2017-2018 chorister handbook
TRANSCRIPT
2017-2018 CHORISTER HANDBOOK
Trenton Children’s Chorus l 471 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618 l 609.278.0822
www.trentonchildrenschorus.org
TCC Staff Linda Helm Krapf Executive Director Dr. Rochelle Ellis Music Director & Chorale Choir Director Donna Richards Director of Development Alice Lightner Choir Manager Kep Short Operations Manager Gloria Bethea Learning Academy Director Kelly Paul Finance Manager John Floyd Intermediate Choir Director Constance Hurtt Training Choir Director Emily Vite Choral Readiness Choir Director & Chorale Accompanist Desiree Melegrito & Lucy Strauli Preparatory Choir Co-Directors Eric Thomas Drumming Instructor Mi-Young Kim Prep & Readiness Choirs Accompanist & Piano Lab Instructor Anne Horne Volunteer Coordinator
Board of Trustees D. A. Graham, President Vice President, Integrity Leader, Nielsen Company Nora Schultz, Vice President Marketing Strategist Sylvia Gaston Hamilton Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management Planning & Assessment, Thomas Edison State College Cheryl M. Howard, MPA, Treasurer Administrative Analyst 1, State of New Jersey Sandy Durst, Esq. Founding Partner, The Durst Firm, LLC Charles J. Hatfield Global Director of Transactions and Consulting, Cushman & Wakefield, Inc. Jane Satterthwaite Hynes Editorial Director, Princeton Online Kimberlynn Kleasen Senior Director, Human Resources DePuy Synthes Companies of Johnson & Johnson Lolly O’Brien Undergraduate/Graduate Administrator, Ecology
and Evolutionary Biology Department, Princeton
University
Kristen Rich Human Resources, Johnson & Johnson Uchechi Tarver Manager of Special Events, American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Lisa Watson-Cotton Assistant Director for Advising Resources The College of New Jersey
TCC 2017-2018 Rehearsal Calendar
September 2017
14 – Parents Meeting/Dance Party (5:30 PM)
19 – First Rehearsal
21 – Rehearsal
26 – Rehearsal
28 – Rehearsal
October 2017
3 – Rehearsal (Bring a Friend Day)
5 – Rehearsal
10 – Rehearsal
12 – Rehearsal
17 – Rehearsal
19 – Rehearsal (last day to register)
24 – Rehearsal
26 – Rehearsal
31 – NO REHEARSAL
November 2017
2 – Rehearsal
7 – Rehearsal
9 – NO REHEARSAL
14 – Rehearsal
16 – Rehearsal
21 – Rehearsal
23 – NO REHEARSAL
28 – Rehearsal
30 – Rehearsal
December 2017
5 – Rehearsal
7 – Rehearsal
Winter Break!
Major Performances for All Choirs
(at Covenant Church)
December 8, 2017
Winter Concert (7pm)
February 24, 2018
Black History Month Concert (11am)
April 15, 2018 (Tentative)
Spring into Song (2pm in Ewing)
May 18, 2018
Spring Concert (7pm)
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January 2018
4 – Rehearsal
9 – Rehearsal
11 – Rehearsal
16 – Rehearsal
18 – Rehearsal
23 – Rehearsal
25 – Rehearsal
30 – Rehearsal
February 2018
1 – Rehearsal (Outstanding tuition due)
6 – Rehearsal
8 – Rehearsal
13 – Rehearsal
15 – Rehearsal
20 – Rehearsal
22– Rehearsal
27 – Rehearsal
March 2018
1 – Rehearsal
6 – Rehearsal
8 – Rehearsal
13 – Rehearsal
15 – Rehearsal
20 – Rehearsal
22 – Rehearsal
27 – Rehearsal
29 – Rehearsal
April 2018
3 & 5 – NO REHEARSAL (Spring Break)
10 – Rehearsal
12 – Rehearsal
17 – Rehearsal
19 – Rehearsal
24 – Rehearsal
26 – Rehearsal
May 2018
1 – Rehearsal
3 – Rehearsal
8 – Rehearsal
10 – Rehearsal
15 – Rehearsal
17 – Final Rehearsal
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About Trenton Children’s Chorus
Organizational Mission and History
Trenton Children’s Chorus (TCC) is an award winning, 28-year old nonprofit organization
offering exceptional musical, academic, social and personal growth opportunities for youth in
grades K – 12 from the Greater Trenton Area. Founded in 1989, as a mission program of
Nassau Presbyterian Church by Sue Ellen Page and Marcia Wood, TCC began as an entirely
volunteer-run organization. The mission of TCC is to empower the academic, social and
spiritual lives of children through artistry in music. Our tag line, Making Music, Making Friends,
Making A Difference speaks to TCC’s artistry, its commitment to community, and as a reminder
that the gift of music can be used to make the world a better place.
