Plantation
Park Singers
Chorus Handbook

2009-2010

 

 

 

Plantation Park Elementary School
875 SW 54th Avenue Plantation, FL 33317
(754) 323-7150 x325 (please do not leave voicemail)

Chorus Website: Www.Musicmakerscamp.Com
Chorus Email- musicmakerscamp@aol.com

Nicole Greggs, Director/ NBCT- EMC Music
Telephone 954-868-5515 or Email nicole.greggs@browardschools.com



 

Section I. Why Sing?

Music runs through our blood: no heartbeat= no life. The study of music speeds human development & maturity. Singing cultivates patterning & language skills, reinforces math knowledge, improves memory, & teaches social & expressive skills which cannot be learned in any other way. Long‐term study of music results in increased standardized test scores, lower dropout rates, & higher academic achievement than that of students who do not study music. Singing stimulates both sides of the brain, whereas reading activates only the left hemisphere. Thus, the more you sing, the smarter you are!

    All children can learn to sing, just as all children can learn to read. The PPE choral music program challenges children to develop individual & corporate scholarship, leadership, character, & musicianship. Choristers will:

  • work to master posture, breathing, tone quality, intonation, diction, expression, blend, stage presence, music theory, & part singing;

  • develop teamwork, problem‐solving skills, & compassion through group singing & service projects;

  • experience & broaden their world by singing a wide variety of musical styles;

  • exercise critical thinking skills by linking reading social studies, history, geography, mathematics, & language arts to music under study;

  • share the joy & satisfaction of performing music well;

  • develop a lifelong love of singing/music that will sustain them throughout their lifetime.

Successful accomplishment of these goals results in increased self-confidence, greater sensitivity toward others, broader understanding of the world, & lifelong mental health.

 

Section II. Registering for Chorus

Parents of prospective choristers must attend an informational meeting (or send a designee) to sign their child up for Chorus. At that meeting, parents/designees will learn how the Chorus is run, including time & financial commitments, choose a mentor/mentee family, & submit their registration donations of $20 per child ($15 per additional participant). parents will have the opportunity to volunteer for various tasks throughout the school year & to ask questions.

Registration Donation. Each chorus student should include a $20 non‐refundable CASH Only Registration Donation with their Chorus Contract before the first rehearsal. This donation will cover the cost of the Chorus T‐shirt & practice CD's (one for fall music; one for spring music). If a child cannot continue in choir for some reason, the Chorus T‐shirt & practice CD's remain the property of the child. The Chorus notebook & its contents, however, & any borrowed uniform items, must be returned. Financial assistance is available for those whose circumstances prevent donation at registration time; contact Mrs. Greggs via any means listed on the Chorus Handbook front cover.

 

Section III. Chorister & Parent Responsibilities

A: Attendance

1. Mandatory Rehearsals. Being in chorus is an honor; therefore, attendance & good behavior at all rehearsals & performances is mandatory. Absences, tardies, or early departures are excused in cases of illness, death in the family, occasional lack of transportation, or prearranged family event only. Non‐emergency appointments for doctors/ dentists should be scheduled on non‐chorus days. Absences for non‐emergency appointments will not be excused unless the appointment was made well in advance of Chorus schedule distribution.

2. Excused Late Arrivals. Safety Patrols are to come to rehearsal immediately after post‐ no later than 2:15pm or 2:25pm for Kindergarten patrol. JCC children are to check in with JCC at 2pm, eat their snack, & be in rehearsal on time (2:10). Art club members must be in rehearsal by 2:47pm on Mondays.

3. Excusals. Absences, tardies, or early departures are marked excused only when a note explaining the reason for the absence & signed by the parent is received by Mrs. Greggs within 2 rehearsals of the absence. If the reason given is not listed above, the absence will not be excused, even with the note. Grace may be extended upon request. EXCEPTION‐ one FREE REHEARSAL PASS per child per year may be used to opt out of a rehearsal. Free Rehearsal Passes (FRP's) will be awarded periodically to children who are exceptional role models. FRP's may not be used for performances, sing‐a‐thons, or during the 2 weeks prior to any major performance such as a sing-a‐thon, winter concert, trip, or spring concert. FRP's must be sent in signed by the parent 2 days or more in advance of the rehearsal to be missed. To ensure adequate musical progress of the choir, no more than 5 children may use FRP’s on any given day.

4. End‐of‐the‐year awards depend heavily upon strong attendance. See Student Achievement & Awards for more information.

5. Probation & Suspension. Three unexcused absences will result in removal from Chorus. Five or more excused absences MAY result in suspension of performance privileges. Report card grades of D, F, or 3 will result in academic probation. See POINT SYSTEM in the Awards section for complete details. For extenuating circumstances, please see Mrs. Greggs.

