svhs choir handbook 2015-2016 -...

SmithsonValley

High School

Choir DepartmentStudent/Parent Handbook

2015-2016

Smithson Valley High School14001 Hwy 46 W

Spring Branch, TX 78070Choir Office: 830-885-1027

Joanna Thomasson, [email protected]

2014-2015 Smithson Valley High School Choir Handbook

mailto:[email protected]


Table of Contents

Who is Mrs. Thomasson...............................................................................................................................3

Welcome Letter.............................................................................................................................................4

What are the choirs offered at SVHS............................................................................................................5

Classroom expectations/daily procedures.................................................................................................6-7

Supplies/Classroom management................................................................................................................8

Choir Fee/Student Account/Uniforms............................................................................................................9

Attendance/Grading Policy..........................................................................................................................10

Private Voice Lessons.................................................................................................................................12

Student Choir Officers.................................................................................................................................12

Technology/Communications......................................................................................................................14

Booster Club...............................................................................................................................................15

TMEA Audition Process..............................................................................................................................15

Forms..........................................................................................................................................................17

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2015-2016 Smithson Valley High School Choir Handbook 2

Who is Mrs. Thomasson?I am a graduate of Baylor University-Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance (Sic ‘em Bears- 1993) and love to sing, read, workout, watch NetFlix, and spend time with my family. I was a private voice instructor for twelve years and have an expertise in training young and changing voices. I taught privately at Baylor, Austin ISD, Eanes ISD in Austin, New Braunfels ISD and have been involved in some incredible choral programs.

This is my tenth year teaching and my third year with Comal ISD. I have also taught in Seguin ISD, and New Braunfels ISD.Obviously because of my chosen profession, I love to sing. I sing all the time and everywhere I go. I LOVE karaoke!

I am the youngest of three and I come from a musical family. My dad is a retired music minister, and my mom is also an incredible singer and pianist. My brother and sister have wonderful singing/musical talent as well.

My pride and joy rests in my family: husband Chris Thomasson- Choir Director at New Braunfels High School, my daughter Meghan- student at Houston Baptist University as a music education major, my son Jordan- student at Tarleton State University. We currently reside in Canyon Lake, TX in a beautiful home with a view of the lake.

My favorite thing about teaching is witnessing my students become independent musicians as a result of the things taught in the classroom. I love watching my students’ face light up when they make beautiful harmonies together. My goal to create lifelong music enthusiasts. I am passionate about what I do and hopefully it will be infectious for my students. Thank you for the opportunity to share my passion with you!


Dear Smithson Valley High School Choir Members and Parents,

Welcome to the Smithson Valley HS Choir for the 2015-2016 school year! I am thrilled to begin another school year with the best students in Texas! The potential this choir program has to be among the elite in the state of Texas is insurmountable. That can be only attributed to the talented students, tireless work of the past directors, and the strong programs at SVMS and SBMS. I am honored to be working alongside the great directors in this district. I hope you are as excited as I am and ready to work hard to reach the full potential of SVHS contains. I am looking forward to growing not only the program, but my students into well-rounded, cultured individuals with integrity, a great work ethic, strong musicianship along with cultivating future leaders. My students will have the opportunity if they so choose, to become a stellar musician and a great leader.This handbook contains useful information for the 2014-2015 school year. I make a promise to provide both a positive and enriching experience for students and parents. Please read through the following information and feel free to contact me with any questions you might have. When you complete the forms packet, please return them to me, but keep the handbook for future reference. (Yes, it is for a grade!)