Besides TCC’s choral music education and performance opportunities, drumming and keyboard instruction, music theory instruction, tutoring, homework assistance, SAT prep, college application help, mentoring, and college scholarships are also offered. Tuition is on a sliding scale; no child is ever denied participation because of limited resources. Perhaps the most impactful benefit of being a member of TCC is the fact that 100% of TCC seniors who have stayed with the program since childhood graduate from high school, and 100% of graduates go on to attend college. TCC believes that every child is unique and every child can achieve her/his full potential.
Over the past five years, participation in TCC has grown by 56%. That growth is a direct response to our goal of creating personal development opportunities for our youth. To meet this growth, we have expanded programmatically. Besides our core choir program, TCC is also partnering with the Trenton School District and Mercer Street Friends to build new choirs in Trenton schools with no vocal training program, and working with community partners like HomeFront to reach greater numbers of Trenton youth through initiatives like the Trenton Youth Drum Circle.
TCC has performed at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama, United Nations, National
Cathedral, for the swearing-in ceremony of former U.S. Representative Rush Holt at the Library
of Congress, the inauguration of Gov. Chris Christie, Princeton University, in concert with Bobby
McFerrin and Dave Brubeck, and for corporate, community, church and private events in the
greater Trenton area.
Intended Youth Outcomes
Trenton Children’s Chorus offers its participants the life-changing experience of reaching new
heights of achievement through the disciplines of rehearsal and performance. Our program is
designed to help participants:
• Appreciate the value of self-discipline and commitment to a goal, understanding thatsuccess often requires great personal investment.
• Broaden their outlook on life, believing that a wide range of possibilities is available tothem.
• Recognize the importance of community, valuing the support and friendship they receivefrom others and actively contributing their talents and friendship to the group.
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• Build skills that will promote their future success and happiness, from personal presentation to
college readiness to lifelong musical participation.
• Enhance their self-esteem, allowing their success in Chorus to inspire them to set ambitious goals
for themselves.
• Embrace the transformative joy of music, discovering the happiness and satisfaction that come
from working with others to create something beautiful.
Communication Policy
Communication is an important part of any successful organization. If parents have questions about
choir rehearsals, performances, transportation, uniforms, dates and times, or have a specific issue
related to your child, please contact Choir Manager Alice Lightner at the TCC office at 609-278-0822
or via email at [email protected].
Parents place a great deal of trust in those responsible for the music education and nurture of their children. The staff of TCC takes this responsibility seriously and therefore requests that parents promptly bring any concerns to our attention, so we have the opportunity to address them in a timely manner. Concerns can be handled via email or by requesting an in-person meeting. Keeping lines of communication open is vital to strengthening the partnership between TCC staff and families. Please contact Choir Manager, Alice Lightner at the TCC office at 609-273-2128 or via email at [email protected].
If parents would like to speak with the Executive Director, Linda Helm Krapf, please contact her at the
TCC office at 609-278-0822, or via email at [email protected].
Rehearsal Schedule
All choir rehearsals are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at TCC’s home at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 471 Parkway Avenue in Trenton. Several annual concerts are also held at Covenant Church.
3:00 PM: Doors open. Children may arrive for supervised snack, homework, board games, and time with friends.
