Plantation
Park Singers
Chorus Handbook

2008-09

 

 

 

Plantation Park Elementary School
875 SW 54th Avenue Plantation, FL 33317 (754) 323-7150 x325

Chorus Website: Www.Musicmakerscamp.Com

Section I. Goals and Philosophy of the Choral Music Program

 

Music is a critically important element of every child’s education and human development. Musical study improves a person’s understanding of the "big picture" in life. It cultivates patterning and language skills, reinforces math knowledge, improves memory, and teaches social and expressive skills which cannot be learned in any other way. Long-term study of music results in increased standardized test scores and higher academic achievement than that of students who do not study music.

All children can learn to sing, just as all children can learn to read. The choral music program at Plantation Park Elementary School strives to challenge children to develop their musical ability and character to their fullest potentials. Other goals are:

to teach the basics of singing (posture, breathing, diction, phrasing, tone quality, blend, dynamics, and part singing);

to help students express emotion through singing;

to foster teamwork and compassion through group singing;

to help students appreciate the world by studying a wide variety of musical literature, including folk songs, art songs, sacred songs, songs of other cultures, and popular music;

to develop critical thinking skills by connecting students’ knowledge of social studies, history, geography, mathematics, and language arts to music under study;

to help students feel the joy and satisfaction of performing music well;

to help students develop a lifelong love of singing and to encourage them to share that joy with others.

Successful accomplishment of these goals will provide a solid foundation for further musical study and will result in increased self-confidence, sensitivity toward others, and lifelong enjoyment of singing.

 

Section II. Chorister Responsibilities

 

A: Attendance

1.       Attendance and good behavior at all rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

2.       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 doctor/dentist appointments will not be excused unless the appointment was made well in advance of the distribution of the Chorus schedule.

3.       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, come to Chorus, and eat their snack afterward in the music room.

4.       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.

5.       End-of-the-year awards depend heavily upon strong attendance. See "Awards" for more information.

6.       Three unexcused absences will result in removal from Chorus. Five or more excused absences MAY result in suspension of performance privileges. See the POINT SYSTEM in the Awards section for complete details. For extenuating circumstances, please see Mrs. Greggs.

B: Uniforms

Plantation Park Singers members will need to acquire both FORMAL and INFORMAL Chorus uniforms. In order to present a completely uniform appearance, formal uniform items from past years may need to be replaced. A list of what is required and 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.

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 and will be distributed yearly to help keep the cost of Chorus participation down.

Bowties and cummerbunds are loaned to all Choristers before performances and collected after each appearance. The number on the bowtie matches the number of your child’s chorus folder. Bowties and cummerbunds should not be taken home without permission of the Booster Association and/or of Mrs. Greggs. Lost uniform items become the financial responsibility of the Chorister.

 

C: Music and Practice CD’s

1.       Each student will be loaned a numbered folder with music. Music and folders are property of the Chorus and should be treated as textbooks.

2.       Students may write on music and folders in pencil only.

3.       All music and folders should be kept in good condition (dry, unwrinkled, unfolded, unripped, & unscribbled upon).

4.     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.

5.       Students should bring their chorus folder and PPE assignment pad to every rehearsal unless otherwise directed by Mrs. Greggs. Forgetting the chorus folder will result in loss of points (child will receive 7 out of 10 possible points; see "Point System" in Awards Section).

6.      Periodically students will be asked to turn in their 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.

7.       Each chorus student should include a $20 non-refundable Registration Donation with their Chorus Contract before the first rehearsal. Families registering more than 1 child may contribute $20 for the 1st child + $15 for each additional child. This donation will cover the cost of the Chorus T-shirt & 2 practice CD’s (one for fall music; one for spring music).  CASH OR MONEY ORDER ONLY. If a child cannot continue in choir for some reason, the Chorus T-shirt and practice CD's remain the property of the child. The Chorus notebook and its contents, however, and any borrowed uniform items, must be returned.

8.       Financial assistance is available for those whose circumstances prevent donation at registration time; contact Mrs. Greggs at 754-323-7150x325 or send a note for more information.

 

D: Chorus Procedures

1.       Chorus schedules are distributed in September and January 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.

