Grades

 Grades in Choral Music will be based on the following criteria:

Preparation of Music- 30%

Graded by individual and small group performance-

This includes, but is not limited to...

 - classroom participation (2pts off 6 week grade per offense)  posture, positive attitude, having materials 

 - singing tests (choir music repertoire) students will be tested to show knowledge of music currently being taught in the classroom 

 - sight-reading tests  every student will be graded on progress of sight-reading skills.

Performance- 55%

Scheduled public performances are the ultimate goal of our class rehearsals and students MUST be present. Concerts are scheduled well in advance, therefore, necessary arrangements should be made to insure attendance.

If there is no performance during a grading period, this portion of the grade is redistributed by preparation of music determining 70% of the grade and written work determining 30% of their grade

Written Work- 15%

This includes, but is not limited to

• worksheets
• music theory tests
• sight reading       
• rhythm tests
• concert evaluations    

Attendance

  The Round Rock ISD School Board has determined that Choir is a performing art and that performances are an extension of class time. Unexcused absences from any performance, or any scheduled rehearsal, will affect the student's grade.  The following policy will be used for performances and extra (scheduled) rehearsals:

    1. An unexcused absence from a performance or required rehearsal will result in a "zero" in the grade book.

    2. The second unexcused absence may result in an alternate written, non-performance related curriculum, resulting in the demotion for students in Varsity Choirs.

   3. Excessive absences from concert performances indicate a conflict with course requirements and selection of a different elective could take place.

In addition to the Round Rock ISD Concert Attendance Policy- Walsh  Choral Department Guidelines are also in effect.

• Attendance at rehearsals and concerts, due to the nature of this class, is mandatory.
• Dates will be announced well in advance of rehearsal and performance times.
• It is the responsibility of each student to inform parents of all rehearsals and performances.
• Graded concerts (fall, holiday, and spring) are counted as 3 major test grades per concert.

 Excused Absence Guidelines

• If a student is absent from school on the day of a concert, he/she may not be allowed to participate with the choir during the performance.
• Lack of transportation does not constitute an excused absence.

Only absences due to illness or an extreme emergency will be considered an excused absence. Any concert missed without advance notification, grade will be a zero.

Discipline

The basis of any superior organization is strict discipline.  It is expected  that each singer realize his/her responsibility to the group and engage in self-discipline. The rules presented in the Walsh Middle School Handbook and discipline policies of the Round Rock ISD will be strictly adhered to, both in rehearsals, performances, and off-campus activities.

If a choir member should choose to be uncooperative, disrespectful, and/or disruptive, the student will face the following consequences:  student/teacher conference, parental contact and detention,  probation from participating in choral activities, consequence as assigned by administrators.

Students will be expected to conform to the following classroom rules:

1. Follow all student handbook rules
2. Follow directions the first time they are given
3. No gum, food, or drink in the choir room
4. Be in place with appropriate materials when class begins
5. Respect the teacher by not talking without permission
6. Show respect for all property
7. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

Students who follow the above classroom rules can expect the following rewards:

1. Verbal and Nonverbal Praise
2. Free Time
3. Positive phone calls, e-mails, etc.
4. Tangible Individual and/or Collective Rewards
5. Inclusion in special planned activities

                                                    Choir Office Rules

-The phone in the choir office is for choir business only!!!  Only Mrs. Ja may give permission for use of  the choir phone!

-No one is allowed in the choir office until one has knocked and has been invited by Mrs.Ja  to enter.

Student Eligibility

Students must adhere to the No Pass/No Play regulations. A student must pass ALL subjects to be eligible for participation in extra-curricular activities with the choral music department.

Grades will be checked at the end of each 6 week grading period. Ineligible students may become eligible at the end of the 3^rd week progress report providing they are passing ALL classes. 

This UIL rule can be very confusing for all involved.  It is strongly recommended that parents and students stay in close communication with teachers every 6 weeks period should a student become ineligible.

Concert Attire

Each Walsh Choir Member will need to purchase a choir shirt for the school year.  More information regarding the shirts will follow shortly. All students will also need khaki pants to be worn with choir shirt to complete casual concert attire.

7^th and 8^th grade girls will be performing in black formal dresses provided by Walsh Middle School

.  Students are responsible for providing black dress shoes and black stockings.

7th and 8th grade guys will be performing in vests and ties provided by Walsh Middle School

.  Students are responsible for providing white long sleeve dress shirt, black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.  No jeans or tennis shoes please! 

6^th Grade Choir will be wearing a Walsh Choir T-shirt and khaki pants.  Tennis shoes are acceptable to wear for this group. 

Uniform Fees: A $15.00 dress or $10.00 vest and tie maintenance/cleaning fee is required for each school issued uniform.  This fee covers cleaning and hemming costs and needs to be returned with the uniform check out form at time of uniform issue.  Payment options available upon request.

Fund Raising Activities

The Walsh Middle School Choir program is enhanced by many extra activities for which the Round Rock ISD or campus funds are not available.  Due to this fact, the choral department engages in fund raising activities to help students with cost of trips, awards, music, accompanists, parties, and purchase of additional materials for the choral music department. 

Students may elect not to participate in fundraising and have a donation made in his/her name to the choral department to cover expenses for the year.  If a student loses scholastic eligibility and cannot participate in the event, his/her "earned" money cannot be refunded as trip expenses, music and awards are incurred regardless of the number participating. We encourage all choral students to participate in fund raising activities to benefit each student in the choral department. 

Choir Officers

Choir students have the opportunity to strengthen their leadership qualities by running for office within each choir. These offices are held by quality students who will be chosen to serve as mediators between director and the choir, assist with activities while maintaining a good spirit, be students leaders in my absence, and attend officer meetings to help plan for the school year.

The offices are as follows:

President               Reporter

                    Vice President       Librarians                  

            Secretary              *Section Leaders

                       Treasurer              *Sight Reading Leaders

*selected offices which may change every 6 weeks

Private Voice Instruction

It is the goal of the Walsh MS Choral Dept to provide the very best learning experiences for each choir student. One of these learning experiences is the opportunity for a student to study privately with a professional voice teacher.  This enrichment opportunity is available to all choir students and is optional.

Lessons are 22 minutes and are scheduled throughout the school day.  Lessons are $12.00 and are given once a week.  Monthly payments of $48.00 are expected at the first lesson of each month and are made payable to the private instructor.  In class instruction will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.  Information and Applications for enrollment in IMIP (Individual Music Instruction Program) are available in the choir office.  

Attention Parents

Please click on the parent page to access the following information and related forms-

Parental Permission/ Medical Release-

 All choir students must have this form on File with the choral office to be allowed to travel with the choir for contest, festivals, etc.  The calendar of choir events will be printed on the back of this form to allow permission for all activities.  This will prevent parents from having to complete a form upon the date of every event. 

Parent Information Sheet-

This sheet is used by the director to organize those parents who are interested in helping the choir in any way throughout the year.  Any help would be appreciated.

Dear Parent and Student,

This handbook has been prepared to give you information regarding the structure and expectations of the Choral Program at Walsh Middle School.  I hope that this will answer any questions that you may have concerning this organization.  It is the responsibility of each choir member to become familiar with the policies stated in this handbook and the Student Handbook. 

We try to provide an instructional program that is second to none.  This program not only includes performance of the highest quality but also provides students a sound music education. The success of our program depends on the involvement of parents.  The encouragement of parents provides motivation for both students and directors.  I hope you will be available to help us with many important tasks this year. 

I am looking forward to an exciting and successful school year.                          If you have any questions, please feel free to call or arrange for a conference.

                                                   Sincerely,   Mrs. Ja