Five Forks Middle School Choral Department

HANDBOOK 2015-2016

Principal: Mrs. Christine Douthart

Superintendent: J. Alvin Wilbanks

DIRECTOR: MS. CHELSEA GREEN

3250 River Drive

Lawrenceville, GA 30044

770.972.1506

About your Director

Ms. Chelsea Green received her Bachelors of Music in Choral Music Education with an ESOL

Endorsement from Georgia Southern University. Ms. Green maintains professional

memberships with the American Choral Directors Association, National

Association for Music Education, Georgia Music Educators Association, North

Carolina Summer Institute of Choral Art, and Professional Association of

Georgia Educators. She was the recipient of the Lucille Peavey Memorial

Scholarship for Music Education at Georgia Southern, Horatio Alger Scholar

for the state of Georgia, and received an undergraduate teaching assistant

position for the Georgia Southern choral department. Her philosophy encourages

students embrace diverse cultures and genres. This is largely attributed from when

she was selected for the NCSICA collegiate internship program under the direction of Dr. Mary

Goetze, whom is most noted for her research of multicultural music education. Ms. Green

believes that music programs should be inclusive and accessible for all.

Why Music?

“Music is universal. How many hours in a row do we ever go without listening to music?

Everywhere we go, everything we watch-- music. Why would we not want to know more about

something constantly present in our lives? Could we live in a world without music?

Listening to music is profoundly human. It lets us understand some of our most complicated

feelings. It helps us know who we are, what we want, and how to be ourselves in the world. We

live in an age of vast musical riches from both past and present, and have access to exactly the

music that suits our personality and mood.

Making music is even more so [human]. With all that music can do for us as listeners, why would

we not want to unlock the secrets of expressing ourselves through it? We are driven to make

music as surely as we are driven to speak. Why would we not want to give our students the

chance to learn how to express themselves in this manner?

It is both indescribable and enormously compelling to see the many ways in which diverse people

connect to each other through music. I can't think of any other school subject that so completely

fosters cooperation, collaboration, and connection between students. Students learn to help and

mentor each other, and support each other.

Music programs give back to communities. Our community bands, church choir, and local

theater-- all these groups that enrich the cultural life of our community are the result of school

music programs.”

Course Information

Choir is a yearlong, co-curricular program open to all students at Five Forks Middle School.

Students will focus on healthy and diverse vocal technique, fundamentals of music theory,

history, sight singing and ear training, and the rehearsal of choral literature. Most importantly,

students will develop self-discipline, gain a better understanding of the world through a

multicultural approach, and learn to work cooperatively with their peers.

Ensembles:

o 6th Grade Chorus is the entry-level choral ensemble. Students do not need to have any

previous choral experience to join the program. Most of the literature for this class

will be two-part choral pieces of varying styles. We will begin the school year by

focusing on listening, describing, identifying intervals using solfege, and learning songs

by rote.

o 7th Grade Chorus offers students a chance to further develop singing skills, begin singing

and performing choral pieces of more than 2 vocal parts, and practice consistent reading

of music in a choral score. Students are permitted and encouraged to audition for All-

State choir starting in the 7th grade.

o 8th Grade Chorus is the students’ final year to prepare for high school chorus. Students in

the 8th grade will be able to describe various vocal techniques, sight-read music

effectively, sing back tonal memory exercises, and be able to describe basic music history

and its relation to other disciplines. This ensemble will sing more advanced literature than

7th and 6

th grade chorus. Students in the 8

th grade are strongly encouraged to audition for

All-State choir!

o Advanced Ensemble is an audition-only vocal ensemble that rehearses after school. It is

open to 7th and 8

th grade students in the choral program through audition. Advanced

Ensemble typically focuses on learning and performing show choir tunes, jazz repertoire,

and popular music. To be considered for this ensemble, the student cannot have more

than two disciplinary actions on their school records and must have a passing grade

in all other classes.. Information about auditions for this ensemble will be given out

during the first two weeks of school.

Classroom Rules and Expectations

1. Be on time for class everyday – this means in your assigned place with your materials

(folder, music, sharpened pencil) when the bell rings.

2. Keep gum, food, drinks, etc. out of the choir room (you may bring water as long as it is

in a closed container) – failure to adhere to this will result in a consequence.

