Choir Department Spring Concerts, Tuesday, May 12, Tenor-Bass Choirs, and Thursday, May 14, Treble and Mixed Choirs, 7PM, JMS Auditorium -- required for all choir students!
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Go Down Moses
Go down, go down, Moses,
Go down, go down to Egyptland!
Let me tell ya 'bout a story 'long time ago
'Way down in Egyptland.
Seems the Pharaoh had taken control of things,
Had the people in the palm of his hands.
But a certain group of people called the Israelites
Didn't want to play his game, (oh, no!)
So the Pharaoh forced the people into slavery
And he caused them grief and shame.
Well, the Lord in the heavens looked down and saw
His people and their pain, (whoa!)
So he called out a man from Midian
and Moses was his name.
Well, Moses was attendin' his flock one day
When a bush began to burn,
And the Lord spoke to Moses from the burning bush,
Said, "The Pharaoh's got a lesson to learn!"
Whoa!
Go down, Moses, 'way down to Egyptland.
Tell ole Pharaoh, let my people go!
I said, go down, Moses, 'way down to Egyptland.
Tell ole Pharaoh, let my people go!
Well, Moses had some doubts takin' this job,
He felt a little bit out of his league.
Leading out his people from Pharaoh's hand
Was quite a job indeed.
"What will I say and tell me how will I know
That I'm the man that's appointed by you?
A leader I'm not, but I bet for this spot
My brother Aaron will do better for you."
But the Lord said,
Go down, [go down,] Moses, [Moses]
'Way down in Egyptland.
Tell old Pharaoh,
Let my people go!
Back by the bush the Lord kept on;
He knew he had the right man.
"You need a sign, well, that's just fine.
Just look what you have in your hand."
All it seemed to Moses was a wooden rod
Until he threw it down.
Imagine his surprise when a snake appeared
As soon as it hit the ground.
Well, Moses started runnin' but the Lord said,
"Stop, pick the serpent up by the tail."
[Oh, pick it up, pick it up, Moses.]
What the Lord commanded seemed crazy to him
And he protested to no avail.
When he fin'ly picked the serpent up
You know what occurred.
The snake became a rod in his hand.
The miracle that happened gave old Moses the strength
To lead his people to the Promised Land!
Go down, Moses,
'Way down in Egyptland,
Tell ole Pharaoh [Tell old Pharaoh]
Let my people go! [fall off]
Go down, Moses
'Way down in Egyptland.
Tell ole Pharaoh, [Tell old Pharaoh, let my people]
Let my people, let my people, let my people,
[rest!] Go!
Let my people go!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
The King of Love
The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His,
and He is mine forever.
Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.
And so through all the length of days, [And so through all the days]
Thy goodness faileth never; [Thy goodness faileth never;]
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise [Good Shepherd]
Within Thy house forever. [I will sing forever.]
Welcome to Johnston Middle School for the Performing and Visual Arts! You have chosen to become part of an exceptional program of arts education. The 2008-2009 school year promises to be an exciting and challenging one with many musical performance, dance concerts, art exhibitions, and drama productions. In this era of technology and science, many schools are phasing out the arts; we at Johnston know that the arts play a vital role in every individual’s life. We are dedicated to enabling our students to work in a team towards our common goal of excellence in performance.
When asked the question, “Why do we give our children instruction in the arts?” we answer:
Not because we expect them to major in the arts;
Not because we expect them to perform all their lives;
Not so they can relax;
Not so they can have fun;
But so they will be human,
So they will recognize beauty;
So they will be closer to an infinite beyond this world;
So they will have more love, more prosperous living
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to live?
This handbook is designed to answer your questions about the choir program at Johnston. Please read it carefully and keep it handy for reference throughout the school year.
Thank you!
Laurie Conner
Choir Director
Johnston Middle School
Performing and Visual Arts Faculty
Art Tobi Arsham
Art Christina Gutierrez
Band Craig Green
Band
Broadcast Journalism Vinnie Arlt
Choir Laurie Conner
Dance Jessie Woodcock
Guitar Roberto Guinea
Handbells/piano Kris Woldy
Mariachi
Orchestra Kathryn Brown
Orchestra/piano Amy Werst
Piano Diane Grosscope
Theater Arts Amy Werst
Magnet Coordinator John Marshall
The faculty may be reached at the following telephone numbers:
Main School Number (713)726-3616
Magnet Office (713)726-3628
Orchestra Room (713)726-3666
Fax (713)726-3622
GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT
Students enter our magnet program through the audition process in their primary areas of interests. Students will remain in that discipline for their three years at Johnston and will not be permitted to leave their primary area of interest. Should a student wish to change their area of acceptance, he/she must reapply and audition in February for the following year. Students are also expected to remain in their second magnet class throughout the time in our program unless there is sufficient reason presented to necessitate a change (schedule conflict or teacher deems a change is appropriate).
