Choir meets once a week on Wednesdays, 7:30 - 8:35 am. Non-refundable fee is $40 per chorister for music, concert snack, OCC T-shirt, music, etc. Performances include concert and school assembly.
OCC Policies You can download the policies in PDF format or read below. Goals of the Choir The performing arts bring us together to create beauty which cannot be created alone. The purpose of the OCC is to provide students with a musically and socially enhancing experience. Musically, students will learn proper singing techniques and age-appropriate repertoire while also developing their musical ears. Socially, students will have opportunities to build stronger friendships with peers and feel an emotional connection to Orchard Elementary.
Attendance and Behavior Policy Choir members of OCC are ambassadors for and representatives of the school. Therefore, high expectations of student participation, attendance, and behavior are expected. Attendance at rehearsals is essential. If your child needs to miss a rehearsal, please contact me. Students are allowed two excused absences. A rehearsal summary will be sent via email each week for parents and students to see what was missed. As concert time approaches, rehearsal MP3s or videos may be distributed or emailed for reviewing music at home.
Behavior Students should expect to come to choir to listen, participate in action or movements, and, of course, sing! Managing a large group of students is a challenge. No gum or electronics allowed.
The OCC will operate on a “Three Strikes” system. Listed below are the instances in which a student would receive a strike: · Unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance · Inappropriate behavior during rehearsal, performance, or school hours choir event · Two tardy arrivals to rehearsal. The director(s) will communicate with parents via email when a strike is given.
Fee The participation fee is collected through the PTA and goes toward the following: ensemble performers, T-shirts, music and copies (originals, lead sheets, music maps), treats/snacks, nametags, awards, and office supplies. Students will receive a medal for participating in the choir (if attendance has been met).
Choir Attire For all performances, students should wear “best dress” concert clothes. Students may choose performing clothes with the following guidelines: Girls: Dress or skirt (at least knee length) and blouse (covering shoulders and torso) with comfortable dressy shoes. Boys: Long or short-sleeve dress shirt or polo style shirt, tie (optional), slacks, and comfortable dressy shoes.
For the first rehearsal of each month, school assembly, and social events such as the choir breakfast, students are encouraged to wear their OCC T-shirts.
Sacred Music Policy With the understanding and appreciation of cultural and religious diversity in our school, it is necessary that we address the issue of performing sacred music in our choir.
“To achieve any selected educational objective, the quality of repertoire is of paramount importance...Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire representative of the choral medium and the history of music, it should have an important place in music education.”
Sacred music will be performed by the OCC. This music is used strictly for educational purposes. Thank you for your understanding concerning this subject.
Quotes adapted from “The Choral Podium,” American Choral Directors Association (Winter 1992).
Choir Folder & Music Policy Each student is issued a black choir folder and number. Folders may be taken home, but need to be back for rehearsals. At the end of the fall session, students return their assigned folder and its contents. Folders/contents not returned may be subject to a replacement fee.
Media Release By participating in the OCC, you are giving permission to post photographs of students in OCC at rehearsals, concerts, and social events on the OCC website. Names of children will not be posted.
Communication Choir information will be posted on the choir website: www.orchardchildrenschoir.weebly.com. Rehearsal cancelations (for extreme cases) will be emailed to the group, posted on the OCC website under the “Rehearsal Info” by 7 am on rehearsal day, or sent via group text. “Remind” or another app may be used for communication. If you have any questions concerning other aspects of the choir, you may also contact Barbara by email at [email protected]. We look forward to a successful and musical year.