Thank you very much and I am looking forward to this school year!Joanna Thomasson, Choir [email protected]: www.rangerchoir.orgPhone: 830-885-1027Cell: 512-913-2939

Why sing? “A bird doesn’t sing because is has the answer. It sings because it has a song.” Maya Angelou

“Body, mind, spirit, voice! It takes the whole person to sing and rejoice!” Helen Kemp, Music Educator

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” Plato

“Music has the power of producing a certain effect on the moral character of the soul, and if it has the power to do this, it is clear that the young must be directed to music and must be educated in it.” Aristotle, Politics

“A performing group is a microcosm of society. In addition to well documented, skills related to music reading, self-expression, self-discipline and concentration, performers become independent. There is no more important skill required in a democratic society than that of sharing common goals with others and working together to achieve them.” Sally Schott, Past TMEA President, Texas Music Educator, 1984




Currently Smithson Valley High School Choral Department offers the following performing organizations:

• Bella Voce (beautiful voice)-Beginning treble choir-9th-12 grade girls who have never been in choir before, or it has been several years •Bel Canto (Beautiful singing)- Freshman Treble Choir•A cappella (without instrumental accompaniment) Treble Choir-9-12 Grade Advanced (Audition only)•Camerata ( small choir or orchestra)- 10-12 grade Intermediate Treble choir •Cantate (let’s sing!)Men’s choir-9-10th grade men•Chorale (chorus or choir)-Mixed Choir- The top choir at SVHS comprised of the top choir students. Audition only.

All groups are designed to teach self-discipline and commitment while working together toward a common goal of excellence and fostering an appreciation of choral music. All SVHS Choir students are required to participate in and attend ALL SVHS Choir concerts, extra rehearsals and functions. Students may opt to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble. Students in all choirs are expected to participate with 100% cooperation, concern, and respect for the directors and each other. Through maximum participation the student will:

•Develop the ability to read music at sight •Develop a strong, mature tone quality •Develop self-confidence on stage •Develop team skills •Master diverse choral literature •Develop an aesthetic appreciation of music

Very Important Please readChoir placement for the 2016-2017 school year based on sight-reading ability, tonal memory, tone quality, attitude and academic eligibility. SVHS Choral department is in a state of growth and rebuilding. There will be some growing pains to get to the level where we need to be. Please understand that EVERYDAY is your audition for future placement in advanced choirs. Being in an advanced choir this year, does NOT guarantee your placement in an advanced ensemble for the following school year. Attitude and behavior along with independence in your musical skills are crucial.


GENERAL CHOIR EXPECTATIONS

CHOIR IS A TEAM EVENT!

The rest of your choir is depending on you for the following:

• “When in doubt…just do the right thing!”

• Please treat the room with respect! The choir room is a GREAT place to hang out, meet new friends, get tutoring and catch up on homework both before and after school.

• Resolve conflicts before they arise. ALL choir students are provided with a calendar at the beginning of each semester with concerts, events and dates that you will be required to attend. Feel free to come to a director for help in resolving a conflict. Many times we as teachers can help with another teacher/coach if we are informed in plenty of time.

• Music is an asset in choral singing. You must bring music to class. Failure to meet this requirement will result in points being taken off of the daily grade.

• Rehearsal time is valuable. Excessive talking or “playing around” will not be tolerated.

• Students are expected to sing everyday. If you have a sore throat, you can still sing lightly or hum, but you must participate.

• A pencil and a highlighter are required at all rehearsals. Pencils are to be sharpened before the tardy bell rings. Pencils supplied in the choir room STAY in the choir room!

• You are to be in your seat with your music when the tardy bell rings. Music must be in your hands before you sit down---don’t ask to get it after the bell rings.

• Talk to Director BEFORE or AFTER school regarding conflicts or concerns. The beginning of rehearsal is NOT a good time as I am focused on the rehearsal about to happen and you should be focused on getting your folder and materials and getting to your seat so you are ready for warm-up. At the end of rehearsal I am preparing for the next class and cannot keep you from being on time to your next class.

• Take care of personal matters between classes. You are to go to the restroom, and get water during passing periods. PLEASE do not ask to use the restroom during class unless it is an EMERGENCY.

• NO GUM, FOOD OR DRINK is allowed in the choir room, and practice rooms with the exception of bottled water. We highly encourage all singers to bring a bottle of water to school to increase their water consumption for better personal and vocal health.


• NO personal grooming in class. Do not brush hair, spray perfume or hairspray, apply scented lotions, apply nail polish, or put on make-up in the choir room.

• NO electronic devices, backpacks or purses on the risers. All personal items are to go along the back walls in the choir room. NOT on the floor next to your seat. Cell phones need to be in your backpack or purse, not in your pocket. You will avoid all temptations if you abide by this.

