MUSSELMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

SPECTRUM SHOW CHOIR

2017-2018 HANDBOOK

CONTACTS

Director: Shayla Brown Assistant Director: Yanira Diaz Choreographer: CorRay LaFleur Choreographer: Tony Riner

Cell Phone: 304-261-7636Email: Spectrumshowchoir@gmail.comFacebook: Musselman Middle Spectrum Show ChoirInstagram: MMSSpectrumnationWebsite: http://www.spectrumshowchoir.com

CODE OF CONDUCTfor Spectrum Members and Crew

Participation in a performing arts music ensemble is a privilege that carries with it varying degrees of responsibility, recognition, and reward. Participating students represent their school and other members of the student body, and it is their duty to conduct themselves in a manner that is positive for themselves, their families, their school, and their community.

As a visible member of the Spectrum Show Choir community, your behavior should always be above average. Any poor behavior, whether it be a major lapse of reason or a minor loss of poise, reflects poorly on you and your school. Any problems with behavior in public or at school will be dealt with by the director on an individual basis and may result in dismissal from the group. You have earned the right to be in a very respectable group--with that right comes a responsibility to act in a mature manner. Represent Spectrum and Berkeley County Schools in the best way you possibly can at all time.

ATTITUDE

Poor attitudes can lead to poor performances and hurt feelings. Poor attitudes will not be tolerated. Problems should be discussed immediately so they do not develop into bigger problems. Poor attitudes in the group may lead to dismissal.

Culprits in this area: bickering, talking behind someone’s back, not accepting criticism, complaining, not working at your highest potential, etc.

INVOLVEMENT IN OTHER ACTIVITIES

Students who are involved in other school activities should carefully consider their responsibilities to every group in which they are involved. Coaches do not expect their athletes to miss practices--in the same way your directors do not expect singers to miss rehearsals. A schedule of your other sports is required ahead of time. Students are required to keep the director informed well in advance of any possible conflicts with rehearsals and performances. Last minute excuses for missing rehearsal for another school activity will not be acceptable. Attendance at all performances is mandatory. A performance for us is like a game is for a sports team.

If you have to miss a rehearsal, you are expected to schedule time with a dance captain, learn the material missed, and be ready to continue with the group by the next practice. If we see you are falling behind, and not attempting to learn the missed material from a dance captain, you are taking the risk of being dismissed from the group.

LEARNING YOUR MUSIC AND CHOREOGRAPHY

Being in show choir is a lot of work. You cannot expect to be 100 percent prepared for your practices, unless you take some time to practice at home. Each student will have a folder with their music in it. They are expected to not only bring it to every rehearsal, but they are expected to take it home and practice. Each student will be given the log-in code to the password protected section on the Spectrum Show Choir website. This will allow each student to access their practice music tracks, as well as choreography videos. It is located in the Spectrum Member section on http://www.spectrumshowchoir.com. If a student loses their music, they will have to pay for a replacement

Students are expected to practice at least four times a week. A practice log will be given to each student and must be turned in on Thursday of each week. If they are absent on that Thursday, it will be due the day they come back to school The practice log will allow the directors and head dance captain a chance to see how much time the students are putting in to Spectrum outside of rehearsal.

SPECTRUM SHOW

Hours are spent months before the new school year starts, planning the competition show for the following year. When the details of the show are told to the students and parents, it is important that the show and its details are told to no one outside of the group. Show choir is very competitive, and many show choirs are trying to find out details of another show choirs competition show. We MUST keep it a secret for as long as we can. Please do not post any videos or pictures until one of the directors tells you it is okay.

ABSENCES FROM PRACTICE

Student attendance will be taken at each practice. Students are allowed to have three excused absences and two unexcused absences. Once the student exceeds the amount of absences allowed, they may be dismissed from Spectrum. Attendance is very important, because it is difficult to focus on blocking and make-up missed work.

Excused Absences – Sick, death in the family, family emergencyUnexcused Absences – Scheduled doctor appointments, injuries that do not keep students from being able to at least sit and watch the choreography or sing the music.

PRACTICE ATTIRE

Practices are going to involve a lot of movement and you need to wear clothes that will allow you to do the moves successfully. Wear stretchy pants or shorts, a t-shirt or tank top, your dance shoes, and always have a bottle of water.