3. Practice courtesy and respect in dealing with others – this includes:

• raising your hand and waiting for recognition before speaking – keep it relevant

• listening when the director is speaking

• following directions the FIRST time they are given

• waiting quietly while the director is working with another group

4. Treat music and binder with care:

• binders are to be put away at the end of every rehearsal

• return all music in good condition (there will be a charge for lost/stolen music)

5. Participate – this includes being attentive and ready to work with musically focused

participation…and when it’s time, do your part and sing out!

6. Follow all rules in the school handbook. (dress code, cell phones, planner)

Tardy Policy for Connections:

All connections classes have adopted a tardy policy. It is important that students arrive to class

on time. A tardy bell sounds three minutes after dismissal from students’ previous class. Any

students that are not in the chorus room when the tardy bell rings are considered tardy. If a

student is tardy three times, a detention or the next step of the discipline plan is issued

IMPORTANT: Choir members who prevent the group from rehearsing effectively will NOT be tolerated. Failure

to follow class rules and expectations will result in the implementation of the school-wide

discipline procedure. Excessive classroom disruption will threaten the student’s continued

participation in chorus.

Evaluation and Rubric

In order for chorus students to achieve the highest grades possible, it is important for both

students and parents to be aware of the chorus grading policy. As a performance-based class, a

significant percentage of points are awarded for participation in performances, both in and out of

the classroom.

Students will receive a final chorus grade at the end of each 18 week period. Grades are a

culmination of class assignments, singing/written assessments, interim tests, and concert

participation. Like an academic class, missing or low summative assessments may be retaken

until mastery is achieved (on help session mornings) Remember to check Parent Portal for your

child’s most up-to-date grade.

Chorus Grading Scale:

*Concerts are considered the final in Chorus, please see Concert Rubric on eclass for more information

In order to receive full credit for concerts, each student must:

1. Attend all scheduled performances.

2. Be in their designated area ready to rehearse at call time (not walking in the door).

3. Wear the appropriate uniform (see Chorus Uniform Policy).

4. Use proper concert etiquette when watching others perform.

Student performance is graded using the following scale in Gwinnett County:

o 90% and above: A ~ excellent progress

o 80%-89%: B ~ above average progress

o 74%-79%: C ~ average progress

o 70%-73%: D ~ below average progress

o Below 70%: U/F ~ unsatisfactory progress

Performance Attendance:

Chorus in Gwinnett County is not exclusively an extra-curricular activity. Therefore, it should not

be treated as one. Through a combination of classroom instruction and afterschool requirements,

chorus students receive a grade for attaining AKS objectives. Some of these objectives can only

be reached in front of public audiences. “Required out-of-class activities, as stipulated by the

teacher, will determine a portion of the student’s grade.” (Copied from GCPS Performing Arts

Grading Policy) The choral department will present several concerts this year. In addition, one or

more of the choruses may perform in and around the community as opportunities arise.

Types Percentage of Grade

Class Assignments

(Classwork and Homework)

40%

Summative Assessments

(Tests, Major Assignments, Projects)

50%

Final* 10%

Absences from concerts/performances:

There is no way to make up the experience if a concert is missed. Students are expected to attend

*ALL* performances.

o Excused absences: Illness; death in the family; other emergency situations; pre-arranged

absences (i.e. religious reasons) where parent note or email is received at least two weeks

prior to the concert. *In order to receive full credit for the concert, a student will be

required to complete a makeup assignment on eclass. In the event of a doctor’s

appointment, a note must be submitted to earn full credit for absence in addition to the

make-up assignment on eclass.

o Unexcused absences: Not having a ride to concert, forgetting, sporting events/practices,

getting lost on the way to concert, traffic, not having the uniform. Students with an

unexcused absence from a concert have the opportunity to earn 50% by completing a

make-up assignment on eclass.