• The practice rooms, Director’s office, and piano will be “off limits” to students unless they have permission from the Director.

• Students must be quiet during announcements from the office

• Sitting in rehearsals is a privilege, so don’t abuse it. Sit with the correct posture while singing

• We will sight read everyday using the Kodaly method. There will be absolutely no writing in the sight reading materials. All students will be held accountable for knowing the Kodaly hand signs.

• All scores must be marked with the following in pencil: (this will be checked periodically)a. Measure Numbersb. Rhythmic syllable under notec. Solfege syllables above notes

• Be Positive! Ranger Pride STARTS HERE! Represent SVHS in a positive, mature manner. Your attitude and behavior is a direct reflection of the Director and the SVHS Choir program. I expect students in the choir department to be GOOD EXAMPLES, both in and out of school.

A day in the life of SVHS ChoirMost days will follow the same routine. Don’t worry, you will NEVER be bored in my class.1. Vocal Warm Ups-focused on posture, breathing, vocal tone, tuning and whatever repertoire

we are working on that particular day.2. Rhythm-students will write a rhythm on the board and lead the students to perform it in

Thomasson’s special way.3. Sightreading-yes, we will sightreading EVERY day.4. Work on repertoire


Choir Daily Procedures

1. All belongings need to be placed against the back or front wall NOT on a table, chair or in front of any doorway and definitely not on the risers.

2. Gum needs to be put in the trash before getting on the risers.3. Earbuds need to be kept in your backpack. NOT around your neck. It’s rude.4. Get all necessary materials for the day once you read the daily agenda. Pencils are a

necessary material EVERYDAY! HAVE ONE IN YOUR FOLDER! DO NOT wait until after the bell rings to get everything you need for the day.

5. Look on the board to see who writes the rhythm for the day.6. Do one lesson in your One Minute Theory. You should complete five lessons every week. Do

NOT wait until the last minute to do all lessons at once. One Minute Theory Books will turned in every Friday at the beginning of class. You may talk while working but must be in your assigned seat on the risers.

7. Warm up will begin two minutes after the bell rings. During that two minutes, you will work in your theory book and/or take care of any thing that needs to be turned into me.

8. Once on the risers, you may not leave for any reason without permission9. All restroom issues must occur before class. If the bell rings while in the rest room, you are

tardy. Rehearsal time is sacred. Going to the restroom causes distractions for everyone. You are a student. You need to be in class for the entire time. The only reason you need to leave class to go to the restroom is in case of an emergency.What is an emergency? Stomach issues that cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. Females take care of all feminine issues before class. Female emergencies should be kept to a minimum. Do not think that just because I am a female, you have a free pass to take care of feminine issues at all times. Do not take advantage.

10. Absolutely NO cell phones in the rehearsal area. Phones need to be kept in backpacks or in the cell phone holding tank, NOT IN YOUR POCKETS. Any phones seen for any reason including: checking the time, “texting your mom”, whatever....will be taken to the front office. No questions asked. No excuses. Every time. Every person. Remember rehearsal time is sacred. We don’t have much time together. Let’s not waste it by texting, checking Snapchat, Twitter, etc...Do that in someone else’s class. The more quality rehearsal time we have, the more quality our choir becomes.

11. Warm up time begins when the director stands in front of the class or behind the piano.12. Once warm up begins, stand in front of or beside your chair with enough space between you and the next person. Talking stops, warming up begins.13. Every one participates in every single part of class. While doing rhythms, move your feet, clap the rhythm and say the numbers as best you can. Doing handsigns while sightreading and/


warming up are not optional. YOU MUST DO YOUR HANDSIGNS. I encourage you to do handsigns while rehearsing music. The more of your body you use in any task, the better it gets learned.14. Rehearsing to become great, takes patience. Sometimes it’s tedious and boring. But the

outcome of those tedious rehearsals is greatness. Please pay attention during rehearsal even when your section is not rehearsing. Suggestions to combat boredom during rehearsal: study and work on your part, sing along with the section that is rehearsing and learn their part along with yours, sit and dream of chocolate chip cookies.

