1. 2015-2016 “The Voice of the Patriot Nation!” Mrs. Sepulveda Mr. Garza Mrs. Warkentin

2. Grades will be based on attendance and punctuality, effort, memorization of music, care of equipment (music, folders, etc...), cooperation, and written and aural assignments. The choir grade is broken into three parts. They are: 1. Attendance/Class Performance = 45% **Please note that, under Attendance, ALL CONCERTS & EXTRA REHEARSALS, shall be included as well** 2. Test/Quiz = 45% 3. Semester/Final Exam = 10% (overall grade)

3. A. Materials (folder, music, pencil) must be in hand as soon as a student enters the room - Each student starts each week with a 100% Performance Grade. Points are deducted each time a student engages in an infraction of the rules. B. Rehearse/Practice like a Champion - Be prepared to actively engage in proper rehearsal etiquette, vocalization, sight reading, and yes... dancing. C. Treat the class (Choir) as well as fellow VMHS Staff, Administration and Students with RESPECT - This is not the Library or “Make-Up” Missed Assignments in “other” Core Classes Class. The highest expectation of “excellent behavior” is demanded of each and every student. Failure to do so will result in loss of class points, referrals, parent conferences and removal from the class.

4. D. Excused absence from class - Students are expected to make up any missed assignments. Ask the choral director what was missed on the day(s) of absence. E. Unexcused absence from class - If a student is truant, any tests and/or assignments taken on that day cannot be credited toward the student’s grade. F. Classroom Tardies – Tardies are unacceptable. Each student must be on the risers, with their materials, when the bell rings. Any violation of this is considered a “tardy”. Three (3) tardies within one six weeks = Referral, Parent home phone call and parent/teacher conference.

5. G. Absence from performance (concert) - A major performance is worth ONE-HALF of the grading period average. A student will not receive credit (0%) for a major performance if the absence is unexcused. Only in cases of extreme emergency, illness, or bereavement will a student be excused from a performance. With an excused absence, the student is required to make up the missed performance by typing a 4 page paper on a musical topic for which the basis the director will provide. The student will be given 2 days from the day of the concert to complete the assignment. The paper will be graded using all determined rubrics and standards appropriate for the student’s grade level. H. After school rehearsals, private lesson, sectional, special rehearsals and performances - Performances and rehearsals are considered an extension of the class. It is your obligation to make every effort to attend.

6.  Written and vocal/singing assignments will be given periodically during the course of the year. Late assignments will be weighed heavily. You will be given advance notice of most exams. Pop quizzes (which will include sight-reading, note identification, rhythm identification) shall occur. There shall be a TEST EVERY SIX WEEKS. Exam can be WRITTEN, ORAL, PERFORMANCE BASED or a combination of ALL THREE.

7.  All classes will have a both Mid-Term Semester and End of the Year Final Exams.  Exams shall include, but not be limited to, Written Music Theory (Notation, Solfege, etc.), Aural Skills, Sight-Reading, and Memorized Musical Performance.  Students will be tested on material to which they have been exposed during the course of the year (semester).

8. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful. 1. Be PUNCTUAL 2. Be PREPARED 3. Be RESPONSIBLE 4. Be RESPECTFUL

9. (Negative and/or – (minus) Deductions Off Of A Student’s Daily Grade) 1. Tardy (-10 points) 2. No pencil (-10 points) 3. No folder (-10 points) 4. No sheet/choir music (-20 points) 5. Excessive Talking/Disruption (-20 points) 6. Eating, drinking, gum chewing (-25 points). 7. Cursing/Belittling/Demeaning Comments (-25 points: Plus Referral) 8. Horseplay (-25 points: Plus Referral) 9. Playing piano/TV/stereo without director’s consent (-25 points: Plus Referral) 10. VMHS Campus Mission CISD Discipline violations (-30 points: Plus Referral)

10. In order to obtain a Letter in Choir, students need FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE. Additionally, in order to attain a Letterman’s Jacket a student must attend two of the following during one calendar year: 1) All State Choir Auditions, 2) Treble Choir Auditions, 3) Solo & Ensemble Contest, or 4) UIL Concert/Sight Reading Contest.