COSTUMES

The design of the costumes reflects the storyline of the show. Students need to make sure they pay attention to every detail of their outfits, make-up, and hair. They will be given instructions on how to wear things properly, how to take care of their outfits, and how to do their make-up and hair.

CLOTHESThe students will be given two costumes that fit the show. They are expected to keep their clothes clean and wrinkle free at all times. Costumes will be stored in a garment bag given to them with their name on it. The group seamstress is the only person allowed to make alterations to the garments. Please notify one of the directors if anything needs to be adjusted or fixed on the outfits.

Students will have t-shirts and warm-up suits that must be worn while traveling and also the day before local competitions. Students will also be given a polo shirt that needs to be worn with dark denim jeans. This will be worn when we go caroling and to any other non-formal event. If we go to a semi-formal event, the students need to wear their polo shirts with black dress pants and black shoes.

HAIR AND MAKE-UP

Girls – All girls will have hair pieces this year. The students will be given a tutorial on the proper way to wear their hair piece. The hair needs to be long enough to be slicked back into ponytails. A make-up tutorial will also be scheduled for the girls.

Boys- All boys will need to make sure their hair is combed/brushed and tided if they need a haircut, for each performance.

It is important to remember that when you are performing we want to be looked at as a group. All hair must be a natural hair color. If you decide to dye your hair, it must look natural. An unnatural color takes the attention off the group and puts the attention on that individual person. Also, if you color your hair, you will be responsible for picking up new hair to match your new hair color, so that a hair piece can be made for you. The hair used for the pieces will be available on Amazon or Sally’s Beauty Supply. The type of hair used is 100 percent Kanekalon.

Any items that are misplaced or broken must be replaced and paid for by the parent.

ITEMS LEFT IN CHANGING ROOM

After a long day of work and then practice, it is never fun to have to make our rounds and clean up after students that are perfectly capable of picking up after themselves. As parents, you are working hard to pay their Spectrum fee, so we expect the students to have enough respect for their items to not leave them all over the place. Any items left behind (costumes, brushes, make-up, shoes, etc.) will be held as ransom. In order for the students to retrieve the item(s), each item will cost them $2.00. The money paid will go towards miscellaneous things needed for the show or it will go towards our end of year awards ceremony.

VOCAL HEALTH

The biggest part of being in a show choir is the voice. You have to keep your voice as healthy as possible. Follow the following tips to help you be the best you can be:

Realize when it is proper to use your chest and your head voice. No voice should stand out when the choir is singing as a whole.

Drink lots of water to keep your vocal chords moisturized. When you are doing any activity that causes you to sweat, it is important to

cover your body to keep the cold air away from your open pores. Invest in a hat and scarf for cold days. Get enough sleep at night. If you are sick, take some time to go on vocal rest to allow your vocal chords

to heal. No screaming! Humidifiers are a singers dream! Keep one your bed and use every night. Hot tea with honey and lemon helps soothe a tired or sick throat. BE SMART! Make sure what you are wearing, fits the conditions outside.

FUNDRAISERS

It is expensive to go to competitions, but they are an important part of being in show choir. The kids work hard to put together the show and need the opportunity to perform it as much as possible.We will have a few fundraisers this summer to allow the kids to raise as much money as possible. The money raised will be separated and distributed to the students Spectrum fees. Fundraisers are mandatory and parent participation is mandatory. We understand that due to vacations and prior scheduled activities that it may be hard to attend everything, but we do ask that you try. You will only get part of the money raised if you are at the fundraiser or have donated time to help prepare for the fundraiser. For example, if we have a car wash with 20 kids present and we raise $800, then the money raised will only be split between the 20 kids. We will also have individual fundraisers that will allow the students to approach people they know and try to sell items. Our biggest fundraiser is the cinnamon bun and carrot cake fundraiser, which allows you to receive 50 percent of your sales.

So, if you sell $200 worth of cinnamon buns and carrot cakes, then you will get $100 to subtract from your $350 Spectrum fee. A list of fundraisers will be provided as well as a sign-up sheet for the fundraiser.

We are also looking to sell ads this year to companies so they can be featured in our programs. Each student will be REQUIRED to sell at least one ad this year. The students will be given a due date for the ad money. Any student that does not sell an ad will be responsible for paying a $40.00 additional fee.