4:30 PM: Vocal warm-up
4:45 PM: Split into choirs for rehearsal (K-8 graders)
5:45 PM: DISMISSAL and PICK-UP (K-8 graders) Chorale rehearsal begins (9-12 graders)
7:00 PM: Chorale rehearsal ends (9-12 graders)
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Drop-Off You may drop your child off at the double doors to Fellowship Hall, or walk them in. Parents who remain on campus during rehearsals are asked to wait upstairs in the office lobby.
Snacks We value the health and well-being of every child, and as such will provide a healthy snack for all children at every rehearsal. Snack is served by our volunteers and is available until 4:25 PM. If your child will be arriving at 4:25 or later, please pack him/her a snack to have after school and before they arrive at rehearsal.
Signing your child out early? Please go directly to the TCC office upstairs to sign your child out early. DO NOT go to their classroom.
Pick-Up Please be on time to pick up your child after rehearsal. You may come inside or pick them up at the entrance/exit doors. Please do not stop or park your car in front of the entrance/exit area.
Parking Please be mindful of others by not using Handicapped parking spaces unless it’s for a valid permitted use.
Emergencies
The safety of our children, staff, and volunteers is of the highest priority at TCC. We make every effort to keep
your children safe and to communicate with you in an emergent situation.
In the event of inclement weather, any changes/cancellations will be posted on the Members Page of the TCC
website at www.trentonchildrenschorus.org/members.html. You will also receive email notification at the
email address you used to register your child.
If you need to reach your child while they are at a rehearsal or performance, or if you need to pick up your
child early from rehearsals, please contact Alice Lightner, Choir Manager, at 609-273-2128, or Kep Short,
Operations Manager, at 609-553-2781.
Registration
All choristers are required to register to join TCC. Online registration is available on our website at
trentonchildrenschorus.org, and typically opens in May for the following school year. It takes about 10
minutes to register a child. You will be asked to pay a tuition deposit when you register. You will receive email
confirmation when you submit your registration.
Most families register choristers for the entire year. Registration for the 2017-2018 year is open through
October 19, 2017. Full year registration cannot be accepted after that date. TCC accepts registration for the
Spring Session beginning on October 20, 2017. Spring Session begins on January 4, 2018.
If you have any questions or problems with registration, or if you need a paper registration form please
contact Kep Short, Operations Manager, at the TCC office at 609-278-0822.
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Tuition
Trenton Children's Chorus is committed to offering affordable tuition for all
children, using a sliding scale based on each family's ability to pay. The generous support of
donors and foundations enables TCC to charge tuition that is generally hundreds of dollars less
than other comparable programs. Tuition ranges from $75 per child, per year to $275 per child,
per year and covers program, instruction, snacks, and uniforms for the entire program year.
Additional optional items (transportation, Learning Academy, etc.) are provided at an extra
affordable cost.
In order for a chorister to be “in good standing” with TCC, families must be current on their
tuition payment. Being current means you have submitted a deposit, and have paid the
balance on all remaining tuition by February 1, 2018.
Choristers who are not in good standing will be ineligible for TCC camp and academic
scholarships, as well as other extra-curricular activities and awards. All tuition payments are
refundable until October 19, 2017. No refunds will be given after that date.
Financial assistance towards tuition is also available for families in need. TCC will never turn
away a child for financial reasons.
Please contact Kep Short, Operations Manager, if you have any questions about registration,
tuition, or financial assistance, at the TCC office at 609-278-0822 or by email at
Chorister Attendance
Choral singing is a cooperative endeavor with each voice playing an important role in both the
collective creative progress and the final vocal product. It is therefore crucial that all voices are
present for all rehearsals and performances. Partial attendance begets partial product not
representative of the TCC brand of excellence.
Consistent attendance is crucial to ensemble progress. In guarding the integrity of the TCC
program and the individual investment of time and energy by all members of the chorus, this
student and familial responsibility is tremendously important. For the good of the program and
all participants, TCC singers and families are expected to exercise a reliable and earnest effort
to fulfill this obligation.
IMPORTANT: If a student must miss a rehearsal or performance because of an unavoidable
conflict, please contact the TCC office in advance of the absence.
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Students who are unable to attend rehearsals regularly will not maintain “in good standing”
status (see below) and may be counselled to discontinue participation in TCC.