B: Uniforms & Uniform Bank

Plantation Park Singers members need to acquire both FORMAL & INFORMAL Chorus uniforms. In order to present a completely uniform appearance, formal uniform items from past years may need to be replaced. A separate list of what is required & where to purchase it will come to you as soon as possible.

Purchase or borrowing of the correct uniform items is a requirement for participation in every Chorus event. Uniform checks (25 points per check) are scheduled periodically to ensure children are appropriately dressed. If your child contributed last year's uniform to the Plantation Park Singers Uniform Bank, he or she will have first choice in finding a newer uniform from the bank this year. Remaining uniform bank items become part of the Margie Dellerson Chorus Scholarship Fund & will be distributed yearly to help keep the cost of Chorus participation down. Bowties & cummerbunds are loaned to all male Choristers before performances & collected after each appearance. The number on the bowtie matches the number of your child's chorus folder. Bowties & cummerbunds should not be taken home without permission of the Booster Association &/or of Mrs. Greggs. Lost uniform items become the financial responsibility of the Chorister. Any outstanding chorus fees owed may prevent your child from participating in certain school field trips.

Uniform Bank & Newer Item rentals. Choristers are encouraged to rent from our uniform bank at a lower fee before purchasing new items. Come see if PPSBA has your size! Items in the Uniform Bank are offered for rent or purchase from PPSBA as follows: newer dresses = $25 rent per year without dress donation (return dress at end of year with no refund) or even swap with dress donation (you keep the dress at end of year); new dresses= $30 rent per year without dress donation (return dress at end of year with no refund) or $29 purchase (half price) with dress donation (you keep the new dress at years' end); newer tuxedo pants & shirts= $15 per item rent per year without like item donation (return items at end of year with no refund) or even swap with like item donation. Shoe bank is free‐ come see if we have your size before you purchase. New items are estimated to cost as follows: dresses size 7 & up‐ $58; new tuxedo pants & shirt ensembles $48. Shoes are available from Payless; girls wear black Mary‐Janes and boys wear black Oxford‐style shoes (no patent leather). exact style numbers will be sent in a separate uniform letter.

C: Music, Practice CD's, & Musicianship Tests

1. Chorus Folders & Agendas. Each student is loaned a numbered folder with music. Music & folders are property of the Chorus & should be treated as textbooks. Students may write on music in pencil only. All music & folders should be kept in good condition (dry, unwrinkled, unfolded, unripped, & unscribbled upon). Students should bring their chorus folder and PPE Agenda book to every rehearsal unless otherwise directed by Mrs. Greggs. Forgetting the chorus folder will result in loss of points (child will receive 7 of 10 possible points; see Point System in Awards Section), but 7 out of 10 points is better than ) points for an unexcused absence.

2. Pencils. Students should keep a pencil in the chorus folder to mark notes in their music during rehearsals. Pen is not permitted. Children are not to write on page protectors. (Suggestion- insert a zippered pencil pouch in the chorus folder with 6 sharpened pencils... your child will never be unprepared).

3. Music Return & Textbook Fees. Periodically students will be asked to return completed music. Lost or damaged music and/or folders will result in textbook fees. Once music has been checked, each chorister will receive a letter indicating what fees are owed, if any. Fees are to be paid promptly. Failure to pay fees may result in not being permitted to attend performances or certain general school field trips.

4. Musicianship Tests. Each semester, choristers will take a musicianship test to measure their understanding of concepts taught in chorus. Students who pass the level 1 musicianship test with 90% or better will progress to the next level. Those who do not score at least 90% will retake the level 1 test until they achieve 90%. All choristers who pass the level 1 & 2 tests will receive Mastery Certificates at the awards ceremony in May.

D: Chorus Procedures

1. Schedules & Announcements. Chorus schedules are distributed in yearly and should be kept in a highly visible location (refrigerator door) at home. Schedule updates are periodically given at rehearsals, and these supersede any previously given schedules. Check www.musicmakerscamp.com for the latest schedule, available 24/7. Students should check the Chorus Bulletin Board and listen to WOWL for daily announcements. The Chorus Schedule is part of the Chorus Handbook. Be sure to get a copy of all notices or write down any important information that parents need to know.

2. No Phone use. Students are not permitted to use the school office or music room phone or classroom phones to notify parents of chorus rehearsals. Please check your schedule often and plan ahead to get any reports or projects finished before concert weeks.

