Join EES Chorus!

2017-2018 Chorus Handbook

Joining Chorus:
Do you have an interest in singing more challenging music and experiencing more performance
opportunities? All students in grades four and five are welcome to join the EES Chorus! Students will work
on the basics of choral singing and will be introduced to singing in two parts. New members are welcomed
two times during the school year: at the start of the school year and after the winter concert in January.
Students that wish to join the ensemble will be required to sign a chorus contract committing to attending all
rehearsals and concerts.

Rehearsal:
Chorus rehearsals take place Thursdays afterschool from 3:15-4:15. Please follow the attached calendar
schedule for your voice part. Voice parts will be assigned during the first rehearsal. *This rehearsal format is
designed to better support students learning of more challenging music*

Sectionals: The purpose of sectional rehearsals is to work on parts of the music that differ from the
other voice part. This will eliminate wait time during full chorus rehearsals and build a more confident
understanding of singing two part music.

Full Chorus Rehearsals: Once each section has confidently learned their own part, this is where we
put it all together! These rehearsals will elaborate on the skills developed in sectionals. The focus will
be on musicality, balance, and performance.

Attendance:
Students joining chorus should remain in the group for the entire session. Chorus members are expected to
attend all rehearsals and performances unless they are ill, have medical appointments, or family obligations.
Attendance will be taken at each rehearsal. Parents are encouraged to contact the director by e-mail before
any rehearsal or performance when an absence is necessary. After the 3rd unexplained absence, a warning
notice will be issued and after the 4th unexplained absence, the student will be ineligible to participate in the
next performance or trip. Attendance policy pertains to each session (starting fresh after the winter concert).
Should you no longer wish to remain in chorus
I must have a note from a parent or guardian giving written permission to quit the ensemble. Otherwise, your
child is expected to come to all practices and concerts as scheduled. No student will be allowed to quit the
ensemble 3 weeks prior to the date of our concert because it weakens the efforts of the entire group.

Concerts and Trips:

Each session will participate in one formal concert and will have additional performance opportunities as they
arise. The following dates are performances currently scheduled; more detailed information regarding
performances will be sent home and posted on the website.

Date Performance Time Place

December 7th Caroling @ Family Craft Night 6:00pm EES Lobby/Cafeteria

December 13th Winter Concert Band, Chorus, 6:30 pm Middle School Gym
th th
4 & 5 General Music
TBA Caroling at Rockingham TBA Brentwood
County Nursing Home (Field Trip)
March 27th Music in Our Schools Month 6:30pm High School Gym
Concert
May 24th Spring Concert Band & Chorus 6:30pm Middle School Gym

Performance Attire: 2017-2018 EES Eagle Shirts and khaki colored bottoms

Web Site
www.eppingelementarymusic.weebly.com

This is the perfect place to stay informed about rehearsal schedules, performance dates, and recordings/sheet
music for practicing at home Make sure to check out!

How do I sign up?

If your child is interested in making the commitment to this ensemble, please fill out the attached
contract/registration form and return it to your classroom teacher no later than Tuesday September 19th.
After returning your registration, please plan on attending the first afterschool rehearsal unless otherwise
notified.

Thank you, and I look forward to making music with you this year!

-Mrs. Avery
vavery@eppingsd.org
 EES Chorus Contract

I have read through the handbook and understand the responsibility and commitment of
being a member of the EES Chorus.

I am committed to attending all sectionals, chorus rehearsals, and concerts throughout

the year.

I will follow the chorus essential agreement:

Arrive on time to all sectionals and full rehearsals

Come prepared with music folder, pencil, and water

Practice good rehearsal etiquette during chorus rehearsals and sectionals

Bring a positive attitude and have fun!

Student Signature: ______________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:______________________________________________________________

Registration/Permission Form
Mrs. Avery Chorus Session One

Registration/Permission
I hereby give permission for my son/daughter to participate Form (Chorus with Mrs. Avery), which begins on
in the After School Program
September 21th at Epping Elementary School. Following theMrs. Averycalendar
attached Chorusschedule, I understand that it is my responsibility to
arrange for my childs transportation after the program at 4:15 pm.
I hereby give permission for my son/daughter to participate in the After School Program (Chorus with Mrs. Avery), which begins on
January 29th at Epping Elementary School.
__________________________ I understand that it is my responsibility to arrange
__________________________ for my childs transportation after
_________________________
the program at 4:15 pm.
Parent/Guardians Name (print) Parent/Guardians Signature Date

__________________________ Home Telephone:_____________________

__________________________ __________________________ _________________________
Childs Name Work Telephone: _____________________
Parent/Guardians Name (print) Parent/Guardians Signature Date
Cell Phone: __________________________

Grade _________ Class ______ Email_____________________________________________________________________