Montour School District

David E. Williams
Middle School

2016-2017
Chorus Handbook

Dear Parents/ Guardians and Students,

Welcome to the DEW choral program! I am Miss Virgin
and I am the choral teacher here at David E. Williams
Middle School.
I love what I do and it is important to me that each child
has a positive experience in chorus. A choir is a team, and
your child is part of our team!
Please take some time to review the contents of this
handbook. Once you have reviewed the contents, please
fill out the Acknowledgement Page at the back of this
handbook and return it to me by September 16th.
I am so looking forward to making music with your child
this year! If you have any questions or concerns, please
feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,

Miss Virgin
Marissa Virgin
virginm@montourschools.com

Table of Contents

Expectations
Concerts
Concert Dress
Grading
Objectives
Communication
Acknowledgement

Expectations
All chorus students are expected to:
Uphold the standards of David E. Williams Middle
School as per the student handbook.
Be on time and prepared for rehearsals.
Bring a pencil to each rehearsal.
Refrain from chewing gum during rehearsal.
Refrain from socializing during rehearsal.
Care for the choir folder and music.
Be a positive representation of our school and
program!
Be committed. Chorus requires dedication and hard
work but the rewards are worth it.
Have fun!

Concerts

Concert dates are listed below. Please mark your

calendars now!
5th & 6th Grades Winter Concert: December 13, 2016
7th & 8th Grades Winter Concert: December 15, 2016
5th & 6th Grades Spring Concert: May 23, 2017
7th & 8th Grades Winter Concert: May 25, 2017

Concert attendance is mandatory.

A students grade will drop 1 letter grade for a missed
concert, except under the following circumstances:
A family emergency (signed note from home)

Serious illness (signed doctors note)

Concert Dress
Strict concert dress is required for the uniform
appearance of the group.
Students are to wear black bottoms and black
tops (all clothing must adhere to the DEW student
handbook)
Shoes, socks, and tights should be black as well.

Grading

Students will receive 2 points per rehearsal for

class participation. 1 point will be received for
active participation and 1 point will be received
for bringing materials ( i.e., a pencil).

Concert attendance - 50 points per concert

Written self-reflection of concert - 25 points

Performance quizzes - 10 points each

Written/aural quizzes - 10 points each

Rhythmic and melodic dictation
Theory

Students will be informed of all upcoming

quizzes well in advances
Students grades are grades that have been
earned.

Objectives
Students will be able to:
Perform familiar scales, intervals, and warm ups
while using proper vocal techniques.
Identify key signatures, identify and notate
rhythms, and perform sight-singing exercises.
Perform all repertoire with proper blend, balance,
diction, and expression.
Perform rehearsed repertoire in a concert setting.

Communication
Join the DEW chorus Remind101 accounts in
order to get text message reminders.

Text your class code to 81010.

5th grade >> @dewchorus5
6th grade >>@deswchorus6
7th grade >>@dewchorus7
8th grade >>@dewchorus8

Acknowledgement
I acknowledge that I have received and read the
2016-2017 Chorus Handbook. I understand all that
is required of me and my child in regards to
expectations, performances, concert dress, and
grades.

_______________________
Parent/ guardian signature

__________
Date

_______________________
Student signature

__________
Date