3. Arrival/Rehearsal Beginnings. Students leave book bags in the south main hallway underneath their nametag or row, then get their nametag and folder from the chorus cabinets. If rehearsal ends at 3:30 or earlier, students are to enter the music room immediately after using restrooms & getting drinks, then sit on their spot. If rehearsal ends at 4pm, snacks will be eaten until 2:13, and rehearsal will begin promptly at 2:15.Students should have their chorus folder, pencil, & agenda for every rehearsal unless told otherwise. When Mrs. Greggs begins warm‐ups, all talking stops.

4. No rehearsal interruptions. Use rest rooms and get drinks before rehearsal begins. Leaving rehearsal once practice starts, especially without permission, will result in loss of points and an immediate phone call home. Leaving early or coming late without a teacher/parent note will also result in loss of points (see Point System in Awards Section).

5. Classroom management plan. TRIBES AGREEMENTS are followed during chorus. These are: active listening, mutual respect, participation/ right to pass, appreciations, & no put‐downs. Consequences are: 1st offense= warning. 2nd offense= nametag taken, 5/10 points earned; 3rd offense= removed from rehearsal/call or note home, change of seat; 4th offense= suspension of performance privileges, and/or removal from Chorus. Rewards are: warm‐up leader, free ice cream passes, bonus points, 1st to leave, playing instruments, treats, prizes, free rehearsal passes, miscellaneous.

6. Dismissal. After rehearsals, all students exit the south side west hallway (by teachers' lounge) unless they attend JCC. THE SOUTH PARKING LOOP IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE PICKUP LOCATION FOR CAR RIDERS. For their own safety & security, children are not permitted to go to another area of the school or off campus to be picked up. students are to go directly home. Parents picking up children by car must do so promptly at the end of rehearsal. Adult supervision is provided for 15 minutes after rehearsal ends, after which time child will wait in the southwest hallway. Everyone gets one emergency incident (no point loss), but students picked up late 3 times will be regretfully removed from Chorus.

E: Plantation Park Singers Booster Association (PPSBA)

PPSBA is the Chorus’s parent support group & the backbone of our children's success! Every caregiver of a chorister is a member. WE NEED YOUR HELP! PPSBA helps to arrange non‐musical aspects of the chorus such as office work, rehearsal supervision, fundraising, costumes, videography, program book, stage preparation, chaperoning, refreshments, awards, party planning, photography, etc. Meeting dates are listed on the Chorus Calendar. PLEASE donate a minimum of 2 hours of volunteer time over the course of the year. It doesn't have to be a big deal: help after a concert putting things away or organizing cummerbunds & bowties; type a program book; copy some CDs; size uniforms; collect & check music; or serve refreshments at the Sing‐a‐Thon or spring concert. There are lots of other ways to help! Check the PPSBA page on the Chorus website www.musicmakerscamp.com for a list of our most urgent current needs. Your input and help are always welcome!

Since you never know when you might volunteer, all chorus parents must complete the Broward County Public Schools' online volunteer/mentor registration as soon as possible. Those wishing to chaperone an out‐of‐county trip must have level 2 clearance (fingerprinting). Volunteers cannot assist until their application has been approved via the STAR program. Register at www.getinvolvedineducation.com. Even if you volunteer at home, your hours can be counted if you register through STAR. See Ms. Specht, office clerk, for a paper copy if you are not online. (If you volunteer at more than one school or for more than one organization, you need only complete the online application once.) Thanks for your cooperation with this. Please help us continue to provide music education of the highest quality by participating in PPSBA!

F: Fundraising

Chorus is financially self‐sufficient; while we are permitted to use school facilities & resources, we receive no monetary support from the school & Mrs. Greggs receives no stipend. Therefore, all chorus students are strongly encouraged to help with fundraising events. PPSBA raises money toward the purchase of music, accompanists, clinicians, sound equipment, technology, costumes, sets, awards, trips, prizes, etc., all of which directly benefit choristers & the general music program. Students who do not participate will be asked to pay the full price for any trips they attend, while students who do participate will receive credit toward any chorus trip expenses. Proceeds from each fundraising activity will be designated in 1 of 3 ways: for the individual's benefit, for the general chorus fund, or a percentage to each category. This will be clearly noted in the informational letter for each event. Student accounts may be used to pay for uniforms and trip expenses.

Section IV. Student Achievement, Awards
& Point System

Student achievement is tracked through the point system outlined below. Choristers must maintain at least 80% of the current possible point total to remain in Chorus in good standing. If a student's point total falls below 80%, he/she will be placed on probation (which means: the student is still in Chorus attending rehearsals, but must bring up his/her grade(s) by the next report card or be suspended (no longer in Chorus). Any student receiving a 'D', 'F' or '3' on their academic report card will also be placed on Chorus probation. The music director reserves the right to make additions/ deletions to/from this system as appropriate to obtain the most accurate possible representation of student progress. Year‐end awardees will be selected by the music director. Point system data will be considered, but other factors such as attitude, effort, improvement, & character are also important.


