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Lake Zurich Middle School North
Chorus Handbook
 

MSN
District 95

Text Box: 2000 - 2010 Chorus Handbook                                                                                                         Printer-friendly Version Class Description Lake Zurich Middle School North Chorus is a co-curricular class that meets every day for thirty minutes.  It is a non-auditioned music performance ensemble whose goal is to develop a student's musicianship and character.  Chorus participates in several musical performances as well as school service projects throughout the year. Being a member of Chorus requires dedication, hard work, and a positive attitude. Class Policies Attendance: It is mandatory that students be present for class, as this thirty minute rehearsal is vital to both you and the other members of chorus. Chorus requires a team effort, and all members are vital to the team performance. Skills are taught over time, and their practice impacts the entire group. Concert Attendance: Concert performance is mandatory.  Much like a final exam at the end of the quarter, concerts give the students the opportunity to show what they have learned, and the entire group depends on everyone being present.  Should the rare occation arise in which a student must miss a performance, notification will be given to the director in writing as far in advance as possible, but not less than 24  hours.  Official excused school absences will also count as notification.  Family emergencies will be excused if notification is given to the director in writing as soon as possible after the missed performance. Any unexcused absence from a performance may negatively affect the student's academic standing in the class.  Please make every possible effort to notify the director of any absence. Homeroom Absences: As important as it is for students to be present for rehearsal, academics are also very important to everyone. Since Chorus replaces a student's homeroom period, we understand that occasionally a student may need to utilize that time to make up missed work, finish a test, or attend a review session. Rehearsal Passes can be used only once per week, and are not transferable, nor can they be saved and used for a later quarter. There is a maximum of 5 passes available per student per quarter. Passes will not be allowed during the week prior to any performance--no exceptions.. To use a pass, students must turn in a passed signed by the classroom teacher as soon as possible, preferably the day before the missed rehearsal. The director (not the classroom teacher) will approve the absence. Adding/Dropping Chorus: Students wishing to add or drop chorus must do so at the end or beginning of the academic quarter. Any addtions or drops outside of this time period will be done at the discretion of the director. Expectations/Requirements General Expectations: In order to strive for excellence, the LZMSN Chorus program requires that students maintain a positive attitude and work ethic throughout the class.  Students are expected to learn and memorize their part for each song in order for the group to be successful.  Chorus is an ensemble--every student is accountable both personally and to the entire group. Chorus members are expected exhibit respectful behavior at all times, both in and outside of the classroom.  Disrespect toward other students as well as the director will not be tolerated and will result in a lower grade and/or removal from Chorus. Required Classroom Materials: Students must have at least one sharpened pencil with an eraser in their Chorus folder at all times. Required Small Group Lesson Work: Every student must complete at least 45 minutes of small group lesson work time each quarter.  This small group work will be done after school.  It is an essential part of the chorus curriculum and therefore, it is required.  This learning program will help your child develop the necessary music reading skills to become an independent learner as well as a competent musician.  Work completed by the student will be tracked and recorded as part of their grade.  Sign-up times will be available in the music room.  Students will be able to take the late bus home. Grading  Participation/Class Assignments                            50%  Attendance (Daily and Concert)                              25%  Class Materials (pencil, folder, music)                     10%  Required small group lesson work                           15% Use of School Equipment Folders: Students will be given folders to use throughout the school year.. Folders will be left at school at all times unless special permission is given by the director. Students are responsible for keeping their folder in good condition. If the folder is damaged is, a replacement fee of $10.00 will be assessed. Music: Students will be given music to use several times throughout the school year. As with their folder, students are responsible for music that is lost or damaged. Concert Wear/Uniforms Students will purchase uniforms that will be worn for the three years they are in middle school chorus. This concert attire will create a polished, professional look, and will be worn for all performances. A fundraiser will be held at the beginning of the year to help offset the cost. In addition to the uniforms, students will need black shoes (absolutely no tennis shoes allowed!). Fundraisers A fundraiser will be held at the beginning of the year to offset the cost of the student's chorus uniform. The money raised can also help with parties and fieldtrips.  Other fundraisers may be planned for later in the year, as needed. Participation is not mandatory, but is highly encouraged. Field Trips The LZMSN Chorus will take part in field trip opportunities throughout the school year.  Details will be published as soon as the dates and plans are available. Performance Dates Please mark these dates on your calendar: Sat, October 17 District 95 Choral Festival TBA LZHS Thur, December 03 Holiday Chorus Concert 7:00 PM MSN Sat, February 20 Solo & Ensemble Contest TBA TBA Thur, February 25 Winter Chorus Concert 7:00 PM MSN Fri, March 12 Organization Contest TBA TBA Thur, May 20 Spring Chorus Concert 7:00 PM MSN Solo & Ensemble Contest This is an optional opportunity for students to perform for and be critiqued by a professional voice judge. Students are required to learn and memorize a song selected by the director and student.  Ratings are earned on the basis of diction, intonation, rhythmic accuracy, and presentation.  Medals are awarded for Division I (Superior) and Division II (Excellent) ratings. Organization Contest Organization Contest is held in March and requires the chorus to learn and memorize three songs to be sung before a panel of judges.  The group is critiqued and earns a rating based on their performance.  This is a required performance. Honors Chorus Beginning this year, students will have the opportunity to participate in the LZMSN Honors Chorus program.  This is an optional program that allows students to demonstrate their musical knowledge and be recognized for their achievements.  There are three levels to this program:  Bronze, Silver, and Gold.  Those students wishing to participate will study and be tested on both music theory and vocal sight reading.  Study guide packets for each level will be given out at the beginning of each quarter.  Students may take the test as many times as they would like.  Tests will be given after school at the end of each quarter. A student must pass with at least 90% on both the theory and sight reading in order to move on to the next level. Students that pass a level will have their names noted in the concert program and will be acknowledged at the BOC Awards Banquet in May. Please return the Handbook Acknowledgement Form ASAP Thank you! Handbook Acknowledgement Form