WFGMS Choir Department HandbookDirector: Hannah Espinoza

Cell Phone Number: 940-632-8540

Email: hespinoza@ipcisd.net

Welcome!

Parents and Students,

Hello! I am so excited to welcome you to the choir program here in Iowa Park. You have chosen to be part of an organization that can offer you many opportunities for growth and provide experiences in music that you will remember for a lifetime.

Following a successful school year, the Iowa Park Choir Department is destined for more great things this next school year. I am excited to have the opportunity to help shape the lives of our students musically as well as in their transition from boys and girls to promising young men and women.

The Iowa Park choirs have received much acclaim throughout the years and I know that they will continue their tradition of excellence this year.

This handout is designed to introduce you to the Iowa Park Choir Department and answer as many questions as possible. I know that parental support and involvement in the choir program is the greatest asset a program can have.  I look forward to working with you to help further the goals of our students and the Iowa Park Choir Department.

Please feel free to contact via phone or email at the above referenced numbers if you have any questions or concerns. I am excited to work with you and look forward to many enriching experiences throughout the year.

With much expectancy and excitement,Hannah Espinoza

Student Music TEKS

As aligned with the state of Texas, students will be expected to learn the following:

The students will learn the, “Four basic strands–foundations: music literacy; creative expression; historical

and cultural relevance; and critical evaluation and response– provide broad, unifying structures for organizing

the knowledge and skills students are expected to acquire. The foundation of music literacy is fostered

through reading, writing, reproducing, and creating music, thus developing a student’s intellect. Through

creative expression, students apply their music literacy and the critical-thinking skills of music to sing, play,

read, write, and/or move. By experiencing musical periods and styles, students will understand the relevance

of music to history, culture, and the world, including the relationship of music to other academic disciplines

and the vocational possibilities offered. Through critical listening, students analyze, evaluate, and respond to

music, developing criteria for making critical judgments and informed choices.”

Students will lean the foundations throughout their choral experience. My job is to incorporate these

experiences and make them relevant to our students today.

Choir Environment and Learning

As well as learning the foundations, students will also be challenged and stretched with opportunities to learn

leadership and what it means to be a respectful citizen. Choir is more than just singing; I am looking to

develop well rounded, and positive individuals.

My goal as the director is to provide a SAFE and enriching environment in the choir room. This is another

home for each of my students. There will be no judging of anyone. How can one find their voice if they are too

scared to use it? The choir room is a safe place for all to explore the possibilities of their unique, and individual

voice.

Student Participation Expectation

Choir In Class Grading System:

Typically, there will be a weekly evaluation grade along with any assignments given by the teacher.

Evaluations and assignments can differ from choir to choir. All students are expected to complete in class and

out of class assignments. Out of class assignments will be VERY limited throughout the year.

Concerts and Required Events:

Concerts and required events count as a major test grade of 100. An unexcused absence from a required

activity will result in a makeup assignment. Should the assignment not be completed, the assignment

will result in a failing grade. Arriving late, leaving early, being disruptive, or not wearing concert attire will

result in lowering the test grade by 5 points for each offense.

Additional Rehearsals and Activities:

There will be some occasions where extra rehearsals are needed and called for. In fact, extra rehearsals are

not only allowed, but required due curriculum descriptions. Students will receive ample notice of extra

rehearsals outside of the regular class time. These extra rehearsals are vital to the success of the choral

program and an unexcused absence will lower the student’s grade. If there is a conflict with another

school activity, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the sponsors/teachers/coaches involved. The

teachers will then work together to determine the student’s obligation.

Concert Attendance:

Concerts are the final evaluation of weeks of preparation and in-class work. Choir members are REQUIRED

to be at all concerts and to be present the ENTIRE TIME of the concert. Absences and tardies will be excused

for cases of severe medical emergencies or a death in the family. Students are responsible for keeping up

with dates and times of concerts. Directors must receive a notification (handwritten note, phone call or

email) of the excused absence. Any prior notification is appreciated. Emergencies do not include lack of

transportation, work, doctor appointments, nonschool athletic events, parties or birthdays.