Keep in mind that we have a goal to reach and we need to do whatever we can to reach that goal, but we can’t do it unless everyone does their fair share. Fundraising goes beyond the $350 fee for each child. We still need extra funds to help cover the cost of competitions and also for the very memorable end of the year trip. Fundraising teaches the kids how to work hard for things you want or need. Please allow them to be a part of this wonderful teaching moment.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parental involvement is important and it is also fun! We enjoy getting to know the parents on a different level, and it makes things easier for everyone if everyone pitches in. We are planning to have a lot of fundraisers to help us raise money for our trips. All parents will be expected to participate in the fundraisers. The more money we raise, the more we can do.

Chaperones

In order for you to be a chaperone on a trip, you have to be considered a Title One or a Title Two chaperone.

Title One Chaperones – In order to be a Title One Chaperone, you must complete and pass the background check for Berkeley County Schools. If you work at a school in the county or in the surrounding counties, you are exempt from having to do the background check. The background check cost $20.00 and will last for two years. If you are interested in becoming a Title One chaperone, go to http://www.berkeleycountyschools.org site, scroll down while looking to the left. Click on Secure Volunteer, and follow the directions. This will allow you to be in charge of a group of students on field trips.

Title Two Chaperones – Does not have to complete a background check, but will not be allowed to have your own group of students. You will have to accompany a Title One Chaperone.

PARENTS HELP US TEACH YOUR CHILD RESPONSIBILITY

We hold students to a different level when it comes to Spectrum.. Spectrum is about dedication, work ethic, and responsibility. The students have to learn that when you do not follow rules, they will have consequences. This is a life lesson that will follow them throughout their lives. We need your help with this. If your child leaves their dance shoes or Spectrum outfits at home and they are suppose to have them, please do not inconvenience yourself by bringing them into the school or to a performance. If they forget, they will run laps or do push-ups. If they forget their things at a performance, they do not get to perform. I guarantee that they will remember to have all of their things together and will bring them in the next time. The office will be told to not allow any students to make phone calls home to retrieve missing items. Please help us teach them to be responsible and disciplined in the group. You will see that responsibility and discipline will become a part of their lives and will start to reflect in their school work and other activities.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

All parents and students had to sign a STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT prior to auditioning for Spectrum. Included in this statement was the financial responsibility of each student in Spectrum. The purpose of this financial commitment was to make parents aware of what is required in order to be in Spectrum. Spectrum is an extracurricular activity; therefore, all funds are received through fundraising. Without the money, we would be unable to purchase costumes, travel, purchase music, pay for instrumentalists, and compete. We understand that the required $350.00 may seem like a lot, but students will be given plenty of opportunities to participate in fundraisers to help lower this cost. The amount cannot be altered under any circumstances. For example, if we go to a competition that requires us to stay in a hotel, and you prefer for your child to stay in the hotel room with you, the amount of your child’s hotel stay will not be

deducted from the $350.00. The reason for this is that the space still needs to be paid for whether your child stays in the room or not.

All fees must be paid on time. We have schedules that we have to follow as far as registration deadlines and purchase times for costumes. We can’t do that unless we have the funds available. All fees must be paid in order for your child to audition for the group for the next school year. If your child decides to resign from Spectrum, the money you have paid or raised is nonrefundable.

SPECTRUM CREW

Spectrum Crew is a group of students who have the job of setting up and taking down the stage props. They will travel with Spectrum on all trips, with the exception of the caroling trip. They are required to pay the $350.00 fee to cover their costume as well as traveling expenses. It is important that Spectrum Crew Members pay attention to what is needed. All competition performances have a time limit. Every second we are over the time given, will equal a deduction in points. Spectrum Crew members need to be responsible, able to follow directions, and they also need to be able to move quickly.

RESIGNING FROM THE GROUP

We understand that sometimes things do not work out. Spectrum is a lot of work and it is a big commitment. It will not always be fun, although the hard work will always pay off later. We want to emphasize that we believe in sticking with a commitment you make shows respect for the group you chose to join. Also, we remind the students that the spot you chose to accept after auditions is a spot someone else did not get. If you choose to resign from Spectrum, you will not be allowed to join the next year.

If a student had to resign due to circumstances beyond their control (long term illness, fractures that need extended time to heal, etc.), we completely understand the need to resign, and the student will be allowed to audition again next year.

