Cape Elizabeth Middle School Chorus Handbook
Welcome to the CEMS Choral Music Program. Our goal is individual student growth and achievement that will contribute to the musical quality of the large ensembles and instill a life-long appreciation and love of music. In order to facilitate this growth, each member of our chorus must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the handbook. Please read this entire handbook carefully with your child.
I. Concerts
Chorus members are expected to make ALL required dates on the concert schedule. Chorus
assessments are performance based and therefore attendance at performances is expected. Every singer has a vital role and a musician's absence will affect the entire group. Illnesses or other emergencies may require a student's absence from a performance, and that is understandable. If a child is absent from a performance, the parent or guardian should call Ms. Piller and/or send a written excuse explaining the reason for the absence within two days of the missed performance.
Concert dates and events are set/planned by the administration, Mrs. Ramsey, and Ms. Piller. Every attempt is made to be as accurate as possible on all performance dates. Occasionally, however, schedule changes do occur, and chorus members are notified as soon as possible. The performance calendar is listed in the back of the handbook.
II. Concert Dress Code *All concert clothes must adhere to the school dress code.
5th and 6th Grade Chorus
For boys: Any color dress pants, button down dress shirt, tie, dress shoes.
For girls: Any color dress pants, skirt or dress (knee length), dress shirt, dress shoes.
7th and 8th Grade Chorus
For boys: BLACK dress pants, WHITE button down dress shirt, tie (any color), dark dress shoes, dark socks.
For girls: BLACK dress pants or skirt (knee length), BLACK tights or nylons, WHITE dress shirt, dress shoes.
If you have trouble obtaining concert clothes, please contact Ms. Piller several weeks before the performance so she can make arrangements for your child.
III. Grading
Habit of Work
Students will regularly be graded on their habits of work. These include: Respect, Responsibility, and Perseverance.
Rehearsal Skills
Rehearsal skills are an important aspect of being a musician. These skills help teach student musicians how to make the most out of rehearsal time, and develop habits that will assist them in learning music more efficiently. Rehearsals skills include: having music, and pencil at your seat at the beginning of rehearsal, listening and maintaining appropriate eye contact with director during rehearsal, studying your part when not playing, using appropriate posture, and writing in rehearsal notes in music using pencil.
Additionally, students are also graded based on their ability to perform grade level music and apply accumulated knowledge of skills, musical notation, and terminology.
Assessments & Performances
Throughout the year, students will have concert assessments, and self-assessments. While students need to master certain skills, each student’s improvement and effort is considered in the grading process. Additionally, chorus members will have two or three concerts a year. Attendance at performances is mandatory and correct concert etiquette is expected.
IV. Class Attendance
It is hard to stress how important each chorus member is to the entire ensemble. The sections are split up so that we have a balanced tone on each part. Students become used to singing with each other, and learn to depend on each other. We are a team with no all stars or supporting roles. Each member contributes at all times. When even one student is missing, it is noticed by all. Please be on time to all rehearsals and performances.
VI. Dropping Chorus
Although we encourage and advocate that all students who sign up for chorus stay in the program for the entire year, some students may decide that they no longer want to participate. A student can only drop chorus if he/she brings Ms. Piller a signed note from a parent/guardian stating that they are allowed to drop chorus.
**6th, 7th, and 8th grade students can only drop band from their schedule at the following times:
- Between September 4th - September 14th
- After the December Concert (Please notify Ms. Piller before leaving for December vacation)
VII. Extra Music Opportunities
Southern Maine Middle School Honors Festival -7th and 8th Graders ONLY
7t h and 8t h graders have the opportunity to audition for the SMMSHF in late October. Students who are selected will be required to attend morning rehearsals in February in order to prepare for the festival. The festival is a one-time event that involves one rehearsal during a Friday school day in March and a Saturday rehearsal and concert in March.
Due to festival requirement, students selected for and attend this festival are expected to remain in chorus for the entire school year.
District 1 6th Grade Honors Festival
6th Grade students will have the opportunity to audition for the District 1 Honors Festival. Students who are selected will be required to attend morning or after school rehearsals in order to prepare for the festival. The festival is a one-time event that involves a day long rehearsal & concert on a Saturday in March.
VIII. Questions??
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Piller: by phone (799-8176 x6110) or e-mail ([email protected]).
Please visit the chorus website for updates and announcements:
http://capeelizabethmiddleschoolmusic.weebly.com
2018-2019 CEMS MUSIC EVENTS
Southern Maine Middle School Honors Festival Auditions (7th/8th)
Wednesday, October 24 Westbrook MS
5⁄6 Chorus and 6th Grade Band Concert
Wednesday, December 12 @ 7:00pm CEMS Cafe
7⁄8 Band and Chorus Concert
Thursday, December 13 @ 7:00pm CEMS Cafe
*Snow date for CEMS Winter Concerts Monday, December 17 @ 7:00pm
Southern Maine Middle School Honors Festival (7th/8th Band & Chorus)
Friday, March 1 & Saturday, March 2 Westbrook MS
D1 6th Grade Honors Festival-Northern Site
Saturday, March 9 Scarborough HS
4th Grade Band/Chorus Demonstration
Wednesday, March 13 from 8:45-9:15am *SNOW DATE: Thursday, March 14th
5⁄6 Grade Spring Band & Chorus Concert
Tuesday, April 2 @ 7:00pm High School Gym
7th and 8th Grade Spring Band/Chorus Concert
Tuesday, May 14 @ 7:30 pm CEMS Cafetorium
Choral Night (4th-12th Grade)
Wednesday, May 29 7:00 pm CEMS Cafetorium