Classroom Expectations

1. Be  Punctual- Being punctual means to do something at the specified time. Class starts as soon as the bell rings. The expectation is that everyone is already seated, music in order, waiting for the director to come to the front. Arrival on time at concert is also expected.

2. Be Prepared- Being prepared means that the student must have all the materials required for rehearsal. Every student is expected to have their choir folder/notebook, their music, and a pencil with them at all times. If a student is without any of these items, a point will be taken from their daily grade.

3. Be Respectful- Being respectful encompasses many things. Students are expected to pay attention during rehearsal, raise their hand when a question arises, not talk with the director is talking, not be on their cell phone during rehearsal and more. Being respectful does not only mean being respectful to the director. Students are expected to be respectful to themselves and their peers in the classroom. We are a family, and we will be respectful of one’s feelings, items, and well-being in the choir classroom.

4. Be Positive- Being positive means to find the good in everything. Music is all about making mistakes and correcting/learning from them. We will have days that we struggle through music. Students will have days where they are not in the mood to work. However, students are expected to have a positive attitude in the classroom.

Classroom Procedures

1. Enter class and get materials ready for the rehearsal.  

2. Leave ALL backpacks, books, homework, purses, etc. in the designated area. DO NOT bring them to the risers or seats. Put all cell phones in the cell phone holder located by the door.

3. Make sure to check the board for rehearsal announcements and order of events.

4. Read and complete worksheet in folder if there is one before the bell rings.

5. As soon as the bell rings, look up and watch the director.

6. Follow group warm-up procedure. Do not be a distraction as we do move quickly!

7. Listen to announcements (if any). This would be an appropriate time to raise your hand if you have a question.

8. Formal rehearsal begins: After downbeat, start and stop exactly with the director. No exceptions; waste no unnecessary time. Chatting and speaking out of turn are not permitted after the directors’ cutoff; this behavior affects our rehearsal time. Don’t worry, you WILL get time talk when the director advises it is appropriate.

9. Stay in your places until the director dismisses you. The bell does not dismiss you, the director does. If you leave, you could miss out on any last minute information or last minute questions about rehearsal.

Misconduct Consequences

Personal Consequences:  Wrong choices interfere with others’ learning.  They hurt you and everyone in the class.  Should a wrong choice be made, you must accept the following consequences:

Middle School Conduct (Work Habit) Grade reflects the students’ conduct as well as the academic grade.  

● 1st time: Eye Contact and/or verbal warning.● 2nd time: Verbal Warning and will serve as a final warning before being asked to step off the risers.● 3rd time: Student will be asked to step off the risers and sit outside the classroom in the rest area for

10 minutes. They will then either change their attitude and join us again, or they will be issued a write up. There will be a teacher student discussion after class, and if necessary, a phone call or email sent to the parent.

● 4th time:  Office Referral and Mrs. Biddy will handle from there.

NOTE:  If a problem regularly in a six weeks grading period, then step four will automatically be enforced.

Other Consequences:  Any behavior (running, pushing, horseplay, wrestling, fighting, hitting other students, etc.), which endangers the safety of students or equipment, will be subject to an immediate parent phone call and/or referral to the office. Any serious offense, such as defiance or fighting, will result in an immediate office referral. The Choral Director views these behaviors as serious infractions that have no place in the choir room.  This is to protect you and our equipment. Even friendly horseplay can result in broken equipment and costly repairs.

Successful performing ensembles require self-discipline and commitment from their members.   Students who repeatedly make choices damaging to our ensemble will be considered for removal from the choir program.

ISS/AEP

ISS Policy:  Being a choir member demands the best conduct, character and citizenship in the school.  In School Suspension (ISS) in any Iowa Park School is reserved for only the most severe breaches of these values.

● In the event that a student is placed in ISS, they will not be permitted to participate in extra-curricular activities and other outside festivals/concerts the duration of that placement.

● If a student has been placed in ISS 2 times in the school year, that student will be ineligible to participate in any off-campus extra-curricular activities.  

● If a student is in ISS more than 3 times in a year, that student may be removed from choir until their status is re-evaluated following one semester.  