15. Posture while singing is crucial. Please align your body correctly while standing, and while sitting. While standing follow the list! While sitting: sit on the front half of the chair, place one leg back under the chair for more correct body alignment.

16. We will work from bell to bell. No need to tell me the time or how much time is left in class. Once released from rehearsal, place all of your rehearsal materials in the correct place before leaving. Do NOT leave ANYTHING in the rehearsal area. Place all water bottles in the trash or take them with you.

When folders are found left out in the classroom the following can and will occur: •they may be held “hostage” until ransom is “paid”. (i.e-extreme begging, note of apology, skittles or sour patch bribes, choir service)•they may be replaced with a less desirable obnoxious folder for the day•or points taken from grade for those who habitually forget.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR MUSIC• new music will be laid out on the table as you enter the room by the music librarian the day

before it is needed. You are to check the board for specific details as to where to obtain it. • Do not come up to ME and ask where your music is• If you are absent, ask a student where you should obtain your music. Music will be left out for

a few days so just be responsible and look for it yourself.

FOLDERSStudents will be issued a black rehearsal binder included in their choir fee.

NEEDED SUPPLIESAll students will need to purchase pencils and a box of tissues.

MUSICMusic will be issued to students and should be considered a text book. Students may write in their music with PENCIL ONLY. If music is lost or damaged beyond repair, it will have to be replaced at the price the music is currently.

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND CONSEQUENCESI adopt the concepts in “Teaching with Love and Logic” in my classroom.


It does the following:• Puts teachers in control• Teaches students to think for themselves• Raises the level of student responsibility• Prepares kids to function effectively in a society filled with temptations, decisions, and

consequences

My students will own every consequence of their choices. Many teachers shoulder the burden of their students misbehavior and it causes undo stress. If a student has a problem in my class I expect them to solve it. If they cannot solve it themselves, then I will intervene. I do not have a set of “consequences” for misbehavior. I weigh each student’s misbehavior separately depending on the student and the circumstance. Students will often be required to call home and explain what happened in class and then will be required to come up with a solution.

CELL PHONESCell phones and all other electronic devices are not allowed in the rehearsal area, or during extra rehearsals. Cell phones including all ear phones must be kept in backpacks, purses or in the special cell phone basket in the front of the classroom. Students caught with cell phones (even just to look at the time) will have it taken up immediately, no questions asked and be given the choice of after school detention with me or the phone will be taken to the office.

SVHS CHOIR FEE There will be a $155 fee for each student participating in the Smithson Valley HS choral program. The fees will cover: Choir polo (good for every year student is in choir), Choir Spirit Shirt, choir folder, and One-Minute Theory Book, snacks for after school rehearsals, dry cleaning of uniform. All fees are due by September 30th. If unable to pay in full by that time, please send me an email or a note letting me know what works best in your situation. Please contact me if you need to have a payment plan. All fees will be turned in through the SVHS Choir Booster Club. If paying by check, make checks payable to “SVHS Choir Boosters.”

UNIFORMS We have brand new uniforms. Choir uniforms create a professional look for concerts. We are fortunate that the major uniform pieces for all high school choir students are provided. Each student will be issued a clean choir uniform at the beginning of the school year along with a garment bag to store their dress/tux and shoes. Please take care of these items.

Responsibilities:Students have been assigned a concert uniform. Each item (dress, tux pants, tux jacket, shirt, and cummerbund/bow tie) is numbered and checked out in the student’s name. The students will take their dress/tux home with them until the end of the concert season.

Each student will be responsible for having his/her own uniform hemmed. All hems should be lightly stitched and easy to take out for use next season. Hand stitching is recommended (if using a sewing machine please do not sew with a tight straight stitch.) If you choose to take the uniform somewhere to be hemmed, make sure they know these instructions. These uniforms belong to Comal ISD and all hem adjustments must be temporary-No cutting or adding of material, no use of fabric tape, fabric glue, iron-on hems, etc. Please note, if a student damages or loses any part of the uniform, the student is responsible and will pay the cost of repair or replacement of the article. A uniform will be considered damaged if it has been improperly hemmed.


