WelcomeWelcome to the Bohemia Manor Middle School Chorus! It is an honor and a privilege to become a member of this performing group. This group is about more than just singing; it is our aim to become well rounded musicians and to instill an appreciation of music, culture, and music's connection to our everyday lives. We have an exciting year of music making ahead. Let's make it the best year yet!

Goal1. To enjoy making music. Music is fun, but there is no fun in mediocrity. To ensure the success of the group, each

student, parent, and director must realize his/ her responsibilities. Each must be willing to sacrifice individual desires for the betterment of the choir.

2. To emphasize the development of singing and music reading skills necessary to make an enjoyable contribution to a quality choral organization.

3. To have a good attitude about choir. The amount of satisfaction and fun you receive from your choir will be no greater than the amount of hard work and enthusiasm you are willing to consistently contribute. Your attitude will have a direct impact on your achievements.

4. To understand the importance of proper conduct, consideration of others, and courtesy as a vital part of the choir.

Required Materials(These items should be with you

EVERY DAY)

- 1 in white binder with clear cover pocket

- Assorted highlighters- Assorted colored

pencils- Lead pencil

Course DescriptionThe goal of our chorus class is to create well-rounded, literate consumers and creators of music that are appreciative of music that comes from many different cultures and styles. It is our aim to guide our singers in healthy vocal production and choral singing technique. Concepts include, but are not limited to:

- "appoggio" position for healthy vocal production- vocal technique including proper vowel and consonant

production and guidance in resonant tone- music literacy including rhythmic and melodic sight-reading

and an understanding of the elements of music and how they apply to performance

- proper concert etiquette and how it applies in different types of concert settings

- instrumental accompaniment (keyboard, ukulele, and other percussion instruments)

- music writing and arranging, etc.- music of other cultures (often times we will sing pieces in a

wide variety of languages, time periods, and culture settings)

Grading Policy There are two types of grades, as explained in the graphic to the right.

Type of Assessment Formative Summative

Final Weight on Grade

40% 60%

Minimum Per Marking Period

6 3

Qualities of Assessment

Retake Yes, within 10 days of return

Yes, within 10 days of return

Examples (may include, but are not

limited to)

Sight-reading quizzes, group singing quizzes,

warm-ups, binder

Singing tests, individual singing quizzes, projects,

- Provides teacher with snapshots of student understanding

- Provides teacher with data to help guide future instruction

- Provides students with feedback on next steps and understanding of content

- Short, quick turnaround

- Comprehensive assessments

- Documents mastery of content

- May include multiple concepts and/or skills

- Graded within 10 days of completion

Percentage Letter Grade Quality Point Final Grade Range

93-100% A 4.00 3.75-4.00

90-92.9 A- 3.67 3.48-3.74

87-89.9% B+ 3.33 3.20-3.47

83-86.9% B 3.00 2.80-3.19

80-82.9% B- 2.67 2.50-2.79

77-79.9% C+ 2.33 2.20-2.49

73-76.9% C 2.00 1.80-2.19

70-72.9% C- 1.67 1.50-1.79

67-69.9% D+ 1.33 1.20-1.49

60-66.9% D 1.00 0.70-1.19

0-59.9% F 0 0-0.69

The following chart depicts the scales used to calculate end-of-marking period and end-of-course grades. Percentages earned for marking period grades as well as quality points will reflect actual scores and will not be "rounded up." Final

Grades will be calculated by averaging quality points earned from each marking period. Extra credit and homework will not be used to improve students? grades.

Concert attendance IS GRADED and IS mandatory! This is a class that is completely based on performance, therefore participation in performance is ESSENTIAL. Though it may seem insignificant for one student to miss a performance, please remember that this is a TEAM effort and there are 120 other people relying on each other at all times. You never know how important your presence is to the other students in our ensemble.

Students are required to be at all performances unless otherwise notified by the teacher. If a student misses any concert for any reason, they will be required to make it up by recording or singing live all pieces performed in the concert and attending another performance for a grade. If a student does not make up the missed performance, they will receive a 0% whether or not the performance was excused.

Attendance and Make-up Policy (including concerts)Students who are absent from class when an assignment is given may make-up the work regardless of reason for absence. A minimum of two class days will be allowed for each day of absence. If the assignment is turned in beyond the allotted number of days, there will be a 10% deduction for each day that the assignment is late.

