In case you need another copy of the permission slip for Region Honor Choir, here it is!

 

 

October 21, 2008

 

 

 

Dear Parent(s):

 

Congratulations to you and your choir student!  Advancing to the Region XXIII Honor Choir is an enormous honor and privilege, and your child deserves the accolades that come with the opportunity!!

 

On Friday, November 20, all twenty-two of the Johnston Region Choir students and I will leave JMS at 3:00PM on a bus, bound for McDonald Junior High, 3635 Lakes of Bridgewater Dr, Katy, TX.  On the way, we will make a quick stop at a fast food venue.  Rehearsal at McDonald JH begins at 5PM, and continues until 7:00PM, when we will break for pizza and a DJ dance!  You should be prepared to retrieve your choir student from McDonald Junior High School no later than 8:15PM on Friday night.

 

On Saturday morning, November 21, your choir student will need to be at Seven Lakes High School, 9251 S Fry Rd, Katy, TX‎, by 8:30AM, with his/her choir dress uniform in a dress bag, clearly labeled with his/her name.  We will rehearse – and feed them – throughout the day; then they will perform the most amazing concert at 5:00PM, at Seven Lakes High School!  Be sure to invite all your family and friends, and get there early – it is so inspiring to see that many young people, lifting their voices in song and joy!!!  After the concert, they will receive their Region Honor Choir patch from me; then you are free to take them home (to collapse, I’m sure!). 

 

Thank you for the gift of your child!

 

 

 

Laurie Conner

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My child, _____________________________, has my permission to ride the bus to McDonald Junior High in Katy, TX, on Friday, November 20, in order to attend Region XXIII Honor Choir rehearsal.  I will pick my child up from McDonald JH no later than 8:15PM that evening; then return him/her to Seven Lakes High School by 8:30 the next morning.  My child will have his/her music; a rehearsal pencil; and a sack lunch or money for fast food on Friday, 11/20.  On Saturday, 11/21, my child will have his/her music; a rehearsal pencil; his/her choir dress uniform in a dress bag, clearly marked with his/her name.  I will be at the 5:00PM concert on Saturday, 11/21, at Seven Lakes High School in Katy, and my child will be going home with me following the concert.

 

_________________________________

(Parent’s signature)

 

_________________________________

(Student’s signature)

 

____    I would be willing to chaperone the bus trip on Friday, November 20, McDonald Junior High.  [We need 2 adults other than Mrs. Conner!]

Congratulations to the following choir students who make the Region 23 Honor Choir!!



Morayo A.

Marilyn A.

Alice B.

Ashton C.

Ryan D.

Kayla F.

Essence G.

Travis G.

Courtney H.

Casjun H.

AJ H.

Alyssa J.

Athena L.

Lyla L.

Lewis M.

Jarred M.

Kourtney P.

Chelsea P.

BJ R.

Jayla S.

Melanie W.

Emily W.



Only two more pieces to learn before November 20 and 21!! GREAT job today, everybody!



Those of you who auditioned but did NOT make the choir are farther ahead, vocally, because you prepared. Congrats to you, as well.



Mrs. C



JOHNSTON MIDDLE SCHOOL CHOIR NOTES







Dear Parent(s):



Welcome to Johnston Middle School for the Performing and Visual Arts! You have chosen to become part of an exceptional program of arts education. The 2009-2010 school year promises to be an exciting and challenging one with many musical performance, dance concerts, art exhibitions, and drama productions. In this era of technology and science, many schools are phasing out the arts; we at Johnston know that the arts play a vital role in every individual’s life. We are dedicated to enabling our students to work in a team towards our common goal of excellence in performance.



When asked the question, “Why do we give our children instruction in the arts?” we answer:



Not because we expect them to major in the arts;

Not because we expect them to perform all their lives;

Not so they can relax;

Not so they can have fun;

But so they will be human,

So they will recognize beauty;

So they will be closer to an infinite beyond this world;

So they will have more love, more prosperous living

Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?



This handbook is designed to answer your questions about the choir program at Johnston. Please read it carefully, sign the form (both sides), and return it to school.



Thank you!







Laurie Conner

Choir Director

Johnston Middle School



Performing and Visual Arts Faculty

Art Tobi Arsham

Art Christina Gutierrez

Band Craig Green

Band Dan Littles

Broadcast Journalism Vinnie Arlt

Choir Laurie Conner

Dance Jessie Woodcock

Guitar Roberto Guinea

Handbells/piano Rolethial McKelvey

Orchestra Jose Rocha

Piano Diane Grosscope

Theater Arts Stephanie Wittels



Magnet Coordinator John Marshall



The faculty may be reached at the following telephone numbers:

Main School Number (713)726-3616

Magnet Office (713)726-3628

Orchestra Room (713)726-3666

Fax (713)726-3622































GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT

Students enter our magnet program through the audition process in their primary areas of interests. Students will remain in that discipline for their three years at Johnston and will not be permitted to leave their primary area of interest. Should a student wish to change their area of acceptance, he/she must reapply and audition in February for the following year. Students are also expected to remain in their second magnet class throughout the time in our program unless there is sufficient reason presented to necessitate a change (schedule conflict or teacher deems a change is appropriate).