AEP Placement:  Students assigned to AEP will not be eligible to participate in choir activities for 14 calendar days following their completion of the AEP placement.   The Choral Director has the final decision whether the student can attend extra-curricular activities or remain in choir. If a student ends up in AEP, they will placed in a choir level below where they started. Being in choir levels is a privilege, not a right. They must earn back their spot by exemplifying better behavior and an awareness of their previous offense.

TMEA Contests Eligibility

The rule for eligibility is as follows:

Eligibility for participation is defined in the Texas Education Code as “No Pass, No Play.” A student must maintain a passing grade of 70 or above in ALL classes to perform, compete, or participate in UIL competitions, or other extra-curricular activities. When a student is ineligible, they are not allowed to participate in most choir activities. Trips and rewards are not allowed and all fees/costs are NOT refundable. However, CONCERTS are considered co-curricular and ARE ALLOWED whether a student is passing or failing in any class.

Choir Department Choirs

Choir 1 (6 th grade boys and girls):

Students in this group have never been in a WFGMS choir before. They have no experience in reading music, part singing, or sight-reading. In this choir, students will learn the basics of choir: how to sing properly, how to sing in parts, how to read music, how to write music and so much more. Students will be challenged and introduced to the exciting world of being in a choir setting.

Choir 2 (Auditioned 7 th and 8 th grade boys and girls): Students in this group have not had the opportunity to take choir at WFGMS or they are students who need just a little bit more one of one work. They will be learning and reviewing the basics of music. They will learn at a much faster speed than choir one and will be more challenged in their choir selections. Students will get specified learning opportunities and will be free to ask questions as we explore and grow for next year.

Choir 3 (Auditioned 7 th and 8 th grade boys and girls): Students in this group have had at least 1 year experience in the WFGMS choir department. These students know how to read music and already understand the basics of choral singing. Students will be singing challenging repertoire, and will be singing in multiple parts. Students know how to sightread, and will participate in the UIL concert and sightreading competition during the year. They will also be convinced to participate in the TMEA all region auditions and UIL Solo and Ensemble competition.

A student goal must always be to go up to the next choir throughout their years at WFGMS. If one student is put in choir 2 coming from choir 1 that DOES NOT mean they cannot sing. It simply means they need just a bit more work. The smaller and slow paced setting will help them accomplish what they need to, to advance to choir 3 next year. And the end of each year, the director will hold choir auditions where each student will perform individually to be placed in a choir the following year. In order to be placed in the next choir, students will have to perform to the best of their ability. More information as it gets closer.

Choir Concert Attire

Casual Concert Attire:

Students will be asked to wear their choir t-shirt with blue jeans (no holes and school appropriate) and shoes (no sandals; TOMS, Bobs, Converse are okay!)

All students need to purchase BLACK DRESS PANTS for certain performances. Please get these as soon as possible. They will be required for certain performances.

Formal Concert Attire:

In Choir 1, the students will be addressed what to wear for the formal concert.

In Choirs 2 and 3 students will be asked to wear their formal concert uniform attire. This will be worn for Region concert, Christmas Concert and UIL Concert and Sightreading.

Hair and Jewelry:

Each choir will pick a hairstyle for the girls. They will be required to wear their hair according to what they choose. This is to bring a sense of unity to the choir while looking very uniform. The only jewelry allowed will be small stud earrings. No necklaces. No bracelets. No dangling earrings. These pieces are too distracting and can take away from a choir performance in a flash.

Fundraising

Each fundraiser will be for a specific reason: uniforms, choir trips, choir fees, etc. It is important that students participate in these events to help further the program and to allow students the opportunity to attend all trips and fun times that lie ahead!

Some fundraisers that may happen:School DancesWFGMS Home Game Concession StandChoir Clothing ApparelLollipopsAnd more TBA

Private Lessons

I STRONGLY encourage my students to take private vocal lessons if at all possible. I will try to accommodate and work with all of my students, but sometimes that one on one time does not get to happen. Private lessons help students learn how to practice, gives them time to develop their voice, and teaches many musical concepts needed for the choral classroom. If you have a student who is interested, please let me know! I currently teach at the Academy at First Baptist of Wichita Falls. We can get your child set up quickly! I trust every instructor there. Let me know if you’re interested and if you have any further questions please contact me.