Equipment Policies and Procedures

Music Policy:

Students will be responsible for any damaged or lost music and charges will be added to their

student account. Most pieces cost anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00

Uniform Policy:

6th grade:

o FFMS Chorus polo shirt. Order form on MyPaymentsPlus The cost of the shirt is $20.

o Solid black dress trousers (No jegging/leggings/yoga pants/jeans) OR

o Solid black skirt (Skirts must be to the floor and cannot have any slits in the fabric)

o Solid black, closed-toe dress shoes (NO HEELS, preferably flats, which can be purchased

at Wal-Mart for $12.99)

7th/8

th grade:

o Long, black, formal dress or tux ensemble. The cost of the tux/dress is $60

o Solid black, closed-toe dress shoes. (NO HEELS, preferably flats, which can be

purchased at Wal-Mart for $12.99)

o For more informal performances (Basketball games, Spring Concert, etc.), students will

wear the FFMS maroon polo shirt purchased in 6th grade.

All Students:

o Hair will be kept off the face! No exceptions. Hair must be up and off the neck,

preferably in a ponytail or bun.

o No jewelry of any kind will be worn for a concert. No watches, rings, bracelets,

necklaces or visible piercings.

o If your shoes require socks they must be BLACK.

o No perfume or body spray/mist during performances or dress rehearsals.

*** The director reserves the right to not allow a student to perform if they are in violation of

dress and uniform policy. If you have any questions, consult your director.

Fundraising All students are encouraged to participate in the chorus fundraiser because all fundraiser money

benefits all chorus students. Students are strongly encouraged to participate. The funds we raise

are used to pay for music, bus transportation, uniforms, accompanists, awards,

clinician/adjudicator fees, and more.

Optional Activities Participation in the activities listed below are not required, but are greatly encouraged!! Before

school study sessions and/or rehearsals are required in most cases. Students must meet academic

requirements and are responsible for transportation and expenses associated with these events

including sheet music, accompanist fees, travel and lodging.

All-State Chorus (7th and 8

th grade only):

All-State Chorus is an audition-only chorus that practices and performs in Athens over three days

in March. In order to participate, students must first audition with Ms. Green, then pass two more

challenging auditions at the county levels. It is only recommended for students with solid

musicianship skills. A parent chaperone is expected to accompany every student participant to

Athens.

District Honor Chorus (all grade levels):

Honor Chorus was created to give the most dedicated, high performing chorus students the

opportunity to sing with other peers of high caliber, to work with an esteemed choral director, and

to perform an exciting concert. Ms. Green will nominate students that show exemplary

commitment to choir and a love of learning to an Honor Chorus committee. This committee

selects the final participants to rehearse for two days in late October. The Chorus will present a

final concert at the end of the second day.

North Carolina Summer Institute of Choral Art:

NCSICA is a week-long choir camp that takes place on the beautiful campus of Warren Wilson

College, located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This camp allows

students to learn new and exciting repertoire from amazing clinicians all across the country.

Students attend rehearsals, master classes, and rotation classes all centered on exposure and

exploration of great choral music. In addition, NCSICA gives students an opportunity to work

with a world-class show choir chorographer, learn contra dancing from a native North Carolinian

(folk dancing), attend or audition for classical and pop talent shows, and end the week with an

open-rehearsal concert that showcases the progress of each choir during the week. Scholarships

and discounts are available. Please see Ms. Green for more information.

Remind

PLEASE sign up to receive text notifications from Ms. Green (Instructions below). These

notifications will include information about upcoming tests, concerts, fundraiser

deadlines, etc. Standard text message rates apply. Visit remind.com to learn more.

Text your grade level’s code to: 81010

Codes:

All Grade Levels: @ffmschoir

Advanced Ensemble: @ffmsingers

Five Forks Middle School Choral Calendar 2016 – 2017

Date Time Event

Monday – Wednesday,

August 15-17

After school – 5:30,

sign up for 10 min audition time

Advanced Ensemble and All-State Sight-reading Auditions

Thursday, August 18 5:30 PM 6th

Grade Choir Parent Information Night

Friday, August 19 7:05 PM (call time 6:00) Brookwood Night at Coolray Field – Gwinnett Braves Performance

*see flyer on eclass (8th

GRADE ONLY) * Required*

Tuesday, August 23 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM 7th

Grade Uniform Information & Fitting Night

Friday, September 2 - 6th

Grade Uniform Payment $20.00 Due

7th

Grade Uniform Payment $60.00 Due

Choral Handbook and Media Release Forms Due

Friday, September 9 - Gourmet Popcorn Fundraiser Kick Off!