2.       Students should check the Chorus Bulletin Board and listen to WOWL for a schedule and for announcements. The Chorus Schedule is part of the Chorus Handbook.

3.       Students are absolutely not permitted to use the school office 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.

4.       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.

5.       Leaving early or coming late without a teacher/parent note will result in loss of points (see "Point System" in Awards Section).

6.       Be sure to get a copy of all notices or write down any important information that parents need to know.

7.    We have so much to learn! When Mrs. Greggs begins warm-ups, all talking stops.

8.   Regular music room rules apply during rehearsals:

Cooperate;

Participate;

Respect.

9.   If a student breaks a rule, he/she receives a warning. If another rule is broken, that student’s nametag is taken and they lose 5 points for the day. Chronic talking may result in change of seat, suspension of performance privileges, and/or removal from Chorus.

10.   After rehearsals, students are to go directly home or to after-care, taking all personal belongings with them. Parents picking up children by car must do so promptly at the end of rehearsal.

11.   Adult supervision of students is provided for 15 minutes after rehearsal ends. Everyone gets one emergency incident (no point loss), but students picked up late 3 times will be regretfully removed from chorus. LATE PICK-UP POLICY: Students picked up later than 15 minutes after rehearsal ends will return to the music room to call parents. Late parents must park, enter the JCC entrance at the back of the school, and come to the music room to sign out their child.

 

E: Rehearsal Dismissal Procedures

At the time rehearsal ends, please adhere to the following guidelines:

Be sure your child knows ahead of time how she/he is getting home on each rehearsal day.

After-care choristers are to go directly to after-care;

Bikers, walkers, and car-riders will be escorted to the South Parking Loop by a supervising volunteer. All non-JCC choristers must use the teacher’s lounge hallway to exit the building. Parents are to please wait for children outside the South Parking Loop. It is not necessary to come inside the school.

Once at the South Parking Loop, bikers and walkers are to go on their merry way, while car-riders are to wait with the adult for pickup.

THE SOUTH PARKING LOOP IS THE ONLY ACCEPTABLE PICKUP LOCATION FOR CAR RIDERS. For their own safety and security, children are not permitted to go to another area of the school or off campus to be picked up.

 

F: Plantation Park Singers Booster Association (PPSBA)

PPSBA is the backbone of our children’s success! WE NEED YOUR HELP! Every parent or guardian who has a child in Chorus is a member. PPSBA helps to arrange non-musical aspects of the chorus such as 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 tapes; 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 welcomed!

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). Returning volunteers from past years must provide a driver’s license & social security number to front office personnel during the first visit to the school to activate their volunteer record. New volunteers cannot volunteer 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 toward our school’s 5-Star award if you register through STAR. See Ms. Lieberman, Guidance Counselor, 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!

 

G: Fundraising

All chorus students are strongly encouraged to help with fundraising events. PPSBA raises money toward the purchase of music, accompanists, clinicians, costumes, sets, awards, trips, prizes, etc., all of which directly benefit choristers. 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 one of three 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 III. Chorus Student Achievement and Awards

 

The following point system will be used to objectively determine progress and achievement for Chorus report cards and end-of-the year awards. Choristers must maintain at least 75% of the current possible point total to remain in Chorus in good standing. If a student’s point total falls below 75%, 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. Three unexcused absences will result in removal from chorus, and 5 or more excused absences MAY result in suspension of performance privileges. 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, and character are also important.

PLANTATION PARK SINGERS POINT SYSTEM

ITEM/ EVENT

POINTS

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 Varies with each level
EXTRA CREDIT/RESPONSIBILITY: Sing-a-Thon: pledge 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
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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Outstanding Responsibility Award- for students whose end-of-the-year point percentage is 90% or better;

Most Outstanding Third, Fourth, and Fifth-Grade Awards- for two students in each grade and in each choir who best exemplify scholarship, leadership, character, dedication, musical talent, and enthusiasm;

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;

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

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

 

Section IV. 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 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 and 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!

 

That children can make beautiful music is not so important
as that Music can make beautiful children.

Food for Thought: "I don't know anything about music. In my line you don't have to."

Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977)