Choir Calendar 2019-202020(Subject to change)

Date: Event: Where and Who:

August 12th and 13th Orientation and Region Music Pick Up

Any 7th and 8th grade student wanting to participate in TMEA All Region Choir Auditions, come and get your music at the WFGMS Choir Hall for $10. Any 6th grade student, please come get a copy of the forms to be signed and brought back.

August 15th Parent Cookie Social/Meeting 6:30 pm- 7:30 pm at the WFGMS Cafeteria. Important information, calendar, t-shirts, and more will be presented!

August 16th Choir 3 Big/Little Choir Party-STUDENT AND PARENT LED

Parents will be in charge of taking students to wichita at the mall, eating with their child and their “Little”. Usually lasts from 6:00-9:00. This is a get to know you introduction outing. Mrs. E will NOT be there.

September 6th Choir T-Shirt Money DUE All STUDENT shirts will cost $10. Every student needs to purchase one for their casual concert attire.

September 14th TMEA Sign-ups and Money DUE Sign up to participate in All Region Auditions and $15 is DUE.

September 20th Ride in Homecoming Parade For a participation grade, students will either ride the Choir float or participate in the parade. Students are asked to either dress in the theme or choir shirts.

September 21st 1st Performance at Whoop-T-Do All Choirs will perform for their first test grade. Students will wear either choir shirts, or hawk apparel. Choir 1 will sing at 9:30 AM. Choir 2 will sing around 9:40. Choir 3 will sing around 9:50.

September 21st TMEA Region Music Clinic WFHS will be putting on an all day, from 12:00-4:00, clinic for any student that is wanting help on the All Region music.

September 28th All Region Clinic Students that would like to work one last time on the All Region music with Mrs. Espinoza will be welcome to practice at the choir hall from 1-4.

October 5th All Region Auditions We will leave for auditions at Brownwood HS early in the morning. It will be an all day event. Students are asked to bring meal money for the day.

October 11th Choir 2 Get to Know Party Students will be invited to stick around after school for group building games and snacks. It’ll be from 4:00-5:00. Students need to bring their own snacks and drinks and it will be held in the Choir Hall.

October 25th Choir 3 Halloween Party. Information TBD by the officers of Choir 3.

October 31st In Class Halloween Party Choirs 1 and 2 officers will plan an in class party. Information TBD.

November 1st Christmas Magic Performance Choir 3 will perform at Christmas Magic during the school day. Times and information will be announced closer to the date.

November 2nd All Region Clinic and Concert Students who place in the All Region Choirs will get to perform in an all day clinic and concert at our Iowa Park High School

Auditorium. More information to follow.

December 9th Christmas Concert Dress Rehearsal

Rehearsal at IPHS Auditorium. Choir 1 will rehearse from 4:30-4:45. Choir 2 will rehearse from 4:45-5:00. Choir 3 will rehearse from 5:00-5:15. This will count as a participation grade.

December 10th WFGMS Choir Christmas Concert Concert will be a formal event. Concert will begin at 6:30 and students need to arrive at 6:00. The concert will end at 7:30.

February 22nd UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest Students that pay $10 to participate will get to perform at WFHS. More information to follow.

April 4th UIL Choirs All Day Clinic with a guest Clinician

At WFGMS Choir Hall and will count as a participation grade. The clinic will start at 9:00 AM - 3:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.

April 14th UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest

More information TBA as the date approaches.

April 24th Choir 3 Hurricane Harbor Festival TBA as the date approaches.

May 4th Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal Rehearsal at IPHS Auditorium. Choir 1 will rehearse from 4:30-4:45. Choir 2 will rehearse from 4:45-5:00. Choir 3 will rehearse from 5:00-5:15. This will count as a participation grade.

May 5th WFGMS Spring Concert 6:30-7:30 at IPHS Auditorium. Same criteria as Christmas Concert.

May 8th Tentative date for the End of Year Banquet for all WFGMS Choirs

More information to be determined by our Choir Boosters.

This is a tentative schedule for the year. There may be some extra events planned, but these are the big events! If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Espinoza whenever you would like. Here’s to a great and full year.