CHOIR CODE OF CONDUCT
ADDITIONAL REHEARSALS/ACTIVITIES
Students will be given adequate notice of all additional rehearsals and activities outside of the regular class period. These rehearsals and activities are course requirements and are vital to the success of the choral program. Every effort will be made to minimize the amount of out-of-class time required. Therefore, unexcused absences from these activities will be treated in the same manner as an unexcused absence from class, and will affect the student’s grade. In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the sponsors of the activities. The sponsors will then determine the student’s obligation.
CHOIR FEES
In order to produce the extraordinary results we achieve in our choir program, it is necessary to collect a choir fee from each participating student. This fee goes toward your music, buses, choir t-shirt, fees for contests, and equipment (risers, etc.). While the $75 fee is a yearly one, you may contact the director to make arrangements to pay the fee over time (lconner@houstonisd.org). Fees are due by Friday, September 26, 2008, unless a payment plan has already been set up with the director.
CHOIR UNIFORM
Uniforms are required of all choir students.
Girls in Beginning Treble Choir and Non-varsity Treble Choir must wear:
• Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”
• Black hose
• Solid black skirt, no shorter than the knee, no longer than the ankle. No velvet, satin, leather, or lace allowed.
• White, long-sleeved, button-down-collared Oxford cloth shirt (men’s dress shirt – see a uniform shop or boys’/mens’ department store). No visible logo embroidery allowed.
• Jewelry and hair must be subtle and not draw particular attention to the student.
Girls in Varsity Treble Choir must wear
• Black and white formal dress provided by the choir director.
• Black hosiery.
• Black dress shoes, closed toe and closed heel, heel no taller than 2”
• Pearl necklace to be provided by the director.
Boys in all choirs must wear:
• Black dress shoes, no athletic shoes
• Black socks
• Solid black dress pants
• Black belt
• White, long-sleeved, button-down-collared Oxford cloth shirt (men’s dress shirt – see a uniform shop or boys’/men’s department store). No visible logo embroidery allowed.
• Tie, to be provided by the choir director. This tie must be dry-cleaned and returned at the end of the year in excellent condition, otherwise a $10 replacement fee will be assessed.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
Unlike individual activities such as an academic class, it is impossible to make up activities that occur in a choir rehearsal. Unexcused absences will have a negative impact on the student’s grade.
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Be in your assigned seat with paper, books and pencil when the bell rings.
2. Do not talk without permission.
3. Keep your hands, feet, books, and objects to yourself.
4. No gum, food, candy, or drinks are allowed, except for bottled water WITH A LID! [This includes before and after school.]
5. No grooming in the choir room. Do not brush hair, spray perfume or hairspray, apply scented lotions, or put on make-up in the choir room.
CONCERT AND CONTEST ATTENDANCE
Concerts and contests are the ultimate evaluation of many weeks of preparation and class work. Choir members are expected to be present for the entire time of each required concert. Concerts are 30% of a student’s grade during the nine weeks in which they occur. ATTENDANCE IS NOT OPTIONAL!! Absences and tardies will be excused only for cases of medical emergency or death in the family. Prior notification of any conflict with a required concert or rehearsal is required. Students are held responsible for keeping up with the dates and times of scheduled activities.
AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM A PERFORMANCE WILL RESULT IN A 30% REDUCTION IN THE NINE-WEEK GRADE.
CONSEQUENCES
If a student fails to follow one or more classroom rules, the director is assuming they have temporarily forgotten what the rules are. The director is more than willing to remind students of what they have forgotten. After several reminders, however, it becomes apparent to the director that a student’s “I forgot. . .” is really an “I don’t care. . .”. Be aware that repeated reminders will be viewed by the director as an “I don’t care” and could result in lowered conduct grades, lowered class participation grades, parent conferences, detention, and disciplinary referrals.
FUNDRAISING
The choir fundraisers are necessary in order to keep the choir fee low. Please remember, you are reaping the rewards and benefits of the fundraiser, so do your part to participate fully.
GRADING RUBRIC
The student’s nine weeks’ grade will be averaged as follows:
I. DAILY QUIZ (20%)
As soon as the bell rings in the choir room, a 5-point daily quiz will begin. This requires each student to be in his/her seat with music, textbooks, pencil, and paper. If a student is not in his/her seat when the bell rings, number 1 on the quiz is automatically marked wrong.