Tuesday, September 20 - All-State Chorus and District Honor Chorus forms and payment due

(make checks payable to FFMS Chorus)

Thursday, October 20 6th

grade: 6:30 PM (call time 6:00)

7th

/8th

grade: 7:15PM (call time 6:45)

6th

, 7th

, and 8th

Grades Fall Choral Concert – FFMS Cafeteria *

Required*

Friday & Saturday,

November 4-5

see eclass for schedule District Honor Chorus – Athens, GA

Saturday, November 12 TBA First Round All-State Audition – N. Gwinnett MS

Tuesday, November 15 7:00 PM (call time 6:00) 8th

Grade Coffee House Concert Fundraiser – FFMS Cafeteria

Tuesday, December 13 7:00 PM (call time 6:00) 8th

Grade Brookwood Cluster Choral Concert *Required*

@ Snellville UMC

Thursday, December 15 6th

grade: 6:30 PM (call time 6:00)

7th

grade: 7:15 PM (call time 6:45)

6th

and 7th

Grade Winter Choral Concert – FFMS Cafeteria

*Required*

Friday, December 20 - Last day for make-up work/reassessments to be completed.

Thursday – Saturday,

January 19-21

- Second Round All-State Audition – Brookwood HS

Tuesday, January 24 After school – 5:30 PM

(pick up car rider lane)

7th

Grade LGPE Rehearsal # 1 *required*

Tuesday, January 31 After school – 5:30 PM

(pick up car rider lane)

8th

Grade LGPE Rehearsal #1 *required*

Wednesday, February 22 1:30 – 5:30 PM (early release day)

(pick up car rider lane)

7th

and 8th

Grade LGPE Rehearsal #2 *required*

Tuesday, February 28 7:00 PM (call time 6:00) 7th

and 8th

Grade Pre-LGPE Choral Concert

Tuesday, March 7 After school – 5:30 PM

(pick up car rider lane)

7th

Grade LGPE Rehearsal # 3 *required*

Thursday, March 9 After school – 5:30 PM

(pick up car rider lane)

8th

Grade LGPE Rehearsal #3 *required*

Thursday, March 9 during school day, parents welcome

to attend event

7th

and 8th

Grade Large Group Performance Evaluation

Tuesday, May 2 6th

grade: 6:30 PM (call time 6:00)

7th

grade: 7:15 (call time 6:45)

6th

and 7th

Grade Spring Choral Concert – FFMS Cafeteria

*Required*

Tuesday. May 9 7:00 PM (call time 6:00) 8th

Grade Combined Choir and Band Spring Concert – FFMS

Blacktop *required*

FIVE FORKS MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL DEPARTMENT

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK CONFIRMATION FORM 2016-2017

*6

th GRADE: PLEASE INCLUDE $20 FOR YOUR CHOIR POLO SHIRT*

*7th

GRADE: PLEASE INCLUDE $60 FOR YOUR FORMAL DRESS/TUX UNIFORM*

Please complete and return this page only and any cash/check to Ms. Green before

SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Student’s Name & Cell Phone #____________________________________________________

Grade Level & Homeroom Teacher_________________________________________________

Address_______________________________________________________________________

Student Email__________________________________________________________________

Parent /Guardian 1 Parent/Guardian 2:

Name: ______________________________

Cell #: _____________________________

Email:______________________________

I may be available to chaperone field trips

or volunteer

Name: ______________________________

Cell #: _____________________________

Email:______________________________

I may be available to chaperone field trips or

volunteer

Please sign the following contract:

I have read the Five Forks Middle School Choral Handbook including the grading policy

with my child and we understand our responsibilities in developing a successful chorus

program and in earning a positive grade in this class.

I understand that “required out-of-class activities, as stipulated by the teacher, will

determine a portion of the student’s grade”

Media Release: I give permission for my child’s name and photo to appear on the FFMS

Choir website and possibly on the GCPS Fine Arts website.

I have read over the required choral dates and agree to provide punctual transportation

for my child to and from concerts and rehearsals

Student Signature_______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________________

FFMS Choir Shirt Order (6th grade students and any students needing a new polo):

The cost of the shirt is $20.00 Please make checks payable to FFMS Chorus ***Shirt Size (check one). Keep in mind that these shirts must be worn tucked in, so choose wisely!

Youth XL Adult XS Adult S Adult Med Adult Large Adult XL