John H.

Wood Middle School Choral

Department

14800 Judson Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78233
210-356-6200

Dear Choir Student and Parents,

Welcome to a new school year and to the Wood Choral Program. We have compiled a handbook
to use as a guideline on polices/procedures of the Wood Choral Program for the 2016-2017
school year.
We are ecstatic and proud to be the Choir Directors at Wood Middle School. We believe that
with the hard work and effort of the directors and students that well be successful this year!
We are requesting that parents and students read this entire handbook, as students will be held accountable
for its contents and the expectations presented. Please return the forms at the end of this handbook with
appropriate signatures. In order to participate in any choral activity the signature page must be signed and
returned no later than Friday, September 9th.
Thank you and were looking forward to a great year!

Sincerely,

Mr. Sean Rodriguez, Choral Director

Srodri5@neisd.net
Ms. Janie Beck, Choral Director

Jbeck1@neisd.net

PARENT CONTACT INFORMATION

In order to keep up with the events of the WMS choirs, parental contact is
very important. There are three easy ways to keep updated:

#1)

Email! srodri5@neisd.net and jbeck1@neisd.net

Our e-mail addresses are the easiest and most efficient method of
contact. I check my email regularly during the week and most
weekends. Well be sure to respond in a timely manner.

#2)

Choir Webpage

Woodmschoir.weebly.com
#3)

(210) 356-6200
Wood MS front office will take a message and a phone call will be
returned with-in 24hours.

#4)

Remind
6th grade/Beginner classes Text @849243F to 81010
Advanced Boys: text @907ce to 81010
Varsity girls: text @849243 to 81010
JV and Intermediate girls text @84924 to 81010

#5)

Instagram
@wranglerchoir

I only ask that your name and face be easily displayed for instagram
requests. I keep the page private and only allow students and parents to
follow.

Wood Choral Department

The Wood Choral Department is composed of five performing groups:

6th Grade Girls

Beginner Boys (6-8th Grade Boys)
Junior Varsity Girls (7th and 8th Grade Girls)
Intermediate Girls (7th and 8th Grade Girls)
Advanced Mens Choir (7th and 8th Grade Boys)
Wood Bella Voce (8th Grade Girls)

CHOIRS AND CHOIR PLACEMENT

6th grade girls and Beginner Boys. In addition to normal concerts at Wood,
have the opportunity to compete in a spring competition for medals and
comments from judges called Solo and Ensemble.
Junior Varsity Girls An auditioned choir composed of 7th and 8th grade girls.
In addition to normal concerts at Wood, the Junior Varsity choir competes in
contests and performs for events throughout the year. Outside participation
is expected. Students must remain academically eligible to participate in
contests and events.
Advanced Mens Choir Young men in 7th and 8th grade are in this choir. In
addition to normal concerts at Wood, this choir competes and performs for
events throughout the year. Outside participation is expected. Students must
remain academically eligible to participate in contests and events.
**Varsity Girls 8th grade girls are selected for this choir by audition only.
This group competes in contests and events throughout the school year.
Participation in outside contests is expected. Students must remain
academically eligible to participate in contests and events.
** Girls who do not meet the expectations of this choir; including a positive
attitude, good work ethic, passing grades and rehearsal attendance, may be
removed and placed in an alternate group. **

ACTIVITY FEE:
New Choir Members:
$15.00 for all new choir members. This will provide them their Music
Department polo (needed for concerts), as well as various other supplies.
This year we are implementing a general Music Department polo. This makes
the cost of participating in other music programs more affordable since you
dont have to buy multiple polos/shirts.

ALL STUDENTS NEED THE POLO

Returning Choir Students:

For returning students the choir activity fee is $5.00 unless you need a new
polo. Last years polo is acceptable since we are transitioning to this system.

We are very understanding that the beginning of the year can be an

expensive time. Please communicate with Mr. Rodriguez if weekly or monthly
payments need to be made to cover the costs.