Likewise, students missing a performance without notice will be assigned a “probationary”
status. A repeat offense will result in expulsion from the program.
The TCC staff is compassionate and eager to work with individuals and families who struggle,
despite earnest effort and clear intent, to meet the attendance requirements.
“In Good Standing”
TCC members who fulfill attendance, behavioral, and financial expectations are considered to
be members “in good standing”. To be “in good standing” means that a chorister is consistent
and reliable, that they arrive to rehearsals and performances on-time and fully prepared with
the proper uniform and accessories. The behavior of choristers “in good standing” is respectful
and responsive to correction. All outstanding financial obligations (registration fee and tuition)
of choristers “in good standing” must be fully paid by February 1, 2018. Members “in good
standing” are eligible for all the benefits of TCC membership, including scholarships,
camperships, transportation, and other possible awards and recognitions.
Rehearsal Participation and Expectations
TCC practices “firm fairness” as a means to creating a successful learning atmosphere. Behavior
is taught as deliberately as musical skills are taught. The expectations are clear – choristers
must understand that exemplary behavior benefits the individual as well as ensemble.
Choristers are expected to embrace and sustain productive and respectful rehearsal habits.
All choristers must come to rehearsal ready to participate/work, ready to engage fully and
respectfully in rehearsals; mindful that learning, in all its forms, is a conduit for opportunity.
A strong choral program relies on the combined efforts and mutual cooperation of its
members. During rehearsals, students are expected to:
o Show a positive attitude, focus, energy and commitment to musical excellence
o Refrain from disruptive or disrespectful behavior that prevents other choir members
from fully enjoying and benefiting from their choir experience
o Respect and listen to the Choir Directors and Accompanists, refrain from unnecessary
talking, and prepare for rehearsals as requested
o Try to use the restroom before rehearsal begins, so as not to disrupt rehearsal
o Never use cell phones, including text messaging, during rehearsal
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Corrective Protocol
Corrective Protocols are in place to ensure that TCC is a safe and productive environment for all
choristers. This protocol will be initiated when students require behavioral support.
1) Warning/reminder/redirect
2) “Time out”/removed from activity
3) Family Discussion via Choir Manager (express concern, elicit support)
4) Written letter to family warning of next step/consequence (to be signed & returned)
5) Conference with Director(s), parent(s), and TCC Choir Manager at which point continued
membership will be evaluated
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Performance Etiquette for Choristers
TCC choristers and staff are held to the highest level of respectfulness and professionalism in all
public settings. Choristers, individually and collectively, are expected to personify the values of
TCC at all times. It is therefore expected that every TCC Chorister:
1) Be on time! Choristers are asked to come early to performances (“call time”) so they are
prepared to perform to their full potential.
2) Listen to other performers. Please avoid creating noise that may disturb the integrity of the
concert.
3) Enter or exit the performance space between performance numbers.
4) Please stay for the duration of the concert to respect all performers’ efforts equitably.
5) Be deliberately courteous to every person you encounter during public performances
(regardless of role or position), remembering that our group presence inspires future invitation
from our host, and is a positive reflection of TCC as a whole.
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Performance Etiquette for Families
1) Please do not enter the sanctuary during a concert – go through Fellowship Hall to the rear
entrance.
2) Please do not talk or create noise during the performance.
3) Please do not stand to film your child’s performance; it blocks the view of those behind you.
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Parent Responsibilities
The success of TCC depends, not just on choristers and conductors, but also on the families of choristers. We know that families are present and supportive of their choristers in all of their musical endeavors. TCC anticipates that it can also rely on families to:
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• Ensure that each chorister has reliable transportation to and from weekly rehearsals and performances.
• Ensure that each chorister arrives on-time and prepared for all rehearsals, performances, and auxiliary events.
• Read all memos from TCC staff and respond as needed in a timely fashion. Memos will be distributed at rehearsals and emailed to families. Some documents will also be available on the web site at www.trentonchildrenschorus.org
• Support choristers at home by reinforcing the commitment they have made to TCC, recognizing that their individual contribution supports the success of the entire chorus.
Parent Involvement
Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the success of Trenton Children’s
Chorus, and help ensure that it has a positive impact on the community. As a result, we value
your partnership and participation in the activities of TCC.
