mail to:McMeans Junior High Choir Department

21000 Westheimer ParkwayKaty, TX 77450

JamesSKalke@katyisd.org

Program Advertisements:Please see attached guidelines for program advertisements, which are available for donors contributing at the Gold, Diamond and Platinum levels. Please note that the same ad will run in every program for the year.

Ad attached: (Circle One) Yes No (If on disc please attach in PC Format)

Contact Person for Advertisement: ____________________________________________________

E-Mail address: ______________________________________ Phone: _______________________

McMeans Choir Fees –Remittance Page

Please remit this page with payment.

STUDENT NAME:_________________________________

Due on or before September 3, 2014

REQUIRED OF ALL STUDENTS UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED

_____Supplies: $50.00

Cost includes: Choir Spirit Shirt, necessary rehearsal CDs, accompanist cost for concerts and rehearsals, required fees and all required activities, in-class socials/parties, sheet music.

_____Choir Polo Shirt: $25.00

Same design as the last two years. You do not have to purchase this if you already ordered one or own one. This is the uniform shirt.

_____7th & 8th Grade Uniform Fee: $15.00

Boys: This cost includes the tuxedo shirt and dry cleaning of the vests and bow-ties

Girls: This cost includes professional hemming and dry cleaning of the dresses.

OPTIONAL ITEMS AVAILABLE:

_____McMeans Choir Hoodie: $20.00

_____Extra Spirit Shirt: $10.00

Office use only

Total amount Paid: _________

Check #:___________

Processed by: ___________

McMeans Junior High School ChoirHandbook and Calendar Acknowledgement

2014-2015

Please initial next to each item below to indicate your understanding of each:

Student Initials

Parent Initials

1. I have received an updated MMJH Choir Calendar for the 2014-2015 school year.

2. I understand that all choir concerts are graded and mandatory events. I commit to the dates on this calendar.

3. I understand that students who do not arrive to performances in complete uniform may not be allowed to perform. Students who do not perform for this reason will be graded accordingly.

4. I understand that I am responsible for informing the Director when conflicts arise that might prevent me from attending a required event. I also understand that the Director is obliged to inform me within a reasonable amount of time if additional events beyond the ones listed on the calendar must be scheduled.

5. I understand what constitutes an excused vs. an unexcused absence from required events.

6. I understand that I must be present for at least 4 class periods of the school day to attend an event on that same day outside of school hours.

7. I understand that my child must be picked up within 15 minutes of the published and scheduled time, and I further understand that the Director may call KISD police or whoever has jurisdiction.

8. I recognize the necessity of quality, daily practice in order to be successful as a musician, and I agree to fulfill my obligation to my peers within my ensemble by participating fully every day.

9. I understand the implications of academic eligibility and the consequences of my failure to maintain passing grades (70 or above) in all of my classes.

10. I understand the grading procedures that will be used for grading my progress.

11. I understand the materials I will need every day in class as outlined in the handbook.

12. I understand that the Director will value my input and should be the first point of contact whenever concerns involving the choir program arise.

13. I have read and understand the requirements for participation in any of the choir’s events off campus. I agree to abide by the guidelines as set forth.

14. I understand that there is a $50 choir fee associated with participation in this elective, and that my choir t-shirt is part of this fee. (please submit $50 for choir fee with this form)

15.7th & 8th graders ONLY: I understand that I am responsible for the uniform which I will be assigned and that it must be returned in good condition at the end of the school year. I further understand that if I move, I must return the uniform prior to my last day of school. I understand the fee associated with the uniform and that I will be responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged uniform. (please submit $15 for uniform fee with this form)

I have read the MMJH Choir Handbook, and I agree to abide by its expectations and policies.

Parent Name (please print legibly):_____________________________Parent’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: ____________Parent Email (Please print legibly): ________________________________________Student’s Signature: _________________________________Date: ____________

Student’s Name (please print): _________________________________________ Grade: ________ Period: ______

Parent’s Name (please print):__________________________________________