• Dresses should be hemmed 1-2 inches off floor with shoes on• Tux Pants should have a break in the front with pants resting slightly on top of the shoe/back of

pants at mid heel.

A catch stitch or whip stitch works well and is simple to do. If you need instructions on how to use one of these stitches here are some helpful websites:http://www.monkeysee.com/play/2148-sewing-the-whip-stitchhttp://www.monkeysee.com/play/2150-sewing-the-whip-stitch

If the hem needs to be touched up with an iron, keep on a very low setting and place a towel between the iron and the garment.

Each male student is expected to provide the following items in addition to the issued tuxedo and bowtie:

• Black dress socks• Black dress shoes

Each female student is expected to provide the following items in addition to the issued dress:• Solid black formal, closed toe shoes (recommended heel length one inch)• Students must wear black hose (they suck everything in!)• Appropriate undergarments. Only black or cream bras should be worn. Bright colors show

through fabric. Also, racer back or sports bras ARE NOT ALLOWED! The neckline is scooped and these type show in the back of the dress line.

(Students who do not follow these guidelines will not be allowed to perform. Uniforms are for a professional uniform look in the ensemble. When one or two do not follow the guidelines, these students stick out like a “sore thumb” and create a visual distraction from uniformity and professionalism. TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!)

CONCERT PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST (GENTLEMEN)The following checklist should be used when preparing for a performance:

• Black socks• Black Formal Shoes• White Tuxedo Shirt (provided by SVHS Choir)• Bowtie (provided by SVHS Choir)• Cummerbund ((provided by SVHS Choir)• Black Tuxedo Jacket and Pants (provided by SVHS Choir)• If a t-shirt is worn under the tuxedo shirt, it must be solid white with no writing of any kind. It

shows through the tuxedo shirt

CONCERT PERFORMANCE CHECKLIST (LADIES)The following checklist should be used when preparing for a performance:

• Black hose/stockings• Black formal closed toe shoes• black formal concert dress (provided by SVHS Choir)• Black or cream colored bra, no racer back or sports bra allowed• Hair must be worn up in a bun with all strands of hair pulled back (ballerina style)

Here is an example of how to make a ballet bun http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Ballet-BunThose with shorter hair will be required to have it fixed off of the face as much as possible.


http://www.monkeysee.com/play/2148-sewing-the-whip-stitch




http://livepage.apple.com/

http://livepage.apple.com/

• No jewelry except the provided “pearl” necklace. Only stud earrings are allowed• Makeup should be light with a light lipstick/lipgloss

Note: Ladies, there will be LOTS of mamas running around on concert night making sure you are following the hair guidelines and helping you make a bun if needed. Please do not give them attitude. Any girls caught giving attitude or not following the guidelines will not be allowed to perform (you will receive a failing grade for the performance.)

PLEASE NOTE: Uniforms are the property of SVHS. A fine will be assessed to each student for any damage or loss of uniform. Loss fee is $75.00 for dresses, $125.00 for tuxedos.

ATTENDANCE & GRADING POLICY As a representative of the Smithson Valley HS Choir Department students must also understand that their behavior must be exemplary. If choir students have unexcused absences from any class at Smithson Valley High School, or receive disciplinary action as a result of breaking school rules, they may be removed from competitive ensembles. Parents will be called in the event of serious or continuous disrespectful behavior or attendance problems. Students who behave in ways that are destructive to the choir’s goals of teamwork and cooperation will be removed from the ensemble altogether. A student’s choir grade is an average of the following categories in accordance with CISD grading policy:

Daily Grades: (20%) Daily grades consist of daily participation and occasional written assignments. Each student earns one participation grade per week, based on his/her rehearsal work habits. Promptness, attentiveness, on-task behavior, and preparedness (music & pencil in hand) are all considered when the director evaluates a student’s participation.

Quizes (35%) Quizes will consist of sightreading quizes, solfege written in music, and various other things as the need arises.