Please make checks out to Wood Middle School Choir

Concert Attendance Policy

Attendance at concerts is mandatory. This is our way of assessing the unit of
instruction. Concert absences will be considered for make-up if a note, parent email,
or phone call are given with a valid emergency to the director no later than two days
after the scheduled event.
-Valid emergencies: serious illness or family emergency
-All other validity of excuses will be decided at the discretion of the
director.
A student who is absent from school all day due to illness should not attend
any choir activity scheduled for that evening unless prior approval has been
given to do so.
A student who misses a performance will be required to submit an
alternative musicrelated assignment as well as sing at least a portion of the
concert music within one week of that missed activity to receive a
replacement performance grade.

UNIFORMS
Choir uniforms must be worn for every concert/event unless otherwise
instructed. Students are responsible for keeping the uniform clean, pressed,
and in good condition.
6th Grade Choir Uniform
- Music Department polo

- Khaki pants
- Dark colored shoes (closed toe and heel, no heels over 1)
- NO Jewelry
- Hair pulled back/out of their face

7th and 8th Grade Casual Choir Uniform

- Wood Music Department polo/Wood Choir polo
- Khaki pants
- Dark colored shoes (closed toe and heel, no heels over 1)
- NO Jewelry
- NO Perfumes, body sprays, etc. Minimal hair spray.
- Hair pulled back/out of their face

7th and 8th Girls Grade Formal Choir Uniform

- Black Formal Dress (provided by Wood)
- Black dress shoes (closed toe and heel, no heels over 1)
- NO Jewelry
- Hair pulled back/out of their face

7th and 8th Grade Boys Formal Choir Uniform

- Black dress pants (no denim)
- Black dress shoes (no tennis shoes)
- Black socks
- White button-down collared dress shirt, long sleeves.

- Neck tie (provided by Wood)

- NO Jewelry
Care for uniforms is the responsibility of the choir member and his/her
parents. If a uniform is damaged, the student and/or parents will be
responsible for replacing it.
***FORMAL DRESSES SHOULD NEVER BE LAUNDERED AT HOME***

Mission Statement
The Wood Choral Program strives to create an atmosphere of excellence in
teamwork, rehearsal techniques/performances, and to develop a love and
appreciation for the Performing Arts among peers and the community.

Performance Policy
The Wood choral program will consist of four major concerts throughout the year.
These concerts are considered by NEISD as co-curricular, and a necessary
culmination of the classroom activities. Consequently, students are required to
attend regardless of their academic standing.
Choir students will receive a grade for each performance in which they are expected
to participate. It is assumed that each student will be present for all special
rehearsals and all performances. A list of scheduled events and rehearsals can be
found in this handbook. Notification of schedule changes will be given at least two
weeks in advance whenever possible.
7th and 8th grade choir members will participate in the University Interscholastic
League sponsored Concert and Sight-Reading Competition if they meet
requirements. This competition may require students to miss all or part of a day of
school. As a result, only students who are in good academic standing (passing all
classes from the previous report card/ progress report) will be allowed to participate.
Students are responsible for any work they miss in their other classes. Nonparticipants will complete an alternative written assignment to make up this concert
grade.
At times, the auditioned Wood Choirs will have opportunities to perform in the
community. These performances are not mandatory, but will have a few stipulations:

1. Must have good academic standing in all classes.

2. Must have good discipline in all classes (office referrals may result in a
decision to not allow a student to perform/ participate).
3. Must attend any required extra rehearsals. Also, at times throughout the year
are solo and group performance opportunities and different performing groups
need microphone checks and stage time.
These stipulations may apply to all choir activities.
On occasion, extra rehearsals will be called before or after school in order to prepare
for an upcoming concert or event. These rehearsals are necessary when several
groups are scheduled to perform together. Pre-concert preparations will take place
in class the week of the concert. Each student is expected to be in their assigned
seat at least 15 minutes prior to a concert.

No Pass, No Play
Extracurricular activities as stated in Senate Bill 1 include NEISD
Solo/Ensemble contest, Region Choir auditions, and UIL Concert/Sightreading contest. Students who receive a grade lower than a "70" are unable
to participate in these activities. Additionally, our policy requires that
students maintain passing grades in order to participate in choir activities
that result in missing all or part of the school day. The "No Pass, No Play" rule
does not affect a student's ability to participate in all on-campus concerts or
events, including those which take place in the evening. Senate Bill 1 and
NEISD consider such activities to be co-curricular events.