TCC relies on your support with the following opportunities to stay involved as a volunteer:
1) Choir Parent - Assisting with choir communication and coordination 2) Coordinating Receptions - Assisting with potluck meals or dessert receptions 3) Concert Assistance - Helping with uniforms, accessories and/or supervision during
performances 4) Chaperone - Helping chaperone a performance in the community 5) Dismissal Assistant – Helping children get safely into their cars at dismissal time 6) Uniforms – Helping distribute and/or collect uniforms
Please note that this list is not exhaustive. If there is another way you’d like to contribute your
talent or abilities, please contact Choir Manager, Alice Lightner at the TCC office at 609-278-
0822 or via email at [email protected]. We want to hear from you.
TCC Parent Affinity Group
TCC parents are trusted allies, advisers and supporters. Parents can become more involved in the TCC community by joining the Parent Affinity Group. This group meets on occasion to discuss and advise the organization on issues such as new policies, and future growth and development. To join the TCC Parent Affinity Group, please contact Choir Manager, Alice Lightner at 609-278-0822 or via email at [email protected].
Uniforms
TCC loans two sets of uniforms to choristers for the year: a formal set (e.g.: blouse and jumper) and an informal black TCC polo shirt. Uniforms create a great first impression, and promote a sense of identity and unity within the Chorus. All uniforms are to be washed and ironed with care, and must be returned to TCC at the end of the year.
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Choir Uniforms
Prep and Readiness Choirs (K-3):
Females: TCC-provided jumper and blouse. Please also wear your own white tights and black shoes Males: Wear your own long-sleeved white dress shirt, black pants, belt, socks, and shoes TCC monogrammed black polo shirts will also be provided Accessories will be provided at the concert
Training Choir (4th & 5th grades): Females: TCC-provided blouse and skirt, and your own white tights and black shoes Males: TCC-provided shirt, and your own black pants, belt, socks, and shoes
TCC monogrammed black polo shirts will also be provided Stoles will be provided at the concert
Intermediate Choir (6th - 8th grades):
Females: TCC-provided blouse and skirt, and your own nylon flesh-colored stockings, and black shoes
Males: TCC-provided shirt and your own black pants, belt, socks, and shoes TCC monogrammed black polo shirts will also be provided Stoles will be provided at the concert
Chorale (9th – 12th grades): Females: TCC-provided blouse and pants, and your own black shoes Males: TCC-provided shirt, and your own black pants, belt, socks, and shoes
TCC monogrammed black polo shirts will also be provided Stoles will be provided at the concert
* Please do not wear boots or sneakers to performances.
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2017-2018 TCC Chorister/Parent Agreement
The success of the Trenton Children’s Chorus depends on the commitment, cooperation and collaboration of the organization, chorister and parent/guardian. Please sign and date this form and return it to the Choir Manager, Alice Lightner, at [email protected], or hand deliver the form in person.
_____ I have read the 2017-2018 TCC Chorister Handbook and have reviewed it with my child. We understand the requirements contained herein. By signing below, we agree to abide by all policies set forth in the TCC Chorister Handbook.
__________________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Chorister Date
__________________________________________ Print Chorister Name
__________________________________________ _____________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian Date __________________________________________ Print Parent/Guardian Name
Thank You!
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Trenton Children’s Chorus thanks the many individual donors, Foundations and
Corporations whose generous support has made our programs possible.
Trenton Funders Collaborative
New Jersey Cultural Trust Page and Otto Marx, Jr. Foundation
James E. Kerney Foundation Brook Tangle Foundation
Princeton Friends of Opera
Trenton Children’s Chorus l 471 Parkway Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08618 l 609.278.0822
www.trentonchildrenschorus.org
TCC
"Our three children have been
members of TCC for over 5 years.
Through this wonderful and
enriching program, we have
watched each of them grow; not
just musically, but also socially,
emotionally and academically.
TCC has allowed each of them to
experience many amazing
opportunities that have helped
them to become confident and
talented young individuals! We
are very blessed to be a part of
such an outstanding program.”
Kelley & Chris Tharp
Ke