Choral

Handbook
MS.GREER
MUSIC ENSEMBLES
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Letter ...................................................... 1

Classroom Rules/Attention Signal ......................... 2
Classroom Procedures ........................................... 3
Reward System ...................................................... 4
Consequences ....................................................... 5
Ensemble Information ............................................. 6
Important Dates/Rehearsal Schedule .................... 7
Uniforms ................................................................. 8
Volunteer Committee ............................................ 9
Welcome to Music
My name is Ms.Greer and I will be your student's music teacher at Christa
McAuliffe Middle School. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little
about myself with you. I studied Music Education at Stetson University and
my primary instrument is vocal music.​​In my spare time outside of school, I
play the ukulele, I sing in a choir, and I care for two hamsters, “Chicken and
Bean”. I am very excited to begin our wonderful, music-filled school year!

In this manual, you will find our ensemble rules and procedures to ensure that
your student has a joyous time in my classroom. Our rules are in place at all
times to ensure the safety of every student, and our procedures are in place
to make sure that things run smoothly. I ask that you look over these
expectations with your student to answer any questions they may have.

This handbook will also outline any important information regards our
ensembles: important dates, rehearsal schedules, uniform policies, volunteer
committees, and more.

I am incredibly excited to work with you and your student this coming school
year. We have a ton of fun events planned and I hope to see them thrive in
my classroom. Please be sure to contact me with any questions or concerns
you may have.

My email is ms.greerc@gmail.com.
 CLASSROOM RULES

1. Practice full-body listening.

(hands still, voices off, eyes on the teacher)
2. Participate in classroom activities
3. Bring your binder, a pencil, and water to rehearsal
4. Use kind words with others.
"Great job!", "Beautiful singing!", "Please.", "Thank you.", etc.

ATTENTION SIGNALS

1. When the teacher plays the triangle we turn

on our full-body listening immediately.
Refer to rule number one for examples.
2. To use the bathroom, raise your hand with
your pointer and middle fingers crossed.
 CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

General Classroom Procedures

When you hear a triangle, turn and face the teacher with
full-body listening
Raise your hand and wait to be called on when asking or
answering a question
When others are performing, practice good audience
member techniques: full-body listening, kind words,
clapping at the end
*Full-body listening means voices off, eyes on the teacher, and hands are still

Entering/Exiting the Music Classroom

Get one pump of hand sanitizer at the door.
Place personal items (backpack, phone, etc.) in the
designated corner.
Be sure to return any materials to the proper location at the
end of class

Small Group Work

The teacher will assign students to groups
Individual students are asked to compromise and
participate in all group work
Use kind words
All eyes are on the teacher when you hear the triangle
 CONSEQUENCES

In the music classroom, I believe in natural and

related consequences. I expect students to make
mistakes as we learn to navigate new concepts,
and I seek to discipline instead of punish. That
being said, here are some consequences your
student may see in my classroom.

1. A verbal warning of misconduct.

2. A change in seating.
3. Temporary removal from activities.
4. An email or phone call home.
This includes an explanation of student behavior and
provides us a time to brainstorm strategies together so
that your student can succeed in my classroom.
5. Temporary removal from the classroom.
6. Removal from after school ensembles
 ENSEMBLE INFORMATION

Our program includes 3 ensembles; Luminos, Crescendudes,

and The McAuliffe Challengers. To participate in these
ensembles students are asked for a $25 ensemble fee. This
payment includes your student's ensemble shirt and any
audition fees throughout the year.

Luminos - SA Choir
This is a required afterschool ensemble for Sopranos and Altos
registered for choir. These students participate in all school-
sponsored concerts.

Crescendudes - TB Choir
This is a required afterschool ensemble for Tenors and Basses
registered for choir. These students participate in all school-
sponsored concerts.

The McAuliffe Challengers - SATB Choir

This is an audition-based ensemble for singers registered for
choir. This ensemble is required for our advanced class period
but auditions are open to all in the program.
These students participate in all school-sponsored concerts
and can participate in ACDA, FMEA, and Solo & Ensemble
performances.
This ensemble includes an additional fee of $75 for uniforms,
audition fees, and school trips. (additional fees may apply)
 IMPORTANT DATES

Fall Semester
All-State Auditions - TBD
Fall Concert - October 20th
ACDA Auditions - TBD
Winter Concert - December 15th

Spring Semester
District Solo & Ensemble - February
District MPA - March
State Solo & Ensemble - April
District Solo & Ensemble - April
Spring Concert - May 10th

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

Luminos - SA Choir (required)

Mondays after school from 4:15pm - 5:30pm

Crescendudes - TB Choir (required)

Tuesdays after school from 4:15pm - 5:30pm

The McAuliffe Challengers - SATB Choir (audition based)

Wed/Thurs after school from 4:15pm - 5:30pm
 UNIFORMS
During performances, students are expected to wear our
ensemble uniforms. Luminos and Crescendudes will vote on
their ensemble shirts at the beginning of the school year. I
want our students to take ownership of their ensemble and
express themselves.

All Ensemble Members

Black/Closed toed dress shoes
Black dress pants
No jewelry
Any hair accessories must also be black

The McAuliffe Challengers

Students in this ensemble can choose between the two uniforms
listed below. All shoes will be black/closed toed dress shoes.

Option 1 Option 2
 VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE

This program would not be possible without the hard work

and dedication of our wonderful families. We value your
voices, and I would love to have your help. If you would
like to be a part of this committee please email me at
ms.greerc@gmail.com.

What do volunteers do?

Chaperone Events
Organize Fundraisers
Coordinate Uniforms
And more!

*all volunteers will need to submit a background check through

the Palm Beach County School Board system prior to working
with students