Late Work Policy (including concerts)Students may turn in late work regardless of the reason.  A minimum of two class days will be allowed for a late assignment with an academic penalty of not greater than 5% per late day of the assignment's total grade. If the assignment is turned in beyond the allotted number of days, there will be a 10% deduction for each day that the assignment is late.

Assessment Re-take PolicyStudents may complete retakes on all assessments (formative and summative) that earn less than an 85%.

- Assessments may be retaken during the school day or at a mutually agreeable time (usually during revisit). - The retake may be same assessment, a comparable assessment, and/or assessment corrections.- If a student retakes an assessment, the highest grade he/ she can earn is an 85%.- Students will retake the assessment within ten (10) school days after the initial assessment has been graded and

returned.

Behavioral Consequences

- verbal reprimand- MIR- lunch detention- contact parent- after school

detention

Classroom Routines and ExpectationsSelf discipline is an important element of choir rehearsal and performance. Students must realize that they are a member of a team with an excellent reputation. Their behavior during school classes and at public performances reflects on Bohemia Manor, the Chorus, Mrs. Kreush, and THEMSELVES! Remember to follow basic rules:

- Respect yourself and others!- 100% positive participation will prevent disruptive behavior. Criticizing another student's voice or ef fort is NOT

allowed!- Be on time in your seat, with your binder and pencil in hand, ready to begin when the bell rings.- When we are ready to rehearse, you are quiet and ready.- We expect students to leave all food, gum, and drinks outside of the room. Students are permitted to have

containers of water in the choir room.- No books, gym bags, etc. will be allowed on the risers.- Any music that is lost or damaged will be paid for by the student.- Students may not play the piano or classroom instruments without permission and should not adjust any sound

equipment.

Concert Etiquette- Refrain from talking during the performance.- Remain seated for the entire concert if at all possible. If it is absolutely necessary to

do so, move only between selections and exit at the nearest door.- Wait to re-enter the auditorium until the performing group is finished.- Applause is the only appropriate form of expressing appreciation. A good rule of

thumb is to wait until the conductor lowers his or her hands to indicate the completion of the selection or work.

- Please eliminate disruptions by turning off cell phones, and removing small children who are crying or speaking loudly.

- Students are NOT permitted to leave until the end of the concert and are expected to observe all performing groups. This is part of the educational process.

Uniforms and Concert DressIn an effort to create a unified image, students will be required to wear the following attire for all chorus concerts unless instructed to do otherwise:

- Music Department Polo Shirt (an order form is attached to this packet)- Black dress pants (leggings, tights, jeans, etc. are not appropriate)- Black dress shoes

If any student is having any financial difficulty in obtaining these items, please let the teacher know. There are scholarships available for students on an as needed basis.

Class Website and Other TechnologyClass Website:

www.bmmskreush.weebly.com

Mrs. Kreush has created a website for her classes at BMMS. It is a great way to quickly and easily keep up to date on the happenings in the chorus classroom. This is a quick place for parents to grab class documents, check up on calendars, and get classroom technology assistance.

Google DriveMrs. Kreush uses Google Drive in order to pass out information/assignments to students and to collect assignments from students. Mrs. Kreush will also post all practice tracks in Google Drive for students to practice at home. Students should download the Google Drive app on their devices and log in with their school credentials. Tutorials on how to submit assignments via Google Drive will be posted at Mrs. Kreush's website under the "Technology" tab.

Class DojoClass Dojo is an awesome classroom communication and management app that Mrs. Kreush uses extensively. In the classroom, Mrs. Kreush is able to track students' individual behavior and performance in order to instantly share it with individual students and their parents. Students receive positive points for great things they do in class and reminders on how to adjust behavior if they are not having a good day. This powerful app keeps lines open between school and home by:

- Sharing real-time behavior data with parents and students- Sending out whole class broadcasts or personal texts to remind students of important information- Creating an individual portfolio in which students can save their work and share it with parents

Students can use the app to keep track of their individual performance, update their portfolio, and personalize their Dojo "monster", keeping them engaged in the learning process.