II. CONCERT/CONTEST ATTENDANCE (30%**)
Attendance is required for the entirety of all performances, including concerts and contests. Performances are listed on the Calendar of Events. An excused absence from a choir rehearsal or concert will require the same criteria as an excused absence from school – personal illness where the student has been absent from the entire school day, death in the family, or family emergency. The absence will not be excused if the parent has not communicated with the director PRIOR to the event. It is imperative that the parent contact the director regarding the absence, as these concerts are a part of the student’s grade.
III. SING FOR A GRADE (20%)
Each student will sing and/or clap rhythms for a grade each nine weeks.
IV. CLASS PARTICIPATION (30%**)
Appropriate class participation will earn the student 30% of his/her grade, except in a nine weeks period where there is no scheduled concert/contest.
*In the case of a nine weeks which does not include any concert, the nine week grade will be averaged with this formula:
Daily Quiz (20%) + Sing for a Grade (20%) + Class Participation (60%) = 100%
REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS
The success of a choir depends on how it rehearses. How it rehearses depends on the conduct and cooperation of the students. Rehearsals are the place to correct mistakes. The fewer the mistakes and the less individual distractions, the greater your contribution is to the choir. Be patient, attentive, careful, and cooperative in observing these rehearsal expectations. When the directors have to discipline and control rather than direct, the rehearsal and eventually the choirs are headed for failure. Good behavior, attitude and self-discipline are essential to producing a GREAT CHOIR. If you are successful, the Choir is successful!
• A positive attitude towards director and fellow choir members is vital.
• Good concentration on the present has to take precedence over past classes or experiences as well as future classes or experiences.
• A pencil in hand is required. Please mark your music diligently. This allows you to be a responsible choir member by keeping up with the progress of the music. The “SINGER’S CHECKLIST” is posted in the choir room to remind students of the prioritized list of factors which will ensure successful rehearsals on a daily basis.
SINGER’S CHECKLIST
1. EYES – At the top of the list is a reminder of where the student is looking at any given time during the rehearsal. The two acceptable places are the director or at the music being rehearsed.
2. POSTURE – Every choir member is responsible for maintaining good singing posture. Just as an athlete would not try to play basketball while lying down, a good singer does not try to sing while slumping in their chair, crossing their arms and legs, or any thing else which inhibits them from their best performance. Correct posture allows the singer to develop and exercise a healthy and beautiful tone.
3. HANDS – While sitting or standing, the position of a singer’s hands I important. Acceptable places are holding music, placed on one’s own legs, or by one’s side.
4. FEET – While sitting, a singer will have their feet squarely placed on the floor. Singers do not rehearse with their legs crossed. While standing, weight should be evenly distributed on both feet.
5. BREATHING – This factor precedes singing because air intake is the basis of all healthy singing. Preparing to sing by taking a deep, relaxed breath will greatly improve a singer’s tone and stamina.
6. SINGING – The ultimate goal of any rehearsal is to maximize the amount of time spent singing. It is imperative that singers are demonstrating attention to Items 1-5 before the director will proceed to No. 6.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
September 6 *Region Choir Rehearsal, The Rice School, 8:30AM – 1PM $8/student (Attendance is optional but strongly encouraged!)
October 11 *Region Choir Auditions, Mayde Creek JH, Katy
October 16 Advanced Ensemble Concert (Varsity Choirs, only), JMS, 7PM
November 7 and 8 *Region Choir Clinic and Concert, Katy JH (Friday) and Morton Ranch JH (Saturday), Katy
December 4 **Choir Winter Concert, JMS, 7PM
January 24 *Solo & Ensemble Contest, Johnston Middle School
March 30, 31, and April 1 *UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest, Tallowood Baptist Church
May 12 **Tenor-Bass Choir and Handbells Spring Concert, JMS, 7PM
May 14 **Treble Choir Spring Concert, JMS, 7PM
*Second- and third-year choir students are eligible, based on grades.
**Involves ALL choirs, including first-, second-, and third-year students
USE OF FINE ARTS FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
AUXILIARY ROOMS
There are two closets and a storeroom within our choir room. Do not enter these rooms without permission.
CARE AND FEEDING OF CHOIR ROOM
We need to make the care and maintenance of our choir room, its auxiliary rooms, and our auditorium a daily priority. Remember, there will be no food or drink in the room, with the exception of water.
STAGE/AUDITORIUM
You are not to be on the stage or in the auditorium unless you are accompanied by your director.
STEREO
The stereo can be used by students with these guidelines: you must use the stereo for rehearsal purposes or for specific listening work once you have obtained the director’s permission. Groups of students are encouraged to rehearse Region Choir music in the choir room with the stereo. Only serious practice will be allowed.
PIANO
Don’t play the piano unless the director specifically asks you to do so.
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