Contests
Region Choir
The Texas Music Educators Association sponsors an activity to honor outstanding
middle school choir students from Bexar and surrounding counties. 7th and 8th grade
students are eligible if they meet academic requirements. The members of the
Region Choir are selected based on an audition of prepared music. Those students
selected for the Region Choir will be involved in a clinic and concert under the
direction of well-known choral masters. To be in this choir is a great honor and a
reward for the hard work and preparation by the students involved. This event will
require several rehearsals outside of class. Music and a learning CD will be provided.
Students selected for the choir earn a letter-jacket patch for this event.

UIL Concert & Sight-reading

The University Interscholastic League sponsors this group contest annually. Choirs
consisting of 7th and 8th grade students may compete at UIL. Groups in this contest
prepare three music selections from a prescribed music list in their choir class. In
addition to the three selected pieces, choirs are required to sight-read a piece of
music that they have never seen before. For each of these activities, the group
receives a rating. The UIL contest is the most challenging event of the school year. If
a choir is selected to attend this contest, each member of the choir will be required
to participate, based on passing grades and behavior in all classes. Failure to
participate or make up this grade will result in a lower grade for that grading period.

Solo & Ensemble

NEISD sponsors a middle school Solo & Ensemble contest. This contest is open to all
choir members who meet academic eligibility and excellent behavior standards. It is
encouraged that most students will participate in this contest. It offers an excellent
experience in musical development. Participation in this event requires several
rehearsals outside of class and should be considered when deciding to participate or
not.

Permission Slips
You will be notified and given a permission slip in a timely manner of any
field trip being taken by the Wood Choir. This form is needed for your student
to partake in any off campus trip. This will include the UIL competition in the
spring.

Students Goals and Objectives

In accordance with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and the NEISD
Middle School Content Standards, the following musical elements will be
stressed:

Correct vocal technique

Basic music theory and its application

Music reading skills

Performance practice and principles

Recognition of quality performances based on musical artistry

Cultural awareness through the study of music history and choral

literature

Musical enjoyment

Daily Procedures

Students will walk into the classroom in a quiet and orderly manner
Students will go directly to retrieve their choir folders in their assigned
slot.
They will then sharpen any pencils/collect new music/ensure that
music is in their folder and proceed to their assigned seat before the
bell rings. Students are allowed an extra 20 seconds after the bell as
the Fine Arts building can be far from other areas of campus. This
privilege may be revoked if abused.
No backpacks will be allowed in the choir room.
Students will only use pencils on their music.
Students will ask permission to leave their seat.
Students will raise their hand and wait to be called on.
Students are responsible for the well-being of their folder and its
contents upon distribution.
No food, candy, gum or drinks are allowed in the choir room.

Classroom Rules
1. Students will be in their seat and prepared with materials when
the bell rings.
2. Students will follow the guidelines for CHAMPs in the classroom.
3. Students will be responsible for themselves and their actions.
4. Students will be respectful of themselves, others, and the
director.
5. Students will only leave the classroom with permission from the
teacher and the correct pass.

Consequences
1st time: verbal warning
2nd time: Student-Teacher conference
3rd: Parent email or phone call
4th: Parent conference (may be skipped
depending on severity of action)/ Counseling
referral
4th: Office referral

Consequences will comply with the desired course of action set forth by the
Wood campus and NEISD.

GRADING PROCEDURE
When expectations are met, the majority of choir students should earn a
90 average or above. Awareness of the rehearsal procedures will help the
student meet class expectations and earn a favorable grade.