Major Grades (45%)Each student will receive a grade equivalent to a test grade for each outside rehearsal & sectional in which they participate. Concert grades are weighted and may serve as a six-week test or semester final. If a student is absent from a rehearsal or concert, they will earn a zero (0). These can only be made up, through written assignments, if the director excuses the absence prior to the rehearsal or concert. REHEARSALS AND CONCERTS ARE MANDATORY! If a student misses a concert with an unexcused absence they will most likely earn a failing grade for the six weeks. Absences will only be excused for illness, death and family emergency with a written note from the parent. A note will be needed for the choir director separate from any other notes sent to the front office. The director has the final determination of excused absences. All rehearsals and concerts will be announced a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. WORK CONFLICTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AN EXCUSED ABSENCE! In the event that there is not a concert scheduled during a particular grading period, ensemble performances of particular pieces we are working on in class will serve as a test grade.

ELIGIBILITY Choir concerts are designed as an extension of the classroom and are therefore considered CO-CURRICULAR meaning eligibility doesn’t affect scheduled departmental events. However, grades still play a crucial role in the student's ability to participate in "extra curricular" activities every three weeks. Extra-Curricular includes: district/region try-outs, UIL concert / sight-reading


contest, the pop show solos and all trips scheduled during the school year. As long as you are sure that your class work in every course is passing, you will not have to worry about "no pass - no perform". We have found it to be true that students who have NO ZEROS – i.e., TURN-IN every assignment and have GOOD attendance, i.e., COME TO SCHOOL, pass their classes. Students who pass their classes benefit from the many rewarding opportunities choir presents. Those who fail, bring down the group and lose out on these experiences. Repeated ineligibility may result in removal from the program and will strongly ruin the student’s chance of being in a select ensemble in the future.

CONCERT ETIQUETTE “The performance of a piece of music requires three elements: Performer, Composer and Audience. If any one of these elements is missing, the performance is incomplete.” BENJAMIN BRITTEN, 20TH CENTURY COMPOSER We appreciate your friends’ and family’s support of our performers. We must ask for your cooperation in creating a proper concert atmosphere for the performances. Each guideline below addresses common mistakes choir and audience members make when attending a formal concert. 1. All students and audience members should remain seated during the entire concert. Leaving early is a sign of disrespect and a distraction to the performers and to the audience members. 2. Late arrivals should remain outside the lobby doors until you hear applause. No one should enter and take seats while an ensemble is performing. 3. All children should remain seated next to parents during the entire performance. A child who becomes restless or noisy should be removed IMMEDIATELY. 4. Yelling or whistling is not an appropriate response to a fine musical performance. Strong sustained applause is the best response to a job well done. 5. There should be no talking of any kind during a performance. 6. Please turn off all electronic devices. 7. Please refrain from taking flash photos during the performance, as it is a danger and a distraction to performers and audience alike.

A great deal of work and practice goes into the preparation of each concert. Each student and each piece of music presented in concert deserves your attention and your active listening. Help us make each concert a truly special event with your participation in the concert guidelines above.

SVHS PRIVATE VOICE LESSON PROGRAM The voice is an instrument. As students enter high school it becomes more important that each student learn how to use his or her individual instrument. While each choir rehearsal will devote time to vocal development, it is highly recommended that singers study privately either through the SVHS Private Lesson Program or with other teachers in the area. Private lessons are for the self-motivated student who has the self-discipline to practice every day. All SVHS Voice Instructors are contracted through CISD. Students pay the teacher directly and at least one month in advance. Each teacher will provide a studio policy detailing the preferred method of payment and attendance/practice guidelines. Through regular attendance at lessons and daily practice, individuals learn good technique, build a large repertoire of songs, and learn techniques of interpretation and presentation. Individuals may study the All-State Choir repertoire and will prepare to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble. Enrollment forms for the SVHS Private Lesson Program are available in the Choir Room. Students must complete a new enrollment form each year.