PLANTATION PARK SINGERS POINT SYSTEM

ITEM/ EVENT

POINTS

PERFORMANCE: Performance/ Sing-a-Thon (PER DAY) +30 (0 if unexcused absence)
REHEARSAL: perfect day +10 (0 if unexcused absence)
REHEARSAL: no pencil and/or assignment pad (or no recorder, when counted) +9
REHEARSAL: leaving for bathroom (supposed to go before 2:10) +8
REHEARSAL: present/no notebook +7
REHEARSAL: Late pick-up (except 1st incident), Tardy to/leaving early from +6
REHEARSAL: talking/ off task +5 (+1 if severe)
REHEARSAL: present but forgot to take nametag +3
Rehearsal/performance: excused absence (notes due by 2nd rehearsal after absence) Ex (event not counted)
RESPONSIBILITY: Required forms/monies in on time (per incident) + 5 per form (0 if late/never returned)
RESPONSIBILITY: Prepared on Uniform Check Day +25 or portion thereof
EXTRA CREDIT/ SCHOLARSHIP: "A" Honor Roll +15
EXTRA CREDIT/ SCHOLARSHIP: "A/B" or "B" Honor Roll +10
EXTRA CREDIT: Voluntary music ensemble (orchestra, church/temple choir, etc.) or private music lessons (must complete during this school year & turn in program) + 15 per ensemble per school year
SCHOLARSHIP: Musicianship tests- passing grade of 90% or more Varies with each level
EXTRA CREDIT/RESPONSIBILITY: Sing-a-Thon: pledge goal or fundraising goal met +10
EXTRA CREDIT/ LEADERSHIP: Voluntary vocal solo/ announcer/ special part +5 per event
EXTRA CREDIT/ LEADERSHIP: Helps Mrs. Greggs after rehearsal +2 per day
EXTRA CREDIT/ LEADERSHIP: serves as chorus officer or section leader +15 per year
PPSBA Meeting- parent in attendance + 5
PPSBA- parent volunteers in rehearsal OR chaperones trip + 5 per day
PPSBA- parent volunteers (daytime/home/elsewhere) + 7 per task

7

At the final concert of the year, the following awards are presented:

  1. First, Second, & Third Year Achievement Awards‐ for students who successfully complete their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd year of Chorus;

  2. Perfect Attendance Award‐ for students who achieve 100% attendance at all mandatory events during the school year;

  3. Outstanding Attendance Award‐ for students who have 4 or fewer excused absences for all mandatory events during the school year;

  4. Outstanding Leadership Award‐ for students who serve as outstanding leaders in chorus (officers or section leaders);

  5. Outstanding Responsibility Award‐ for students whose end‐of‐the‐year overall chorus point percentage is 90% or better;

  6. Musicianship Test Certificates‐ for students who achieve 90% or better on level 1 & 2 tests;

  7. Most Outstanding 3rd, 4th, & 5th‐Grade Awards‐ for two students in each grade & in each choir who best exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, dedication, musical talent, & enthusiasm;

  8. Most Improved Chorister‐ for one student per choir who demonstrates exemplary improvement in attitude, maturity, and/or vocal ability over the course of the school year;

  9. Most Outstanding Overall Chorister‐ for one student who best exemplifies musical talent, academic achievement, dedication to music, excellence in behavior, and leadership;

  10. Certificate of Appreciation‐ for parents and faculty who contribute to the choral music program during the school year.

  11. Outstanding entertainers awards‐ for all choristers, to commemorate the themes for our winter & spring concerts

 

Section VI. Audience Concert Etiquette‐ 5 Rules of Thumb

1. Be courteous to those around you; avoid talking during performances.

2. Remain seated during the concert's entirety. If you must get up, do so only during a break in the program, such as at the end of a song or group of songs.

3. Return to your seat only at the next program break or intermission.

4. Avoid eating and drinking during the performance.

5. Applaud appropriately at the end of a musical selection only. Wait for the conductor's arms to rest at his/her sides to show that the piece has ended. Foot stamping, booing, whistling, yelling, and pounding on chairs are unacceptable. Clapping, calling out "Bravo!', and standing at the end of a performance are appropriate ways to show you liked what you saw & heard.

 

A side note to parents: Flash photography is hazardous and distracting to children during a performance. Please take pictures only between selections, or use high speed film with no flash. Thank You!