60% - In class weekly performance and participation; any daily written

work.
Having music and materials
Full cooperation and attention throughout the rehearsal

 Points will be deducted/reduced for gum, tardies, excessive

talking, lack of materials. Each infraction deducts 5 points from
daily grade.
20% - Quiz grades and In class Sing Tests.
Demonstrate knowledge of specific sections of music
Written quizzes over music theory and/or vocabulary
20% - Concerts or other public performances.
Attendance and participation in concerts
Displaying proper concert etiquette

PARENT VOLUNTEERS
There will be numerous opportunities throughout the year for parents to help
with Choir functions. A parent wishing to volunteer in any way must
complete a Criminal History Record Check. Please fill it out if volunteering is
a possibility. This form can be completed online at:

http://www.neisd.net/vol/index.html

Wood MS Calendar 2016-2017

Event marked with an asterisk (*) indicate required & graded attendance.
August
22 Welcome back to school!

September
9- Choir Activity Fee and Handbook signature page due
*28 - Region Entry Fee Due
October
5- 6th grade girls PJ Party 3:30-5:00pm Wood Cafeteria
*11- Fall Choir Concert 5:45pm (6th grade) 6:15PM (7TH/8TH grade) *call
times will be earlier.
14 (Friday) TTB Region Choir auditions, Tejeda MS, 4:00-10:00pm
15 (Saturday) SSA/SA Region Choir auditions, Tejeda MS, 7:00am
-4:00pm
25- Choir pictures in class. Casual Uniform
29- Region clinic & concert, San Marcos HS
November
11- Tentative Veterans Day Performance
16/17- Musical Performance
Guys night out Rampage game (Tentative) TBD
21-25 Thanksgiving Break!

December
2- Girls Night Out (7th/8th grade girls La Cantera trip and dinner)
*8 (Monday) Choir Winter Concert 5:45pm (6th grade) 6:15pm (7th/8th
grade)
16- Electives tour
20- Tentative nursing home trip Varsity Boys and girls
22 Jan. 4, 2017 Winter Break!
January 2016
5 Welcome back to school
9 Jerzee Boyz Performance, Madison HS
February
7- JV Girls/Advanced Men UIL clinic. Varsity Girls to follow. (Tentative)
This is an early release day.
*28- UIL Concert and Sight Reading Competition, Madison HS
March
1- UIL Concert and Sight Reading Competition, Madison HS
7- 6th Grade/Beginner Choirs Concert
13-17 Spring Break!
April
TBA Solo and Ensemble Contest, Site TBA (All Choirs)
25-Pop Show Solo Auditions

May

*16 (Tuesday) POP SHOW, WMS Cafeteria, 5:45pm (6th grade) 6:15pm
(7th/8th grade)
6th Grade Spring Trip TBA
June
1- Last Day of School!!!
***Dates, times, sites, etc is subject to change. Informational papers will be
sent home as soon as additional events are approved through the master
calendar. Most current updated information can be found on the Choir
website.***
Wood Choir Handbook woodmschoir.weebly.com

Choir 2015-2016
Parent checklist/signature page
Yes No

I have read and discussed the Wood Choir Handbook

online.(found on
Choir webpage.
Woodmschoir.weebly.com)

I would like a paper copy of the choir handbook.

I understand the expectations of this performing group.

____________________________________
(Student Signature)
____________________________________
(Parent Signature)

______________________________
(Student printed name)
______________________________
(Parent printed name

Best Phone Number

__________________________________________________________________
Parent Alternate Phone
Number______________________________________________________________
Parent Email Address____________________________________________________

ACTIVITY FEE:
New Choir Members:
$15.00 for all new choir members. This will provide them their Music Dept. polo (needed for
concerts), as well as various other supplies.
$5 for returning choir members. $15 if new polo needed.

Please make checks out to Wood MS Choir

***We always need help for concerts and field trips. We need our parents to
be cleared by NEISD. Please go to this address and fill out the
appropriate information.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS
There will be numerous opportunities throughout the year for
parents to help with Choir functions. A parent wishing to
volunteer in any way must complete a Criminal History Record
Check. Please fill it out if volunteering is a possibility. This form
can be completed online at: http://www.neisd.net/vol/index.html

**PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AND CHOIR

ACTIVITY FEE BY Friday, SEPTEMBER 9th*
Checks made payable to Wood MS Choir.