11. 1. Every student will be given a performance schedule at the beginning of the school year. It is the student’s responsibility to know this information. 2. Always report to the designated meeting place; unless call is made prior to performance. 3. Choir formal attire will be worn for the following concerts: Fall, Christmas, Winter/Spring, UIL, District/Region Organizational competitions and any special performances. 4. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that his/her outfit is cleaned and pressed for every performance. The following is the formal attire dress code: ALL WOMEN’S CHOIRS (Freshmen, JV & Varsity) Ladies: Black close-toed shoes (no stiletto heels), deodorant, no earrings, formal dress/gown issued at the beginning of the year. ABSOLUTELY NO PERFUME or COLOGNE! MEN’S CHOIR Gentleman: Black pants, black socks, black shoes, deodorant and tuxedos issued at the beginning of the year. ABSOLUTELY NO COLOGNE! **Students will NOT be allowed to perform if they do NOT meet the above dress requirement**

12.  Men’s Tenor/Bass Choir - $30.00 for a new shirt, $100.00 for new tuxedo, $20.00 for a new bag.  Women’s Treble Choirs (Freshmen, JV and Varsity Treble) - $85.00 for a new dress, $20.00 for a new bag.

13.  All activities on this calendar are required where noted! The only excused absences are those deemed appropriate by the Student/Parent Handbook! The director must be notified in advance of a potential conflict! Illness must come with doctor’s excuse. It is your responsibility to eliminate conflicts (work, other extra-curricular activities).

14. Please realize that there are no redundant rehearsals for these groups; new material is presented at each rehearsal, time is utilized to maximize efficiency, and therefore any absence will result in the student being "behind" in various aspects of the learning process. It is therefore, strongly recommended that all effort be directed towards resolving conflicts, especially for new members, to ensure retention of grade and status in the organization. This organization will not be slowed or impeded by the actions (or lack thereof) of a few individuals.

15. This calendar is provided to allow you to resolve conflicts now; however, this calendar is tentative and subject to change with appropriate notice! Unless otherwise marked, all times are in the PM.

17. October 15, 2015 District Treble Auditions McAllen Memorial High School October 15, 2015 Fall Choir Concert – VMHS Fine Arts Building Call Time 5:00 PM Dressed In Formal Attire. Concert at 6:00 PM

18. Saturday, November 14, 2015 Pre-Area Auditions Nikki Rowe High School Friday, November 20, 2015 Region/Pre-Area Clinic UTRGV Saturday, November 21, 2015 District/Region Clinic & Concert UTRGV

19. Saturday, December 12, 2015 Pre-Area Clinic (2) Edinburg North HS Tuesday, December 15, 2015 Christmas Concert Call Time 5:00 PM. Concert at 6:00 PM. VMHS Fine Arts Building

20. Saturday, January 19, 2016 All-State Area Finals Rockport-Fulton High School Saturday, January, 23, 2016 UIL Solo & Ensemble Contest Economedes HS (Edinburg)

21. Wednesday-Saturday, February 10-13, 2016 TMEA Convention & All State Choir Concert San Antonio Convention Center San Antonio, TX

22. Tuesday, March 29, 2016 Pre-UIL Concert VMHS Fine Arts Building

23. Wednesday/Thursday, April 9-10, 2014 Region XV UIL Concert & Sight Reading Competition PSJA Southwest High School

24.  Tuesday, May 24, 2016 End of the Year Concert VMHS Fine Arts Building 6:00 PM

25. Thursday & Friday, May 29 & 30, 2014 End of the Year Musical Revue” VMHS Fine Arts Auditorium 6:30 PM Both Nights $3.00 Charge – General Public Children 12 and under are Free.