The app can be downloaded from your phone's app store or can be accessed on the internet at www.classdojo.com. A unique code will be share d with your student to access their profile. Class Dojo is both COPPA and FERPA compliant.

I want to welcome you to a fun-filled school year in Chorus. I am looking forward to working with and getting to know each and every one of you! If we can practice respect, responsibility, and cooperation, we can all work together to make this a fun, exciting, and rewarding learning experience! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at ajkreush@ccps.org.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Afton Kreush

Please carefully read the choir handbook with a parent being sure to take note of all performance dates on the attached calendar. The choir handbook can be found at

www.bmmskreush.weebly.com

Student Name (print):_______________________________________________________ Choir Period: _________

Parent(s) Info:

1. Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone Number:________________________

Email Address:_______________________________ Home Address:________________________________________________

The best way to reach me during school hours is: email cell home phone

The best way to reach me during the evening is: email cell home phone

2. Name: ____________________________________________________________ Phone Number:________________________

Email Address:_______________________________ Home Address:________________________________________________

The best way to reach me during school hours is: email cell home phone

The best way to reach me during the evening is: email cell home phone

Does your child have reliable internet access at home? Yes No

If not, does your child need a practice CD? Yes No

Please provide a cell phone number or email address so that Mrs. Kreush can share your child's Class Dojo profile:___________________________________

Is there anything you would like Mrs. Kreush to know about your child?

I have reviewed and am willing to commit to the responsibilities of a BMMS Chorus member, including the attached calendar.

Student Signature: ____________________________________________________

Parent Signature:______________________________________________________

Sept . 11, 2018

Week of 10/15 All County Chorus Auditions @ BMMS during the school day

10/19 Folk Dance Night @ 7PM. More information to follow.

10/29, 11/1, and 11/8

All County Chorus Evening Rehearsals @ EHS from 5:30-8:00PM (only for students admitted by audition). A rehearsal will follow from 8:00-8:30PM for students wishing to audition for All State Chorus.

11/5 and 11/13 All County Chorus Day Rehearsals @ PVHS. Transportation will be provided for students from BMMS during the regular school day (only for students admitted by audition).

11/10 All State Chorus Auditions at Calvert Hall College High School. By invitation only. More information to follow.

11/15 All County Chorus Concert @ PVHS at 7:00PM. Student report time will be determined by the guest conductor (only for students admitted by audition).

11/25 Chesapeake City Christmas Tree Lighting @ Pell Gardens. Stay tuned for more information. This is a tentative performance.

12/5 BMMS Chorus Concert at 7:00PM. Students should wear concert attire and are to report at 6:45PM. Students are required to stay for the entire performance.

1/11 Bohemia Brews Coffeehouse Performance beginning at 7:00PM. Attendance not required but this is a FUN event and is highly encouraged. A small admission will be charged and there will be goodies and coffee for sale.

3/18 Cecil County Chorus Festival (during the school day) for invited students. More information to follow.

3/19 BMMS Festival Concert at 7:00PM. Students should wear concert attire and are to report at 6:45PM. Students are required to stay for the entire performance.

4/3 Upper Chesapeake Summer Center for the Arts Applications due. Applications can be found online at: www.ccps.org/Page/237. More information to follow

4/13 Upper Chesapeake Summer Center for the Arts Auditions at Elkton Middle School. More information to follow.

5/15 BMMS Spring Chorus Concert at 7:00PM. Students should wear concert attire and are to report at 6:45PM. Students are required to stay for the entire performance.

5/30 Hershey Park Trip

= required performance for all choir members.

Detach and hang in a prominent place

*There may be other performances/experiences added throughout the school year. Those events will be clearly communicated ahead of time in order for students to prepare.

Copies of these Google Calendars can also be found and added to your personal calendar at: http:/ / bmmskreush.weebly.com/ information--calendars.html

Due Sept . 21, 2018

Student name:_______________________________________________________________________

Size: (Polos are adult men's sizes, so they run a litt le on the larger side)

________XS ________L

________S ________2XL

________M ________3XL

Cost: $25 (Cash, Check, School Cash Online)

Students that have already purchased a polo do not need to purchase another one. Please also remember that students are responsible for acquiring black dress shoes and black dress pants as part of their concert attire. If any student is having financial difficulty obtaining any of these items, including the polo, please see Mrs. Kreush.