Student Choir Officers

SVHS offers students the opportunity to practice, hone and discover their leadership potential. The following are offices students may hold:President (Senior) (1 student)

• Coordinator for student run choral events • Assists Mrs. Thomasson during all choral events Demonstrates quality characteristics of

leadership as well as musicianship • Dedicated, hard working • Leads monthly student officer meetings • Requires work outside of class time

Vice President/Social Chairman (Junior or Senior) (1 student) • Works hand-in-hand with the President • Fun loving and creative with social events• Fulfills presidential obligations if the president is unavailable • Demonstrates quality characteristics of leadership and musicianship • Dedicated, hard working • Assists in leadership of student officer meetings • Requires work outside of class time

Secretary/Uniform Organizer (Sophomore, Junior, Senior) (1 student) • Assists in keeping chorus files and uniform check out• Does the Birthday Window and monthly/weekly calendar • Keeps minutes from all officer meetings • Demonstrates quality characteristics of leadership and musicianship • Dedicated, hard working • Attends monthly officer meetings • Requires work outside of class time

Publicity (2 students) (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) • Promotes all chorus events via signs, announcements, Facebook etc. • Creates recruitment trailer/video • Leads student-based fundraising activities • Attends monthly officer meetings • Demonstrates quality characteristics of leadership and musicianship • Attends monthly officer meetings • Dedicated, hard working • Requires work outside of class time

Music Librarian (4 students) (Sophomore, Junior, or Senior) • Manages the music library and all music that comes in and out of the library • Keeps running file music library information in Charms• Attends monthly officer meetings • Demonstrates quality characteristics of musicianship


• Dedicated, hard working • Requires work outside of class time

Music Historian (2 students) (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior) • Photographs chorus events • Creates the year end slide show/movie of chorus highlights • Attends all monthly officer meetings • Requires work outside of class time • Demonstrates quality characteristics of leadership and musicianship• Dedicated, hard working

Equipment Manager (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior)• responsible for sound equipment, risers, piano moving and transfer• set up/run sound equipment at various concerts and other choral events• Demonstrates quality characteristics of leadership and musicianship • Dedicated, hard working • Requires work outside of class time

Choir Officers for the 2015/16 School Year:Madelyn Deviney: PresidentAlaina Reyes: Vice PresidentOlivia Siskey: SecretaryJocelyn Taylor/Kira Whitehead Historians Kelsie Moses/Tara McLeod PublicityRobert Lozano Equipment ManagerLindsey Curtis/Lili Aguilar Music LibrariansPlease get to know the choir council. They are there to help you in any way. They are my right hand and are the backbone of the choir.

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS CHARMS Charms is a website that we use in the choir department to keep track of uniforms, music, individual student finances and email communications. Parents are able to view the information pertaining to their student through the parent login to Charms and we encourage you to keep your contact information current so that we are best able to update you on the latest choir news. Students and parents may also download the free Charms AP on their iphone to on top of all that is happening.Here are the steps to access your Charms account:

Go to www.charmsoffice.com In the “Parent / Student Login” box, type our program code (SVHSChoir ) and click

"Enter" Type your students ID to enter their individual site. This is set to default as his or her

Comal ISD student ID number. If you have changed the Charms ID and do not remember, email me for the correct ID.

Please make sure to update your contact information!!!

CHOIR WEBSITE www.rangerchoir.orgThis is a great source of information regarding the program and includes permission forms, assignments, the calendar, and messages from the director. I will be updating the Choir website on a regular basis.


http://www.charmsoffice.com

http://www.charmsoffice.com

REMIND 101Remind 101 is a way for teachers to communicate with parents and students via text message. I will be able to send out a reminder text to you if there is an event or due date coming soon. It is an outgoing text ONLY. It is a great tool for communication.

Enter this number: 81010Text this message: @svhsc

CHOIR ROOM HANG OUTIt is important that the choir room is considered a “cool” place to hang out for the choir students. It can be a great recruiting tool, so do not abuse it. Students may come in before school to rehearse, get extra help, work on homework, or just “hang”. STUDENTS DOING THIS MUST HAVE A PASS FROM MRS. THOMASSON. Students are encouraged to bring guitars and other instruments to have occasional “jam” sessions. Students MAY NOT eat lunch in the choir room. NO EXCEPTIONS. Students may not use the microwave or the refrigerator either. There have been too many incidences of mess left, and I will tolerate it no longer.