SPECTRUM OFFICER AND DANCE CAPTAIN DESCRIPTION

President The President is the spokesperson for the group. They will report to the directors if there is a problem that needs to be addressed within the group. The President will use every opportunity possible to address the group to build them up before and after performances, as well as practices. They will also address the need to work harder if the group needs to be reminded. The President has the right to call a group meeting if it is necessary. They have to get approval from the directors so the meeting can be planned.

Vice-PresidentThe Vice-President carries on the duties of the President when the President is not available. They also can address the group at anytime.

SecretaryThe Secretary will be responsible for taking role at every practice and performance. They will be responsible for writing cards and taking notes.

HistorianThe Historian will keep a scrapbook filled with pictures and videos throughout the school year. This will allow us to have pictures for newspaper articles, the website, as well as our end of the year video.

Head Dance CaptainThe Head Dance Captain will be in charge of choreography when the Choreography Directors are not present. They will have to know the choreography to the whole show, plus make sure the other dance captains know the choreography to their assigned songs. It will be the responsibility of the Head Dance Captain to schedule Dance Captain practices once or twice a month. The Head Dance Captain will only focus and critique the show choir members on the dancing part of the show. They Head Dance Captain will also have access to the show choir practice dance logs to see how much time each student is putting into practice outside of Spectrum practice.

Dance Captains The Dance Captains will be responsible for learning their assigned song choreography quickly and accurately, so they can assist other students. They have the right to schedule extra choreography practice time with a student that needs it. The progress of students will be reported to the directors and Head Dance Captain on a daily basis. The Dance Captains will only focus and critique the show choir members on the dancing part of the show.

Section LeadersThe Section Leader is responsible for making sure they have the music learned and ready for practice before the other students. They will be in charge of running sectionals with their groups and will be expected to help assist with making sure their group is prepared vocally. Practices with section leaders only will be held periodically to check on preparation of vocal parts.

SPECTRUM REHEARSAL TIMES

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday – Intervention (During school)Tuesday and Thursday – 2:30pm to 4:45pm (unless different on schedule)

Saturday – 9:00am to 3:00pm (unless different on schedule. Saturday practices will only happen 3 or 4 times depending on the progress of the group.)

ADDITIONAL ITEMS YOU WILL NEED TO PURCHASE

Girls - tan character shoes, skin tone dance tights, tan leotard with clear straps

Boys - Black character shoes

We will have a representative from the dance store to come to our first meeting once school starts. The estimated amount of the items above will be provided before the meeting. Please be ready to purchase those items that night.

FINAL NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS

We have worked very hard to plan a successful show this school year. It takes hours of preparation, discussion, decision making, finding the right resources to be able to execute our idea, and sometimes having to go back to the beginning to rethink a decision previously made. We are passionate about what we do and we are skilled in what we do. For example, a student does not simply get put up front because they may be shorter. Students are placed in a show according to their voice part and according to what visually makes sense. Please be respectful of our decision and the field we have been trained in.

We consider ourselves easy to talk to and always want a good relationship between the parents and us. If you have a question or concern, please feel free to contact us. We strive for a positive atmosphere and for a positive relationship with everyone.

We provide the schedule way in advance to allow parents the opportunity to schedule appointments or other activities. We do this so that nothing is an inconvenience and really would appreciate the same in return. Regular doctor or dentist appointments do not count as an excused absence, because we do give our schedules in advance to help you prepare for those days. Please be courteous of our time as we have tried to be courteous of yours. You will be given a printed calendar. You can also refer to the calendar on our website http://www.spectrumshowchoir.com.

Finally, we want to give the students opportunities they may not have otherwise. We work hard so that your kids can be able to sing and dance and enjoy making new friends. The bonds our kids form are like no other bond in this school. They will go through something nobody will understand except for each other and for that reason alone, they will become close. We treat these kids as if they belong to us. We will do whatever we can to keep Spectrum as a safe and welcoming environment for them. As directors, we reflect on what show choir was for us, and most of our memories of high school involve show choir. We will only strive to help the kids form those memories for themselves.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to teach your child, to inspire them to be the best they can be, to push them to understand how hard work pays off, and for allowing us to help mold them into the wonderful human beings they are destined to be

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN BY JUNE 1st, 2017

I have read the handbook and understand everything that is expected from me during the 2017-2018 school year.

Student Name: ________________________ Date: _____________________

I have read and discuss the handbook with my child and we understand everything that is expected from them as a student and from me as a parent during the 2017-2018 school year.

Parent Signature: _______________________ Date:_____________________