CHOIR CODE OF CONDUCT



ADDITIONAL REHEARSALS/ACTIVITIES

Students will be given adequate notice of all additional rehearsals and activities outside of the regular class period. These rehearsals and activities are course requirements and are vital to the success of the choral program. Every effort will be made to minimize the amount of out-of-class time required. Therefore, unexcused absences from these activities will be treated in the same manner as an unexcused absence from class, and will affect the student’s grade. In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the sponsors of the activities. The sponsors will then determine the student’s obligation.



CHOIR FEES

In order to produce the extraordinary results we achieve in our choir program, it is necessary to collect a choir fee from each participating student. This fee goes toward your music, buses, choir t-shirt, fees for contests, and equipment (risers, etc.). While the $75 fee is a yearly one, you may contact the director to make arrangements to pay the fee over time (lconner@houstonisd.org). Fees are due by Friday, September 26, 2008, unless a payment plan has already been set up with the director.



CHOIR UNIFORM

Uniforms are required of all choir students.

Girls in Beginning Treble Choir must wear:

• Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”

• Black hose

• Solid black skirt, provided by choir department.

• White, long-sleeved, button-down-collared Oxford cloth shirt (men’s dress shirt – see a uniform shop or boys’/mens’ department store). No visible logo embroidery allowed.

• Jewelry and hair must be subtle and not draw particular attention to the student.

Girls in Non-Varsity Treble Choir must wear:

• Black and white formal dress provided by the choir department.

• Black hosiery.

• Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”

Girls in Varsity Treble Choir must wear:

• Black formal dress provided by the choir department.

• Black hosiery.

• Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”



Boys in all choirs must wear:

• Black dress shoes, no athletic shoes

• Black socks

• Solid black dress pants

• Black belt

• White, long-sleeved, button-down-collared Oxford cloth shirt (men’s dress shirt – see a uniform shop or boys’/men’s department store). No visible logo embroidery allowed.

• Tie, to be provided by the choir department. This tie must be dry-cleaned and returned at the end of the year in excellent condition, otherwise a $10 replacement fee will be assessed.



CLASS ATTENDANCE

Unlike individual activities such as an academic class, it is impossible to make up activities that occur in a choir rehearsal. Unexcused absences will have a negative impact on the student’s grade.





CLASSROOM RULES

1. Be in your assigned seat with paper, books and pencil when the bell rings.

2. Do not talk without permission.

3. Keep your hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.

4. No gum, food, candy, or drinks are allowed, except for bottled water WITH A LID! [This includes before and after school.]

5. No grooming in the choir room. Do not brush hair, spray perfume or hairspray, apply scented lotions, or put on make-up in the choir room.



CONCERT AND CONTEST ATTENDANCE

Concerts and contests are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. Choir members are expected to be present for the entire time of each required concert. Concerts are 30% of a student’s grade during the nine weeks in which they occur. ATTENDANCE IS NOT OPTIONAL!! Absences and tardies will be excused only for cases of medical emergency or death in the family. Prior notification of any conflict with a required concert or rehearsal is required. Students are held responsible for keeping up with the dates and times of scheduled activities.

AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE WILL RESULT IN A 30% REDUCTION IN THE NINE-WEEK GRADE.



CONSEQUENCES

If a student fails to follow one or more classroom rules, the director is assuming they have temporarily forgotten what the rules are. The director is more than willing to remind students of what they have forgotten. After several reminders, however, it becomes apparent to the director that a student’s “I forgot. . .” is really an “I don’t care. . .”. Be aware that repeated reminders will be viewed by the director as an “I don’t care” and could result in lowered conduct grades, lowered class participation grades, parent conferences, detention, and disciplinary referrals.











FUNDRAISING

The choir fundraisers are necessary in order to keep the choir fee low. Please remember, you are reaping the rewards and benefits of the fundraiser, so do your part to participate fully.

GRADING RUBRIC

The student’s nine weeks’ grade will be averaged as follows:

I. DAILY QUIZ (20%)

As soon as the bell rings in the choir room, a 5-point daily quiz will begin. This requires each student to be in his/her seat with music, textbooks, pencil, and paper. If a student is not in his/her seat when the bell rings, number 1 on the quiz is automatically marked wrong.

II. PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENTS (CONCERT/CONTEST ATTENDANCE) (30%)

Attendance is required for the entirety of all performances, including concerts and contests. Performances are listed on the Calendar of Events. An excused absence from a choir rehearsal or concert will require the same criteria as an excused absence from school – personal illness where the student has been absent from the entire school day, death in the family, or family emergency. The absence will not be excused if the parent has not communicated with the director PRIOR to the event. It is imperative that the parent contact the director regarding the absence, as these concerts are a part of the student’s grade.

III. CLASS WORK/SING FOR A GRADE (25%)

Each student will sing and/or clap rhythms for a grade each nine weeks.

IV. PRODUCT/CLASS PARTICIPATION (15%)

Appropriate class participation will earn the student 15% of his/her grade, except in a nine weeks period where there is no scheduled concert/contest.



















REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

The success of a choir depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and cooperation of the students. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. The fewer the mistakes and the less individual distractions, the greater your contribution is to the choir. Be patient, attentive, careful, and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. When the directors have to discipline and control rather than direct, the rehearsal and eventually the choirs are headed for failure. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful!



• A positive attitude towards director and fellow choir members is vital.

• Good concentration on the present has to take precedence over past classes or experiences as well as future classes or experiences.

• A pencil in hand is required. Please mark your music diligently. This allows you to be a responsible choir member by keeping up with the progress of the music. The “SINGER’S CHECKLIST” is posted in the choir room to remind students of the prioritized list of factors which will ensure successful rehearsals on a daily basis.



SINGER’S CHECKLIST

1. EYES – At the top of the list is a reminder of where the student is looking at any given time during the rehearsal. The two acceptable places are the director or at the music being rehearsed.

2. POSTURE – Every choir member is responsible for maintaining good singing posture. Just as an athlete would not try to play basketball while lying down, a good singer does not try to sing while slumping in their chair, crossing their arms and legs, or any thing else which inhibits them from their best performance. Correct posture allows the singer to develop and exercise a healthy and beautiful tone.

3. HANDS – While sitting or standing, the position of a singer’s hands I important. Acceptable places are holding music, placed on one’s own legs, or by one’s side.

4. FEET – While sitting, a singer will have their feet squarely placed on the floor. Singers do not rehearse with their legs crossed. While standing, weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.

5. BREATHING – This factor precedes singing because air intake is the basis of all healthy singing. Preparing to sing by taking a deep, relaxed breath will greatly improve a singer’s tone and stamina.

6. SINGING – The ultimate goal of any rehearsal is to maximize the amount of time spent singing. It is imperative that singers are demonstrating attention to Items 1-5 before the director will proceed to No. 6.







CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 10 Open House

September 19 *Region Choir Rehearsal, The Rice School, 8:30AM – 1PM $8/student (Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged!)



October 17 *Region Choir Auditions, Beck JH, Katy



October 15 Advanced Ensemble Concert (Varsity Choirs, only), JMS, 7PM



November 17 *HGO/ADL performance of “I Am Called ‘Me’” at U of H



November 18 *AbbaMania performance at The Miller Outdoor Theater, 5PM – 9:30PM



November 20 and 21 *Region Choir Clinic and Concert, McDonald JH (Friday) and Seven Lakes HS (Saturday), Katy



December 10 **Choir Winter Concert, JMS, 7PM



January 23 *Solo & Ensemble Contest, Johnston Middle School



February 26 and 27 All-School Musical, JMS, 7PM



March 8, 9, and 11 *UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, Tallowood Baptist Church



April 12 and 13 Beginning Choir Festival, St. Peter’s UMC, Katy



May 13 **Choir and Spring Concert, JMS, 7PM



*Second- and third-year choir students are eligible, based on grades.



**Involves ALL choirs, including first-, second-, and third-year students











USE OF FINE ARTS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT



AUXILIARY ROOMS

There are two closets and a storeroom within our choir room. Do not enter these rooms without permission.



CARE AND FEEDING OF CHOIR ROOM

We need to make the care and maintenance of our choir room, its auxiliary rooms, and our auditorium a daily priority. Remember, there will be no food or drink in the room, with the exception of water.



STAGE/AUDITORIUM

You are not to be on the stage or in the auditorium unless you are accompanied by your director.



STEREO

The stereo can be used by students with these guidelines: you must use the stereo for rehearsal purposes or for specific listening work once you have obtained the director’s permission. Groups of students are encouraged to rehearse Region Choir or Solo & Ensemble music in the choir room with the stereo. Only serious practice will be allowed.



PIANO

Don’t play the piano unless the director specifically asks you to do so.