FUNDRAISINGStudents may participate in fundraising to raise money for the choir and/or spring trip costs. More information about fundraising will be forthcoming.

SPRING TRIP/FIELD TRIPSSVHS Choir participates in a festival/spring trip that will be April New York at a cost of $1449/student or parent. All information is on the choir website.

CHOIR BOOSTER CLUBChoir programs cannot be successful without the help of our wonderful parents! There are many opportunities to offer your talents and services to our choir. Even if you cannot attend meetings, there are many ways in which to volunteer. The contact information page has more specific information about volunteering for choir. Meeting Dates-All meetings will be held in the choir room from 6:30-7:30. Advanced noticed will be given for any changes to the following schedule: TMEA ALLSTATE AUDITION PROCESSAuditions for the TMEA Allstate choir begin in October. Students who have been in choir for several years are STRONGLY encouraged to participate in the auditions. There is no reason why SVHS should not be hugely represented at every audition. There will be before and after school help available for those who audition. There will also be opportunity to sign up for an individual vocal coaching session with Mrs. Thomasson. Dates for all auditions will be on the choir calendar at the end of the handbook. The auditions are as follows:Phase: This audition is to narrow down the number of singers before the mixed Region audition. Typically it is only the female voice parts that are phased because of the high number of females who audition.Mixed Region: This audition is for those who make the top 20 in their zone at phase audition along with all the other remaining voice parts. Those placing in the top 18 will participate in the Mixed Region Choir Clinic and Concert in November.Pre-Area: This audition is for those who place in the top 10 at Mixed Region auditions. There is sightreading at this audition.


Area: This audition is for those who make the top four at Pre-Area. There is sightreading at this audition as well. Those placing in the top of their section make either the Allstate Mixed Choir, Allstate Treble Choir, or Allstate Men’s choir, depending on the placement.Treble Region: This is an audition for girls only. Freshman girls are encouraged to audition for this choir and not for mixed region. Those who place in the top 20 in their zone will be apart of the Treble Region Choir and will be apart of the Region Clinic and Concert in November.Fees for auditions:Mixed Region: $25-the fee includes audition fee, rehearsal CD and musicTreble Region: $10-the fee includes audition fee, rehearsal CD and music rentalIf any student has difficulty paying fees, please let Mrs. Thomasson know and the Booster Club will help with fees. If paying by check, please make checks payable to SVHS Choir Booster Club.

University Interscholastic League (UIL) Solo and Ensemble and Concert and Sightreading ContestChoir members have the opportunity to participate in Solo and Ensemble contest in February. Students prepare either a solo or ensemble(group) from a prescribed list of music. Students who make a division 1 on their solo or ensemble will earn a medal.

SVHS Choirs will participate in Concert and Sightreading Contest April 11-13, 2016. Preparation for this contest is rigorous but very rewarding. There will be extra rehearsals outside the school day. A schedule for those rehearsals will be given in advance.

Other performance Opportunities-Please Check the Website calendar for dates and times:

Fall Concert, Star Spangled Banner performances at games, Dinner and Song (fundraiser), solo and ensemble, Pre-UIL Concert, UIL Concert and Sightreading Contest, Spring Trip, and the final pop show. Choir SocialsWe are attempting to have monthly socials for all choir students to get together and get to know each other. It is important for the growth of any organization, to foster relationships with one another. Please make every effort to attend as many socials as possible so that we can get to know each other outside of school. They are not mandatory, of course, but definitely encouraged!


Smithson Valley High School Choir Member Contract

I have read the Smithson Valley High School Choir Handbook and agree to abide by all the policies stated. I realize that it takes cooperation from 100% of the students to make the Smithson Valley High School Choir a success, and I agree to do my part to help achieve this goal.

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Student's signature Date

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Student’s printed name Class Period Grade

I have read the Smithson Valley School Choir Handbook and discussed it with my child. We agree to abide by all of the rules and regulations stated in the handbook. I understand that students need to make arrangements to attend all choir functions. I agree to assist my child in doing his/her part in order to make the Smithson Valley High School Choir a success.

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Parent's Signature Date

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Parent’s Name (please print) Date


svhs choir handbook 2015-2016 -...

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